Deuteronomy 19:17

Then both the men, between whom the controversy [is], shall stand before the LORD, before the priests and the judges, which shall be in those days;

Then both {H8147} the men {H582}, between whom the controversy {H7379} is, shall stand {H5975} before {H6440} the LORD {H3068}, before {H6440} the priests {H3548} and the judges {H8199}, which shall be in those days {H3117};

then both the men involved in the controversy are to stand before ADONAI, before the cohanim and the judges in office at the time.

both parties to the dispute must stand in the presence of the LORD, before the priests and judges who are in office at that time.

then both the men, between whom the controversy is, shall stand before Jehovah, before the priests and the judges that shall be in those days;

Commentary

Deuteronomy 19:17 is a pivotal verse detailing the procedure for resolving legal disputes in ancient Israel. It underscores the profound seriousness with which the Israelite community was to approach matters of justice, placing them under the direct scrutiny of God Himself.

Context

This verse is part of a larger section in Deuteronomy (chapters 16-26) that outlines the statutes and ordinances for Israel as they prepared to enter the Promised Land. Specifically, Deuteronomy 19 focuses heavily on judicial matters, including the establishment of cities of refuge to protect accidental manslayers, and stringent laws against false witness. The preceding verses emphasize the crucial role of two or three witnesses in establishing a charge. Deuteronomy 19:17 then describes the formal setting for a judicial hearing when a controversy arises, ensuring that both parties have the opportunity to present their case before the designated authorities.

Key Themes

  • Divine Presence in Justice: The phrase "before the LORD" is paramount. It signifies that legal proceedings in Israel were not merely human affairs but were conducted in the presence of God Himself. This imbued the court with immense gravity and reminded all involved—accuser, accused, and judges—of their ultimate accountability to the righteous God of Israel.
  • Impartial Judgment and Due Process: The requirement for "both the men, between whom the controversy [is], shall stand" highlights a fundamental principle of fair legal systems: both sides must be heard. The presence of "the priests and the judges" ensured that trained and appointed officials, tasked with upholding God's law, would oversee the proceedings, aiming for impartial and just verdicts.
  • Upholding Truth and Righteousness: The entire judicial process outlined in Deuteronomy, including this verse, was designed to uncover truth, expose falsehood, and administer righteous judgment. The goal was to maintain moral order and ensure justice within the community, reflecting God's own character.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew phrase `לִפְנֵי יְהוָה` (lifney Yahweh), translated as "before the LORD," literally means "in the face of Yahweh" or "in the presence of Yahweh." This strong emphasis on God's direct oversight elevates the courtroom from a mere human institution to a sacred space where divine justice is sought. The word for "controversy" is `רִיב` (riv), which refers to a legal dispute, contention, or quarrel, particularly one brought before a judge.

Practical Application

Deuteronomy 19:17 offers timeless principles for resolving disputes, applicable even today:

  • The Seriousness of Disputes: It teaches us that conflicts, especially those involving accusations or legal matters, should be taken seriously and approached with integrity.
  • Importance of Fair Hearing: The principle of hearing both sides before making a judgment remains a cornerstone of justice in any system, whether in formal courts, community leadership, or even personal relationships.
  • Accountability to God: For believers, this verse serves as a powerful reminder that all our actions, including how we handle disagreements and seek justice, are ultimately done before the all-knowing eyes of God. This encourages honesty, humility, and a genuine pursuit of righteousness.
  • Seeking Righteous Authority: Just as ancient Israel had priests and judges, modern society benefits from established authorities and processes for resolving conflicts, including mediation and legal systems. The church also has principles for addressing disputes and seeking reconciliation among believers.
Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Deuteronomy 17:9 (7 votes)

    And thou shalt come unto the priests the Levites, and unto the judge that shall be in those days, and enquire; and they shall shew thee the sentence of judgment:

  • Deuteronomy 21:5 (6 votes)

    And the priests the sons of Levi shall come near; for them the LORD thy God hath chosen to minister unto him, and to bless in the name of the LORD; and by their word shall every controversy and every stroke be [tried]:

  • Malachi 2:7 (5 votes)

    For the priest's lips should keep knowledge, and they should seek the law at his mouth: for he [is] the messenger of the LORD of hosts.

  • Matthew 23:2 (-1 votes)

    Saying, The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat:

  • Matthew 23:3 (-1 votes)

    All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, [that] observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not.