Deuteronomy 10:17 (KJV)

What does Deuteronomy 10:17 mean?

Deuteronomy 10:17 describes Israel’s God as greater than every other power and perfectly fair in judgment. His greatness is joined to his refusal to favor people because of their status or accept payment to influence his decisions.

Moses speaks to the Israelites as they prepare to enter the land they have been promised. After urging them to change their hearts in verse 16, he describes the God to whom they belong. The titles “God of gods” and “Lord of lords” place God above all others who might be called gods or lords.

The Hebrew behind Deuteronomy 10:17

• “terrible” — יָרֵא (yare): This word can describe someone who inspires fear or awe. In the KJV, “terrible” points to God’s overwhelming greatness, rather than suggesting that God is bad.
• “regardeth not persons” — נָשָׂא (nasa) and פָּנִים (panim): These words form an expression about “lifting the face.” Here the expression means showing favoritism, especially when judging between people.
• “reward” — שֹׁחַד (shochad): This word can mean a bribe or a gift intended to influence a decision. The verse says that God cannot be bought.

Why Deuteronomy 10:17 matters

• God’s high position is linked with fair treatment. The verse moves from “Lord of lords” to a picture of a judge who accepts no bribe.
• God’s fairness includes people who could easily be overlooked. The next verse describes him providing justice for the fatherless and widows and caring for foreigners.
• “Reward” has a different sense from the one a modern reader might expect. In this setting, the word concerns an improper payment, not a prize given for good work.