For the LORD your God is God of gods, and Lord of lords, a great God, a mighty, and a terrible, which regardeth not persons, nor taketh reward:

DEUTERONOMY 10:17KJV
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Deuteronomy 10:17 (KJV)

What does Deuteronomy 10:17 mean?

Deuteronomy 10:17 says that the LORD, the God of Israel, is above all other powers and authorities, showing greatness, strength, and awe, and that He is completely fair—He does not show favoritism or accept bribes. This verse highlights God's unique authority and perfect justice.

In this verse, Moses is speaking to the Israelites as they prepare to enter the promised land, reminding them of who God is and why they should obey Him. The verse stresses that God is not like human rulers who can be influenced or corrupted; instead, He is absolutely just and impartial, which sets the foundation for how His people should treat others.

The Hebrew behind Deuteronomy 10:17

  • LORD (יְהוָה, Yahweh): This is the personal name of Israel’s God, emphasizing His unique identity and covenant relationship with Israel.
  • God/gods (אֱלֹהִים, Elohim): Used for both the true God and other so-called gods, this word here stresses that Yahweh is above all other spiritual beings or powers people might worship.
  • Lord/lords (אֲדֹנִי, Adon): This word means "master" or "ruler," and its repetition ("Lord of lords") underlines that God is the highest authority over all rulers.
  • regardeth (נָשָׂא, nasa): Often means "to lift up" or "to show partiality." Here, it means God does not show favoritism—He treats everyone equally, regardless of status.
  • reward (שֹׁחַד, shochad): This word means "bribe." The verse says God cannot be bribed, which highlights His incorruptible justice.

Why Deuteronomy 10:17 matters

  • This verse corrects any idea that God can be manipulated or influenced by status, wealth, or offerings, unlike many human leaders or pagan gods.
  • It connects to the surrounding passage, where Moses calls the people to treat others fairly, especially the vulnerable, because God Himself is just and impartial.
  • The verse sets a standard for justice and fairness that shapes Israel’s laws and community life, showing that God’s character is the model for how His people should act.