Thou shalt not wrest judgment; thou shalt not respect persons, neither take a gift: for a gift doth blind the eyes of the wise, and pervert the words of the righteous.

DEUTERONOMY 16:19KJV
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Deuteronomy 16:19 (KJV)

What does Deuteronomy 16:19 mean?

Deuteronomy 16:19 warns judges and leaders not to twist or corrupt justice, show favoritism, or accept bribes, because gifts can blind even wise people and lead the righteous to make unfair decisions. The verse insists that justice must be handled honestly and without personal bias or outside influence.

In this verse, Moses is instructing the Israelites as they prepare to live in the promised land, focusing on how their leaders should act in legal matters. The verse highlights the dangers of partiality and bribery, which can undermine fairness and trust in the community. By stressing these points, the verse sets a high standard for integrity among those responsible for judging disputes.

The Hebrew behind Deuteronomy 16:19

  • "wrest" (נָטָה, natah) means to bend or twist, often understood as distorting or turning aside justice. This word emphasizes that justice should not be manipulated or changed to suit personal interests.
  • "respect persons" (נָכַר פָּנִים, nakar panim) literally means to recognize or regard faces, a Hebrew expression for showing favoritism. The verse is clear that decisions must not be based on who someone is, but on what is right.
  • "gift" (שֹׁחַד, shochad) refers to a bribe or present given to influence a decision. The verse explains that even wise people can be blinded by gifts, showing how dangerous and corrupting bribery can be.
  • "pervert" (סָלַף, salaf) means to twist or overturn, especially in the context of justice or words. This word underlines how bribery can lead to the distortion of what is true and right.

Why Deuteronomy 16:19 matters

  • Deuteronomy 16:19 clarifies that justice is not just about following rules, but about resisting the subtle pressures of favoritism and bribery that can corrupt even good leaders.
  • The verse connects to the wider passage, which is about appointing judges and officials, showing that integrity is essential for a fair society.
  • By explaining how gifts can "blind the eyes of the wise," the verse warns that no one is immune to the dangers of partiality, making this a timeless principle for anyone in a position of authority.

Where else these words appear

“blind” Hebrew H5786 · used in 5 verses

  • Exodus 23:8 And thou shalt take no gift: for the gift blindeth the wise, and perverteth the words of the righteous.
  • 2 Kings 25:7 And they slew the sons of Zedekiah before his eyes, and put out the eyes of Zedekiah, and bound him with fetters of brass, and carried him to Babylon.
  • Jeremiah 39:7 Moreover he put out Zedekiah's eyes, and bound him with chains, to carry him to Babylon.

“pervert” Hebrew H5557 · used in 7 verses

  • Exodus 23:8 And thou shalt take no gift: for the gift blindeth the wise, and perverteth the words of the righteous.
  • Proverbs 13:6 Righteousness keepeth him that is upright in the way: but wickedness overthroweth the sinner.
  • Proverbs 21:12 The righteous man wisely considereth the house of the wicked: but God overthroweth the wicked for their wickedness.

“gift” Hebrew H7810 · used in 21 verses

  • Exodus 23:8 And thou shalt take no gift: for the gift blindeth the wise, and perverteth the words of the righteous.
  • 2 Chronicles 19:7 Wherefore now let the fear of the LORD be upon you; take heed and do it: for there is no iniquity with the LORD our God, nor respect of persons, nor taking of gifts.
  • Proverbs 21:14 A gift in secret pacifieth anger: and a reward in the bosom strong wrath.

“respect” Hebrew H5234 · used in 47 verses

  • Genesis 27:23 And he discerned him not, because his hands were hairy, as his brother Esau's hands: so he blessed him.
  • Ruth 3:14 And she lay at his feet until the morning: and she rose up before one could know another. And he said, Let it not be known that a woman came into the floor.
  • Job 24:13 They are of those that rebel against the light; they know not the ways thereof, nor abide in the paths thereof.