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.