And the man that will do presumptuously, and will not hearken unto the priest that standeth to minister there before the LORD thy God, or unto the judge, even that man shall die: and thou shalt put away the evil from Israel.

DEUTERONOMY 17:12KJV
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Deuteronomy 17:12 (KJV)

What does Deuteronomy 17:12 mean?

Deuteronomy 17:12 says that if someone acts arrogantly and refuses to listen to the priest or judge who serves before God, that person must be put to death to remove evil from Israel. This verse sets a serious consequence for defying the religious and legal authorities established by God.

In this passage, Moses is speaking to the Israelites about how justice and worship should be handled in their community. The verse comes in the context of instructions for handling difficult legal cases by bringing them to the central place of worship, where priests and judges would decide. The warning is meant to uphold respect for God’s appointed leaders and maintain order among the people.

The Hebrew behind Deuteronomy 17:12

  • The word "presumptuously" is זָדוֹן (zadón), which means acting with arrogance or willful pride. This highlights that the offense is not a mistake but a deliberate act of defiance.
  • "Hearken" is שָׁמַע (shamaʿ), meaning to listen or obey. The emphasis is not just on hearing but on following the decision given by the priest or judge.
  • The word for "evil" is רַע (raʿ), a broad term for wrongdoing or wickedness. Here, it points to the danger of rebellion spreading if not addressed.

Why Deuteronomy 17:12 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the authority of priests and judges was not just religious but also legal, and their decisions were binding for the whole community.
  • It shows that Israel’s system of justice was designed to prevent chaos and maintain unity by requiring respect for God-appointed leaders.
  • The strong language about removing evil underscores the seriousness with which community order and faithfulness to God’s instructions were treated in ancient Israel.

Where else these words appear

“presumptuously” Hebrew H2087 · used in 11 verses

  • Deuteronomy 18:22 When a prophet speaketh in the name of the LORD, if the thing follow not, nor come to pass, that is the thing which the LORD hath not spoken, but the prophet hath spoken it presumptuously: thou shalt not be afraid of him.
  • Proverbs 13:10 Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised is wisdom.
  • Jeremiah 50:31 Behold, I am against thee, O thou most proud, saith the Lord GOD of hosts: for thy day is come, the time that I will visit thee.

“away” Hebrew H1197 · used in 90 verses

  • Exodus 3:2 And the angel of the LORD appeared unto him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush: and he looked, and, behold, the bush burned with fire, and the bush was not consumed.
  • 2 Samuel 22:13 Through the brightness before him were coals of fire kindled.
  • Isaiah 30:33 For Tophet is ordained of old; yea, for the king it is prepared; he hath made it deep and large: the pile thereof is fire and much wood; the breath of the LORD, like a stream of brimstone, doth kindle it.

“minister” Hebrew H8334 · used in 92 verses

  • Genesis 39:4 And Joseph found grace in his sight, and he served him: and he made him overseer over his house, and all that he had he put into his hand.
  • 2 Samuel 13:17 Then he called his servant that ministered unto him, and said, Put now this woman out from me, and bolt the door after her.
  • Esther 1:10 On the seventh day, when the heart of the king was merry with wine, he commanded Mehuman, Biztha, Harbona, Bigtha, and Abagtha, Zethar, and Carcas, the seven chamberlains that served in the presence of Ahasuerus the king,