Deuteronomy 17:2 (KJV)

What does Deuteronomy 17:2 mean?

Deuteronomy 17:2 states that if anyone—man or woman—is found within the towns of Israel committing wickedness by breaking God’s covenant, this wrongdoing is to be recognized and addressed. The verse sets up a situation where a serious violation of God’s agreement with Israel is discovered among the people.

In this verse, Moses is speaking to the Israelites as they prepare to enter the land God is giving them. The focus is on maintaining faithfulness to God’s covenant, with “wickedness” meaning actions that go against what God has commanded. The verse introduces a process for dealing with covenant-breaking, which is explained further in the following verses.

The Hebrew behind Deuteronomy 17:2

• “Wickedness” (רַע, ra‘): This word means evil or bad actions. Here, it highlights that the offense is not just a mistake but a serious wrongdoing in God’s eyes.
• “Transgressing” (עָבַר, ‘avar): This word means to cross over or pass beyond, often understood as breaking a boundary. In this context, it refers to crossing the line of God’s covenant, not just a minor slip but a deliberate violation.
• “Covenant” (בְּרִית, berit): This is the formal agreement or relationship between God and Israel. Breaking the covenant is seen as a grave act because it undermines the foundation of Israel’s relationship with God.

Why Deuteronomy 17:2 matters

• The verse clarifies that both men and women are equally accountable for keeping God’s covenant, showing that the law applies to everyone in the community.
• By specifying “within any of thy gates,” the verse emphasizes that faithfulness to God is expected in every part of Israelite society, not just in religious centers.
• This verse introduces the seriousness of covenant-breaking and sets the stage for the procedures and consequences that follow, underlining the importance of community responsibility in upholding God’s commands.