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Deuteronomy 16:20 Pursue justice, and justice alone, so that you may live, and you may possess the land that the LORD your God is giving you.

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(Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/deuteronomy/16.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Follow justice and justice alone, so that you may live and possess the land the LORD your God is giving you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/deuteronomy/16.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Let true justice prevail, so you may live and occupy the land that the LORD your God is giving you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/deuteronomy/16.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Justice, and only justice, you shall follow, that you may live and inherit the land that the LORD your God is giving you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/deuteronomy/16.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Pursue justice, and justice alone, so that you may live, and you may possess the land that the LORD your God is giving you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/deuteronomy/16.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />That which is altogether just shalt thou follow, that thou mayest live, and inherit the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/deuteronomy/16.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />You shall follow what is altogether just, that you may live and inherit the land which the LORD your God is giving you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/deuteronomy/16.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Justice, <i>and only</i> justice, you shall pursue, so that you may live and possess the land which the LORD your God is giving you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/deuteronomy/16.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />&#8220Justice, and only justice, you shall pursue, that you may live and possess the land which the LORD your God is giving you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/deuteronomy/16.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />&#8220;Justice, <i>and only</i> justice, you shall pursue, that you may live and possess the land which the LORD your God is giving you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/deuteronomy/16.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Righteousness! Righteousness, you shall pursue, that you may live and possess the land which Yahweh your God is giving you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/deuteronomy/16.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />You shall pursue justice, <i>and only</i> justice [that which is uncompromisingly righteous], so that you may live and take possession of the land which the LORD your God is giving you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/deuteronomy/16.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Pursue justice and justice alone, so that you will live and possess the land the LORD your God is giving you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/deuteronomy/16.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Pursue justice and justice alone, so that you will live and possess the land the LORD your God is giving you.&#8221 <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/deuteronomy/16.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />That which is altogether just shalt thou follow, that thou mayest live, and inherit the land which Jehovah thy God giveth thee.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/deuteronomy/16.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />People of Israel, if you want to enjoy a long and successful life, make sure that everyone is treated with justice in the land the LORD is giving you. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/deuteronomy/16.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />That which is altogether just shalt thou follow, that thou mayest live, and inherit the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/deuteronomy/16.htm">GOD'S WORD&reg; Translation</a></span><br />Strive for nothing but justice so that you will live and take possession of the land that the LORD your God is giving you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/deuteronomy/16.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Always be fair and just, so that you will occupy the land that the LORD your God is giving you and so that you will continue to live there. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/deuteronomy/16.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />You are to pursue justice&#8212;and only justice&#8212;so you may live and possess the land that the LORD your God is about to give you."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/deuteronomy/16.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Pursue justice, and justice alone, so that you may live, and you may possess the land that the LORD your God is giving you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/deuteronomy/16.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />You must pursue justice alone so that you may live and inherit the land the LORD your God is giving you. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/deuteronomy/16.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />You shall follow that which is altogether just, that you may live, and inherit the land which the LORD your God gives you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/deuteronomy/16.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />That which is altogether just shalt thou follow, that thou mayest live, and inherit the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/deuteronomy/16.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />You shall follow that which is altogether just, that you may live and inherit the land which Yahweh your God gives you. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/deuteronomy/16.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />Righteousness&#8212;you pursue righteousness, so that you live and have possessed the land which your God YHWH is giving to you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/deuteronomy/16.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Righteousness -- righteousness thou dost pursue, so that thou livest, and hast possessed the land which Jehovah thy God is giving to thee.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/deuteronomy/16.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Justice, justice shalt thou follow, so that thou live and inherit the land which Jehovah thy God gave to thee.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/deuteronomy/16.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Thou shalt follow justly after that which is just: that thou mayst live and possess the land, which the Lord thy God shall give thee. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/deuteronomy/16.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />You shall justly pursue what is just, so that you may live and possess the land, which the Lord your God will give to you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/deuteronomy/16.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Justice, justice alone shall you pursue, so that you may live and possess the land the LORD, your God, is giving you. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/deuteronomy/16.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Justice, and only justice, you shall pursue, so that you may live and occupy the land that the LORD your God is giving you.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/deuteronomy/16.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />But you must judge your neighbor righteously, that you may live and go in and inherit the land which the LORD your God gives you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/deuteronomy/16.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />But in righteousness judge your neighbor that you may live and you may enter and inherit the land that LORD JEHOVAH your God gives you.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/deuteronomy/16.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Justice, justice shalt thou follow, that thou mayest live, and inherit the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/deuteronomy/16.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />Thou shalt justly pursue justice, that ye may live, and go in and inherit the land which the Lord thy God gives thee.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/deuteronomy/16-20.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/IRhBtZaVxJ0?start=4794" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/deuteronomy/16.htm">Judges and Justice</a></span><br>&#8230;<span class="reftext">19</span>Do not deny justice or show partiality. Do not accept a bribe, for a bribe blinds the eyes of the wise and twists the words of the righteous. <span class="reftext">20</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/7291.htm" title="7291: tir&#183;d&#333;p&#772; (V-Qal-Imperf-2ms) -- To pursue, chase, persecute. A primitive root; to run after (of time) gone by).">Pursue</a> <a href="/hebrew/6664.htm" title="6664: &#7779;e&#183;&#7695;eq (N-ms) -- Rightness, righteousness. From tsadaq; the right; also equity or prosperity.">justice,</a> <a href="/hebrew/6664.htm" title="6664: &#7779;e&#183;&#7695;eq (N-ms) -- Rightness, righteousness. From tsadaq; the right; also equity or prosperity.">and justice alone,</a> <a href="/hebrew/4616.htm" title="4616: l&#601;&#183;ma&#183;&#8216;an (Conj) -- From anah; properly, heed, i.e. Purpose; used only adverbially, on account of, teleologically, in order that.">so that</a> <a href="/hebrew/2421.htm" title="2421: ti&#7717;&#183;yeh (V-Qal-Imperf-2ms) -- To live, to revive. A primitive root; to live, whether literally or figuratively; causatively, to revive.">you may live,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3423.htm" title="3423: w&#601;&#183;y&#257;&#183;ra&#353;&#183;t&#257; (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-2ms) -- Or yaresh; a primitive root; to occupy; by implication, to seize, to rob, to inherit; also to expel, to impoverish, to ruin.">and you may possess</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: &#8217;e&#7791;- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/776.htm" title="776: h&#257;&#183;&#8217;&#257;&#183;re&#7779; (Art:: N-fs) -- Earth, land. From an unused root probably meaning to be firm; the earth.">the land</a> <a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: &#8217;a&#774;&#183;&#353;er- (Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc.">that</a> <a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah&#183;weh (N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">the LORD</a> <a href="/hebrew/430.htm" title="430: &#8217;&#277;&#183;l&#333;&#183;he&#183;&#7733;&#257; (N-mpc:: 2ms) -- Plural of 'elowahh; gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used of the supreme God">your God</a> <a href="/hebrew/5414.htm" title="5414: n&#333;&#183;&#7791;&#234;n (V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- To give, put, set. A primitive root; to give, used with greatest latitude of application.">is giving</a> <a href="/hebrew/l&#257;&#7733; (Prep:: 2ms) -- ">you.</a> </span><div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> &middot; <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/micah/6-8.htm">Micah 6:8</a></span><br />He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/amos/5-24.htm">Amos 5:24</a></span><br />But let justice roll on like a river, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/1-17.htm">Isaiah 1:17</a></span><br />Learn to do right; seek justice and correct the oppressor. Defend the fatherless and plead the case of the widow.&#8221;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/21-3.htm">Proverbs 21:3</a></span><br />To do righteousness and justice is more desirable to the LORD than sacrifice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/leviticus/19-15.htm">Leviticus 19:15</a></span><br />You must not pervert justice; you must not show partiality to the poor or favoritism to the rich; you are to judge your neighbor fairly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/82-3.htm">Psalm 82:3-4</a></span><br />Defend the cause of the weak and fatherless; uphold the rights of the afflicted and oppressed. / Rescue the weak and needy; save them from the hand of the wicked.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/56-1.htm">Isaiah 56:1</a></span><br />This is what the LORD says: &#8220;Maintain justice and do what is right, for My salvation is coming soon, and My righteousness will be revealed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/22-3.htm">Jeremiah 22:3</a></span><br />This is what the LORD says: Administer justice and righteousness. Rescue the victim of robbery from the hand of his oppressor. Do no wrong or violence to the foreigner, the fatherless, or the widow. Do not shed innocent blood in this place.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/zechariah/7-9.htm">Zechariah 7:9</a></span><br />&#8220;This is what the LORD of Hosts says: &#8216;Administer true justice. Show loving devotion and compassion to one another.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/23-23.htm">Matthew 23:23</a></span><br />Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You pay tithes of mint, dill, and cumin. But you have disregarded the weightier matters of the law: justice, mercy, and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/11-42.htm">Luke 11:42</a></span><br />Woe to you Pharisees! For you pay tithes of mint, rue, and every herb, but you disregard justice and the love of God. You should have practiced the latter without neglecting the former.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/5-6.htm">Matthew 5:6</a></span><br />Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/5-20.htm">Matthew 5:20</a></span><br />For I tell you that unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/2-13.htm">Romans 2:13</a></span><br />For it is not the hearers of the law who are righteous before God, but it is the doers of the law who will be declared righteous.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/1-27.htm">James 1:27</a></span><br />Pure and undefiled religion before our God and Father is this: to care for orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">That which is altogether just shall you follow, that you may live, and inherit the land which the LORD your God gives you.</p><p class="hdg">That which, etc.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/25-13.htm">Deuteronomy 25:13-16</a></b></br> Thou shalt not have in thy bag divers weights, a great and a small&#8230; </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/micah/6-8.htm">Micah 6:8</a></b></br> He hath shewed thee, O man, what <i>is</i> good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/philippians/4-8.htm">Philippians 4:8</a></b></br> Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things <i>are</i> honest, whatsoever things <i>are</i> just, whatsoever things <i>are</i> pure, whatsoever things <i>are</i> lovely, whatsoever things <i>are</i> of good report; if <i>there be</i> any virtue, and if <i>there be</i> any praise, think on these things.</p><p class="hdg">live</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/4-1.htm">Deuteronomy 4:1</a></b></br> Now therefore hearken, O Israel, unto the statutes and unto the judgments, which I teach you, for to do <i>them</i>, that ye may live, and go in and possess the land which the LORD God of your fathers giveth you.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ezekiel/18-5.htm">Ezekiel 18:5,9</a></b></br> But if a man be just, and do that which is lawful and right, &#8230; </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/romans/10-5.htm">Romans 10:5</a></b></br> For Moses describeth the righteousness which is of the law, That the man which doeth those things shall live by them.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/deuteronomy/9-14.htm">Alone</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/16-15.htm">Altogether</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/14-27.htm">Heritage</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/12-10.htm">Inherit</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/16-19.htm">Justice</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/13-12.htm">Live</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/16-5.htm">Mayest</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/15-4.htm">Possess</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/12-29.htm">Possessed</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/1-44.htm">Pursue</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/16-18.htm">Righteousness</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/deuteronomy/22-25.htm">Alone</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/9-22.htm">Altogether</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/18-1.htm">Heritage</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/19-3.htm">Inherit</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/24-17.htm">Justice</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/19-4.htm">Live</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/17-15.htm">Mayest</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/17-14.htm">Possess</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/26-1.htm">Possessed</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/19-6.htm">Pursue</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/24-13.htm">Righteousness</a><div class="vheading2">Deuteronomy 16</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/deuteronomy/16-1.htm">The feast of the Passover</a></span><br><span class="reftext">9. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/deuteronomy/16-9.htm">of weeks</a></span><br><span class="reftext">13. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/deuteronomy/16-13.htm">of tabernacles</a></span><br><span class="reftext">16. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/deuteronomy/16-16.htm">Every male must offer, as he is able, at these three feasts</a></span><br><span class="reftext">18. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/deuteronomy/16-18.htm">Of judges and justice</a></span><br><span class="reftext">21. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/deuteronomy/16-21.htm">Asherah poles and images are forbidden</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; 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The repetition of "justice" emphasizes its importance and exclusivity, indicating that no other pursuit should take precedence. In the ancient Near Eastern context, justice involved fairness, equity, and the protection of the vulnerable, such as widows, orphans, and foreigners. This command aligns with other biblical passages, such as <a href="/micah/6-8.htm">Micah 6:8</a>, which calls for acting justly, loving mercy, and walking humbly with God. The pursuit of justice is also seen in the life of Jesus Christ, who embodied perfect justice and righteousness.<p><b>so that you may live</b><br>The promise of life is often associated with obedience to God's commandments in the Old Testament. Here, "live" implies not just physical survival but a flourishing life under God's blessing. This concept is echoed in <a href="/deuteronomy/30-19.htm">Deuteronomy 30:19-20</a>, where choosing life involves loving and obeying God. The idea of life as a reward for justice is also seen in <a href="/proverbs/21-21.htm">Proverbs 21:21</a>, which states that whoever pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity, and honor.<p><b>and you may possess the land</b><br>Possessing the land was a significant aspect of God's covenant with Israel, first promised to Abraham in <a href="/genesis/12-7.htm">Genesis 12:7</a>. The land was not just a physical territory but a place where Israel could live out its covenant relationship with God. The possession of the land was contingent upon Israel's obedience, as seen in <a href="/deuteronomy/28.htm">Deuteronomy 28</a>, where blessings and curses are outlined based on their faithfulness. This conditional promise underscores the importance of justice as a means to maintain their inheritance.<p><b>that the LORD your God is giving you</b><br>The phrase emphasizes God's sovereignty and grace in granting the land to Israel. It is a gift, not earned by Israel's merit but given by God's promise and faithfulness. This reflects the broader biblical theme of God's grace, seen in <a href="/ephesians/2-8.htm">Ephesians 2:8-9</a>, where salvation is described as a gift from God. The land as a divine gift also points to the ultimate fulfillment in the New Testament, where believers are promised an eternal inheritance through Christ, as seen in <a href="/1_peter/1-4.htm">1 Peter 1:4</a>.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/m/moses.htm">Moses</a></b><br>The author of Deuteronomy, delivering God's laws and instructions to the Israelites.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/i/israelites.htm">Israelites</a></b><br>The chosen people of God, receiving the law as they prepare to enter the Promised Land.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/p/promised_land.htm">Promised Land</a></b><br>The land of Canaan, which God promised to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_lord.htm">The LORD (Yahweh)</a></b><br>The covenant God of Israel, who commands His people to pursue justice.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/c/canaan.htm">Canaan</a></b><br>The geographical region that the Israelites are to inherit, contingent upon their obedience to God's laws.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_call_to_justice.htm">The Call to Justice</a></b><br>God commands His people to actively pursue justice, indicating that it is not a passive attribute but an active pursuit.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/j/justice_as_a_foundation_for_life.htm">Justice as a Foundation for Life</a></b><br>The promise of life and possession of the land is contingent upon the pursuit of justice, showing its foundational role in God's covenant.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/j/justice_in_community.htm">Justice in Community</a></b><br>Justice is not only a personal virtue but a communal responsibility, impacting the entire society.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/b/biblical_justice_vs._worldly_justice.htm">Biblical Justice vs. Worldly Justice</a></b><br>Biblical justice is rooted in God's character and law, differing from secular or cultural definitions of justice.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/j/justice_and_righteousness.htm">Justice and Righteousness</a></b><br>The Hebrew word for justice, (tzedek), is closely related to righteousness, indicating that true justice aligns with God's righteous standards.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_deuteronomy_16.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Deuteronomy 16</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_this_align_with_biblical_justice.htm">How do we reconcile this practice with biblical teachings about justice and mercy elsewhere? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_'do_justly,_love_mercy'_mean.htm">What does "do justly, love mercy, walk humbly" mean?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_'god_is_just'_mean.htm">What does "God is just" mean?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_truth_culturally_dependent.htm">Is all truth dependent on cultural context?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/deuteronomy/16.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 20.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">That which is altogether just</span>; literally, <span class="accented">justice</span>, <span class="accented">justice</span>. The repetition of the word is for the sake of emphasis, as in <a href="/genesis/14-10.htm">Genesis 14:10</a>, "pits, pits," equal to full of pits. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/deuteronomy/16-20.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">Pursue</span><br /><span class="heb">&#1514;&#1468;&#1460;&#1512;&#1456;&#1491;&#1468;&#1465;&#1425;&#1507;</span> <span class="translit">(tir&#183;d&#333;p&#772;)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7291.htm">Strong's 7291: </a> </span><span class="str2">To pursue, chase, persecute</span><br /><br /><span class="word">justice,</span><br /><span class="heb">&#1510;&#1462;&#1445;&#1491;&#1462;&#1511;</span> <span class="translit">(&#7779;e&#183;&#7695;eq)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6664.htm">Strong's 6664: </a> </span><span class="str2">The right, equity, prosperity</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and justice alone,</span><br /><span class="heb">&#1510;&#1462;&#1430;&#1491;&#1462;&#1511;</span> <span class="translit">(&#7779;e&#183;&#7695;eq)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6664.htm">Strong's 6664: </a> </span><span class="str2">The right, equity, prosperity</span><br /><br /><span class="word">so that</span><br /><span class="heb">&#1500;&#1456;&#1502;&#1463;&#1444;&#1506;&#1463;&#1503;</span> <span class="translit">(l&#601;&#183;ma&#183;&#8216;an)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4616.htm">Strong's 4616: </a> </span><span class="str2">Purpose -- intent</span><br /><br /><span class="word">you may live,</span><br /><span class="heb">&#1514;&#1468;&#1460;&#1469;&#1495;&#1456;&#1497;&#1462;&#1492;&#1433;</span> <span class="translit">(ti&#7717;&#183;yeh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2421.htm">Strong's 2421: </a> </span><span class="str2">To live, to revive</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and you may possess</span><br /><span class="heb">&#1493;&#1456;&#1497;&#1464;&#1512;&#1463;&#1513;&#1473;&#1456;&#1514;&#1468;&#1464;&#1443;</span> <span class="translit">(w&#601;&#183;y&#257;&#183;ra&#353;&#183;t&#257;)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw &#124; Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3423.htm">Strong's 3423: </a> </span><span class="str2">To occupy, to seize, to rob, to inherit, to expel, to impoverish, to ruin</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the land</span><br /><span class="heb">&#1492;&#1464;&#1488;&#1464;&#1428;&#1512;&#1462;&#1509;</span> <span class="translit">(h&#257;&#183;&#8217;&#257;&#183;re&#7779;)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article &#124; Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_776.htm">Strong's 776: </a> </span><span class="str2">Earth, land</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the LORD</span><br /><span class="heb">&#1497;&#1456;&#1492;&#1493;&#1464;&#1445;&#1492;</span> <span class="translit">(Yah&#183;weh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> </span><span class="str2">LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel</span><br /><br /><span class="word">your God</span><br /><span class="heb">&#1488;&#1457;&#1500;&#1465;&#1492;&#1462;&#1430;&#1497;&#1498;&#1464;</span> <span class="translit">(&#8217;&#277;&#183;l&#333;&#183;he&#183;&#7733;&#257;)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural construct &#124; second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_430.htm">Strong's 430: </a> </span><span class="str2">gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative</span><br /><br /><span class="word">is giving you.</span><br /><span class="heb">&#1504;&#1465;&#1514;&#1461;&#1445;&#1503;</span> <span class="translit">(n&#333;&#183;&#7791;&#234;n)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5414.htm">Strong's 5414: </a> </span><span class="str2">To give, put, set</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/deuteronomy/16-20.htm">Deuteronomy 16:20 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/deuteronomy/16-20.htm">Deuteronomy 16:20 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/deuteronomy/16-20.htm">Deuteronomy 16:20 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/deuteronomy/16-20.htm">Deuteronomy 16:20 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/deuteronomy/16-20.htm">Deuteronomy 16:20 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/deuteronomy/16-20.htm">Deuteronomy 16:20 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/deuteronomy/16-20.htm">Deuteronomy 16:20 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/deuteronomy/16-20.htm">Deuteronomy 16:20 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/deuteronomy/16-20.htm">Deuteronomy 16:20 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/deuteronomy/16-20.htm">Deuteronomy 16:20 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/deuteronomy/16-20.htm">OT Law: Deuteronomy 16:20 You shall follow that which is altogether (Deut. De Du)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/deuteronomy/16-19.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Deuteronomy 16:19"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Deuteronomy 16:19" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/deuteronomy/16-21.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Deuteronomy 16:21"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Deuteronomy 16:21" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>

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