Deuteronomy 10:17 Meaning and Explanation
“For the LORD your God is God of gods, and Lord of lords, a great God, a mighty, and a terrible, which regardeth not persons, nor taketh reward:”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Human courts can be affected by wealth, connections, fear, or the favor shown to prominent people. Moses grounds Israel's covenant life in a different confidence. The God who asks them to fear, love, serve, and obey him is greater than every rival authority, and his judgments are entirely clean. That truth gives weight to both worship and the treatment of vulnerable neighbors.
The LORD stands above every claimed power and judge. His greatness is joined to impartial justice: he cannot be swayed by rank, appearance, influence, or a bribe.
The Context of Deuteronomy 10:17
Moses is speaking to Israel as they prepare to enter the land promised to their fathers. He has recalled the renewed stone tables, the ark, the Levites' ministry, and the LORD's mercy after Israel's sin. In verses 12-16 he gathers Israel's calling: fear the LORD, walk in his ways, love him, serve him wholeheartedly, and receive a circumcised heart rather than a stiff neck. Verse 17 explains why this response is fitting. The next verses immediately display God's impartial character in his care for the fatherless, widow, and stranger, and call Israel to love the stranger.
What Does Deuteronomy 10:17 Mean?
"For the LORD your God" makes this immense confession personal and covenantal. Israel does not merely hear of a distant supreme being. The LORD, who has spoken, forgiven, led, and commanded them, is their God. "God of gods, and Lord of lords" declares his supremacy over every being or ruler that people may call god or lord. Moses then calls him "great," "mighty," and "terrible." Here "terrible" speaks of awe-inspiring majesty, especially the holy power shown in God's deeds and judgments. Such greatness never makes his justice arbitrary. The verse closes by saying that he does not regard persons and does not take reward. No human status bends his judgment; no payment purchases a favorable decision.
The verse belongs to Moses' answer to the question, "what doth the LORD thy God require of thee?" The commands of verses 12-16 arise from God's own character and rule over heaven and earth. Israel's election is a gift of his love, yet election never authorizes pride, stubbornness, or unequal dealing with others. Verse 17 joins the highest confession of God's sovereignty to the plain practice of righteous judgment. Verse 18 continues the thought by naming those whom God defends and provides for: the fatherless, the widow, and the stranger. Verse 19 then summons Israel to love the stranger from the memory of its own life in Egypt. Reverence for the great God is meant to shape a people whose dealings reflect his concern for those easily overlooked.
This language has a strong canonical echo in the praise of Jesus Christ as "King of kings, and Lord of lords" in Revelation 19:16. The echo does more than supply a grand title. Deuteronomy presents the LORD as the supreme Judge whose authority cannot be bought; Revelation portrays Christ exercising kingly judgment and overcoming powers opposed to God. The connection fits the chapter's covenant setting because the One who receives Israel's worship also acts in history to save and judge. In Christ, God's royal authority is seen in a life that welcomed the lowly, confronted corrupt judgment, and gave himself for sinners. His lordship calls forth faithful allegiance and hopeful trust in righteous judgment.
Bible Verses Related to Deuteronomy 10:17
“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.”
- 2 Chronicles 19:7
“How much less to him that accepteth not the persons of princes, nor regardeth the rich more than the poor? for they all are the work of his hands.”
- Job 34:19
“Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:”
- Acts 10:34
“And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.”
- Revelation 19:16
Where Deuteronomy 10:17 Echoes in Scripture
Revelation 19:16 gives Jesus the title "King of kings, and Lord of lords," closely echoing Deuteronomy 10:17. Moses uses the title to confess the LORD's authority above every lesser claim to rule. Revelation applies the same royal language to Christ in a vision of his victorious and righteous reign. The echo supports a reading in which divine supremacy includes the final setting right of all competing powers and unjust judgments.
How to Apply Deuteronomy 10:17 Today
This verse can steady us when influence seems to determine outcomes. We may bring hidden wrongs, public injustice, and personal disappointment before the Judge whose sight is not purchased or distorted. It also examines our own habits. In family decisions, church service, work, and civic life, we can give careful attention to people who have little power to repay us or protect our reputation. Respect for God includes refusing favoritism in our speech and choices. Remembering that the LORD is "your God" also turns awe into trust: the supreme Judge has bound himself to lead his people in covenant faithfulness.
Reflection & Prayer
Where might rank, wealth, familiarity, fear, or hoped-for advantage be shaping our judgment of another person? Let us ask the LORD to uncover partiality in us and to form a steadier reverence for his holy justice. Suggested prayer: "Great and mighty God, teach us to fear thee, to trust thy righteous judgment, and to deal faithfully with the people thou hast placed before us."