Deuteronomy 10:18 Meaning and Explanation
“He doth execute the judgment of the fatherless and widow, and loveth the stranger, in giving him food and raiment.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The LORD defends the vulnerable and cares for the foreigner by providing sustenance and protection.
The Context of Deuteronomy 10:18
God's justice demonstrated through compassionate care for the defenseless.
What Does Deuteronomy 10:18 Mean?
God's justice is not abstract but embodied in concrete care for the powerless. The fatherless, widow, and stranger lack the protection of family or inheritance—yet the LORD actively 'executes judgment' on their behalf, ensuring they receive what justice demands. This justice is rooted in divine love.
By pointing to God's care for the stranger, Moses emphasizes that God's covenant people must mirror His heart. The provision of food and raiment reflects the kind of mercy Israel itself must show to the vulnerable within and among them.
Deuteronomy 10:18 in the Original Language
widow (אַלְמָנָה, almanah) — a woman whose husband has died; in biblical society, typically without inheritance or male protection.
Frequently Asked Questions About Deuteronomy 10:18
What does Deuteronomy 10:18 mean?
The LORD defends the vulnerable and cares for the foreigner by providing sustenance and protection.
What is the context of Deuteronomy 10:18?
God's justice demonstrated through compassionate care for the defenseless.