Deuteronomy 16:19 Meaning and Explanation
“Thou shalt not wrest judgment; thou shalt not respect persons, neither take a gift: for a gift doth blind the eyes of the wise, and pervert the words of the righteous.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Do not twist judgment, show favoritism, or accept bribes, which corrupt even the wisest judge.
The Context of Deuteronomy 16:19
The verses on judges detail the corruption to prevent and the standard to uphold.
What Does Deuteronomy 16:19 Mean?
Wresting judgment means turning aside a right verdict to favor the powerful or punish the weak. Respecting persons means preferring the rich or well-connected over the poor or stranger. Gifts—bribes—are the mechanism that makes both happen. The text names the mechanism plainly: a gift blinds even the wise.
The diagnosis is brutal: corruption is not the vice of fools alone but can seduce the intelligent. The only defense is refusal. The rule is absolute: no circumstances, no rationalization, no 'just this once' softens the command.
Deuteronomy 16:19 in the Original Language
wrest (נָטָה, natah), 'to turn aside/incline' — to bend judgment away from truth, like bending a straight line.
Frequently Asked Questions About Deuteronomy 16:19
What does Deuteronomy 16:19 mean?
Do not twist judgment, show favoritism, or accept bribes, which corrupt even the wisest judge.
What is the context of Deuteronomy 16:19?
The verses on judges detail the corruption to prevent and the standard to uphold.