Deuteronomy 17:11 Meaning and Explanation
“According to the sentence of the law which they shall teach thee, and according to the judgment which they shall tell thee, thou shalt do: thou shalt not decline from the sentence which they shall shew thee, to the right hand, nor to the left.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Follow the judgment exactly, without turning aside left or right from what the priests and judges teach.
The Context of Deuteronomy 17:11
Exact obedience required; no deviation from the sanctuary judgment.
What Does Deuteronomy 17:11 Mean?
Declining to the right or left is a biblical image for abandoning the straight path. Obedience must be exact, not approximate or selective. The person must walk the path of the judgment without deviation, whether because of stubbornness, preference, or social pressure.
This demand for absolute adherence reflects the covenant's seriousness. Law is not a suggestion to be negotiated or adapted to personal convenience. When God's people accept the judgment of those appointed to teach the law, they commit to living it out faithfully.
Deuteronomy 17:11 in the Original Language
natah (נָטָה), 'decline' — to turn aside, bend, or deviate from a set course.
Frequently Asked Questions About Deuteronomy 17:11
What does Deuteronomy 17:11 mean?
Follow the judgment exactly, without turning aside left or right from what the priests and judges teach.
What is the context of Deuteronomy 17:11?
Exact obedience required; no deviation from the sanctuary judgment.