Deuteronomy 17:2 Meaning and Explanation
“If there be found among you, within any of thy gates which the LORD thy God giveth thee, man or woman, that hath wrought wickedness in the sight of the LORD thy God, in transgressing his covenant,”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The law addresses someone who breaks God's covenant through wicked deeds.
The Context of Deuteronomy 17:2
Beginning of the law against covenant-breaking wickedness and idolatry.
What Does Deuteronomy 17:2 Mean?
This verse introduces a case law scenario: someone living in Israel commits sin so grave it violates the covenant itself. The offense is not a private moral failing but a public act of wickedness—conduct that directly contradicts Israel's commitment to the LORD.
The phrase 'in the sight of the LORD' emphasizes that covenant violation is not about human judgment alone but God's own assessment. Whether man or woman, the standard of righteousness applies equally to all members of the covenant community.
Frequently Asked Questions About Deuteronomy 17:2
What does Deuteronomy 17:2 mean?
The law addresses someone who breaks God's covenant through wicked deeds.
What is the context of Deuteronomy 17:2?
Beginning of the law against covenant-breaking wickedness and idolatry.