Deuteronomy 21:19 Meaning and Explanation
“Then shall his father and his mother lay hold on him, and bring him out unto the elders of his city, and unto the gate of his place;”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The parents bring the rebellious son before the elders of the city for judgment.
The Context of Deuteronomy 21:19
The parents bring the rebellious son before the city's elders for formal hearing.
What Does Deuteronomy 21:19 Mean?
The rebellious son is not executed privately; the case is brought to the elders who sit at the city gate, the place of public judgment. The parents themselves bring him, showing that they have exhausted their own authority and now invoke communal justice. This public process ensures that execution—if it comes—is not arbitrary.
The involvement of elders and the city gate ensures that multiple witnesses hear the case and render judgment. This is not parental vengeance but communal decision-making, making the eventual sentence (if given) the judgment of the whole community, not the anger of individuals.
Frequently Asked Questions About Deuteronomy 21:19
What does Deuteronomy 21:19 mean?
The parents bring the rebellious son before the elders of the city for judgment.
What is the context of Deuteronomy 21:19?
The parents bring the rebellious son before the city's elders for formal hearing.