Deuteronomy 27:19 Meaning and Explanation
“Cursed be he that perverteth the judgment of the stranger, fatherless, and widow. And all the people shall say, Amen.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Perverting justice for the vulnerable—strangers, orphans, and widows—is cursed.
The Context of Deuteronomy 27:19
The fifth curse condemns perverting justice for the stranger, fatherless, and widow.
What Does Deuteronomy 27:19 Mean?
Strangers, orphans, and widows are Israel's most vulnerable populations: without family protection, property rights, or social standing in ancient society. Perverting their judgment means denying them fair legal protection or exploiting the judicial system against them. This curse shows that God's justice extends especially to those without human protectors.
The covenant God leads is defined by how the powerful treat the powerless. True covenant obedience shows itself in how judges and powerful people handle cases involving the vulnerable. Each 'Amen' obligates Israel to ensure that justice is not for sale and that the defenseless have access to fair legal protection. God's judgment falls on those who abuse judicial power to harm the vulnerable.
Deuteronomy 27:19 in the Original Language
stranger (גֵּר, ger) — a foreigner or resident alien living in Israel without tribal family protection, dependent on the community's justice and mercy.
Frequently Asked Questions About Deuteronomy 27:19
What does Deuteronomy 27:19 mean?
Perverting justice for the vulnerable—strangers, orphans, and widows—is cursed.
What is the context of Deuteronomy 27:19?
The fifth curse condemns perverting justice for the stranger, fatherless, and widow.