Deuteronomy 17:13 - All the people shall hear, and fear, and do no more presumptuously.

Generated Verse: Deuteronomy 17:13

What does "Deuteronomy 17:13" mean?


Deuteronomy 17:13, "All the people shall hear, and fear, and do no more presumptuously," is part of a larger passage (Deuteronomy 17:8-13) dealing with difficult legal cases. Here's a breakdown of the meaning:

"All the people shall hear": This refers to the public announcement and implementation of the verdict or judgment decided upon by the designated judges or priests. The key is that the ruling is made public so everyone is aware of it.

"and fear": The "fear" here is not necessarily terror, but more of a reverential respect for the justice system and the authority of God's law. It's a sense of awe and seriousness about the consequences of disobedience. It acknowledges the wisdom and importance of adhering to the law.

"and do no more presumptuously": This is the core of the verse. "Presumptuously" means acting with arrogance, pride, and defiance against established law and authority. It refers to deliberately disobeying or ignoring the law, thinking one knows better, or acting as if one is above the rules. So, the verse is saying that after witnessing the consequences of breaking the law, people will be less likely to act in such a defiant and arrogant manner.

In essence, the verse is saying that the public pronouncement and just enforcement of laws serve as a deterrent. When people see that wrongdoing is punished, they are more likely to respect the law, think twice before breaking it, and avoid acting with the arrogant presumption that they can ignore the rules without consequence.

Contextual Understanding:

Legal Precedent: This verse underscores the importance of having a system of justice to resolve disputes and ensure that the law is applied fairly and consistently.
Deterrence: The goal is not simply to punish but to deter others from committing similar offenses, thus maintaining social order and obedience to God's commands.
Humility: Presumptuous actions often stem from pride and a lack of humility before God and established authority. The verse encourages a more humble and obedient attitude.

In modern terms, it speaks to the need for transparency, accountability, and a functioning legal system to promote compliance with laws and discourage individuals from taking the law into their own hands or acting with impunity.

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