Deuteronomy 10:17

Old Testament Law (Torah) ASV (1901)

What does Deuteronomy 10:17 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “For Jehovah your God, he is God of gods, and Lord of lords, the great God, the mighty, and the terrible, who regardeth not persons, nor taketh reward.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

For Jehovah your God, he is God of gods, and Lord of lords, the great God, the mighty, and the terrible, who regardeth not persons, nor taketh reward.
Deuteronomy 10:17 — American Standard Version

Context — Deuteronomy 10

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
17For Jehovah your God, he is God of gods, and Lord of lords, the great God, the mighty, and the terrible, who regardeth not persons, nor taketh reward.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“For the Lord your God is God of gods, etc.] Of angels and civil magistrates, who are sometimes so called: these are his creatures, act for him and under him, and are accountable to him: the Lord of lords; of the kings and princes of the earth, who have their crowns, sceptres, and kingdoms from him, and hold them of him, by and under whom they reign and decree judgment, and who are subject to his authority and control: a great God; as the perfections of his nature, the works of his hands, the blessings of his providence and grace, and the extensiveness of his dominion in heaven, earth, and hell, show him to be: a mighty and a terrible; mighty and powerful to help, protect, and defend his…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“Regardeth not persons - Whether Jews or Gentiles, but deals justly and equally with all sorts of men; and as whosoever fears and obeys him shall be accepted, so all incorrigible transgressors shall be severely punished, and you no less than other people: therefore do not flatter yourselves as if God would bear with your sins because of his particular kindness to you or to your fathers. Deuteronomy 10:18”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“10:17 The phrase God of gods does not affirm the existence of other gods; rather, it affirms God’s absolute sovereignty over all powers in heaven and earth. The Hebrew ’elohim, translated gods, can also refer to angels or other powerful beings (see Ps 82:1). • shows no partiality: God is not impressed with people who hold power and influence, and therefore he offers them no privileged consideration (see Deut 1:17).”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“God of gods: Jos 22:22; Ch1 16:25, Ch1 16:26; Psa 136:2; Dan 2:47, Dan 11:36 Lord of lords: Psa 136:3; Rev 17:14, Rev 19:16 a great: Deu 7:21; Neh 1:5, Neh 4:14, Neh 9:32; Job 37:22, Job 37:23; Psa 99:3; Jer 20:11 regardeth: Ch2 19:7; Job 34:19; Mar 12:14; Act 10:34; Rom 2:11; Gal 2:6; Eph 6:9; Col 3:25; Pe1 1:17 Deuteronomy 10:18”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification