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Deuteronomy 16:20

Old Testament Law (Torah) ASV (1901)

What does Deuteronomy 16:20 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “That which is altogether just shalt thou follow, that thou mayest live, and inherit the land which Jehovah thy God giveth thee.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

That which is altogether just shalt thou follow, that thou mayest live, and inherit the land which Jehovah thy God giveth thee.
Deuteronomy 16:20 — American Standard Version

Context — Deuteronomy 16

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
17every man shall give as he is able, according to the blessing of Jehovah thy God which he hath given thee.
18Judges and officers shalt thou make thee in all thy gates, which Jehovah thy God giveth thee, according to thy tribes; and they shall judge the people with righteous judgment.
19Thou shalt not wrest justice: thou shalt not respect persons; neither shalt thou take a bribe; for a bribe doth blind the eyes of the wise, and pervert the words of the righteous.
20That which is altogether just shalt thou follow, that thou mayest live, and inherit the land which Jehovah thy God giveth thee.
21Thou shalt not plant thee an Asherah of any kind of tree beside the altar of Jehovah thy God, which thou shalt make thee.
22Neither shalt thou set thee up a pillar; which Jehovah thy God hateth.
← Deuteronomy 16:19Deuteronomy 16:21 →
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“That which is altogether just shalt thou follow, etc.] Or “justice”, “justice” f185, strict justice, and nothing else: that thou mayest live and inherit the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee; that is, continue in the possession of it.”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“These verses are closely connected in subject with the following chapter, and introduce certain directions for the administration of justice and the carrying on of the civil government of the people in Canaan. During the lifetime of Moses, he himself, especially inspired and guided by God, was sufficient, with the aid of the subordinate judges (compare Exodus 18:13 ff), for the duties in question. But now that Moses was to be withdrawn, and the people would soon be scattered up and down the land of Canaan, regular and permanent provision must be made for civil and social order and good government. Deuteronomy 16:21 A grove ... - Render, Thou shalt not plant for thee any tree as an idol:…”
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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
“That which is altogether just - Heb. righteousness, righteousness, that is, nothing but righteousness in all causes and times, and to all persons equally. Deuteronomy 16:21”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“That which: etc. Heb. Justice, justice, Deu 25:13-16; Mic 6:8; Phi 4:8 live: Deu 4:1; Eze 18:5, Eze 18:9; Rom 10:5 Deuteronomy 16:21”
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Related study paths

Read Deuteronomy 16 in contextBrowse Hebrew word studiesOpen this verse in the study reader

Sources and verification