Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Go to the Levitical priests and to the judge who is in office at that time. Inquire of them and they will give you the verdict. New Living Translation and present them to the Levitical priests or the judge on duty at that time. They will hear the case and declare the verdict. English Standard Version And you shall come to the Levitical priests and to the judge who is in office in those days, and you shall consult them, and they shall declare to you the decision. Berean Standard Bible You are to go to the Levitical priests and to the judge who presides at that time. Inquire of them, and they will give you a verdict in the case. Berean Literal Bible And you shall come to the priests, the Levites, and to the judge who will be there in those days, and you shall inquire. And they shall pronounce upon you the word of the judgment. King James Bible And thou shalt come unto the priests the Levites, and unto the judge that shall be in those days, and inquire; and they shall shew thee the sentence of judgment: New King James Version And you shall come to the priests, the Levites, and to the judge there in those days, and inquire of them; they shall pronounce upon you the sentence of judgment. New American Standard Bible So you shall come to the Levitical priests or the judge who is in office in those days, and you shall inquire of them and they will declare to you the verdict. NASB 1995 “So you shall come to the Levitical priest or the judge who is in office in those days, and you shall inquire of them and they will declare to you the verdict in the case. NASB 1977 “So you shall come to the Levitical priest or the judge who is in office in those days, and you shall inquire of them, and they will declare to you the verdict in the case. Legacy Standard Bible So you shall come to the Levitical priest or the judge who is in office in those days, and you shall inquire of them, and they will declare to you the judgment in the case. Amplified Bible So you shall come to the Levitical priests or to the judge who is in office at that time, and you shall consult them and they will declare to you the verdict in the case. Berean Annotated Bible You are to go to the Levitical priests and to the judge who presides at that time. Inquire of them, and they will give you a verdict in the case. Christian Standard Bible You are to go to the Levitical priests and to the judge who presides at that time. Ask, and they will give you a verdict in the case. Holman Christian Standard Bible You are to go to the Levitical priests and to the judge who presides at that time. Ask, and they will give you a verdict in the case. American Standard Version and thou shalt come unto the priests the Levites, and unto the judge that shall be in those days: and thou shalt inquire; and they shall show thee the sentence of judgment. English Revised Version and thou shalt come unto the priests the Levites, and unto the judge that shall be in those days: and thou shalt inquire; and they shall shew thee the sentence of judgment: GOD'S WORD® Translation Go to the Levitical priests and the judge who is serving at that time. Ask for their opinion, and they will give you their verdict Good News Translation and present your case to the levitical priests and to the judge who is in office at that time, and let them decide the case. International Standard Version Present the case to the Levitical priest or the judge at that time. When you have inquired and they have announced the verdict, NET Bible You will go to the Levitical priests and the judge in office in those days and seek a solution; they will render a verdict. New Heart English Bible and you shall come to the priests the Levites, and to the judge who shall be in those days: and you shall inquire; and they shall show you the sentence of judgment. Webster's Bible Translation And thou shalt come to the priests the Levites, and to the judge that shall be in those days, and inquire; and they shall show thee the sentence of judgment: Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleYou are to go to the Levitical priests and to the judge who presides at that time. Inquire of them, and they will give you a verdict in the case. World English Bible You shall come to the priests who are Levites and to the judge who shall be in those days. You shall inquire, and they shall give you the verdict. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand have come to the priests, the Levites, and to the judge who is in those days, and have inquired, and they have declared the word of judgment to you, Berean Literal Bible And you shall come to the priests, the Levites, and to the judge who will be there in those days, and you shall inquire. And they shall pronounce upon you the word of the judgment. Young's Literal Translation and hast come in unto the priests, the Levites, and unto the judge who is in those days, and hast inquired, and they have declared to thee the word of judgment, Smith's Literal Translation And thou didst go to the priests, the Levites, and to the judge which shall be in those days, and seek out; and they shall announce to thee the word of judgment. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd thou shalt come to the priests of the Levitical race, and to the judge, that shall be at that time: and thou shalt ask of them, and they shall shew thee the truth of the judgment. Catholic Public Domain Version And you shall approach the priests of the Levitical stock, and the judge, who shall be among them at that time, and you shall inquire of them, and they will reveal to you the truth of the judgment. New American Bible to the levitical priests or to the judge who is in office at that time. They shall investigate the case and then announce to you the decision. New Revised Standard Version where you shall consult with the levitical priests and the judge who is in office in those days; they shall announce to you the decision in the case. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd you shall come to the priest, or the Levite, or to the judge who shall be in those days, and inquire; and they shall show you the sentence of judgment; Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And you shall go to the Priest and to the Levites or to the Judge who will be in those days and you shall ask and they shall show you the word of judgment: OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And thou shall come unto the priests the Levites, and unto the judge that shall be in those days; and thou shalt inquire; and they shall declare unto thee the sentence of judgment. Brenton Septuagint Translation then thou shalt arise and go up to the place which the Lord thy God shall choose, and thou shalt come to the priests the Levites, and to the judge who shall be in those days, and they shall search out the matter and report the judgment to thee. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Courts of Law8If a case is too difficult for you to judge, whether the controversy within your gates is regarding bloodshed, lawsuits, or assaults, you must go up to the place the LORD your God will choose. 9You are to go to the Levitical priests and to the judge who presides at that time. Inquire of them, and they will give you a verdict in the case. 10You must abide by the verdict they give you at the place the LORD will choose. Be careful to do everything they instruct you,… Cross References You are to go to the Levitical priests and to the judge who presides at that time. 2 Chronicles 19:8-9 Moreover, Jehoshaphat appointed in Jerusalem some of the Levites, priests, and heads of the Israelite families to judge on behalf of the LORD and to settle disputes. And they lived in Jerusalem. / He commanded them, saying, “You must serve faithfully and wholeheartedly in the fear of the LORD. Deuteronomy 21:5 And the priests, the sons of Levi, shall come forward, for the LORD your God has chosen them to serve Him and pronounce blessings in His name and to give a ruling in every dispute and case of assault. Deuteronomy 33:10 He will teach Your ordinances to Jacob and Your law to Israel; he will set incense before You and whole burnt offerings on Your altar. Inquire of them, Numbers 27:21 He shall stand before Eleazar the priest, who will seek counsel for him before the LORD by the judgment of the Urim. At his command, he and all the Israelites with him—the entire congregation—will go out and come in.” 1 Samuel 23:9-12 When David learned that Saul was plotting evil against him, he said to Abiathar the priest, “Bring the ephod.” / And David said, “O LORD, God of Israel, Your servant has heard that Saul intends to come to Keilah and destroy the city on my account. / Will the citizens of Keilah surrender me into his hand? Will Saul come down, as Your servant has heard? O LORD, God of Israel, please tell Your servant.” “He will,” said the LORD. … 1 Samuel 30:7-8 Then David said to Abiathar the priest, the son of Ahimelech, “Bring me the ephod.” So Abiathar brought it to him, / and David inquired of the LORD: “Should I pursue these raiders? Will I overtake them?” “Pursue them,” the LORD replied, “for you will surely overtake them and rescue the captives.” and they will give you a verdict in the case. Leviticus 24:12-14 They placed him in custody until the will of the LORD should be made clear to them. / Then the LORD said to Moses, / “Take the blasphemer outside the camp, and have all who heard him lay their hands on his head; then have the whole assembly stone him. Haggai 2:11-13 “This is what the LORD of Hosts says: ‘Ask the priests for a ruling. / If a man carries consecrated meat in the fold of his garment, and it touches bread, stew, wine, oil, or any other food, does that item become holy?’” “No,” replied the priests. / So Haggai asked, “If one who is defiled by contact with a corpse touches any of these, does it become defiled?” “Yes, it becomes defiled,” the priests answered. Ezekiel 44:23-24 They are to teach My people the difference between the holy and the common and show them how to discern between the clean and the unclean. / In any dispute, they shall officiate as judges and judge according to My ordinances. They must keep My laws and statutes regarding all My appointed feasts, and they must keep My Sabbaths holy. Matthew 23:2-3 “The scribes and Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat. / So practice and observe everything they tell you. But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach. Malachi 2:7 For the lips of a priest should preserve knowledge, and people should seek instruction from his mouth, because he is the messenger of the LORD of Hosts. Ezra 7:25 And you, Ezra, according to the wisdom of your God, which you possess, are to appoint magistrates and judges to judge all the people west of the Euphrates—all who know the laws of your God. And you are to teach these laws to anyone who does not know them. Matthew 18:18 Truly I tell you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. Acts 15:2 And after engaging these men in sharp debate, Paul and Barnabas were appointed, along with some other believers, to go up to Jerusalem to see the apostles and elders about this question. Acts 15:6 So the apostles and elders met to look into this matter. Acts 15:23-29 and sent them with this letter: The apostles and the elders, your brothers, To the brothers among the Gentiles in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia: Greetings. / It has come to our attention that some went out from us without our authorization and unsettled you, troubling your minds by what they said. / So we all agreed to choose men to send to you along with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, … Treasury of Scripture And you shall come to the priests the Levites, and to the judge that shall be in those days, and inquire; and they shall show you the sentence of judgment: the priests Jeremiah 18:18 Then said they, Come, and let us devise devices against Jeremiah; for the law shall not perish from the priest, nor counsel from the wise, nor the word from the prophet. Come, and let us smite him with the tongue, and let us not give heed to any of his words. Haggai 2:11 Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Ask now the priests concerning the law, saying, Malachi 2:7 For the priest's lips should keep knowledge, and they should seek the law at his mouth: for he is the messenger of the LORD of hosts. they shall Deuteronomy 19:17-21 Then both the men, between whom the controversy is, shall stand before the LORD, before the priests and the judges, which shall be in those days; … Ezekiel 44:24 And in controversy they shall stand in judgment; and they shall judge it according to my judgments: and they shall keep my laws and my statutes in all mine assemblies; and they shall hallow my sabbaths. Jump to Previous Case Consult Decision Declare Declared Inquire Inquired Judge Judgment Levites Office Priest Priests Question Sentence Show Time Verdict WordJump to Next Case Consult Decision Declare Declared Inquire Inquired Judge Judgment Levites Office Priest Priests Question Sentence Show Time Verdict WordDeuteronomy 17 1. The things sacrificed must be sound2. Idolaters must be slain 8. Hard controversies are to be determined by the priests and judges 12. The one who shows contempt for the judge must die 14. The election 16. and duty of a king You are to go to the Levitical priests and to the judge who presides at that time. In ancient Israel, the Levitical priests held a unique role as mediators between God and the people, responsible for teaching the Law and offering sacrifices. The inclusion of a judge indicates a system of governance where legal and spiritual matters were intertwined. This reflects the theocratic nature of Israel, where God was seen as the ultimate authority. The judge, often a leader or elder, was tasked with interpreting and applying the Law. This system ensured that decisions were made in accordance with divine principles. The phrase "at that time" suggests a dynamic leadership structure, adaptable to the needs of each generation. This anticipates the later establishment of the Sanhedrin, a council of judges and priests, during the Second Temple period. The New Testament echoes this structure in passages like Matthew 23:2-3, where Jesus acknowledges the authority of the teachers of the Law. Inquire of them, and they will give you a verdict in the case. Persons / Places / Events 1. Levitical PriestsMembers of the tribe of Levi, set apart for religious duties and to serve as mediators between God and the Israelites. They were responsible for teaching the Law and making judgments in difficult cases. 2. The Judge An appointed leader or official who held the authority to make legal decisions and judgments. This role was crucial in maintaining justice and order within the community. 3. Israel The nation chosen by God, consisting of the twelve tribes descended from Jacob. The Israelites were given the Law to guide their conduct and relationship with God. 4. The Law The commandments and statutes given by God to Moses on Mount Sinai, which were to be followed by the Israelites. The Law served as the foundation for Israel's covenant relationship with God. 5. Judicial Inquiry The process of seeking guidance and resolution in legal matters by consulting the appointed religious and judicial authorities. Teaching Points The Role of Godly LeadershipGod established a system of leadership among His people to ensure justice and righteousness. We should seek leaders who are committed to God's Word and principles. The Importance of Seeking Wisdom In times of uncertainty or conflict, it is crucial to seek guidance from those who are knowledgeable in God's Word and who can provide godly counsel. The Value of Community and Accountability The process of inquiry and judgment underscores the importance of community and accountability. We are called to live in harmony and resolve disputes in a manner that honors God. The Necessity of Obedience to God's Law The Israelites were instructed to follow the verdicts given by the priests and judges, reminding us of the importance of obedience to God's commands and the authorities He has established. The Call to Righteous Judgment As believers, we are called to make judgments that reflect God's justice and mercy, ensuring that our decisions align with His truth and love. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Deuteronomy 17:9?2. How does Deuteronomy 17:9 emphasize the importance of seeking godly counsel today? 3. What role do priests and judges play in interpreting God's law in Deuteronomy 17:9? 4. How can we apply "go to the Levitical priests" in our church community? 5. What New Testament passages echo the principles found in Deuteronomy 17:9? 6. How does Deuteronomy 17:9 guide us in resolving disputes within the church? 7. How does Deuteronomy 17:9 define the authority of priests and judges in ancient Israel? 8. What role do priests and judges play in interpreting God's law according to Deuteronomy 17:9? 9. How does Deuteronomy 17:9 influence the concept of religious authority in Christianity? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Deuteronomy 17? 11. In Deuteronomy 17:8–12, what ensures that the priests and judges—rather than impartial authorities—aren’t abusing their power when settling disputes? 12. What was the Levitical Priesthood? 13. If Moses himself wrote Deuteronomy, how could he narrate his own death and burial (Deut. 34:5-6)? 14. In Judges 17:7-13, how credible is the Levite's priestly status, given the requirements found elsewhere in the Old Testament regarding priestly lineage? What Does Deuteronomy 17:9 Mean You are to go• The command is active—obedience begins with movement toward God-appointed authority (Deuteronomy 12:5; Exodus 23:17). • Going shows humility; the people do not trust their own opinions first (Proverbs 3:5-6; James 4:6-7). • The journey also recognizes that justice flows from the place God chooses (Deuteronomy 17:8; 1 Samuel 1:3). to the Levitical priests • God set the Levites apart to “teach the Israelites all the statutes” (Leviticus 10:11; Malachi 2:7). • Approaching them honors the covenant structure—truth is preserved when spiritual leaders handle God’s Word (2 Chronicles 15:3; Nehemiah 8:8). • New-covenant believers still value called shepherds who labor in doctrine (1 Timothy 5:17; Hebrews 13:7). and to the judge who presides at that time • Civil authority stands beside spiritual authority; together they guard order (Exodus 18:25-26; 2 Chronicles 19:5-11). • “At that time” stresses relevance: God provides appropriate leadership for each generation (Romans 13:1-4; Esther 4:14). • The pairing pictures a balanced society—law rooted in divine truth, applied by qualified officials (Psalm 72:1-2). Inquire of them • “Inquire” implies careful, respectful consultation, not casual curiosity (Joshua 9:14; Jeremiah 6:16). • God encourages questions when they are directed toward His ordained channels (Matthew 7:7; Acts 17:11). • The heart attitude matters: seekers must be ready to accept the answer given (James 1:5-6). and they will give you a verdict in the case • The promise is definitive—God equips His servants to render clear decisions (2 Chronicles 19:10; Ezekiel 44:24). • The verdict carries divine weight; refusing it invites disorder (Deuteronomy 17:12-13; Matthew 18:17). • Accepting the ruling promotes unity, protects the innocent, and restrains evil (Psalm 133:1; 1 Peter 2:13-15). summary Deuteronomy 17:9 shows God’s design for resolving hard questions: His people must actively seek out duly appointed spiritual and civil leaders, listen humbly, and submit to the verdict they give. By honoring these God-given structures, Israel—and believers today—walk in order, preserve truth, and experience the peace that comes from righteous judgment. Verse 9. - Enquire; what, namely, is "the sentence of judgment;" and this the judge should declare. Sentence of judgment; literally, word of right, verbum juris, declaration of what was legally right.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew You are to goוּבָאתָ֗ (ū·ḇā·ṯā) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine singular Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go to אֶל־ (’el-) Preposition Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to the Levitical הַלְוִיִּ֔ם (hal·wî·yim) Article | Noun - proper - masculine plural Strong's 3881: Levites -- descendant of Levi priests הַכֹּהֲנִים֙ (hak·kō·hă·nîm) Article | Noun - masculine plural Strong's 3548: Priest and to וְאֶל־ (wə·’el-) Conjunctive waw | Preposition Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to the judge הַשֹּׁפֵ֔ט (haš·šō·p̄êṭ) Article | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular Strong's 8199: To judge, pronounce sentence, to vindicate, punish, to govern, to litigate who אֲשֶׁ֥ר (’ă·šer) Pronoun - relative Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that presides at that הָהֵ֑ם (hā·hêm) Article | Pronoun - third person masculine plural Strong's 1992: They time. בַּיָּמִ֣ים (bay·yā·mîm) Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine plural Strong's 3117: A day Inquire of them, וְדָרַשְׁתָּ֙ (wə·ḏā·raš·tā) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine singular Strong's 1875: To tread, frequent, to follow, to seek, ask, to worship and they will give וְהִגִּ֣ידוּ (wə·hig·gî·ḏū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Conjunctive perfect - third person common plural Strong's 5046: To be conspicuous you a verdict דְּבַ֥ר (də·ḇar) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 1697: A word, a matter, thing, a cause in the case. הַמִּשְׁפָּֽט׃ (ham·miš·pāṭ) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 4941: A verdict, a sentence, formal decree, divine law, penalty, justice, privilege, style Links Deuteronomy 17:9 NIVDeuteronomy 17:9 NLT Deuteronomy 17:9 ESV Deuteronomy 17:9 NASB Deuteronomy 17:9 KJV Deuteronomy 17:9 BibleApps.com Deuteronomy 17:9 Biblia Paralela Deuteronomy 17:9 Chinese Bible Deuteronomy 17:9 French Bible Deuteronomy 17:9 Catholic Bible OT Law: Deuteronomy 17:9 And you shall come to the priests (Deut. 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