Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version He defends the cause of the fatherless and the widow, and loves the foreigner residing among you, giving them food and clothing. New Living Translation He ensures that orphans and widows receive justice. He shows love to the foreigners living among you and gives them food and clothing. English Standard Version He executes justice for the fatherless and the widow, and loves the sojourner, giving him food and clothing. Berean Standard Bible He executes justice for the fatherless and widow, and He loves the foreigner, giving him food and clothing. King James Bible He doth execute the judgment of the fatherless and widow, and loveth the stranger, in giving him food and raiment. New King James Version He administers justice for the fatherless and the widow, and loves the stranger, giving him food and clothing. New American Standard Bible He executes justice for the orphan and the widow, and shows His love for the stranger by giving him food and clothing. NASB 1995 “He executes justice for the orphan and the widow, and shows His love for the alien by giving him food and clothing. NASB 1977 “He executes justice for the orphan and the widow, and shows His love for the alien by giving him food and clothing. Legacy Standard Bible He executes justice for the orphan and the widow, and shows love for the sojourner by giving him food and clothing. Amplified Bible He executes justice for the orphan and the widow, and shows His love for the stranger (resident alien, foreigner) by giving him food and clothing. Christian Standard Bible He executes justice for the fatherless and the widow, and loves the resident alien, giving him food and clothing. Holman Christian Standard Bible He executes justice for the fatherless and the widow, and loves the foreigner, giving him food and clothing. American Standard Version He doth execute justice for the fatherless and widow, and loveth the sojourner, in giving him food and raiment. Contemporary English Version The LORD defends the rights of orphans and widows. He cares for foreigners and gives them food and clothing. English Revised Version He doth execute the judgment of the fatherless and widow, and loveth the stranger, in giving him food and raiment. GOD'S WORD® Translation He makes sure orphans and widows receive justice. He loves foreigners and gives them food and clothes. Good News Translation He makes sure that orphans and widows are treated fairly; he loves the foreigners who live with our people, and gives them food and clothes. International Standard Version He executes justice for the orphan and the widows, loves the foreigner, and gives them food and clothing." NET Bible who justly treats the orphan and widow, and who loves resident foreigners, giving them food and clothing. New Heart English Bible He does execute justice for the fatherless and widow, and loves the foreigner, in giving him food and clothing. Webster's Bible Translation He executeth the judgment of the fatherless and widow, and loveth the stranger, in giving him food and raiment. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleHe executes justice for the fatherless and widow, and He loves the foreigner, giving him food and clothing. World English Bible He executes justice for the fatherless and widow and loves the foreigner in giving him food and clothing. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionHe is doing the judgment of fatherless and widow, and loving the sojourner, to give bread and raiment to him. Young's Literal Translation He is doing the judgment of fatherless and widow, and loving the sojourner, to give to him bread and raiment. Smith's Literal Translation He did the judgment of the orphan and the widow, and he loved the stranger to give to him bread and a garment. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleHe doth judgment to the fatherless and the widow, loveth the stranger, and giveth him food and raiment. Catholic Public Domain Version He accomplishes judgment for the orphan and the widow. He loves the sojourner, and he gives him food as well as clothing. New American Bible who executes justice for the orphan and the widow, and loves the resident alien, giving them food and clothing. New Revised Standard Version who executes justice for the orphan and the widow, and who loves the strangers, providing them food and clothing. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleHe does execute justice for the fatherless and the widows, and loves him who turns to him, and gives him food and clothing. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And he performs the judgment of orphans and of widows and loves the one who are converted to him and he gives him bread and clothing. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917He doth execute justice for the fatherless and widow, and loveth the stranger, in giving him food and raiment. Brenton Septuagint Translation executing judgment for the stranger and orphan and widow, and he loves the stranger to give him food and raiment. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context A Call to Obedience…17For the LORD your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great, mighty, and awesome God, showing no partiality and accepting no bribe. 18He executes justice for the fatherless and widow, and He loves the foreigner, giving him food and clothing. 19So you also must love the foreigner, since you yourselves were foreigners in the land of Egypt.… Cross References Psalm 68:5 A father of the fatherless and a defender of widows is God in His holy habitation. James 1:27 Pure and undefiled religion before our God and Father is this: to care for orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world. Psalm 146:9 The LORD protects foreigners; He sustains the fatherless and the widow, but the ways of the wicked He frustrates. Isaiah 1:17 Learn to do right; seek justice and correct the oppressor. Defend the fatherless and plead the case of the widow.” Jeremiah 22:3 This is what the LORD says: Administer justice and righteousness. Rescue the victim of robbery from the hand of his oppressor. Do no wrong or violence to the foreigner, the fatherless, or the widow. Do not shed innocent blood in this place. Exodus 22:22-24 You must not mistreat any widow or orphan. / If you do mistreat them, and they cry out to Me in distress, I will surely hear their cry. / My anger will be kindled, and I will kill you with the sword; then your wives will become widows and your children will be fatherless. Matthew 25:35-40 For I was hungry and you gave Me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave Me something to drink, I was a stranger and you took Me in, / I was naked and you clothed Me, I was sick and you looked after Me, I was in prison and you visited Me.’ / Then the righteous will answer Him, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You something to drink? ... Isaiah 10:1-2 Woe to those who enact unjust statutes and issue oppressive decrees, / to deprive the poor of fair treatment and withhold justice from the oppressed of My people, to make widows their prey and orphans their plunder. Proverbs 23:10-11 Do not move an ancient boundary stone or encroach on the fields of the fatherless, / for their Redeemer is strong; He will take up their case against you. Zechariah 7:9-10 “This is what the LORD of Hosts says: ‘Administer true justice. Show loving devotion and compassion to one another. / Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the foreigner or the poor. And do not plot evil in your hearts against one another.’ Malachi 3:5 “Then I will draw near to you for judgment. And I will be a swift witness against sorcerers and adulterers and perjurers, against oppressors of the widowed and fatherless, and against those who defraud laborers of their wages and deny justice to the foreigner but do not fear Me,” says the LORD of Hosts. Job 29:12-13 because I rescued the poor who cried out and the fatherless who had no helper. / The dying man blessed me, and I made the widow’s heart sing for joy. Luke 4:18-19 “The Spirit of the Lord is on Me, because He has anointed Me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent Me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to release the oppressed, / to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” Hosea 14:3 Assyria will not save us, nor will we ride on horses. We will never again say, ‘Our gods!’ to the work of our own hands. For in You the fatherless find compassion.” Romans 12:13 Share with the saints who are in need. Practice hospitality. Treasury of Scripture He does execute the judgment of the fatherless and widow, and loves the stranger, in giving him food and raiment. doth Psalm 68:5 A father of the fatherless, and a judge of the widows, is God in his holy habitation. Psalm 103:6 The LORD executeth righteousness and judgment for all that are oppressed. Psalm 146:9 The LORD preserveth the strangers; he relieveth the fatherless and widow: but the way of the wicked he turneth upside down. loveth Psalm 145:9 The LORD is good to all: and his tender mercies are over all his works. Matthew 5:45 That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. Acts 14:17 Nevertheless he left not himself without witness, in that he did good, and gave us rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness. Jump to Previous Alien Bread Cause Child Clothing Country Defends Execute Executes Executeth Judging Judgment Justice Loves Loving Mercy Orphan Raiment Shows Sojourner Strange Stranger Uprightly WidowJump to Next Alien Bread Cause Child Clothing Country Defends Execute Executes Executeth Judging Judgment Justice Loves Loving Mercy Orphan Raiment Shows Sojourner Strange Stranger Uprightly WidowDeuteronomy 10 1. God's mercy in restoring the two tablets6. in continuing the priesthood 8. in separating the tribe of Levi 10. in hearkening unto Moses' plea for his people 12. An exhortation to obedience He executes justice for the fatherless and widow This phrase highlights God's character as a defender of the vulnerable. In ancient Israel, the fatherless and widows were among the most marginalized, lacking the protection and provision typically provided by a male head of household. The Mosaic Law repeatedly emphasizes care for these groups (Exodus 22:22-24, Psalm 68:5), reflecting God's justice and compassion. This divine concern is echoed in the New Testament, where James 1:27 describes pure religion as caring for orphans and widows. The execution of justice implies active intervention, suggesting that God not only cares but also acts on behalf of the oppressed, a theme seen throughout the prophetic literature (Isaiah 1:17, Jeremiah 22:3). and He loves the foreigner giving him food and clothing Persons / Places / Events 1. MosesThe author of Deuteronomy, who is delivering God's laws and commandments to the Israelites. 2. Israelites The chosen people of God, receiving the laws and commandments as they prepare to enter the Promised Land. 3. Fatherless and Widow Represent vulnerable groups in society who are often marginalized and in need of protection and justice. 4. Foreigner (Sojourner) Non-Israelites living among the Israelites, often without the same rights and protections as native-born citizens. 5. Promised Land The land of Canaan, which the Israelites are about to enter, where they are to live according to God's laws. Teaching Points God's Heart for JusticeGod is deeply concerned with justice, especially for those who are marginalized. As His followers, we are called to reflect His character by advocating for and supporting the vulnerable in our communities. Love for the Foreigner God's love extends beyond ethnic and national boundaries. We are called to love and care for those who are different from us, including immigrants and refugees, providing for their needs as God provides for ours. Imitating God's Compassion As believers, we are to imitate God's compassion by actively seeking ways to support the fatherless, widows, and foreigners. This can be through direct action, support of ministries, or advocacy. Practical Faith Our faith is demonstrated through our actions. Caring for the vulnerable is a tangible expression of our faith and obedience to God's commands. Community Responsibility The community of believers is responsible for ensuring justice and provision for all its members, especially those who cannot fend for themselves. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Deuteronomy 10:18?2. How does Deuteronomy 10:18 demonstrate God's justice and compassion for the vulnerable? 3. What actions can we take to "execute justice" like God in Deuteronomy 10:18? 4. How does Deuteronomy 10:18 connect with James 1:27 on caring for orphans? 5. In what ways can we "love the foreigner" as instructed in Deuteronomy 10:18? 6. How does God's character in Deuteronomy 10:18 inspire our treatment of others today? 7. How does Deuteronomy 10:18 reflect God's character towards the marginalized? 8. Why is justice for orphans and widows emphasized in Deuteronomy 10:18? 9. What historical context influenced the message of Deuteronomy 10:18? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Deuteronomy 10? 11. What does the Bible say about Christian foster care? 12. How should we treat the poor among us? 13. How can you show love to strangers today? 14. What does the Bible say about orphans and widows? What Does Deuteronomy 10:18 Mean He executes justice for the fatherless and widowDeuteronomy 10:18 opens by declaring, “He executes justice for the fatherless and widow.” This reveals God’s active role in defending those who can’t defend themselves. • Throughout Scripture the Lord calls Himself “a father to the fatherless, a defender of widows” (Psalm 68:5), underscoring that this is not a one-time promise but a consistent part of His character. • Isaiah 1:17 urges Israel, “Uphold the rights of the fatherless; plead the cause of the widow,” echoing God’s expectation that His people reflect His heart. • Psalm 146:9 reassures us that “The LORD protects the foreigners; He sustains the fatherless and widow,” tying together all three vulnerable groups named in Deuteronomy 10:18. When Israel heard Moses speak these words, they were reminded that their covenant God personally steps into the courtroom on behalf of orphans and widows. In every generation, believers are called to do the same—seeing social justice not as a trend but as obedience to the God who literally executes justice for the powerless. He loves the foreigner The verse continues, “and He loves the foreigner.” God’s love is not restricted by national borders or ethnic lines. • Earlier legislation warned, “You must not mistreat or oppress a foreigner, for you were foreigners in Egypt” (Exodus 22:21). • Leviticus 19:34 raises the bar: “The foreigner living among you must be treated as your native-born. Love him as yourself.” • Moses drives the point home in the very next verse, “You are also to love the foreigner, since you yourselves were foreigners in the land of Egypt” (Deuteronomy 10:19). • Centuries later, Ruth the Moabitess experienced this divine hospitality through Boaz, pointing forward to the way Gentiles would be welcomed into God’s family (Ephesians 2:19). The Lord’s love for foreigners displays His universal grace and anticipates the gospel’s reach “to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8). Giving him food and clothing God’s love shows up in practical ways: “giving him food and clothing.” This is more than sentiment; it is tangible provision. • Jesus highlighted the Father’s caring provision when He said, “Your heavenly Father knows that you need them” (Matthew 6:32). • Paul echoed the same truth: “My God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19). • James presses believers to act likewise: “If a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food… what good is it if you do nothing?” (James 2:15-16). • John adds, “If anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need yet closes his heart… how does God’s love abide in him?” (1 John 3:17). By citing food and clothing, Moses specifies necessities, assuring the outsider that God meets basic needs through His people’s obedience and through His own providence. summary Deuteronomy 10:18 paints a vivid portrait of God’s righteous compassion: He personally secures justice for orphans and widows, extends covenant love to foreigners, and supplies their essential needs. The verse invites every believer to mirror that same heart—championing the vulnerable, welcoming the outsider, and meeting practical needs—because this is exactly how our God acts, yesterday, today, and forever. (18) And loveth the stranger, in giving him food and raiment.--An inclusive expression. The whole substance of Jacob our father was included in the prayer for this. "If God will . . . give me bread to eat and raiment to put on" (Rashi).Verses 18, 19. - As the impartial and incorruptible Judge, God executes the judgment of the fatherless and widow, vindicates the right of the defenseless (Psalm 68:6; Psalm 146:9); and as the God of the whole earth, he loveth the stranger, helpless, and it may be oppressed, and giveth him food and raiment. Following him, Israel, as his people, were to be benevolent to the stranger, inasmuch as they themselves had been strangers in Egypt, and knew by experience what it was to be a stranger (cf. Exodus 22:20; Leviticus 19:33, 34). They were to love the stranger as God loves him, by relieving his necessities (cf. James 2:15, 16).Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew He executesעֹשֶׂ֛ה (‘ō·śeh) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular Strong's 6213: To do, make justice מִשְׁפַּ֥ט (miš·paṭ) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 4941: A verdict, a sentence, formal decree, divine law, penalty, justice, privilege, style for the fatherless יָת֖וֹם (yā·ṯō·wm) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 3490: A bereaved person and widow, וְאַלְמָנָ֑ה (wə·’al·mā·nāh) Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 490: A widow, a desolate place and He loves וְאֹהֵ֣ב (wə·’ō·hêḇ) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular Strong's 157: To have affection f the foreigner, גֵּ֔ר (gêr) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 1616: A guest, a foreigner giving לָ֥תֶת (lā·ṯeṯ) Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct Strong's 5414: To give, put, set him ל֖וֹ (lōw) Preposition | third person masculine singular Strong's Hebrew food לֶ֥חֶם (le·ḥem) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 3899: Food, bread, grain and clothing. וְשִׂמְלָֽה׃ (wə·śim·lāh) Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 8071: A dress, a mantle Links Deuteronomy 10:18 NIVDeuteronomy 10:18 NLT Deuteronomy 10:18 ESV Deuteronomy 10:18 NASB Deuteronomy 10:18 KJV Deuteronomy 10:18 BibleApps.com Deuteronomy 10:18 Biblia Paralela Deuteronomy 10:18 Chinese Bible Deuteronomy 10:18 French Bible Deuteronomy 10:18 Catholic Bible OT Law: Deuteronomy 10:18 He does execute justice for the fatherless (Deut. 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