Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Follow justice and justice alone, so that you may live and possess the land the LORD your God is giving you. New Living Translation Let true justice prevail, so you may live and occupy the land that the LORD your God is giving you. English Standard Version Justice, and only justice, you shall follow, that you may live and inherit the land that the LORD your God is giving you. Berean Standard Bible Pursue justice, and justice alone, so that you may live, and you may possess the land that the LORD your God is giving you. King James Bible That which is altogether just shalt thou follow, that thou mayest live, and inherit the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee. New King James Version You shall follow what is altogether just, that you may live and inherit the land which the LORD your God is giving you. New American Standard Bible Justice, and only justice, you shall pursue, so that you may live and possess the land which the LORD your God is giving you. NASB 1995 “Justice, and only justice, you shall pursue, that you may live and possess the land which the LORD your God is giving you. NASB 1977 “Justice, and only justice, you shall pursue, that you may live and possess the land which the LORD your God is giving you. Legacy Standard Bible Righteousness! Righteousness, you shall pursue, that you may live and possess the land which Yahweh your God is giving you. Amplified Bible You shall pursue justice, and only justice [that which is uncompromisingly righteous], so that you may live and take possession of the land which the LORD your God is giving you. Christian Standard Bible Pursue justice and justice alone, so that you will live and possess the land the LORD your God is giving you. Holman Christian Standard Bible Pursue justice and justice alone, so that you will live and possess the land the LORD your God is giving you.” American Standard Version That which is altogether just shalt thou follow, that thou mayest live, and inherit the land which Jehovah thy God giveth thee. Contemporary English Version People of Israel, if you want to enjoy a long and successful life, make sure that everyone is treated with justice in the land the LORD is giving you. English Revised Version That which is altogether just shalt thou follow, that thou mayest live, and inherit the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee. GOD'S WORD® Translation Strive for nothing but justice so that you will live and take possession of the land that the LORD your God is giving you. Good News Translation Always be fair and just, so that you will occupy the land that the LORD your God is giving you and so that you will continue to live there. International Standard Version You are to pursue justice—and only justice—so you may live and possess the land that the LORD your God is about to give you." NET Bible You must pursue justice alone so that you may live and inherit the land the LORD your God is giving you. New Heart English Bible You shall follow that which is altogether just, that you may live, and inherit the land which the LORD your God gives you. Webster's Bible Translation That which is altogether just shalt thou follow, that thou mayest live, and inherit the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BiblePursue justice, and justice alone, so that you may live, and you may possess the land that the LORD your God is giving you. World English Bible You shall follow that which is altogether just, that you may live and inherit the land which Yahweh your God gives you. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionRighteousness—you pursue righteousness, so that you live and have possessed the land which your God YHWH is giving to you. Young's Literal Translation Righteousness -- righteousness thou dost pursue, so that thou livest, and hast possessed the land which Jehovah thy God is giving to thee. Smith's Literal Translation Justice, justice shalt thou follow, so that thou live and inherit the land which Jehovah thy God gave to thee. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleThou shalt follow justly after that which is just: that thou mayst live and possess the land, which the Lord thy God shall give thee. Catholic Public Domain Version You shall justly pursue what is just, so that you may live and possess the land, which the Lord your God will give to you. New American Bible Justice, justice alone shall you pursue, so that you may live and possess the land the LORD, your God, is giving you. New Revised Standard Version Justice, and only justice, you shall pursue, so that you may live and occupy the land that the LORD your God is giving you. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleBut you must judge your neighbor righteously, that you may live and go in and inherit the land which the LORD your God gives you. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated But in righteousness judge your neighbor that you may live and you may enter and inherit the land that LORD JEHOVAH your God gives you. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Justice, justice shalt thou follow, that thou mayest live, and inherit the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee. Brenton Septuagint Translation Thou shalt justly pursue justice, that ye may live, and go in and inherit the land which the Lord thy God gives thee. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Judges and Justice…19Do not deny justice or show partiality. Do not accept a bribe, for a bribe blinds the eyes of the wise and twists the words of the righteous. 20Pursue justice, and justice alone, so that you may live, and you may possess the land that the LORD your God is giving you. Cross References Micah 6:8 He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God? Amos 5:24 But let justice roll on like a river, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream. Isaiah 1:17 Learn to do right; seek justice and correct the oppressor. Defend the fatherless and plead the case of the widow.” Proverbs 21:3 To do righteousness and justice is more desirable to the LORD than sacrifice. Leviticus 19:15 You must not pervert justice; you must not show partiality to the poor or favoritism to the rich; you are to judge your neighbor fairly. Psalm 82:3-4 Defend the cause of the weak and fatherless; uphold the rights of the afflicted and oppressed. / Rescue the weak and needy; save them from the hand of the wicked. Isaiah 56:1 This is what the LORD says: “Maintain justice and do what is right, for My salvation is coming soon, and My righteousness will be revealed. 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. Zechariah 7:9 “This is what the LORD of Hosts says: ‘Administer true justice. Show loving devotion and compassion to one another. Matthew 23:23 Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You pay tithes of mint, dill, and cumin. But you have disregarded the weightier matters of the law: justice, mercy, and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former. Luke 11:42 Woe to you Pharisees! For you pay tithes of mint, rue, and every herb, but you disregard justice and the love of God. You should have practiced the latter without neglecting the former. Matthew 5:6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Matthew 5:20 For I tell you that unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Romans 2:13 For it is not the hearers of the law who are righteous before God, but it is the doers of the law who will be declared righteous. 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. Treasury of Scripture That which is altogether just shall you follow, that you may live, and inherit the land which the LORD your God gives you. That which, etc. Deuteronomy 25:13-16 Thou shalt not have in thy bag divers weights, a great and a small… Micah 6:8 He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God? Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. live Deuteronomy 4:1 Now therefore hearken, O Israel, unto the statutes and unto the judgments, which I teach you, for to do them, that ye may live, and go in and possess the land which the LORD God of your fathers giveth you. Ezekiel 18:5,9 But if a man be just, and do that which is lawful and right, … Romans 10:5 For Moses describeth the righteousness which is of the law, That the man which doeth those things shall live by them. Jump to Previous Alone Altogether Heritage Inherit Justice Live Mayest Possess Possessed Pursue RighteousnessJump to Next Alone Altogether Heritage Inherit Justice Live Mayest Possess Possessed Pursue RighteousnessDeuteronomy 16 1. The feast of the Passover9. of weeks 13. of tabernacles 16. Every male must offer, as he is able, at these three feasts 18. Of judges and justice 21. Asherah poles and images are forbidden Pursue justice, and justice alone The call to pursue justice is a central theme in the Mosaic Law, reflecting God's character as just and righteous. The repetition of "justice" emphasizes its importance and exclusivity, indicating that no other pursuit should take precedence. In the ancient Near Eastern context, justice involved fairness, equity, and the protection of the vulnerable, such as widows, orphans, and foreigners. This command aligns with other biblical passages, such as Micah 6:8, which calls for acting justly, loving mercy, and walking humbly with God. The pursuit of justice is also seen in the life of Jesus Christ, who embodied perfect justice and righteousness. so that you may live and you may possess the land that the LORD your God is giving you Persons / Places / Events 1. MosesThe author of Deuteronomy, delivering God's laws and instructions to the Israelites. 2. Israelites The chosen people of God, receiving the law as they prepare to enter the Promised Land. 3. Promised Land The land of Canaan, which God promised to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. 4. The LORD (Yahweh) The covenant God of Israel, who commands His people to pursue justice. 5. Canaan The geographical region that the Israelites are to inherit, contingent upon their obedience to God's laws. Teaching Points The Call to JusticeGod commands His people to actively pursue justice, indicating that it is not a passive attribute but an active pursuit. Justice as a Foundation for Life The promise of life and possession of the land is contingent upon the pursuit of justice, showing its foundational role in God's covenant. Justice in Community Justice is not only a personal virtue but a communal responsibility, impacting the entire society. Biblical Justice vs. Worldly Justice Biblical justice is rooted in God's character and law, differing from secular or cultural definitions of justice. Justice and Righteousness The Hebrew word for justice, (tzedek), is closely related to righteousness, indicating that true justice aligns with God's righteous standards. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Deuteronomy 16:20?2. How can we "pursue justice" in our daily lives as Deuteronomy 16:20 instructs? 3. What does "justice, and only justice" mean in the context of biblical teachings? 4. How does Deuteronomy 16:20 connect with Micah 6:8 on living justly? 5. In what ways can pursuing justice lead to "life and possession of the land"? 6. How can church communities implement the pursuit of justice in their ministries? 7. How does Deuteronomy 16:20 define justice in a biblical context? 8. What historical context influenced the command in Deuteronomy 16:20? 9. How does Deuteronomy 16:20 relate to modern legal systems? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Deuteronomy 16? 11. How do we reconcile this practice with biblical teachings about justice and mercy elsewhere? 12. What does "do justly, love mercy, walk humbly" mean? 13. What does "God is just" mean? 14. Is all truth dependent on cultural context? What Does Deuteronomy 16:20 Mean Pursue justiceDeuteronomy 16:20 opens with a call to action: “Pursue justice.” The verb pictures steady, determined movement. God expects His people to move toward righteousness, not drift into it. • Micah 6:8 echoes the same heartbeat: “He has shown you, O man, what is good… to act justly.” • Isaiah 1:17 urges, “Learn to do right; seek justice. Correct the oppressor.” • Proverbs 21:3 reminds that “To do righteousness and justice is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.” Obedience here involves every sphere of life—family decisions, business practices, church leadership—wherever choices are made, the believer pursues justice because God Himself is just (Psalm 89:14). and justice alone The repetition sharpens the focus: God is not satisfied with partial or occasional fairness. “Justice alone” excludes bribery, favoritism, and double standards. • The immediate context (Deuteronomy 16:18-19) warns judges not to accept bribes or show partiality. • Leviticus 19:15 says, “Do not pervert justice; do not show partiality to the poor or favoritism to the rich.” • Exodus 23:7 insists, “Stay far from a false charge; do not kill the innocent and righteous.” • James 2:1-4 applies the same principle to the church, condemning favoritism toward the wealthy. God sets justice apart as a non-negotiable. Anything less misrepresents His character. so that you may live Justice is not merely moral window dressing; it is tied to life itself. “So that you may live” links righteousness with vitality, flourishing, and God’s covenant blessing. • Deuteronomy 30:19-20 presents the same choice: life through obedience, death through rebellion. • Proverbs 11:19 observes, “Whoever is steadfast in righteousness will live.” • Ezekiel 18:5-9 affirms that the righteous man “will surely live.” Where justice reigns, life follows—personally, socially, spiritually. God’s principles promote human thriving because they align with His holy nature. and you may possess the land that the LORD your God is giving you Justice also secures inheritance. The land was a tangible gift of grace; continued possession depended on covenant faithfulness. • Deuteronomy 4:1 ties obedience to “possessing the land that the LORD… is giving you.” • Joshua 1:7-8 connects success in the land with careful adherence to God’s law. • Psalm 37:29 promises, “The righteous will inherit the land and dwell in it forever.” • Matthew 5:5 extends the principle: “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.” For Israel, justice guarded agricultural bounty and national security. For believers today, the principle underscores stewardship of every blessing God entrusts, pointing ultimately to “an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading” (1 Peter 1:4). summary Deuteronomy 16:20 calls God’s people to chase after justice with single-minded devotion. That pursuit preserves life and secures God-given inheritance. As justice reflects the very throne of God, believers who walk in it experience His blessing now and anticipate the fullness of their eternal heritage. Verse 20. - That which is altogether just; literally, justice, justice. The repetition of the word is for the sake of emphasis, as in Genesis 14:10, "pits, pits," equal to full of pits.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew Pursueתִּרְדֹּ֑ף (tir·dōp̄) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular Strong's 7291: To pursue, chase, persecute justice, צֶ֥דֶק (ṣe·ḏeq) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 6664: The right, equity, prosperity and justice alone, צֶ֖דֶק (ṣe·ḏeq) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 6664: The right, equity, prosperity so that לְמַ֤עַן (lə·ma·‘an) Conjunction Strong's 4616: Purpose -- intent you may live, תִּֽחְיֶה֙ (tiḥ·yeh) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular Strong's 2421: To live, to revive and you may possess וְיָרַשְׁתָּ֣ (wə·yā·raš·tā) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine singular Strong's 3423: To occupy, to seize, to rob, to inherit, to expel, to impoverish, to ruin the land הָאָ֔רֶץ (hā·’ā·reṣ) Article | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 776: Earth, land the LORD יְהוָ֥ה (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel your God אֱלֹהֶ֖יךָ (’ĕ·lō·he·ḵā) Noun - masculine plural construct | second person masculine singular Strong's 430: gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative is giving you. נֹתֵ֥ן (nō·ṯên) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular Strong's 5414: To give, put, set Links Deuteronomy 16:20 NIVDeuteronomy 16:20 NLT Deuteronomy 16:20 ESV Deuteronomy 16:20 NASB Deuteronomy 16:20 KJV Deuteronomy 16:20 BibleApps.com Deuteronomy 16:20 Biblia Paralela Deuteronomy 16:20 Chinese Bible Deuteronomy 16:20 French Bible Deuteronomy 16:20 Catholic Bible OT Law: Deuteronomy 16:20 You shall follow that which is altogether (Deut. 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