Deuteronomy 27:19
“‘Cursed be anyone who perverts the justice due to the sojourner, the fatherless, and the widow.’ And all the people shall say, ‘Amen.’
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
What's striking here is that this curse isn't just about ignoring the weak, but actively twisting justice against them. It’s a reminder that failing to protect the vulnerable isn't a neutral act; it's a perversion, a twisting of what is right and a betrayal of God’s own heart for the oppressed.
This verse is part of a dramatic public ceremony where Moses leads the Israelites in proclaiming curses against specific sins, right before they enter the Promised Land. The people are divided, with one group declaring the curses and the entire assembly responding "Amen," signifying their agreement that these actions deserve God's judgment. This follows pronouncements against idolatry, disrespect for parents, and other offenses, and sets the stage for Joshua to lead them into obedience and covenant faithfulness.
Understand the original words
matteh · Hebrew Verb
To twist, distort, or turn aside from what is right and fair, specifically in a legal or social context regarding the rights of others.
mishpat · Hebrew Noun
Legal fairness and equity in accordance with God's law; it involves treating others rightly and protecting the vulnerable.
ger · Hebrew Noun
A foreigner or temporary resident living in a community, often vulnerable and requiring protection under the stipulations of the covenant.
yathom · Hebrew Noun
One who has lost their father; in Scripture, often used alongside widows to represent the most vulnerable members of society who depend on God's protection.
This curse is recited as the people stand poised to enter the Promised Land, reminding them that upholding justice for the vulnerable, not just military might, is foundational to God's covenant with them.
c. 1440 BC
Israel's Covenant at Sinai
God establishes His covenant with the people of Israel at Mount Sinai, outlining laws and blessings for obedience, and curses for disobedience.
c. 1400 BC
Conquest of Canaan Begins
Under Joshua's leadership, the Israelites begin the conquest of the Promised Land, a land inhabited by various peoples.
c. 1390 BC - 1070 BC
The Period of the Judges
A turbulent era in Israelite history marked by cycles of sin, oppression, and deliverance, highlighting the ongoing need for justice.
c. 1000 BC
United Monarchy Established
Saul, David, and Solomon rule over a unified Israel, a period of greater stability but also increasing social and judicial complexities.
c. 750 BC - 600 BC
This passage, also from the Torah, directly commands Israel not to mistreat widows or orphans, highlighting the consistent concern for the vulnerable in God's law.
Leviticus 19:15This verse is a clear parallel, stating, 'You shall not show partiality in judgment; you shall not be partial to the poor or defer to the great, but in righteousness shall you judge your neighbor,' emphasizing impartiality in justice for all.
Job 24:4This prophetic lament speaks of the injustice faced by the vulnerable, showing how perverting justice for the widow and fatherless was a deep-seated problem that even Job observed, and it has continued throughout history.
James 1:27This New Testament passage defines true religion as caring for 'the fatherless and widows in their affliction,' echoing Deuteronomy's concern for these same vulnerable groups and connecting it to genuine faith.
Galatians 3:10Paul quotes Deuteronomy 27:26 ('Cursed is everyone who does not continue to do all the things written in the book of the law') to show that failing to uphold God's law, including justice for the oppressed, brings a curse, reinforcing the gravity of Deuteronomy 27:19.
cambridgeDeuteronomy 27:19: "Cursed be he that perverteth the judgment of the stranger, fatherless, and widow. And all the people shall say, Amen."
19 . See on Deuteronomy 24:17 ; E, Exodus 22:21-24 ; Exodus 23:9 ; H, Leviticus 19:33 f.
calvinDeuteronomy 27:11-26: "And Moses charged the people the same day, saying,"
Cursed be the man that maketh any graven or molten image, an abomination unto the Lord, the work of the hands of the craftsman, and putteth it in a secret place: and all the people shall answer and say, Amen.
Maledictus vir ille qui fecerit sculptile, et conflatile, abominationem Jehovae, opus manuum artificis, et posuerit in abscondito: et respondebunt universus populus, ac dicent, Amen.
Cursed be he that…
What's striking here is that this curse isn't just about ignoring the weak, but actively twisting justice against them. It’s a reminder that failing to protect the vulnerable isn't a neutral act; it's a perversion, a twisting of what is right and a betrayal of God’s own heart for the oppressed.
This verse is part of a dramatic public ceremony where Moses leads the Israelites in proclaiming curses against specific sins, right before they enter the Promised Land. The people are divided, with one group declaring the curses and the entire assembly responding "Amen," signifying their agreement that these actions deserve God's judgment. This follows pronouncements against idolatry, disrespect for parents, and other offenses, and sets the stage for Joshua to lead them into obedience and covenant faithfulness.
This verse is part of a dramatic public ceremony where Moses leads the Israelites in proclaiming curses against specific sins, right before they enter the Promised Land. The people are divided, with one group declaring the curses and the entire assembly responding "Amen," signifying their agreement that these actions deserve God's judgment. This follows pronouncements against idolatry, disrespect for parents, and other offenses, and sets the stage for Joshua to lead them into obedience and covenant faithfulness.
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Ask a follow-up
Ask Sola things like:
Live chat about Deuteronomy 27:19 is available in the Sola app.
almanah · Hebrew Noun
A woman whose husband has died; throughout Scripture, they are recognized as a vulnerable group specifically placed under God's care and protected by His law.
Prophetic Warnings
Prophets like Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Micah denounce injustice and corruption within Israel and Judah, warning of coming judgment.
c. 1400 BC— this verse
The Curses Proclaimed at Mount Ebal
As the Israelites prepare to enter the Promised Land, Moses instructs them to proclaim curses from Mount Ebal against those who violate God's law, including perverting justice.
"“‘Cursed be anyone who perverts the justice due to the sojourner, the fatherless, and the widow.’ And all the people shall say, ‘Amen.’" — What's striking here is that this curse isn't just about ignoring the weak, but actively twisting justice against them. It’s a reminder that failing to protect the vulnerable isn't a neutral act;…
