Deuteronomy 17:11according to the tenor of the law which they shall teach you, and according to the judgment which they shall tell you, you shall do; you shall not turn aside from the sentence which they shall show you, to the right hand, nor to the left.
The setting
Plains of Moab, ~1400 BC. Moses concludes his instructions about the judicial system, emphasizing unwavering obedience to legal decisions. Modern-day Jordan, final preparations before crossing into Canaan.
The emotion here: fierce protectiveness against the rebellion and chaos he'd witnessed for 40 years
The original word
sur (סוּר) — to turn aside, depart from the path, like a traveler leaving the road
Why it matters
This principle of not turning aside became the foundation for Israel's legal precedent system
Read with care
What most readers miss in Deuteronomy 17:11
The repetitive language mirrors ancient legal contracts — Moses is creating constitutional law
Common misconceptionPeople read this as legalism, but Moses had seen what happens when everyone does what's right in their own eyes. This is about preventing societal breakdown.
The thread continues
Verses that echo Deuteronomy 17:11
Bible Genome reading
Deuteronomy 17:11 — Bible Genome reading
Emotional genome
Deuteronomy 17:11 comes from the book of Deuteronomy, written during the exodus period. These words are attributed to Moses. The dominant emotion in this verse is worship, with a comfort power of 40% and a tone that is commanding. It belongs to the law genre of biblical literature. Key themes include obedience, legal instruction. Notable phrases: tenor of the law; they shall teach you. This verse contains a command.
Emotionally similar
Verses that meet the same worship
“Hear, Israel: Yahweh is our God; Yahweh is one:”
— Deuteronomy 6:4
“and you shall love Yahweh your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your might.”
— Deuteronomy 6:5
“For everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven:”
— Ecclesiastes 3:1
“Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me.”
— John 14:6
“Jesus said to them, "Most certainly, I tell you, before Abraham came into existence, I AM."”
— John 8:58
Your reflection
What does Deuteronomy 17:11 mean to you, today?
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