Deuteronomy 17:8 net — Appeal to a Higher Court If a matter is too difficult for you to judge– bloodshed, legal claim, or assault– matters of…

NET Bible

"Appeal to a Higher Court If a matter is too difficult for you to judge– bloodshed, legal claim, or assault– matters of controversy in your villages– you must leave there and go up to the place the LORD your God chooses."

— Deuteronomy 17:8, NET Bible

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Deuteronomy 17:8 in Other Translations

6 versions All translations
  • KJV

    “If there arise a matter too hard for thee in judgment, between blood and blood, between plea and plea, and between stroke and stroke, being matters of controversy within thy gates: then shalt thou arise, and get thee up into the place which the Lord thy God shall choose;”

  • ASV

    “If there arise a matter too hard for thee in judgment, between blood and blood, between plea and plea, and between stroke and stroke, being matters of controversy within thy gates; then shalt thou arise, and get thee up unto the place which Jehovah thy God shall choose; ”

  • WEB

    “If there arises a matter too hard for you in judgment, between blood and blood, between plea and plea, and between stroke and stroke, being matters of controversy within your gates; then you shall arise, and go up to the place which Yahweh your God shall choose;”

  • DRB

    “If thou perceive that there be among you a hard and doubtful matter in judgment between blood and blood, cause and cause, leprosy and leprosy: and thou see that the words of the judges within thy gates do vary: arise, and go up to the place, which the Lord thy God shall choose.”

  • BBE

    “If you are not able to give a decision as to who is responsible for a death, or who is right in a cause, or who gave the first blow in a fight, and there is a division of opinion about it in your town: then go to the place marked out by the Lord your God;”

  • KJVA

    “If there arise a matter too hard for thee in judgment, between blood and blood, between plea and plea, and between stroke and stroke, being matters of controversy within thy gates: then shalt thou arise, and get thee up into the place which the Lord thy God shall choose;”

Deuteronomy 17 — Context

5

you must bring to your city gates that man or woman who has done this wicked thing– that very man or woman– and you must stone that person to death.

6

At the testimony of two or three witnesses they must be executed. They cannot be put to death on the testimony of only one witness.

7

The witnesses must be first to begin the execution, and then all the people are to join in afterward. In this way you will purge evil from among you.

8

Appeal to a Higher Court If a matter is too difficult for you to judge– bloodshed, legal claim, or assault– matters of controversy in your villages– you must leave there and go up to the place the LORD your God chooses.

9

You will go to the Levitical priests and the judge in office in those days and seek a solution; they will render a verdict.

10

You must then do as they have determined at that place the LORD chooses. Be careful to do just as you are taught.

11

You must do what you are instructed, and the verdict they pronounce to you, without fail. Do not deviate right or left from what they tell you.

Deuteronomy 17:8 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does Deuteronomy 17:8 say?
Deuteronomy 17:8 in the NET Bible reads: “Appeal to a Higher Court If a matter is too difficult for you to judge– bloodshed, legal claim, or assault– matters of controversy in your villages– you must leave there and go up to the place the LORD your God chooses.”
Where is Deuteronomy 17:8 in the Bible?
Deuteronomy 17:8 is found in the Old Testament, in the book of Deuteronomy, chapter 17, verse 8.
Who wrote Deuteronomy?
Deuteronomy is traditionally attributed to Moses (traditional). Largely framed as Moses' farewell speeches; the closing chapter narrating his death was likely added by Joshua or a later editor. It was written c. 1406 BC.
What is the book of Deuteronomy about?
Deuteronomy is Moses' final sermons to Israel before they enter the Promised Land — a renewed call to love and obey the LORD. It re-states the Law, rehearses Israel's history, and lays before the people blessing for obedience and curse for rebellion.
What are the major themes of Deuteronomy?
Deuteronomy explores themes including Covenant, Love, Obedience, Remembrance, Blessing & Curse. These themes shape the meaning and context of Deuteronomy 17:8.
What translation should I read Deuteronomy 17:8 in?
Deuteronomy 17:8 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.
How can I memorize Deuteronomy 17:8?
Deuteronomy 17:8 reads (NET): “Appeal to a Higher Court If a matter is too difficult for you to judge– bloodshed, legal claim, or assault– matters of controversy in your villages– you must leave there and go up to the place the LORD your God chooses.” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.
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