Deuteronomy 16:20 Meaning: Justice, Justice You Shall Pursue
You shall follow that which is altogether just, that you may live and inherit the land which Yahweh your God gives you.
That which is altogether just shalt thou follow, that thou mayest live, and inherit the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.
That which is altogether just shalt thou follow, that thou mayest live, and inherit the land which Jehovah thy God giveth thee.
Righteousness--righteousness thou dost pursue, so that thou livest, and hast possessed the land which Jehovah thy God is giving to thee.
Perfect justice shalt thou follow, that thou mayest live, and possess the land that Jehovah thy God giveth thee.
Meaning in one sentence
Understand why the Hebrew repeats 'justice' twice and how pursuing justice leads to life and blessing in the land God gives His people.
Context
Moses is speaking to Israel as they stand on the edge of the Promised Land. He has just given laws for worship at the three annual feasts. Now he turns to the everyday life of the nation once they settle in Canaan. Judges and officers are to be appointed in every town gate. They must not pervert judgment, show partiality, or take bribes. The surrounding verses make clear how easily justice is twisted. Then comes verse 20 as a capstone: a single, emphatic command to pursue what is just, nothing else. The promise attached ties their life in the land directly to their commitment to righteous governance.
Key Words
The Hebrew text reads tzedek tzedek tirdof. The word tzedek (righteousness or justice) is repeated twice, a common Hebrew way of saying "justice, and only justice" or "perfect justice." God is not suggesting a casual interest in fairness; He is barring any compromise. The verb tirdof (from radaph) means to pursue, chase, or run after, the same word used of a hunter tracking prey. Justice is not something we wait for. It is something we actively hunt down. The grammar makes each person responsible: "you (singular) shall pursue." This command is given to everyone in Israel, not just the judges.
How Christians Read This Verse
Protestant commentators like Matthew Henry read this as a charge to magistrates to judge without corruption. Calvin stressed that judges need "inflexible constancy" against favor and hatred. The Catholic tradition has seen in these verses the foundations of natural law, justice rooted in God's character, binding on all societies. Orthodox teaching ties the pursuit of righteousness to the transformation of the whole person, not just legal systems. Across traditions, Christians agree: the repeated call to pursue justice means God's people cannot be passive about doing what is right in every sphere of life.
A common misunderstanding
Some read this verse as a command only for judges and government officials. In fact, the Hebrew second-person singular "you" addresses every individual in Israel. Moses is speaking to the whole community, not just those on the bench. Justice is not a task delegated to leaders alone. Every Israelite was called to pursue righteousness in the gate, in business deals, in witness, in family matters. That expectation has never been rescinded.
Living This Out
This week, look for one situation where you are tempted to let a small injustice slide because it would be easier to stay quiet. Maybe a coworker is overlooked for a task they deserve. A friend is talked about unfairly. A child is treated harshly without cause. The double "justice" in this verse is like a tap on the shoulder: keep going. Take one step to make things right, even if it feels awkward. You are not just fixing a problem; you are walking the path that leads to life.
Main takeaway: God calls His people not merely to admire justice but to chase after it with all their strength, because that is the way to live.
For Families
For ages 5, 8
God wants you to do what is right, not just sometimes but always. When you play with friends, share and be fair. That is chasing justice.
For ages 9, 12
This verse says "pursue justice" twice, which means God really wants us to be serious about doing what is right. It is not enough to just avoid doing wrong; we should run after fairness like a runner chases a prize. When you see someone being treated badly at school or in your neighborhood, God says: go after what is right. He promises that this is the way to truly live.
Questions People Ask
Why is 'justice' repeated twice in Deuteronomy 16:20?
In Hebrew, repeating a word is a way of emphasizing it. Here it means 'justice, and nothing but justice' or 'perfect justice.' God wants Israel to know that no compromise or half-measures are acceptable when it comes to doing what is right.
Does this verse mean we should pursue justice even when it is hard or costly?
Yes. The verb 'pursue' means to chase after something actively, like a hunter. Justice is not something we wait for; we go after it. The repetition reminds us to keep at it, even when it costs us something.
How does this Old Testament command apply to Christians today?
While the immediate context is about judges in Israel, the principle is woven throughout Scripture. Micah 6:8 says God requires us to 'act justly.' Christians are called to pursue justice in their personal lives, workplaces, and communities as a reflection of God's own character.
What does 'inherit the land' mean here?
The land is the Promised Land of Canaan, a gift from God. But living in it and enjoying its blessings was tied to obedience. Pursuing justice was part of the covenant relationship. For Christians, the promise points to the life and rest God gives to those who follow Him faithfully.
For pastors & researchers
Hebrew interlinear, 8 commentaries & word study