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    Deuteronomy 21 (KJV)

    Read Deuteronomy chapter 21 in the King James Version of the Holy Bible.

    Deuteronomy 21

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    Word Meaning

    Justice (Mishpat) (מִשְׁפָּט (mishpat))

    Right judgment and fair treatment — giving each person what they are due under God's standard.

    Strong's

    Strong's H4941 — Justice (Mishpat)

    מִשְׁפָּט (mishpat) • Right judgment and fair treatment — giving each person what they are due under God's standard.

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    Deuteronomy 21 Summary

    Deuteronomy 21 addresses several societal issues: unsolved murders (the heifer ceremony), treatment of captive women, rights of firstborn sons from unloved wives, and dealing with rebellious sons. Each law protects the vulnerable and maintains community order.

    The chapter concludes with the statement that anyone hanged on a tree is 'cursed of God' — a verse Paul directly applies to Christ's crucifixion in Galatians 3:13, showing that Jesus bore the curse to redeem humanity.

    Key Themes

    Justice for the VulnerableCommunity ResponsibilityFirstborn RightsCurse of the Cross

    Key Verses in Deuteronomy 21

    "For he that is hanged is accursed of God."

    — Deuteronomy 21:23

    Paul quotes this verse to explain that Christ bore the curse of the law on the cross, redeeming believers from its penalty (Galatians 3:13).

    Life Application

    Christ bore the curse so you don't have to. Deuteronomy 21:23, fulfilled at Calvary, demonstrates the depth of God's love — He became accursed so you could be blessed.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How does Deuteronomy 21:23 relate to Jesus?

    Paul explains in Galatians 3:13 that Christ 'became a curse for us' by dying on a tree (cross), fulfilling this verse and redeeming believers from the law's curse.

    What was the heifer ceremony for unsolved murders?

    When a murder victim was found and the killer was unknown, the nearest town's elders broke a heifer's neck and washed their hands, declaring their innocence and asking God to forgive the community.

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