Deuteronomy Chapter 21

Deuteronomy 21 Bible Verse

Explore this passage of Scripture with its full text and meaning. Read these 21 Bible verses from Deuteronomy and discover their timeless wisdom.

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1. If someone is found slain in the land which Yahweh your God gives you to possess, lying in the field, and it isn"t known who has struck him, 2. then your elders and your judges shall come out, and they shall measure to the cities which are around him who is slain. 3. It shall be that the elders of the city which is nearest to the slain man shall take a heifer of the herd, which hasn"t been worked with and which has not drawn in the yoke. 4. The elders of that city shall bring the heifer down to a valley with running water, which is neither plowed nor sown, and shall break the heifer"s neck there in the valley. 5. The priests the sons of Levi shall come near, for them Yahweh your God has chosen to minister to him, and to bless in Yahweh"s name; and according to their word shall every controversy and every assault be decided. 6. All the elders of that city which is nearest to the slain man shall wash their hands over the heifer whose neck was broken in the valley. 7. They shall answer and say, "Our hands have not shed this blood, neither have our eyes seen it. 8. Forgive, Yahweh, your people Israel, whom you have redeemed, and don"t allow innocent blood among your people Israel." The blood shall be forgiven them. 9. So you shall put away the innocent blood from among you, when you shall do that which is right in Yahweh"s eyes. 10. When you go out to battle against your enemies, and Yahweh your God delivers them into your hands and you carry them away captive, 11. and see among the captives a beautiful woman, and you are attracted to her, and desire to take her as your wife, 12. then you shall bring her home to your house. She shall shave her head and trim her nails. 13. She shall take off the clothing of her captivity, and shall remain in your house, and bewail her father and her mother a full month. After that you shall go in to her and be her husband, and she shall be your wife. 14. It shall be, if you have no delight in her, then you shall let her go where she desires; but you shall not sell her at all for money. You shall not deal with her as a slave, because you have humbled her. 15. If a man has two wives, the one beloved and the other hated, and they have borne him children, both the beloved and the hated, and if the firstborn son is hers who was hated, 16. then it shall be, in the day that he causes his sons to inherit that which he has, that he may not give the son of the beloved the rights of the firstborn before the son of the hated, who is the firstborn; 17. but he shall acknowledge the firstborn, the son of the hated, by giving him a double portion of all that he has; for he is the beginning of his strength. The right of the firstborn is his. 18. If a man has a stubborn and rebellious son who will not obey the voice of his father or the voice of his mother, and though they chasten him, will not listen to them, 19. then his father and his mother shall take hold of him and bring him out to the elders of his city and to the gate of his place. 20. They shall tell the elders of his city, "This our son is stubborn and rebellious. He will not obey our voice. He is a glutton and a drunkard." 21. All the men of his city shall stone him to death with stones. So you shall remove the evil from among you. All Israel shall hear, and fear. 22. If a man has committed a sin worthy of death, and he is put to death, and you hang him on a tree, 23. his body shall not remain all night on the tree, but you shall surely bury him the same day; for he who is hanged is accursed of God. Don"t defile your land which Yahweh your God gives you for an inheritance.

Key Themes and Application

Background

This chapter of Scripture reveals important truths about God's character and His relationship with His people. The 21 Bible verses in this passage offer wisdom that applies to our daily lives.

Main Message

This passage contains timeless wisdom that speaks to believers across generations.

Life Application

  • Read these verses slowly and prayerfully, asking God to speak to you
  • Consider how this passage applies to your current circumstances
  • Journal about what God is teaching you through this Scripture
  • Share these insights with friends or in a small group setting

Reflection Questions

  • What stands out to you most in these 21 Bible verses?
  • How does this passage challenge or encourage you today?
  • What is God inviting you to do or believe through this Scripture?
  • Who in your life needs to hear the message of these verses?

About These 21 Bible Verses

Reading the Bible is more than just checking off a task on your list. When you open these 21 Bible verses from Deuteronomy, you are entering into a conversation with God that has spanned thousands of years.

This chapter of Scripture invites you to slow down and listen. The words on these pages have comforted, challenged, and guided countless believers throughout history. As you read this passage, remember that God speaks through His Word to meet you right where you are.

Many people find it helpful to read these verses multiple times. First, read to understand the overall message. Then read again to notice specific words or phrases that stand out. Finally, read once more asking God to show you how this Scripture applies to your life today.

Why Study This Passage?

For Personal Growth

These 21 Bible verses offer wisdom for your journey. As you meditate on this passage, God uses His Word to shape your character, deepen your faith, and guide your decisions.

For Group Study

This chapter provides rich material for discussion. Reading these Bible verses with others allows you to gain new perspectives and encourage one another in faith.

For Teaching and Preaching

Pastors and teachers find in this passage timeless truths to share. The themes in these verses speak to people of all ages and backgrounds.

For Prayer and Worship

Let these words become your prayer. As you read, turn the verses into conversations with God, thanking Him for His promises and seeking His guidance.

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