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Deuteronomy 16:20 - Pursue justice for divine inheritance

Deuteronomy 16:20 - דברים 16:20

Hebrew Text

צֶדֶק צֶדֶק תִּרְדֹּף לְמַעַן תִּחְיֶה וְיָרַשְׁתָּ אֶת־הָאָרֶץ אֲשֶׁר־יְהוָה אֱלֹהֶיךָ נֹתֵן לָךְ׃

English Translation

Justice, only justice shalt thou pursue, that thou mayst live, and inherit the land which the Lord thy God gives thee.

Transliteration

Tzedek tzedek tirdof lemaan tichyeh veyarashta et-ha'aretz asher-Adonai Elohecha noten lach.

Hebrew Leining Text

צֶ֥דֶק צֶ֖דֶק תִּרְדֹּ֑ף לְמַ֤עַן תִּֽחְיֶה֙ וְיָרַשְׁתָּ֣ אֶת־הָאָ֔רֶץ אֲשֶׁר־יְהֹוָ֥ה אֱלֹהֶ֖יךָ נֹתֵ֥ן לָֽךְ׃ <span class="mam-spi-samekh">{ס}</span>        
צֶ֥דֶק צֶ֖דֶק תִּרְדֹּ֑ף לְמַ֤עַן תִּֽחְיֶה֙ וְיָרַשְׁתָּ֣ אֶת־הָאָ֔רֶץ אֲשֶׁר־יְהֹוָ֥ה אֱלֹהֶ֖יךָ נֹתֵ֥ן לָֽךְ׃ {ס}        

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Parasha Commentary

The Command to Pursue Justice

The verse "צֶדֶק צֶדֶק תִּרְדֹּף" ("Justice, only justice shalt thou pursue") appears in Devarim (Deuteronomy) 16:20. The repetition of the word "צֶדֶק" (justice) emphasizes its critical importance in Jewish life. Rashi explains that the doubling of the term teaches that one must seek out a beit din (court of law) of the highest quality—one that is thoroughly just and reliable. The Sifrei (a halachic Midrash) adds that this repetition underscores the obligation to pursue justice diligently, even if it requires great effort.

The Purpose of Justice: Life and Inheritance of the Land

The verse connects the pursuit of justice with the promise "לְמַעַן תִּחְיֶה וְיָרַשְׁתָּ אֶת־הָאָרֶץ" ("that thou mayst live, and inherit the land"). Rambam (Maimonides) in Hilchot Sanhedrin (Laws of the Courts) explains that a society built on justice ensures stability and divine blessing, allowing the Jewish people to thrive in their land. The Kli Yakar (Rabbi Shlomo Ephraim Luntschitz) further elaborates that true justice leads to spiritual and physical life, as corruption and oppression bring destruction.

Justice as a Prerequisite for Settling the Land

The Talmud (Sanhedrin 7b) teaches that the appointment of judges is one of the first communal obligations upon entering Eretz Yisrael. The Netziv (Rabbi Naftali Tzvi Yehuda Berlin) in Ha'amek Davar notes that the verse links justice directly to inheritance of the land—implying that without justice, the Jewish people cannot maintain their hold on it. This aligns with prophetic warnings (e.g., Yirmiyahu 22:3) that injustice leads to exile.

Practical Applications in Halacha

  • Fair Judgments: The Shulchan Aruch (Choshen Mishpat 1:1) rules that judges must adjudicate truthfully, without favoritism or bribery.
  • Pursuit of Righteous Courts: The Sefer Hachinuch (Mitzvah 491) explains that the mitzvah includes seeking out righteous judges and supporting just legal systems.
  • Personal Integrity: The Mesillat Yesharim (Path of the Just) teaches that justice begins with individual moral conduct before extending to societal governance.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sanhedrin 32b
The verse is cited in a discussion about the importance of pursuing justice in legal proceedings and the proper conduct of judges.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does 'Justice, only justice shalt thou pursue' mean in Deuteronomy 16:20?
A: This verse teaches the importance of actively seeking justice in all aspects of life. The repetition of the word 'justice' (צֶדֶק) emphasizes its supreme importance. Rashi explains that pursuing justice means seeking out righteous judges and fair legal proceedings. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 32b) states this includes both justice in court cases and just behavior in daily life.
Q: Why does the Torah connect pursuing justice with inheriting the land?
A: The verse links justice with inheriting the land to show that a society's stability depends on justice. Rambam (Hilchot Sanhedrin) explains that when justice prevails, the Jewish people merit to dwell securely in their land. The Midrash (Sifrei Devarim) teaches that injustice leads to exile, while justice maintains our connection to the land.
Q: How can we practically 'pursue justice' in daily life according to this verse?
A: The Talmud (Shabbat 10a) teaches that pursuing justice includes being honest in business, treating others fairly, and standing up against wrongdoing. Chofetz Chaim explains it also means going beyond minimum requirements - actively seeking opportunities to help others receive justice. Even small acts of fairness fulfill this commandment.
Q: Why does the verse say 'pursue' justice rather than just 'do' justice?
A: The term 'pursue' (תִּרְדֹּף) teaches that justice requires active effort. Rashi notes we must seek out justice even if it means going to proper courts far away. The Sforno adds that justice isn't passive - we must chase after it energetically. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 8a) derives from this that judges must sometimes leave their studies to ensure justice is served.
Q: What does 'that thou mayst live' mean in this context?
A: The phrase teaches that justice brings true life to society. Ramban explains that without justice, social life becomes impossible. The Talmud (Yoma 23a) states that Jerusalem was destroyed due to baseless hatred and lack of justice. Conversely, when justice prevails, society flourishes. The Sifrei interprets this as both physical survival and spiritual elevation.