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Deuteronomy 27:19 - Justice for the vulnerable?

Deuteronomy 27:19 - דברים 27:19

Hebrew Text

אָרוּר מַטֶּה מִשְׁפַּט גֵּר־יָתוֹם וְאַלְמָנָה וְאָמַר כָּל־הָעָם אָמֵן׃

English Translation

Cursed be he that perverts the judgment of the stranger, fatherless, and widow. And all the people shall say, Amen.

Transliteration

Arur mateh mishpat ger-yatom ve'almanah ve'amar kol-ha'am amen.

Hebrew Leining Text

אָר֗וּר מַטֶּ֛ה מִשְׁפַּ֥ט גֵּר־יָת֖וֹם וְאַלְמָנָ֑ה וְאָמַ֥ר כׇּל־הָעָ֖ם אָמֵֽן׃<sup class="footnote-marker">*</sup><i class="footnote">(ספק פרשה סתומה בכתר ארם צובה)</i>
אָר֗וּר מַטֶּ֛ה מִשְׁפַּ֥ט גֵּר־יָת֖וֹם וְאַלְמָנָ֑ה וְאָמַ֥ר כׇּל־הָעָ֖ם אָמֵֽן׃*(ספק פרשה סתומה בכתר ארם צובה)

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Understanding the Verse in Context

The verse (Devarim 27:19) appears in the context of the blessings and curses proclaimed on Mount Gerizim and Mount Eival. These declarations emphasize the moral and ethical obligations of Bnei Yisrael upon entering Eretz Yisrael. The specific curse here targets those who distort justice for the vulnerable—the stranger (ger), orphan (yatom), and widow (almanah).

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi explains that this curse applies to a judge who intentionally perverts justice for these vulnerable groups. He emphasizes that the Torah singles out these individuals because they lack protectors and are easily oppressed. The phrase "מַטֶּה מִשְׁפַּט" ("perverts the judgment") implies a deliberate twisting of the law, not merely an error in judgment.

Rambam's Perspective

In Hilchos De'os (6:10), Rambam teaches that showing kindness to the stranger, orphan, and widow is a fundamental mitzvah, as they are particularly susceptible to suffering. He connects this to the broader principle of imitating Hashem's attributes, who "upholds the cause of the fatherless and the widow" (Devarim 10:18). Distorting their judgment is thus a grave sin, as it opposes divine justice.

Talmudic and Midrashic Insights

  • The Talmud (Shabbat 31a) lists oppression of these groups among the sins for which one is severely punished, as their cries reach Hashem directly (Shemos 22:22-23).
  • Midrash Tanchuma (Mishpatim 10) states that Hashem personally advocates for the orphan and widow, and those who wrong them effectively "challenge" Hashem's role as their protector.

The Significance of "Amen"

The communal response of "Amen" signifies acceptance and affirmation of the curse. The Ramban (Devarim 27:15-26) notes that this public declaration reinforces societal accountability—ensuring that justice for the vulnerable is not just an individual obligation but a collective responsibility.

Practical Halachic Implications

Shulchan Aruch (Choshen Mishpat 7:1) rules that judges must be especially vigilant in cases involving the stranger, orphan, or widow, as any bias against them violates this prohibition. The Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 79) adds that this mitzvah instills compassion and safeguards societal morality.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sanhedrin 7b
The verse is cited in the context of discussing the severity of perverting justice, particularly for the vulnerable (stranger, orphan, and widow).
📖 Chullin 92a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the ethical obligations towards the vulnerable members of society.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Deuteronomy 27:19 mean?
A: Deuteronomy 27:19 warns against perverting justice for vulnerable groups—strangers (גֵר), orphans (יָתוֹם), and widows (אַלְמָנָה). The Torah emphasizes that those who mistreat or deny justice to these individuals are subject to a curse, and the community responds with 'Amen,' affirming this principle.
Q: Why does the Torah specifically mention strangers, orphans, and widows?
A: Rashi explains that strangers, orphans, and widows are often defenseless and lack societal support. The Torah repeatedly commands kindness and fair treatment toward them (e.g., Exodus 22:21-22). This verse reinforces their protection under Jewish law, as they are especially vulnerable to exploitation.
Q: Why do the people respond with 'Amen'?
A: The Talmud (Shevuot 36a) teaches that saying 'Amen' signifies acceptance and agreement with the curse. By responding, the Jewish people collectively affirm their commitment to upholding justice for the vulnerable, acknowledging the severity of violating this commandment.
Q: How does this verse apply today?
A: The Rambam (Hilchos De'os 6:10) rules that helping the vulnerable is a constant obligation. Today, this verse reminds us to advocate for fair treatment of converts, orphans, widows, and anyone marginalized—whether in legal matters, charity, or daily interactions—as a core Jewish value.
Q: What is the significance of this verse being part of the curses on Mount Ebal?
A: The Midrash (Sifrei Devarim) notes that these curses highlight severe societal sins. Placing injustice toward the vulnerable alongside idolatry and other grave offenses (Deuteronomy 27:15-26) underscores that ethical treatment of the defenseless is foundational to a just Jewish society.