Deuteronomy 27:25
“‘Cursed is he who takes a bribe to kill an innocent person.’ All the people shall say, ‘Amen.’”
What does Deuteronomy 27:25 mean?
This verse is part of a series of curses spoken publicly in ancient Israel, meant to reinforce the community's moral boundaries. Taking a bribe to harm the innocent attacks justice itself, treating human life as something that can be bought and sold. The practice of having all the people say "Amen" made these values communal rather than abstract, a shared commitment to protecting the vulnerable from those with power and money to exploit them. The warning still speaks today to situations where the powerful use resources to evade accountability for hurting others. It reminds us that true justice requires people who won't be bought, and communities willing to affirm that some things shouldn't have a price.