King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 17:18 Mean?

Deuteronomy 17:18 in the King James Version says “And it shall be, when he sitteth upon the throne of his kingdom, that he shall write him a copy of this law in a book ou...” — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 17 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And it shall be, when he sitteth upon the throne of his kingdom, that he shall write him a copy of this law in a book out of that which is before the priests the Levites:”

Deuteronomy 17:18 · KJV

Context

16

But he shall not multiply horses to himself, nor cause the people to return to Egypt, to the end that he should multiply horses: forasmuch as the LORD hath said unto you, Ye shall henceforth return no more that way.

17

Neither shall he multiply wives to himself, that his heart turn not away: neither shall he greatly multiply to himself silver and gold.

18

And it shall be, when he sitteth upon the throne of his kingdom, that he shall write him a copy of this law in a book out of that which is before the priests the Levites:

19

And it shall be with him, and he shall read therein all the days of his life: that he may learn to fear the LORD his God, to keep all the words of this law and these statutes, to do them:

20

That his heart be not lifted up above his brethren, and that he turn not aside from the commandment, to the right hand, or to the left: to the end that he may prolong his days in his kingdom, he, and his children, in the midst of Israel.

Read Deuteronomy 17 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God commands the future king: 'And it shall be, when he sitteth upon the throne of his kingdom, that he shall write him a copy of this law in a book out of that which is before the priests the Levites.' The king must personally copy the Torah—not merely possess a copy but write it himself. This labor-intensive process ensures intimate familiarity with God's law. The king isn't above the law but under it, accountable to divine standards. The purpose (verse 19) is that he 'may learn to fear the LORD his God, to keep all the words of this law and these statutes, to do them.'

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Historical & Cultural Context

No biblical text records a king actually doing this, though Josiah's reformation (2 Kings 22-23) came closest when the rediscovered law book prompted covenant renewal. Most Israelite kings ignored or violated God's law—accumulating wealth (Solomon), multiplying wives (Solomon, Rehoboam), seeking security in military power (various kings), and promoting idolatry (numerous wicked kings). The New Testament reveals Christ as the true King who perfectly embodied and fulfilled the law (Matthew 5:17), ruling with justice and righteousness.

Reflection Questions

  1. How would personally copying Scripture shape your understanding and obedience to God's Word?
  2. What does the command for kings to study the law teach about the relationship between authority and submission to God?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
וְהָיָ֣ה1 of 16
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

כְשִׁבְתּ֔וֹ2 of 16

“And it shall be when he sitteth”

H3427

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

עַ֖ל3 of 16
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

כִּסֵּ֣א4 of 16

“upon the throne”

H3678

properly, covered, i.e., a throne (as canopied)

מַמְלַכְתּ֑וֹ5 of 16

“of his kingdom”

H4467

dominion, i.e., (abstractly) the estate (rule) or (concretely) the country (realm)

וְכָ֨תַב6 of 16

“that he shall write”

H3789

to grave, by implication, to write (describe, inscribe, prescribe, subscribe)

ל֜וֹ7 of 16
H0
אֶת8 of 16
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

מִשְׁנֵ֨ה9 of 16

“him a copy”

H4932

properly, a repetition, i.e., a duplicate (copy of a document), or a double (in amount); by implication, a second (in order, rank, age, quality or loc

הַתּוֹרָ֤ה10 of 16

“of this law”

H8451

a precept or statute, especially the decalogue or pentateuch

הַזֹּאת֙11 of 16
H2063

this (often used adverb)

עַל12 of 16
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

סֵ֔פֶר13 of 16

“in a book”

H5612

properly, writing (the art or a document); by implication, a book

מִלִּפְנֵ֥י14 of 16

“out of that which is before”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

הַכֹּֽהֲנִ֥ים15 of 16

“the priests”

H3548

literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)

הַלְוִיִּֽם׃16 of 16

“the Levites”

H3881

a levite or descendant of levi

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Deuteronomy. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Deuteronomy 17:18 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Deuteronomy 17:18 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Kings 11:12Deuteronomy 31:92 Kings 22:82 Chronicles 34:15Deuteronomy 31:24-26

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