King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 17:19 Mean?

Deuteronomy 17:19 in the King James Version says “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... — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 17 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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:

Deuteronomy 17:19 · KJV


Context

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.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And it shall be with him, and he shall read therein all the days of his life—Israel's king must personally own a Torah copy (written by his own hand from the priests' master copy, v. 18), keep it with him continually, and read therein daily. Unlike ancient Near Eastern monarchs who claimed divine status, Israel's king submitted to written revelation. The law governed him; he didn't transcend it.

That he may learn to fear the LORD his God, to keep all the words of this law—Reading produces fear (יָרֵא, yare, reverent awe), which produces obedience. Psalm 1 echoes this: Blessed is the man whose delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night (Psalm 1:1-2). Jesus, the ultimate King, declared: Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God (Matthew 4:4). Daily Scripture saturation is non-negotiable for leaders.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Near Eastern kings (Egyptian pharaohs, Mesopotamian rulers) claimed semi-divine status, accountable to no written code. Israel's requirement that kings copy, carry, and read Torah daily was revolutionary—even the highest human authority submitted to God's written Word.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does daily Scripture reading cultivate 'fear of the LORD' (reverent awe) that fuels obedience?
  2. What practical rhythms ensure God's Word is 'with you' throughout the day, not just briefly visited?
  3. How does the king's requirement (personal handwritten copy, daily reading) challenge superficial approaches to Bible reading?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 23 words
וְהָֽיְתָ֣ה1 of 23
H1961

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

עִמּ֔וֹ2 of 23
H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

וְקָ֥רָא3 of 23

And it shall be with him and he shall read

H7121

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

ב֖וֹ4 of 23
H0
כָּל5 of 23
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

יְמֵ֣י6 of 23

therein all the days

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

חַיָּ֑יו7 of 23

of his life

H2416

alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin

לְמַ֣עַן8 of 23
H4616

properly, heed, i.e., purpose; used only adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim), teleologically, in order that

יִלְמַ֗ד9 of 23

that he may learn

H3925

properly, to goad, i.e., (by implication) to teach (the rod being an middle eastern incentive)

לְיִרְאָה֙10 of 23

to fear

H3372

to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten

אֶת11 of 23
H853

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

יְהוָ֣ה12 of 23

the LORD

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֱלֹהָ֔יו13 of 23

his God

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

לִ֠שְׁמֹר14 of 23

to keep

H8104

properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc

אֶֽת15 of 23
H853

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

כָּל16 of 23
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

דִּבְרֵ֞י17 of 23

all the words

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

הַתּוֹרָ֥ה18 of 23

of this law

H8451

a precept or statute, especially the decalogue or pentateuch

הַזֹּ֛את19 of 23
H2063

this (often used adverb)

וְאֶת20 of 23
H853

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

הַֽחֻקִּ֥ים21 of 23

and these statutes

H2706

an enactment; hence, an appointment (of time, space, quantity, labor or usage)

הָאֵ֖לֶּה22 of 23
H428

these or those

לַֽעֲשֹׂתָֽם׃23 of 23

to do

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application


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 17:19 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 17:19 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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