King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 17:20 Mean?

Deuteronomy 17:20 in the King James Version says “That his heart be not lifted up above his brethren, and that he turn not aside from the commandment, to the right hand, ... — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 17 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

Deuteronomy 17:20 · KJV


Context

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
That his heart be not lifted up above his brethren—The king's greatest danger: pride (לֵבָב, levav, heart lifted up). Daily Torah reading prevents this by reminding him he's a brother (אָח, ach)—a fellow covenant member, not a demigod. Solomon ignored this, his wives turned away his heart after other gods (1 Kings 11:4), leading to kingdom division.

That he turn not aside from the commandment, to the right hand, or to the left—The narrow path (Matthew 7:14). James warns leaders face the greater condemnation (James 3:1). Peter commands elders: Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock (1 Peter 5:3). Leadership doesn't exempt from obedience but intensifies accountability. To the end that he may prolong his days in his kingdom, he, and his children—obedience ensures dynastic stability. Disobedience destroys legacies (Jeroboam, Ahab, Manasseh).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Saul exemplified the lifted-up heart (1 Samuel 15:17-23), presuming to alter God's commands. David, though flawed, remained 'a man after God's own heart' (Acts 13:22) through repentance (Psalm 51). Solomon's drift from Torah resulted in Israel's permanent division (1 Kings 11-12).

Reflection Questions

  1. What leadership positions (work, ministry, family) tempt you toward pride and exempting yourself from standards you expect others to follow?
  2. How does viewing yourself as a 'brother' (fellow servant) rather than 'above' others shape your leadership?
  3. What legacy are you building—faithfulness that 'prolongs days' for your spiritual children, or disobedience that destroys what you've built?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 19 words
לְבִלְתִּ֤י1 of 19
H1115

properly, a failure of, i.e., (used only as a negative particle, usually with a prepositional prefix) not, except, without, unless, besides, because n

רוּם2 of 19

be not lifted up

H7311

to be high actively, to rise or raise (in various applications, literally or figuratively)

לְבָבוֹ֙3 of 19

That his heart

H3824

the heart (as the most interior organ)

מֵֽאֶחָ֔יו4 of 19

above his brethren

H251

a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])

וּלְבִלְתִּ֛י5 of 19
H1115

properly, a failure of, i.e., (used only as a negative particle, usually with a prepositional prefix) not, except, without, unless, besides, because n

ס֥וּר6 of 19

and that he turn not aside

H5493

to turn off (literally or figuratively)

מִן7 of 19
H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

הַמִּצְוָ֖ה8 of 19

from the commandment

H4687

a command, whether human or divine (collectively, the law)

יָמִ֣ין9 of 19

to the right hand

H3225

the right hand or side (leg, eye) of a person or other object (as the stronger and more dexterous); locally, the south

וּשְׂמֹ֑אול10 of 19

or to the left

H8040

properly, dark (as enveloped), i.e., the north; hence (by orientation), the left hand

לְמַעַן֩11 of 19
H4616

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

יַֽאֲרִ֨יךְ12 of 19

to the end that he may prolong

H748

to be (causative, make) long (literally or figuratively)

יָמִ֧ים13 of 19

his 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

עַל14 of 19
H5921

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

מַמְלַכְתּ֛וֹ15 of 19

in his kingdom

H4467

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

ה֥וּא16 of 19
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

וּבָנָ֖יו17 of 19

he and his children

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

בְּקֶ֥רֶב18 of 19

in the midst

H7130

properly, the nearest part, i.e., the center, whether literal, figurative or adverbial (especially with preposition)

יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃19 of 19

of Israel

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity


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 17:20 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 17:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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