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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Deuteronomy 17:20 Then his heart will not be exalted above his countrymen, and he will not turn aside from the commandment, to the right or to the left, in order that he and his sons may reign many years over his kingdom in Israel.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/deuteronomy/17-20.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/3/05_Deu_17_20.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Deuteronomy 17:20 - Guidelines for a King" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Then his heart will not be exalted above his countrymen, and he will not turn aside from the commandment, to the right or to the left, in order that he and his sons may reign many years over his kingdom in Israel." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head> <script async src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtag/js?id=G-LR4HSKRP2H"></script> <script> window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);} gtag('js', new Date()); gtag('config', 'G-LR4HSKRP2H'); </script><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/deuteronomy/17-20.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/deuteronomy/17-20.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/deuteronomy/">Deuteronomy</a> > <a href="/deuteronomy/17.htm">Chapter 17</a> > Verse 20</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad20.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/deuteronomy/17-19.htm" title="Deuteronomy 17:19">◄</a> Deuteronomy 17:20 <a href="/deuteronomy/18-1.htm" title="Deuteronomy 18:1">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/deuteronomy/17.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/deuteronomy/17.htm">New International Version</a> and not consider himself better than his fellow Israelites and turn from the law to the right or to the left. Then he and his descendants will reign a long time over his kingdom in Israel. <a href="/nlt/deuteronomy/17.htm">New Living Translation</a> This regular reading will prevent him from becoming proud and acting as if he is above his fellow citizens. It will also prevent him from turning away from these commands in the smallest way. And it will ensure that he and his descendants will reign for many generations in Israel. <a href="/esv/deuteronomy/17.htm">English Standard Version</a> that his heart may not be lifted up above his brothers, and that he may not turn aside from the commandment, either to the right hand or to the left, so that he may continue long in his kingdom, he and his children, in Israel. <a href="/bsb/deuteronomy/17.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Then his heart will not be exalted above his countrymen, and he will not turn aside from the commandment, to the right or to the left, in order that he and his sons may reign many years over his kingdom in Israel. <a href="/kjv/deuteronomy/17.htm">King James Bible</a> 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. <a href="/nkjv/deuteronomy/17.htm">New King James Version</a> that his heart may not be lifted above his brethren, that he may not turn aside from the commandment to the right hand or to the left, and that he may prolong his days in his kingdom, he and his children in the midst of Israel. <a href="/nasb_/deuteronomy/17.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> so that his heart will not be haughty toward his countrymen, and that he will not turn away from the commandment to the right or the left, so that he and his sons may live long in his kingdom in the midst of Israel. <a href="/nasb/deuteronomy/17.htm">NASB 1995</a> that his heart may not be lifted up above his countrymen and that he may not turn aside from the commandment, to the right or the left, so that he and his sons may continue long in his kingdom in the midst of Israel. <a href="/nasb77/deuteronomy/17.htm">NASB 1977 </a> that his heart may not be lifted up above his countrymen and that he may not turn aside from the commandment, to the right or the left; in order that he and his sons may continue long in his kingdom in the midst of Israel. <a href="/lsb/deuteronomy/17.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> that his heart may not be lifted up above his brothers and that he may not turn aside from the commandment, to the right or the left, so that he may prolong his days in his kingdom, he and his sons in the midst of Israel. <a href="/amp/deuteronomy/17.htm">Amplified Bible</a> so that his heart will not be lifted up above his countrymen [by a false sense of self-importance and self-reliance] and that he will not turn away (deviate) from the commandment, to the right or to the left, so that he and his sons may continue [to reign] for a long time in his kingdom in Israel. <a href="/csb/deuteronomy/17.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Then his heart will not be exalted above his countrymen, he will not turn from this command to the right or the left, and he and his sons will continue reigning many years in Israel. <a href="/hcsb/deuteronomy/17.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Then his heart will not be exalted above his countrymen, he will not turn from this command to the right or the left, and he and his sons will continue ruling many years over Israel.&#8221 <a href="/asv/deuteronomy/17.htm">American Standard Version</a> 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. <a href="/cev/deuteronomy/17.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> and not think that he's better than everyone else. If the king completely obeys the LORD's commands, he and his descendants will rule Israel for many years. <a href="/erv/deuteronomy/17.htm">English Revised Version</a> 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. <a href="/gwt/deuteronomy/17.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Then he won't think he's better than the rest of his people, and he won't disobey these commands in any way. So he and his sons will rule for a long time in Israel. <a href="/gnt/deuteronomy/17.htm">Good News Translation</a> This will keep him from thinking that he is better than other Israelites and from disobeying the LORD's commands in any way. Then he will reign for many years, and his descendants will rule Israel for many generations. <a href="/isv/deuteronomy/17.htm">International Standard Version</a> He is not to exalt himself over his relatives, nor turn aside from the commandment—neither to the right nor to the left—so that he and his sons may reign long in Israel." <a href="/net/deuteronomy/17.htm">NET Bible</a> Then he will not exalt himself above his fellow citizens or turn from the commandments to the right or left, and he and his descendants will enjoy many years ruling over his kingdom in Israel. <a href="/nheb/deuteronomy/17.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> that his heart not be lifted up above his brothers, and that he not turn 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. <a href="/wbt/deuteronomy/17.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> That his heart may not be lifted above his brethren, and that he may not turn 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.<div class="vheading2">Majority Text Translations</div><a href="/msb/deuteronomy/17.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Then his heart will not be exalted above his countrymen, and he will not turn aside from the commandment, to the right or to the left, in order that he and his sons may reign many years over his kingdom in Israel. <a href="/web/deuteronomy/17.htm">World English Bible</a> that his heart not be lifted up above his brothers, and that he not turn away 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 middle of Israel. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/deuteronomy/17.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> so that his heart is not high above his brothers, and so as not to turn aside from the command [to] the right or left, so that he prolongs days over his kingdom, he and his sons in the midst of Israel.” <a href="/ylt/deuteronomy/17.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> so that his heart is not high above his brethren, and so as not to turn aside from the command, right or left, so that he prolongeth days over his kingdom, he and his sons, in the midst of Israel. <a href="/slt/deuteronomy/17.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> Not to lift up his head above his brethren, and not to turn away from the commands, to the right or to the left; so that he shall prolong the days upon his kingdom he, and his sons in the midst of Israel.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/deuteronomy/17.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And that his heart be not lifted up with pride over his brethren, nor decline to the right or to the left, that he and his sons may reign a long time over Israel. <a href="/cpdv/deuteronomy/17.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And so may his heart not become exalted with arrogance over his brothers, nor turn aside to the right or to the left, so that he and his sons may reign for a long time over Israel.” <a href="/nabre/deuteronomy/17.htm">New American Bible</a> so that he does not exalt himself over his kindred or turn aside from this commandment to the right or to the left, and so that he and his descendants may reign long in Israel. <a href="/nrsvce/deuteronomy/17.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> neither exalting himself above other members of the community nor turning aside from the commandment, either to the right or to the left, so that he and his descendants may reign long over his kingdom in Israel.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/deuteronomy/17.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> That his heart may not be lifted up above his brethren, and that he may not turn aside from the commandments, neither to the right hand nor to the left; so that he may prolong his days in his kingdom, he and his children, in the midst of Israel. <a href="/hpbt/deuteronomy/17.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> So that his heart will not be exalted over his brothers and he will not turn away from the commandments, neither to the right, nor to the left, that he may increase the days of his kingdom, he and his children, among the children of Israel.” <div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/deuteronomy/17.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> 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. <a href="/sep/deuteronomy/17.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> that his heart be not lifted up above his brethren, that he depart not from the commandments on the right hand or on the left; that he and his sons may reign long in his dominion among the children of Israel. <a href="/parallel/deuteronomy/17-20.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/IRhBtZaVxJ0?start=5032" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/deuteronomy/17.htm">Guidelines for a King</a> …19It is to remain with him, and he is to read from it all the days of his life, so that he may learn to fear the LORD his God by carefully observing all the words of this instruction and these statutes. 20<a href="/hebrew/3824.htm" title="3824: lə·ḇā·ḇōw (N-msc:: 3ms) -- Inner man, mind, will, heart. From labab; the heart; used also like leb.">Then his heart</a> <a href="/hebrew/1115.htm" title="1115: lə·ḇil·tî (Prep-l) -- Constructive feminine of balah; properly, a failure of, i.e. not, except, without, unless, besides, because not, until, etc.">will not</a> <a href="/hebrew/7311.htm" title="7311: rūm- (V-Qal-Inf) -- To be high or exalted, rise. A primitive root; to be high actively, to rise or raise.">be exalted</a> <a href="/hebrew/4480.htm" title="4480: min- (Prep) -- From. Or minniy; or minney; for men; properly, a part of; hence, from or out of in many senses.">above</a> <a href="/hebrew/251.htm" title="251: mê·’e·ḥāw (Prep-m:: N-mpc:: 3ms) -- A brother. A primitive word; a brother (like 'ab).">his countrymen,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1115.htm" title="1115: ū·lə·ḇil·tî (Conj-w, Prep-l) -- Constructive feminine of balah; properly, a failure of, i.e. not, except, without, unless, besides, because not, until, etc.">and he will not</a> <a href="/hebrew/5493.htm" title="5493: sūr (V-Qal-Inf) -- To turn aside. Or suwr; a primitive root; to turn off.">turn aside</a> <a href="/hebrew/4687.htm" title="4687: ham·miṣ·wāh (Art:: N-fs) -- Commandment. From tsavah; a command, whether human or divine.">from the commandment,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3225.htm" title="3225: yā·mîn (N-fs) -- Right hand. From yaman; the right hand or side of a person or other object; locally, the south.">to the right</a> <a href="/hebrew/8040.htm" title="8040: ū·śə·mō·wl (Conj-w:: N-ms) -- The left. ">or to the left,</a> <a href="/hebrew/4616.htm" title="4616: lə·ma·‘an (Conj) -- From anah; properly, heed, i.e. Purpose; used only adverbially, on account of, teleologically, in order that.">in order that</a> <a href="/hebrew/1931.htm" title="1931: hū (Pro-3ms) -- He, she, it. ">he</a> <a href="/hebrew/1121.htm" title="1121: ū·ḇā·nāw (Conj-w:: N-mpc:: 3ms) -- Son. From banah; a son, in the widest sense (like 'ab, 'ach, etc.).">and his sons</a> <a href="/hebrew/748.htm" title="748: ya·’ă·rîḵ (V-Hifil-Imperf-3ms) -- To be long. A primitive root; to be long.">may reign</a> <a href="/hebrew/3117.htm" title="3117: yā·mîm (N-mp) -- Day. From an unused root meaning to be hot; a day, whether literal, or figurative.">many years</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘al- (Prep) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">over</a> <a href="/hebrew/4467.htm" title="4467: mam·laḵ·tōw (N-fsc:: 3ms) -- Kingdom, sovereignty, dominion, reign. From malak; dominion, i.e. the estate or the country.">his kingdom</a> <a href="/hebrew/7130.htm" title="7130: bə·qe·reḇ (Prep-b:: N-msc) -- Inward part, midst. From qarab; properly, the nearest part, i.e. The center, whether literal, figurative or adverbial.">in</a> <a href="/hebrew/3478.htm" title="3478: yiś·rā·’êl (N-proper-ms) -- From sarah and 'el; he will rule as God; Jisrael, a symbolical name of Jacob; also of his posterity.">Israel.</a> <div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/1_kings/2-3.htm">1 Kings 2:3-4</a> And keep the charge of the LORD your God to walk in His ways and to keep His statutes, commandments, ordinances, and decrees, as written in the Law of Moses, so that you may prosper in all you do and wherever you turn, / and so that the LORD may fulfill His promise to me: ‘If your descendants take heed to walk faithfully before Me with all their heart and soul, you will never fail to have a man on the throne of Israel.’ <a href="/joshua/1-7.htm">Joshua 1:7-8</a> Above all, be strong and very courageous. Be careful to observe all the law that My servant Moses commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right or to the left, so that you may prosper wherever you go. / This Book of the Law must not depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. For then you will prosper and succeed in all you do. <a href="/1_samuel/12-14.htm">1 Samuel 12:14-15</a> If you fear the LORD and serve Him and obey His voice, and if you do not rebel against the command of the LORD, and if both you and the king who rules over you follow the LORD your God, then all will be well. / But if you disobey the LORD and rebel against His command, then the hand of the LORD will be against you as it was against your fathers. <a href="/2_kings/22-2.htm">2 Kings 22:2</a> And he did what was right in the eyes of the LORD and walked in all the ways of his father David; he did not turn aside to the right or to the left. <a href="/2_chronicles/34-31.htm">2 Chronicles 34:31</a> So the king stood by the pillar and made a covenant before the LORD to follow the LORD and to keep His commandments, decrees, and statutes with all his heart and all his soul, and to carry out the words of the covenant that were written in this book. <a href="/psalms/119-1.htm">Psalm 119:1-3</a> Blessed are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the Law of the LORD. / Blessed are those who keep His testimonies and seek Him with all their heart. / They do no iniquity; they walk in His ways. <a href="/proverbs/4-26.htm">Proverbs 4:26-27</a> Make a level path for your feet, and all your ways will be sure. / Do not swerve to the right or to the left; turn your feet away from evil. <a href="/isaiah/30-21.htm">Isaiah 30:21</a> And whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear this command behind you: “This is the way. Walk in it.” <a href="/jeremiah/6-16.htm">Jeremiah 6:16</a> This is what the LORD says: “Stand at the crossroads and look. Ask for the ancient paths: ‘Where is the good way?’ Then walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls. But they said, ‘We will not walk in it!’ <a href="/ezekiel/18-9.htm">Ezekiel 18:9</a> He follows My statutes and faithfully keeps My ordinances. That man is righteous; surely he will live, declares the Lord GOD. <a href="/matthew/7-13.htm">Matthew 7:13-14</a> Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. / But small is the gate and narrow the way that leads to life, and only a few find it. <a href="/matthew/22-37.htm">Matthew 22:37-40</a> Jesus declared, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ / This is the first and greatest commandment. / And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ ... <a href="/luke/1-6.htm">Luke 1:6</a> Both of them were righteous in the sight of God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and decrees of the Lord. <a href="/john/14-15.htm">John 14:15</a> If you love Me, you will keep My commandments. <a href="/romans/2-13.htm">Romans 2:13</a> For it is not the hearers of the law who are righteous before God, but it is the doers of the law who will be declared righteous.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>That his heart be not lifted up above his brothers, 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 middle of Israel.his heart<a href="/deuteronomy/8-2.htm">Deuteronomy 8:2,13,14</a> And thou shalt remember all the way which the LORD thy God led thee these forty years in the wilderness, to humble thee, and to prove thee, to know what was in thine heart, whether thou wouldest keep his commandments, or no… <a href="/2_kings/14-10.htm">2 Kings 14:10</a> Thou hast indeed smitten Edom, and thine heart hath lifted thee up: glory of this, and tarry at home: for why shouldest thou meddle to thy hurt, that thou shouldest fall, even thou, and Judah with thee?<a href="/2_chronicles/25-19.htm">2 Chronicles 25:19</a> Thou sayest, Lo, thou hast smitten the Edomites; and thine heart lifteth thee up to boast: abide now at home; why shouldest thou meddle to thine hurt, that thou shouldest fall, even thou, and Judah with thee?he turn<a href="/deuteronomy/4-2.htm">Deuteronomy 4:2</a> Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you.<a href="/deuteronomy/5-32.htm">Deuteronomy 5:32</a> Ye shall observe to do therefore as the LORD your God hath commanded you: ye shall not turn aside to the right hand or to the left.<a href="/deuteronomy/12-25.htm">Deuteronomy 12:25,28,32</a> Thou shalt not eat it; that it may go well with thee, and with thy children after thee, when thou shalt do that which is right in the sight of the LORD… right hand<a href="/deuteronomy/17-11.htm">Deuteronomy 17:11</a> According to the sentence of the law which they shall teach thee, and according to the judgment which they shall tell thee, thou shalt do: thou shalt not decline from the sentence which they shall shew thee, to the right hand, nor to the left.<a href="/1_samuel/13-13.htm">1 Samuel 13:13,14</a> And Samuel said to Saul, Thou hast done foolishly: thou hast not kept the commandment of the LORD thy God, which he commanded thee: for now would the LORD have established thy kingdom upon Israel for ever… <a href="/1_samuel/15-23.htm">1 Samuel 15:23</a> For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, he hath also rejected thee from being king.that he<a href="/proverbs/10-27.htm">Proverbs 10:27</a> The fear of the LORD prolongeth days: but the years of the wicked shall be shortened.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/numbers/14-3.htm">Better</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/14-1.htm">Children</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/15-5.htm">Commandment</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/15-18.htm">Consider</a> <a href="/numbers/34-11.htm">Continue</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/17-15.htm">Countrymen</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/11-9.htm">Descendants</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/17-11.htm">Either</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/17-16.htm">End</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/17-11.htm">Hand</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/17-17.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/17-12.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/17-18.htm">Kingdom</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/17-19.htm">Life</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/12-6.htm">Lifted</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/17-7.htm">Midst</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/17-3.htm">Orders</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/11-9.htm">Prolong</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/15-6.htm">Reign</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/17-11.htm">Right</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/17-11.htm">Side</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/17-9.htm">Time</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/17-17.htm">Turn</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/17-17.htm">Turned</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/judges/8-2.htm">Better</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/20-14.htm">Children</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/19-9.htm">Commandment</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/32-7.htm">Consider</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/25-3.htm">Continue</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/18-2.htm">Countrymen</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/18-5.htm">Descendants</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/18-3.htm">Either</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/20-9.htm">End</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/19-5.htm">Hand</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/18-13.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/18-1.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/joshua/13-12.htm">Kingdom</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/19-21.htm">Life</a> <a href="/joshua/4-18.htm">Lifted</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/18-2.htm">Midst</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/18-20.htm">Orders</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/22-7.htm">Prolong</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/32-25.htm">Reign</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/18-3.htm">Right</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/30-18.htm">Side</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/19-4.htm">Time</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/22-1.htm">Turn</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/21-13.htm">Turned</a><div class="vheading2">Deuteronomy 17</div>1. <a href="/deuteronomy/17-1.htm">The things sacrificed must be sound</a> 2. <a href="/deuteronomy/17-2.htm">Idolaters must be slain</a> 8. <a href="/deuteronomy/17-8.htm">Hard controversies are to be determined by the priests and judges</a> 12. <a href="/deuteronomy/17-12.htm">The one who shows contempt for the judge must die</a> 14. <a href="/deuteronomy/17-14.htm">The election</a> 16. <a href="/deuteronomy/17-16.htm">and duty of a king</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/deuteronomy/17.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/deuteronomy/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/deuteronomy/17.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>Then his heart will not be exalted above his countrymen This phrase emphasizes humility, a key virtue in biblical leadership. The king of Israel was to remain humble, recognizing that his authority was granted by God and not due to personal merit. This humility is echoed in the New Testament, where Jesus teaches that "whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted" (<a href="/matthew/23-12.htm">Matthew 23:12</a>). The cultural context of ancient Israel placed great importance on community and equality before God, contrasting with the often autocratic rule seen in surrounding nations. The king's heart not being exalted above his countrymen reflects the ideal of servant leadership, a type of Christ who, though King of Kings, came to serve and not to be served (<a href="/mark/10-45.htm">Mark 10:45</a>).and he will not turn aside from the commandment, to the right or to the left This phrase underscores the importance of obedience to God's law. The king was to adhere strictly to the commandments, symbolizing unwavering faithfulness. The imagery of not turning "to the right or to the left" is a common biblical metaphor for staying on the path of righteousness (<a href="/joshua/1-7.htm">Joshua 1:7</a>). This steadfastness is crucial for maintaining a covenant relationship with God. The historical context shows that deviation from God's commandments often led to Israel's downfall, as seen in the narratives of kings who strayed from God's laws, such as Solomon (<a href="/1_kings/11.htm">1 Kings 11:1-11</a>). This phrase also foreshadows the perfect obedience of Jesus Christ, who fulfilled the law completely (<a href="/matthew/5-17.htm">Matthew 5:17</a>).in order that he and his sons may reign many years over his kingdom in Israel This phrase highlights the conditional nature of the Davidic covenant, where obedience to God's commandments would result in a lasting dynasty. The promise of a long reign is contingent upon the king's faithfulness, reflecting the broader Deuteronomic theme of blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience (Deuteronomy 28). Historically, the reigns of David and Solomon exemplify the blessings of obedience, while the divided kingdom and subsequent exiles illustrate the consequences of turning away from God. This promise also points to the ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, the eternal King from David's line, whose kingdom is everlasting (<a href="/luke/1-32.htm">Luke 1:32-33</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/m/moses.htm">Moses</a> The author of Deuteronomy, delivering God's laws and instructions to the Israelites. 2. <a href="/topical/i/israel.htm">Israel</a> The nation to whom the laws are given, specifically addressing the future kings of Israel. 3. <a href="/topical/f/future_kings_of_israel.htm">Future Kings of Israel</a> The primary audience of this verse, providing guidelines for their conduct and governance.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/h/humility_in_leadership.htm">Humility in Leadership</a> Leaders are called to maintain humility, recognizing their role as servants rather than rulers over their people. <a href="/topical/a/adherence_to_god's_commandments.htm">Adherence to God's Commandments</a> The importance of unwavering commitment to God's laws is emphasized, ensuring that leaders do not deviate from His path. <a href="/topical/g/generational_impact.htm">Generational Impact</a> The obedience of leaders has long-term effects, influencing not only their reign but also the future of their descendants. <a href="/topical/a/avoiding_pride.htm">Avoiding Pride</a> Pride can lead to downfall; leaders must guard their hearts against being exalted above others. <a href="/topical/l/longevity_of_leadership.htm">Longevity of Leadership</a> Faithfulness to God's commandments is linked to the stability and longevity of leadership and governance.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_deuteronomy_17.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Deuteronomy 17</a> <a href="/q/how_do_old_and_new_covenants_differ.htm">How do the Old and New Covenants differ?</a> <a href="/q/how_do_words_show_kindness_and_truth.htm">How should we treat the poor among us?</a> <a href="/q/why_is_ahaz's_idolatry_less_condemned.htm">Why doesn't 2 Kings 16 emphasize divine judgment on Ahaz's actions as clearly as other Old Testament passages condemn idolatry?</a> <a href="/q/what_are_common_pagan_practices.htm">What are common pagan practices?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/deuteronomy/17.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(20) To the end that he may prolong his days in his kingdom, he, and his children.--Shows that the kingdom in Israel would be hereditary only so far as Jehovah willed it to be so. Again we may say that the striking fact that no dynasty except that of David ever continued for more than five generations, and only two dynasties for more than two generations, while David's dynasty was perpetual by promise, could hardly have escaped notice, if known to the writer of this book.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/deuteronomy/17.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 20. - That his heart be not lifted up above his brethren. "Not imagining himself to be above all laws, nor slighting his subjects, as unworthy of his notice, but taking a due care to promote their happiness" (Patrick). He, and his children; properly, his sons (בָנָיו). The legislator anticipated not an elective monarchy, but one hereditary in the same family (cf. Michaelis, 'Laws of Moses,' pt. 1. § 54). <a href="/commentaries/deuteronomy/17-20.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>Then his heart לְבָבוֹ֙ (lə·ḇā·ḇōw) Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3824.htm">Strong's 3824: </a> Inner man, mind, will, heart will not לְבִלְתִּ֤י (lə·ḇil·tî) Preposition-l <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1115.htm">Strong's 1115: </a> A failure of, not, except, without, unless, besides, because not, until be exalted רוּם־ (rūm-) Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7311.htm">Strong's 7311: </a> To be high actively, to rise, raise above מִן־ (min-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4480.htm">Strong's 4480: </a> A part of, from, out of his countrymen, מֵֽאֶחָ֔יו (mê·’e·ḥāw) Preposition-m | Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_251.htm">Strong's 251: </a> A brother, ) and he will not וּלְבִלְתִּ֛י (ū·lə·ḇil·tî) Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1115.htm">Strong's 1115: </a> A failure of, not, except, without, unless, besides, because not, until turn aside ס֥וּר (sūr) Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5493.htm">Strong's 5493: </a> To turn aside from the commandment, הַמִּצְוָ֖ה (ham·miṣ·wāh) Article | Noun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4687.htm">Strong's 4687: </a> Commandment to the right יָמִ֣ין (yā·mîn) Noun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3225.htm">Strong's 3225: </a> The right hand, side, the south or to the left, וּשְׂמֹ֑אול (ū·śə·mō·wl) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8040.htm">Strong's 8040: </a> Dark, the north, the left hand in order that לְמַעַן֩ (lə·ma·‘an) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4616.htm">Strong's 4616: </a> Purpose -- intent he ה֥וּא (hū) Pronoun - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1931.htm">Strong's 1931: </a> He, self, the same, this, that, as, are and his sons וּבָנָ֖יו (ū·ḇā·nāw) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1121.htm">Strong's 1121: </a> A son may reign יַאֲרִ֨יךְ (ya·’ă·rîḵ) Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_748.htm">Strong's 748: </a> To be, long many years יָמִ֧ים (yā·mîm) Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3117.htm">Strong's 3117: </a> A day over עַל־ (‘al-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> Above, over, upon, against his kingdom מַמְלַכְתּ֛וֹ (mam·laḵ·tōw) Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4467.htm">Strong's 4467: </a> Kingdom, sovereignty, dominion, reign in בְּקֶ֥רֶב (bə·qe·reḇ) Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7130.htm">Strong's 7130: </a> The nearest part, the center Israel. יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃ (yiś·rā·’êl) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3478.htm">Strong's 3478: </a> Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/deuteronomy/17-20.htm">Deuteronomy 17:20 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/deuteronomy/17-20.htm">Deuteronomy 17:20 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/deuteronomy/17-20.htm">Deuteronomy 17:20 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/deuteronomy/17-20.htm">Deuteronomy 17:20 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/deuteronomy/17-20.htm">Deuteronomy 17:20 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/deuteronomy/17-20.htm">Deuteronomy 17:20 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/deuteronomy/17-20.htm">Deuteronomy 17:20 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/deuteronomy/17-20.htm">Deuteronomy 17:20 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/deuteronomy/17-20.htm">Deuteronomy 17:20 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/deuteronomy/17-20.htm">Deuteronomy 17:20 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/17-20.htm">OT Law: Deuteronomy 17:20 That his heart not be lifted up (Deut. De Du)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/deuteronomy/17-19.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Deuteronomy 17:19"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Deuteronomy 17:19" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/deuteronomy/18-1.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Deuteronomy 18:1"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Deuteronomy 18:1" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>