Deuteronomy 17:20

18 When he is seated on his royal throne, he must write for himself a copy of this instruction on a scroll in the presence of the Levitical priests.

19 It 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.

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.

This was said to Israel at a particular time, so it is wise to read it together with the surrounding text. Do read the surrounding verses too, because the context often says more than a single verse.

Compare

BSB
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.
KJV
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.
WEB
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.
ASV
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.
DARBY
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; that he may prolong his days in his kingdom, he, and his sons, in the midst of Israel.
BLB
that his heart may not be lifted above his brothers, and that he may not turn aside from the commandment [to] the right or [to] the left, that he may prolong [his] days in his kingdom—he and his children—in the midst of Israel.
ÅB
for at han ikke skal opphøye seg over sine brødre og ikke vike av fra budet, hverken til høyre eller til venstre. Da skal han leve lenge som konge i Israel, både han og hans sønner.
OTB
På denne måten vil hans hjerte ikke bli løftet opp over hans medisraelitter, og han vil ikke vende seg bort fra budet, verken til høyre eller til venstre. Da vil han og hans etterkommere regjere lenge i sitt rike i Israel.
B1930
forat han ikke skal ophøie sig over sine brødre og ikke vike av fra budet, hverken til høire eller til venstre. Da skal han leve lenge som konge i Israel, både han og hans sønner.

Study notes (Tyndale)

Original text and word study

Cross references

  • 1 Kings 15:5

    For David had done what was right in the eyes of the LORD and had not turned aside from anything the LORD commanded all the days of his life, except in the matter of Uriah the Hittite.

    Read in context
  • Deuteronomy 5:32

    So be careful to do as the LORD your God has commanded you; you are not to turn aside to the right or to the left.

    Read in context
  • Isaiah 2:12

    For the Day of the LORD of Hosts will come against all the proud and lofty, against all that is exalted— it will be humbled—

    Read in context
  • Psalms 131:1–2

    My heart is not proud, O LORD, my eyes are not haughty. I do not aspire to great things or matters too lofty for me.

    Read in context
  • Daniel 5:20–23

    But when his heart became arrogant and his spirit was hardened with pride, he was deposed from his royal throne, and his glory was taken from him.

    Read in context
  • 2 Chronicles 26:16

    But when Uzziah grew powerful, his arrogance led to his own destruction. He was unfaithful to the LORD his God, for he entered the temple of the LORD to burn incense on the altar of incense.

    Read in context
  • Deuteronomy 12:32

    See that you do everything I command you; do not add to it or subtract from it.

    Read in context
  • 2 Kings 14:10

    You have indeed defeated Edom, and your heart has become proud. Glory in that and stay at home. Why should you stir up trouble so that you fall—you and Judah with you?”

    Read in context