Deuteronomy 17:20

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:

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.

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

    Because David did that which was right in the eyes of the LORD, and turned not aside from any thing that he commanded him all the days of his life, save only in the matter of Uriah the Hittite.

    Read in context
  • Deuteronomy 5:32

    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.

    Read in context
  • Isaiah 2:12

    For the day of the LORD of hosts shall be upon every one that is proud and lofty, and upon every one that is lifted up; and he shall be brought low:

    Read in context
  • Psalms 131:1–2

    LORD, my heart is not haughty, nor mine eyes lofty: neither do I exercise myself in great matters, or in things too high for me.

    Read in context
  • Daniel 5:20–23

    But when his heart was lifted up, and his mind hardened in pride, he was deposed from his kingly throne, and they took his glory from him:

    Read in context
  • 2 Chronicles 26:16

    But when he was strong, his heart was lifted up to his destruction: for he transgressed against the LORD his God, and went into the temple of the LORD to burn incense upon the altar of incense.

    Read in context
  • Deuteronomy 12:32

    What thing soever I command you, observe to do it: thou shalt not add thereto, nor diminish from it.

    Read in context
  • 2 Kings 14:10

    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?

    Read in context