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 17:19KJV
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Deuteronomy 17:19 (KJV)

What does Deuteronomy 17:19 mean?

Deuteronomy 17:19 says that the king of Israel must keep a copy of God’s law with him and read it every day of his life, so he will learn to respect and obey the LORD his God by carefully following all the words and rules given. The verse stresses that continual, personal engagement with God’s law is meant to shape the king’s character and actions.

This instruction comes as part of Moses’ speech to the Israelites about how their future king should behave. Moses tells the people that even their highest leader is not above God’s law and must study it daily. The verse highlights that learning to “fear” (respect and honor) the LORD and obeying His commands is not automatic, but comes from regular, humble attention to God’s instructions.

The Hebrew behind Deuteronomy 17:19

  • The word “read” (קָרָא, qara) means more than just looking at the words; it often implies reading aloud or proclaiming, suggesting the king is to actively engage with the law, not just passively possess it.
  • The word “learn” (לָמַד, lamad) points to a process of gaining understanding or being trained, showing that the king’s relationship with God’s law is ongoing and formative.
  • The word “fear” (יָרֵא, yare) here means to deeply respect or revere, not simply to be afraid; it is about holding God in the highest regard.
  • The word “keep” (שָׁמַר, shamar) means to guard, watch over, or carefully observe, emphasizing that the king is to be attentive and faithful in following the law, not just aware of it.

Why Deuteronomy 17:19 matters

  • This verse corrects the idea that leaders are exempt from the rules that apply to everyone else; even the king must submit to God’s law.
  • Deuteronomy 17:19 shows that respect for God and obedience are learned through regular, intentional exposure to His words, not by status or position.
  • The verse connects to the wider passage by showing that Israel’s king is meant to be a model of humility and faithfulness, shaped by God’s instructions rather than personal power or tradition.

Where else these words appear

“learn” Hebrew H3925 · used in 80 verses

  • Deuteronomy 4:1 Now therefore hearken, O Israel, unto the statutes and unto the judgments, which I teach you, for to do them, that ye may live, and go in and possess the land which the LORD God of your fathers giveth you.
  • Psalms 25:5 Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day.
  • Proverbs 30:3 I neither learned wisdom, nor have the knowledge of the holy.

“statutes” Hebrew H2706 · used in 124 verses

  • Genesis 47:22 Only the land of the priests bought he not; for the priests had a portion assigned them of Pharaoh, and did eat their portion which Pharaoh gave them: wherefore they sold not their lands.
  • Deuteronomy 26:17 Thou hast avouched the LORD this day to be thy God, and to walk in his ways, and to keep his statutes, and his commandments, and his judgments, and to hearken unto his voice:
  • Psalms 119:12 Blessed art thou, O LORD: teach me thy statutes.