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 17:20KJV
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Deuteronomy 17:20 (KJV)

What does Deuteronomy 17:20 mean?

Deuteronomy 17:20 instructs that a king of Israel should not become proud or consider himself above his fellow Israelites, and he must not turn away from God's commandments in any direction, so that he and his descendants may have a long and stable reign among the people of Israel. The verse emphasizes humility, obedience, and the well-being of both the king and his nation.

This verse is part of Moses' instructions to the Israelites about the future king, explaining the character and behavior expected of someone in that role. Moses warns that the king must remain humble ("his heart be not lifted up above his brethren") and strictly follow God's law, not deviating "to the right hand, or to the left." The promise attached is that such faithfulness will lead to a lasting dynasty in Israel.

The Hebrew behind Deuteronomy 17:20

  • "heart" (לֵבָב, levav): This word refers to the inner self or attitude. Here, it highlights that the king's pride or sense of superiority should not take root internally.
  • "up" (רוּם, rum): This word means "to be high" or "exalted." The phrase "his heart be not lifted up" warns against arrogance or self-importance.
  • "aside" (סוּר, sur): This verb means "to turn aside" or "depart." It stresses the importance of not straying from the commandments, even a little.
  • "commandment" (מִצְוָה, mitzvah): This refers to God's instructions. The verse underscores that the king is under the same law as everyone else.
  • "right hand" (יָמִין, yamin) and "left" (שְׂמֹאל, semol): These words are used metaphorically to mean any direction away from the correct path, stressing complete adherence.

Why Deuteronomy 17:20 matters

  • Deuteronomy 17:20 clarifies that even the highest leader in Israel is not above God's law or the community, countering any idea that a king has absolute power.
  • The verse ties the king's personal humility and obedience directly to the stability and longevity of his reign, showing a link between private character and public blessing.
  • In the wider context, this verse is part of a set of instructions meant to prevent the abuses of power that were common in ancient monarchies, setting Israel's king apart from those of other nations.

Where else these words appear

“prolong” Hebrew H748 · used in 34 verses

  • Genesis 26:8 And it came to pass, when he had been there a long time, that Abimelech king of the Philistines looked out at a window, and saw, and, behold, Isaac was sporting with Rebekah his wife.
  • Deuteronomy 25:15 But thou shalt have a perfect and just weight, a perfect and just measure shalt thou have: that thy days may be lengthened in the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.
  • Proverbs 28:2 For the transgression of a land many are the princes thereof: but by a man of understanding and knowledge the state thereof shall be prolonged.

“left” Hebrew H8040 · used in 53 verses

  • Genesis 13:9 Is not the whole land before thee? separate thyself, I pray thee, from me: if thou wilt take the left hand, then I will go to the right; or if thou depart to the right hand, then I will go to the left.
  • Judges 7:20 And the three companies blew the trumpets, and brake the pitchers, and held the lamps in their left hands, and the trumpets in their right hands to blow withal: and they cried, The sword of the LORD, and of Gideon.
  • 2 Chronicles 34:2 And he did that which was right in the sight of the LORD, and walked in the ways of David his father, and declined neither to the right hand, nor to the left.

“kingdom” Hebrew H4467 · used in 113 verses

  • Genesis 10:10 And the beginning of his kingdom was Babel, and Erech, and Accad, and Calneh, in the land of Shinar.
  • 2 Kings 15:19 And Pul the king of Assyria came against the land: and Menahem gave Pul a thousand talents of silver, that his hand might be with him to confirm the kingdom in his hand.
  • Isaiah 14:16 They that see thee shall narrowly look upon thee, and consider thee, saying, Is this the man that made the earth to tremble, that did shake kingdoms;

“hand” Hebrew H3225 · used in 133 verses

  • Genesis 13:9 Is not the whole land before thee? separate thyself, I pray thee, from me: if thou wilt take the left hand, then I will go to the right; or if thou depart to the right hand, then I will go to the left.
  • 1 Kings 7:39 And he put five bases on the right side of the house, and five on the left side of the house: and he set the sea on the right side of the house eastward over against the south.
  • Psalms 109:6 Set thou a wicked man over him: and let Satan stand at his right hand.