Deuteronomy 17:20

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
לְבִלְתִּ֤י
H1115
properly, a failure of, i.e., (used only as a negative particle, usually with a prepositional prefix) not, except, without, unless, besides, because n
#2
רוּם
H7311
be not lifted up
to be high actively, to rise or raise (in various applications, literally or figuratively)
#3
לְבָבוֹ֙
H3824
That his heart
the heart (as the most interior organ)
#4
מֵֽאֶחָ֔יו
H251
above his brethren
a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])
#5
וּלְבִלְתִּ֛י
H1115
properly, a failure of, i.e., (used only as a negative particle, usually with a prepositional prefix) not, except, without, unless, besides, because n
#6
ס֥וּר
H5493
and that he turn not aside
to turn off (literally or figuratively)
#7
מִן
H4480
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
#8
הַמִּצְוָ֖ה
H4687
from the commandment
a command, whether human or divine (collectively, the law)
#9
יָמִ֣ין
H3225
to the right hand
the right hand or side (leg, eye) of a person or other object (as the stronger and more dexterous); locally, the south
#10
וּשְׂמֹ֑אול
H8040
or to the left
properly, dark (as enveloped), i.e., the north; hence (by orientation), the left hand
#11
לְמַעַן֩
H4616
properly, heed, i.e., purpose; used only adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim), teleologically, in order that
#12
יַֽאֲרִ֨יךְ
H748
to the end that he may prolong
to be (causative, make) long (literally or figuratively)
#13
יָמִ֧ים
H3117
his days
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
#14
עַל
H5921
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#15
מַמְלַכְתּ֛וֹ
H4467
in his kingdom
dominion, i.e., (abstractly) the estate (rule) or (concretely) the country (realm)
#16
ה֥וּא
H1931
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
#17
וּבָנָ֖יו
H1121
he and his children
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#18
בְּקֶ֥רֶב
H7130
in the midst
properly, the nearest part, i.e., the center, whether literal, figurative or adverbial (especially with preposition)
#19
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃
H3478
of Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

Analysis

This verse develops the kingdom of God theme central to Deuteronomy. The concept of kingdom reflects the development of kingdom of God within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on kingdom of God particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show imperial and royal imagery familiar to subjects of ancient monarchies, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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