Deuteronomy 17:20
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.
Original Language Analysis
לְבִלְתִּ֤י
H1115
לְבִלְתִּ֤י
Strong's:
H1115
Word #:
1 of 19
properly, a failure of, i.e., (used only as a negative particle, usually with a prepositional prefix) not, except, without, unless, besides, because n
רוּם
be not lifted up
H7311
רוּם
be not lifted up
Strong's:
H7311
Word #:
2 of 19
to be high actively, to rise or raise (in various applications, literally or figuratively)
מֵֽאֶחָ֔יו
above his brethren
H251
מֵֽאֶחָ֔יו
above his brethren
Strong's:
H251
Word #:
4 of 19
a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])
וּלְבִלְתִּ֛י
H1115
וּלְבִלְתִּ֛י
Strong's:
H1115
Word #:
5 of 19
properly, a failure of, i.e., (used only as a negative particle, usually with a prepositional prefix) not, except, without, unless, besides, because n
ס֥וּר
and that he turn not aside
H5493
ס֥וּר
and that he turn not aside
Strong's:
H5493
Word #:
6 of 19
to turn off (literally or figuratively)
מִן
H4480
מִן
Strong's:
H4480
Word #:
7 of 19
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
הַמִּצְוָ֖ה
from the commandment
H4687
הַמִּצְוָ֖ה
from the commandment
Strong's:
H4687
Word #:
8 of 19
a command, whether human or divine (collectively, the law)
יָמִ֣ין
to the right hand
H3225
יָמִ֣ין
to the right hand
Strong's:
H3225
Word #:
9 of 19
the right hand or side (leg, eye) of a person or other object (as the stronger and more dexterous); locally, the south
וּשְׂמֹ֑אול
or to the left
H8040
וּשְׂמֹ֑אול
or to the left
Strong's:
H8040
Word #:
10 of 19
properly, dark (as enveloped), i.e., the north; hence (by orientation), the left hand
לְמַעַן֩
H4616
לְמַעַן֩
Strong's:
H4616
Word #:
11 of 19
properly, heed, i.e., purpose; used only adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim), teleologically, in order that
יַֽאֲרִ֨יךְ
to the end that he may prolong
H748
יַֽאֲרִ֨יךְ
to the end that he may prolong
Strong's:
H748
Word #:
12 of 19
to be (causative, make) long (literally or figuratively)
יָמִ֧ים
his days
H3117
יָמִ֧ים
his days
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
13 of 19
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
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
14 of 19
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
מַמְלַכְתּ֛וֹ
in his kingdom
H4467
מַמְלַכְתּ֛וֹ
in his kingdom
Strong's:
H4467
Word #:
15 of 19
dominion, i.e., (abstractly) the estate (rule) or (concretely) the country (realm)
ה֥וּא
H1931
ה֥וּא
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
16 of 19
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
וּבָנָ֖יו
he and his children
H1121
וּבָנָ֖יו
he and his children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
17 of 19
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
Cross References
Deuteronomy 5:32Ye 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.1 Kings 15:5Because 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.Isaiah 2:12For 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:
Historical Context
Saul exemplified the lifted-up heart (1 Samuel 15:17-23), presuming to alter God's commands. David, though flawed, remained 'a man after God's own heart' (Acts 13:22) through repentance (Psalm 51). Solomon's drift from Torah resulted in Israel's permanent division (1 Kings 11-12).
Questions for Reflection
- What leadership positions (work, ministry, family) tempt you toward pride and exempting yourself from standards you expect others to follow?
- How does viewing yourself as a 'brother' (fellow servant) rather than 'above' others shape your leadership?
- What legacy are you building—faithfulness that 'prolongs days' for your spiritual children, or disobedience that destroys what you've built?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
That his heart be not lifted up above his brethren—The king's greatest danger: pride (לֵבָב, levav, heart lifted up). Daily Torah reading prevents this by reminding him he's a brother (אָח, ach)—a fellow covenant member, not a demigod. Solomon ignored this, his wives turned away his heart after other gods (1 Kings 11:4), leading to kingdom division.
That he turn not aside from the commandment, to the right hand, or to the left—The narrow path (Matthew 7:14). James warns leaders face the greater condemnation (James 3:1). Peter commands elders: Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock (1 Peter 5:3). Leadership doesn't exempt from obedience but intensifies accountability. To the end that he may prolong his days in his kingdom, he, and his children—obedience ensures dynastic stability. Disobedience destroys legacies (Jeroboam, Ahab, Manasseh).