Deuteronomy 17:18
New International Version
When he takes the throne of his kingdom, he is to write for himself on a scroll a copy of this law, taken from that of the Levitical priests.

New Living Translation
“When he sits on the throne as king, he must copy for himself this body of instruction on a scroll in the presence of the Levitical priests.

English Standard Version
“And when he sits on the throne of his kingdom, he shall write for himself in a book a copy of this law, approved by the Levitical priests.

Berean Standard Bible
When he is seated on his royal throne, he must write for himself a copy of this instruction on a scroll in the presence of the Levitical priests.

King James Bible
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:

New King James Version
“Also it shall be, when he sits on the throne of his kingdom, that he shall write for himself a copy of this law in a book, from the one before the priests, the Levites.

New American Standard Bible
“Now it shall come about, when he sits on the throne of his kingdom, that he shall write for himself a copy of this Law on a scroll in the presence of the Levitical priests.

NASB 1995
“Now it shall come about when he sits on the throne of his kingdom, he shall write for himself a copy of this law on a scroll in the presence of the Levitical priests.

NASB 1977
“Now it shall come about when he sits on the throne of his kingdom, he shall write for himself a copy of this law on a scroll in the presence of the Levitical priests.

Legacy Standard Bible
“Now it will be when he sits on the throne of his kingdom, that he shall write for himself a copy of this law on a scroll in the presence of the Levitical priests.

Amplified Bible
“Now it shall come about when he sits on the throne of his kingdom, he shall write for himself a copy of this law on a scroll in the presence of the Levitical priests.

Christian Standard Bible
When he is seated on his royal throne, he is to write a copy of this instruction for himself on a scroll in the presence of the Levitical priests.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
When he is seated on his royal throne, he is to write a copy of this instruction for himself on a scroll in the presence of the Levitical priests.

American Standard Version
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:

Contemporary English Version
The official copy of God's laws will be kept by the priests of the Levi tribe. So, as soon as anyone becomes king, he must go to the priests and write out a copy of these laws while they watch.

English Revised Version
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:

GOD'S WORD® Translation
When he becomes king, he should have the Levitical priests make him a copy of these teachings on a scroll.

Good News Translation
When he becomes king, he is to have a copy of the book of God's laws and teachings made from the original copy kept by the levitical priests.

International Standard Version
When he occupies his royal throne, he must make a copy of this Law for himself from a scroll used by the Levitical priests.

Majority Standard Bible
When he is seated on his royal throne, he must write for himself a copy of this instruction on a scroll in the presence of the Levitical priests.

NET Bible
When he sits on his royal throne he must make a copy of this law on a scroll given to him by the Levitical priests.

New Heart English Bible
It shall be, when he sits on the throne of his kingdom, that he shall write him a copy of this law on a scroll, out of that which is before the priests the Levites:

Webster's Bible Translation
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.

World English Bible
It shall be, when he sits on the throne of his kingdom, that he shall write himself a copy of this law in a book, out of that which is before the Levitical priests.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And it has been, when he sits on the throne of his kingdom, that he has written a copy of this law for himself, on a scroll, from [that] before the priests, the Levites,

Young's Literal Translation
And it hath been, when he sitteth on the throne of his kingdom, that he hath written for himself the copy of this law, on a book, from that before the priests the Levites,

Smith's Literal Translation
And it was when he sits upon the throne of his kingdom and he wrote for him this second law upon a book, from before the priests, the Levites.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
But after he is raised to the throne of his kingdom, he shall copy out to himself the Deuteronomy of this law in a volume, taking the copy of the priests of the Levitical tribe,

Catholic Public Domain Version
Then, after he has been seated upon the throne of his kingdom, he shall write for himself the Deuteronomy of this law in a volume, using a copy from the priests of the Levitical tribe.

New American Bible
When he is sitting upon his royal throne, he shall write a copy of this law upon a scroll from the one that is in the custody of the levitical priests.

New Revised Standard Version
When he has taken the throne of his kingdom, he shall have a copy of this law written for him in the presence of the levitical priests.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And when he sits upon the throne of his kingdom, he shall write for himself a copy of this law in a book out of that which is before the priests and the Levites;

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And when he sits on the throne of his kingdom, he shall write himself a copy of this written Law in a book from before the Priest and the Levites:
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
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.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And when he shall be established in his government, then shall he write for himself this repetition of the law into a book by the hands of the priests the Levites;

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Guidelines for a King
17He must not take many wives for himself, lest his heart go astray. He must not accumulate for himself large amounts of silver and gold. 18 When he is seated on his royal throne, he must write for himself a copy of this instruction on a scroll in the presence of the Levitical priests. 19It is to remain with him, and he is to read from it all the days of his life, so that he may learn to fear the LORD his God by carefully observing all the words of this instruction and these statutes.…

Cross References
2 Kings 11:12
Then Jehoiada brought out the king’s son, put the crown on him, presented him with the Testimony, and proclaimed him king. They anointed him, and the people clapped their hands and declared, “Long live the king!”

2 Chronicles 23:11
Then Jehoiada and his sons brought out the king’s son, put the crown on him, presented him with the Testimony, and proclaimed him king. They anointed him and shouted, “Long live the king!”

Joshua 1:8
This Book of the Law must not depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. For then you will prosper and succeed in all you do.

Psalm 1:2
But his delight is in the Law of the LORD, and on His law he meditates day and night.

Proverbs 25:2
It is the glory of God to conceal a matter and the glory of kings to search it out.

2 Timothy 3:16-17
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness, / so that the man of God may be complete, fully equipped for every good work.

Psalm 119:97
Oh, how I love Your law! All day long it is my meditation.

Psalm 119:105
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.

Nehemiah 8:8
So they read from the Book of the Law of God, explaining it and giving insight, so that the people could understand what was being read.

1 Kings 2:3
And keep the charge of the LORD your God to walk in His ways and to keep His statutes, commandments, ordinances, and decrees, as written in the Law of Moses, so that you may prosper in all you do and wherever you turn,

2 Chronicles 34:14-15
While they were bringing out the money that had been taken into the house of the LORD, Hilkiah the priest found the Book of the Law of the LORD given by Moses. / And Hilkiah said to Shaphan the scribe, “I have found the Book of the Law in the house of the LORD!” And he gave it to Shaphan.

Matthew 4:4
But Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”

Romans 15:4
For everything that was written in the past was written for our instruction, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures, we might have hope.

Hebrews 4:12
For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it pierces even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It judges the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

James 1:25
But the one who looks intently into the perfect law of freedom, and continues to do so—not being a forgetful hearer, but an effective doer—he will be blessed in what he does.


Treasury of Scripture

And it shall be, when he sits on 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:

that he shall

2 Kings 11:12
And he brought forth the king's son, and put the crown upon him, and gave him the testimony; and they made him king, and anointed him; and they clapped their hands, and said, God save the king.

a copy.

out of that which

Deuteronomy 31:9,25,26
And Moses wrote this law, and delivered it unto the priests the sons of Levi, which bare the ark of the covenant of the LORD, and unto all the elders of Israel…

2 Kings 22:8
And Hilkiah the high priest said unto Shaphan the scribe, I have found the book of the law in the house of the LORD. And Hilkiah gave the book to Shaphan, and he read it.

2 Chronicles 34:15
And Hilkiah answered and said to Shaphan the scribe, I have found the book of the law in the house of the LORD. And Hilkiah delivered the book to Shaphan.

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Deuteronomy 17
1. The things sacrificed must be sound
2. Idolaters must be slain
8. Hard controversies are to be determined by the priests and judges
12. The one who shows contempt for the judge must die
14. The election
16. and duty of a king














When he is seated on his royal throne
This phrase refers to the king of Israel, who is to be chosen according to God's guidance. The "royal throne" symbolizes authority and responsibility. In the Hebrew context, the throne is not just a seat of power but a place of judgment and governance under God's law. The king's role is to lead the people in righteousness, reflecting God's sovereignty. Historically, the throne was a physical representation of the king's duty to uphold justice and maintain the covenant relationship between God and Israel.

he must write for himself
The act of writing "for himself" emphasizes personal responsibility and engagement with God's law. In Hebrew tradition, writing was a means of internalizing and understanding. By writing the law, the king would not only learn it but also commit it to memory and heart. This practice ensured that the king's rule was grounded in divine wisdom rather than personal ambition. It highlights the importance of leaders being intimately familiar with the principles they are to uphold.

a copy of this instruction
The "instruction" refers to the Torah, the first five books of the Bible, which contain God's laws and commandments. The Hebrew word for instruction, "Torah," implies teaching and guidance. By making a "copy," the king was to have a personal version of the law, ensuring that he had direct access to God's commands. This requirement underscores the centrality of Scripture in governance and personal conduct, reminding the king that his authority is derived from adherence to God's word.

on a scroll
Scrolls were the primary medium for writing in ancient times, made from papyrus or parchment. The use of a scroll signifies the permanence and sacredness of the text. In the historical context, scrolls were carefully preserved and handled with reverence, indicating the importance of the content they held. The physical act of writing on a scroll also reflects the labor and dedication required to engage with God's law fully.

in the presence of the Levitical priests
The Levitical priests were the custodians of the law and spiritual leaders of Israel. Their presence during the writing of the scroll ensured accuracy and authenticity. This phrase highlights the communal and accountable nature of the king's relationship with God's law. The priests served as witnesses, reinforcing the idea that the king's authority was not autonomous but subject to divine oversight. This accountability to the priesthood underscores the integration of spiritual and political leadership in Israel's theocratic society.

(18) He shall write him a copy of this law.--This phrase is the source of the Greek title of the book, Deuteronomion, or in English, Deuteronomy. The word appears also in Joshua 8:32. The English conveys the right sense of the word, which primarily denotes repetition. In Hebrew it is Mishneh, the name afterwards given to the "text" of the Talmud, of which the idea is to repeat the law; though it is a somewhat peculiar repetition, in which minuti? are chiefly dealt with, and weightier matters left out.

There are traces of this direction (1) in the coronation of Joash (2Chronicles 23:11, "they gave him the testimony;" (2) in the reign of Jehoshaphat, who had the Book of the Law taught to his people (2Chronicles 17:9); and (3) in the delivery of the book when discovered in the Temple to Josiah (2Chronicles 34:18), and in the effect of the perusal of it upon that king. But it is singular that we do not hear of the Book of the Law in connection with David and Solomon. Possibly, as David was a prophet himself, and not only a king, it may be thought unnecessary to make special mention of his study of the law. In many things he acted upon the direct commands of God to himself or to his seers.

We must not forget that the true king of Israel is He whose special mission it was "to fulfil the law and the prophets." "Lo, I come, in the volume of the book it is written of me, I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart."

Verse 18. - A copy of this law; literally, a double of this Law, i.e. not, as the LXX. have it, "This reiteration of the Law" (τὸ δευτερονόμιον τοῦτο), but a duplicate or copy of the Pentateuchal Law. The Jews understand by "double" that two copies of the Law were to be made by the king (Maimon., ' De Regibus,' e. 3. § 1); but this is unnecessary: every copy of a law is a double of it. Oat of that which is before the priests. The priests were the custodians of the written Law (Deuteronomy 31:26); and from the text of their codex was the king's copy to be written.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
When he is seated
כְשִׁבְתּ֔וֹ (ḵə·šiḇ·tōw)
Preposition-k | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 3427: To sit down, to dwell, to remain, to settle, to marry

on
עַ֖ל (‘al)
Preposition
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

his royal
מַמְלַכְתּ֑וֹ (mam·laḵ·tōw)
Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 4467: Kingdom, sovereignty, dominion, reign

throne,
כִּסֵּ֣א (kis·sê)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3678: Seat of honor, throne

he must write
וְכָ֨תַב (wə·ḵā·ṯaḇ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3789: To grave, to write

for himself
אֶת־ (’eṯ-)
Direct object marker
Strong's 853: Untranslatable mark of the accusative case

a copy
מִשְׁנֵ֨ה (miš·nêh)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 4932: A repetition, a duplicate, a double, a second

of this
הַזֹּאת֙ (haz·zōṯ)
Article | Pronoun - feminine singular
Strong's 2063: Hereby in it, likewise, the one other, same, she, so much, such deed, that,

instruction
הַתּוֹרָ֤ה (hat·tō·w·rāh)
Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 8451: Direction, instruction, law

on
עַל־ (‘al-)
Preposition
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

a scroll
סֵ֔פֶר (sê·p̄er)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5612: A missive, document, writing, book

in the presence
מִלִּפְנֵ֥י (mil·lip̄·nê)
Preposition-m, Preposition-l | Noun - common plural construct
Strong's 6440: The face

of the Levitical
הַלְוִיִּֽם׃ (hal·wî·yim)
Article | Noun - proper - masculine plural
Strong's 3881: Levites -- descendant of Levi

priests.
הַכֹּהֲנִ֖ים (hak·kō·hă·nîm)
Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 3548: Priest


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OT Law: Deuteronomy 17:18 It shall be when he sits (Deut. De Du)
Deuteronomy 17:17
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