Deuteronomy 17:19
New International Version
It is to be with him, and he is to read it all the days of his life so that he may learn to revere the LORD his God and follow carefully all the words of this law and these decrees

New Living Translation
He must always keep that copy with him and read it daily as long as he lives. That way he will learn to fear the LORD his God by obeying all the terms of these instructions and decrees.

English Standard Version
And it shall be with him, and he shall read in it all the days of his life, that he may learn to fear the LORD his God by keeping all the words of this law and these statutes, and doing them,

Berean Standard Bible
It 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.

King James Bible
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:

New King James Version
And it shall be with him, and he shall read it all the days of his life, that he may learn to fear the LORD his God and be careful to observe all the words of this law and these statutes,

New American Standard Bible
And it shall be with him, and he shall read it all the days of his life, so that he will learn to fear the LORD his God, by carefully following all the words of this Law and these statutes,

NASB 1995
“It shall be with him and he shall read it all the days of his life, that he may learn to fear the LORD his God, by carefully observing all the words of this law and these statutes,

NASB 1977
“And it shall be with him, and he shall read it all the days of his life, that he may learn to fear the LORD his God, by carefully observing all the words of this law and these statutes,

Legacy Standard Bible
And it shall be with him, and he shall read it all the days of his life, that he may learn to fear Yahweh his God, to carefully observe all the words of this law and these statutes,

Amplified Bible
And it shall be with him and he shall read it all the days of his life, so that he may learn to fear [and worship] the LORD his God [with awe-filled reverence and profound respect], by carefully obeying (keeping foremost in his thoughts and actively doing) all the words of this law and these statutes,

Christian Standard Bible
It 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, to observe all the words of this instruction, and to do these statutes.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
It 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, to observe all the words of this instruction, and to do these statutes.

American Standard Version
and it shall be with him, and he shall read therein all the days of his life; that he may learn to fear Jehovah his God, to keep all the words of this law and these statutes, to do them;

Contemporary English Version
Each day the king must read and obey these laws, so that he will learn to worship the LORD with fear and trembling

English Revised Version
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:

GOD'S WORD® Translation
He must keep it with him and read it his entire life. He will learn to fear the LORD his God and faithfully obey everything found in these teachings and laws.

Good News Translation
He is to keep this book near him and read from it all his life, so that he will learn to honor the LORD and to obey faithfully everything that is commanded in it.

International Standard Version
It is to remain with him the rest of his life so he may learn to fear the LORD his God and observe all the words of this Law and these statutes, in order to fulfill them.

Majority Standard Bible
It 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.

NET Bible
It must be with him constantly and he must read it as long as he lives, so that he may learn to revere the LORD his God and observe all the words of this law and these statutes and carry them out.

New Heart English Bible
and it shall be with him, and he shall read it 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;

Webster's Bible Translation
And it shall be with him, and he shall read in it 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:

World English Bible
It shall be with him, and he shall read from it all the days of his life, that he may learn to fear Yahweh his God, to keep all the words of this law and these statutes, to do them;
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and it has been with him, and he has read in it all [the] days of his life, so that he learns to fear his God YHWH, to keep all the words of this law and these statutes—to do them,

Young's Literal Translation
and it hath been with him, and he hath read in it all days of his life, so that he doth learn to fear Jehovah his God, to keep all the words of this law, and these statutes, to do them;

Smith's Literal Translation
And it shall be with him, and he read in it all the days of his life; so that he shall learn to fear Jehovah his God, to watch all the words of this instruction and these laws to do them:
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And he shall have it with him, and shall read it all the days of his life, that he may learn to fear the Lord his God, and keep his words and ceremonies, that are commanded in the law;

Catholic Public Domain Version
And he shall have it with him, and he shall read it all the days of his life, so that he may learn to fear the Lord his God, and to keep his words and ceremonies, which are instructed in the law.

New American Bible
It shall remain with him and he shall read it as long as he lives, so that he may learn to fear the LORD, his God, and to observe carefully all the words of this law and these statutes,

New Revised Standard Version
It shall remain with him and he shall read in it all the days of his life, so that he may learn to fear the LORD his God, diligently observing all the words of this law and these statutes,
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
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 commandments, to do them;

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And it shall be with him and he shall be reading in it all the days of his life, that he may learn to stand in awe of the presence of LORD JEHOVAH his God, and he shall keep all of the commands of this Law and these commands, and he shall do them:
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
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;

Brenton Septuagint Translation
and it shall be with him, and he shall read in it all the days of his life, that he may learn to fear the Lord thy God, and to keep all these commandments, and to observe these ordinances:

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Guidelines for a King
18When 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. 20Then his heart will not be exalted above his countrymen, and he will not turn aside from the commandment, to the right or to the left, in order that he and his sons may reign many years over his kingdom in Israel.…

Cross References
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.

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

Psalm 119:11
I have hidden Your word in my heart that I might not sin against You.

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

Proverbs 6:23
For this commandment is a lamp, this teaching is a light, and the reproofs of discipline are the way to life,

Proverbs 3:1-2
My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments; / for they will add length to your days, years and peace to your life.

2 Kings 23:25
Neither before nor after Josiah was there any king like him, who turned to the LORD with all his heart and with all his soul and with all his strength, according to all the Law of Moses.

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.

Isaiah 34:16
Search and read the scroll of the LORD: Not one of these will go missing, not one will lack her mate, because He has ordered it by His mouth, and He will gather them by His Spirit.

Jeremiah 15:16
Your words were found, and I ate them. Your words became my joy and my heart’s delight. For I bear Your name, O LORD God of Hosts.

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.’”

Matthew 22:29
Jesus answered, “You are mistaken because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God.

Luke 11:28
But He replied, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.”

John 5:39
You pore over the Scriptures because you presume that by them you possess eternal life. These are the very words that testify about Me,


Treasury of Scripture

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 6:6-9
And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: …

Deuteronomy 11:18
Therefore shall ye lay up these my words in your heart and in your soul, and bind them for a sign upon your hand, that they may be as frontlets between your eyes.

Joshua 1:8
This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.

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Carefully Decrees Keeping Laws Life Observing Read Reading Revere Statutes Teaching Therein Trained Words
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














It must remain with him
This phrase emphasizes the importance of the constant presence of God's Word in the life of a leader, specifically a king in the context of Deuteronomy. The Hebrew root for "remain" (הָיָה, hayah) implies a continuous state of being. The king is to have the law physically with him, symbolizing the need for God's commandments to be ever-present in his thoughts and actions. Historically, this underscores the unique role of the Israelite king, who was not to rule by his own wisdom but by divine guidance, setting a precedent for leaders to prioritize spiritual over secular authority.

and he must read it
The act of reading (קָרָא, qara) in Hebrew is not merely a passive activity but an active engagement with the text. This requirement for the king to read the law daily signifies the necessity of personal interaction with Scripture. It is a call to internalize God's Word, allowing it to shape one's character and decisions. In a broader sense, this reflects the Judeo-Christian tradition of valuing literacy and education, particularly in the context of understanding and applying divine principles.

all the days of his life
This phrase indicates the lifelong commitment required of the king to engage with God's Word. The Hebrew word for "life" (חַי, chai) encompasses not just physical existence but a holistic approach to living. The continuous nature of this command suggests that spiritual growth and understanding are ongoing processes. Historically, this was a radical concept, as it placed the king under the authority of the law, contrasting with other ancient Near Eastern monarchies where the king was often seen as above the law.

so that he may learn
The Hebrew verb לָמַד (lamad) means to learn or to be taught, implying a process of gaining knowledge and wisdom. This learning is not merely intellectual but transformative, intended to shape the king's heart and mind. The phrase suggests that the purpose of reading the law is not just for knowledge but for personal and spiritual development, aligning the king's will with God's.

to fear the LORD his God
The concept of fearing the LORD (יָרֵא, yare) in Hebrew encompasses reverence, awe, and respect. It is a foundational principle in the Old Testament, signifying a proper relationship with God. This fear is not about terror but about recognizing God's holiness and authority. For the king, this fear was crucial in ensuring that his rule was just and aligned with divine will, serving as a reminder that he was accountable to a higher power.

by carefully observing
The phrase "carefully observing" (שָׁמַר, shamar) implies diligent and attentive adherence to God's commands. It suggests a proactive stance in maintaining the covenant relationship with God. This careful observation is a safeguard against neglect and disobedience, emphasizing the importance of intentionality in one's spiritual walk. For the king, it was a call to lead by example, demonstrating faithfulness to God's law.

all the words of this law and these statutes
The comprehensive nature of "all the words" (כָּל־דִּבְרֵי, kol-divrei) highlights the totality of God's instructions. The law (תּוֹרָה, torah) and statutes (חֻקִּים, chuqqim) represent the divine guidelines given to Israel. This phrase underscores the importance of holistic obedience, not picking and choosing which commands to follow. It reflects the covenantal relationship between God and His people, where adherence to the law was a sign of faithfulness and devotion. For the king, it was a reminder that his authority was derived from and limited by God's law.

Verse 19. - And it shall be with him, etc. It was to be carefully kept by him, but not as a mere sacred deposit or palladium; it was to be constantly with him wherever he was, was to be the object of his continual study, and was to be the directory and guide of his daily life (cf. Joshua 1:8; Psalm 1:2; Psalm 119:15, 16, 24, 97-99, etc.).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
It is to remain
וְהָיְתָ֣ה (wə·hā·yə·ṯāh)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be

with him,
עִמּ֔וֹ (‘im·mōw)
Preposition | third person masculine singular
Strong's 5973: With, equally with

and he is to read
וְקָ֥רָא (wə·qā·rā)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7121: To call, proclaim, read

from it
ב֖וֹ (ḇōw)
Preposition | third person masculine singular
Strong's Hebrew

all
כָּל־ (kāl-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

the days
יְמֵ֣י (yə·mê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 3117: A day

of his life,
חַיָּ֑יו (ḥay·yāw)
Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 2416: Alive, raw, fresh, strong, life

so that
לְמַ֣עַן (lə·ma·‘an)
Conjunction
Strong's 4616: Purpose -- intent

he may learn
יִלְמַ֗ד (yil·maḏ)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3925: To exercise in, learn

to fear
לְיִרְאָה֙ (lə·yir·’āh)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct | third person feminine singular
Strong's 3372: To fear, to revere, caus, to frighten

the LORD
יְהוָ֣ה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

his God
אֱלֹהָ֔יו (’ĕ·lō·hāw)
Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 430: gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative

by carefully observing
לִ֠שְׁמֹר (liš·mōr)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 8104: To hedge about, guard, to protect, attend to

all
כָּל־ (kāl-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

the words
דִּבְרֵ֞י (diḇ·rê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1697: A word, a matter, thing, a cause

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

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

and these
הָאֵ֖לֶּה (hā·’êl·leh)
Article | Pronoun - common plural
Strong's 428: These, those

statutes.
הַחֻקִּ֥ים (ha·ḥuq·qîm)
Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 2706: Something prescribed or owed, a statute


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OT Law: Deuteronomy 17:19 And it shall be with him (Deut. De Du)
Deuteronomy 17:18
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