The Church Fathers on this verse

Deuteronomy 17:20Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

And that his heart be not lifted up with pride over his brethren, nor decline to the right or to the left, that he and his sons may reign a long time over Israel.

Douay-Rheims

לְבִלְתִּ֤י רוּם־לְבָבוֹ֙ מֵֽאֶחָ֔יו וּלְבִלְתִּ֛י ס֥וּר מִן־הַמִּצְוָ֖ה יָמִ֣ין וּשְׂמֹ֑אול לְמַעַן֩ יַאֲרִ֨יךְ יָמִ֧ים עַל־מַמְלַכְתּ֛וֹ ה֥וּא וּבָנָ֖יו בְּקֶ֥רֶב יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃

Hebrew (Masoretic text)

The Church Fathers on this verse

One Church Father comments on this verse

Basil the Great

4th centuryChurch Father

Traveler, you resemble one who implores, 'Direct my steps' (Psalm 118:133). Be cautious not to wander from the path, nor to veer to the right or the left. Walk in the way of the King! Let the builder establish the foundation of faith, which is Jesus Christ. He should remain vigilant as he constructs, using not wood, hay, or stubble, but gold, silver, and precious stones (See 1 Cor. 3:11-12).

Cross references

Passages read together with this verse.