Deuteronomy 12:19 kjv — Take heed to thyself that thou forsake not the Levite as long as thou livest upon the earth.

King James Version

"Take heed to thyself that thou forsake not the Levite as long as thou livest upon the earth."

— Deuteronomy 12:19, King James Version

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Deuteronomy 12:19 in Other Translations

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Deuteronomy 12 — Context

16

Only ye shall not eat the blood; ye shall pour it upon the earth as water.

17

Thou mayest not eat within thy gates the tithe of thy corn, or of thy wine, or of thy oil, or the firstlings of thy herds or of thy flock, nor any of thy vows which thou vowest, nor thy freewill offerings, or heave offering of thine hand:

18

But thou must eat them before the Lord thy God in the place which the Lord thy God shall choose, thou, and thy son, and thy daughter, and thy manservant, and thy maidservant, and the Levite that is within thy gates: and thou shalt rejoice before the Lord thy God in all that thou puttest thine hands unto.

19

Take heed to thyself that thou forsake not the Levite as long as thou livest upon the earth.

20

When the Lord thy God shall enlarge thy border, as he hath promised thee, and thou shalt say, I will eat flesh, because thy soul longeth to eat flesh; thou mayest eat flesh, whatsoever thy soul lusteth after.

21

If the place which the Lord thy God hath chosen to put his name there be too far from thee, then thou shalt kill of thy herd and of thy flock, which the Lord hath given thee, as I have commanded thee, and thou shalt eat in thy gates whatsoever thy soul lusteth after.

22

Even as the roebuck and the hart is eaten, so thou shalt eat them: the unclean and the clean shall eat of them alike.

Deuteronomy 12:19 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does Deuteronomy 12:19 say?
Deuteronomy 12:19 in the King James Version reads: “Take heed to thyself that thou forsake not the Levite as long as thou livest upon the earth.”
Where is Deuteronomy 12:19 in the Bible?
Deuteronomy 12:19 is found in the Old Testament, in the book of Deuteronomy, chapter 12, verse 19.
Who wrote Deuteronomy?
Deuteronomy is traditionally attributed to Moses (traditional). Largely framed as Moses' farewell speeches; the closing chapter narrating his death was likely added by Joshua or a later editor. It was written c. 1406 BC.
What is the book of Deuteronomy about?
Deuteronomy is Moses' final sermons to Israel before they enter the Promised Land — a renewed call to love and obey the LORD. It re-states the Law, rehearses Israel's history, and lays before the people blessing for obedience and curse for rebellion.
What are the major themes of Deuteronomy?
Deuteronomy explores themes including Covenant, Love, Obedience, Remembrance, Blessing & Curse. These themes shape the meaning and context of Deuteronomy 12:19.
What translation should I read Deuteronomy 12:19 in?
Deuteronomy 12:19 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.
How can I memorize Deuteronomy 12:19?
Deuteronomy 12:19 reads (KJV): “Take heed to thyself that thou forsake not the Levite as long as thou livest upon the earth.” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.
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