King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 12:11 Mean?

Deuteronomy 12:11 in the King James Version says “Then there shall be a place which the LORD your God shall choose to cause his name to dwell there; thither shall ye brin... — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 12 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Then there shall be a place which the LORD your God shall choose to cause his name to dwell there; thither shall ye bring all that I command you; your burnt offerings, and your sacrifices, your tithes, and the heave offering of your hand, and all your choice vows which ye vow unto the LORD: your choice: Heb. the choice of your vows

Deuteronomy 12:11 · KJV


Context

9

For ye are not as yet come to the rest and to the inheritance, which the LORD your God giveth you.

10

But when ye go over Jordan, and dwell in the land which the LORD your God giveth you to inherit, and when he giveth you rest from all your enemies round about, so that ye dwell in safety;

11

Then there shall be a place which the LORD your God shall choose to cause his name to dwell there; thither shall ye bring all that I command you; your burnt offerings, and your sacrifices, your tithes, and the heave offering of your hand, and all your choice vows which ye vow unto the LORD: your choice: Heb. the choice of your vows

12

And ye shall rejoice before the LORD your God, ye, and your sons, and your daughters, and your menservants, and your maidservants, and the Levite that is within your gates; forasmuch as he hath no part nor inheritance with you.

13

Take heed to thyself that thou offer not thy burnt offerings in every place that thou seest:


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The command restated: 'Then there shall be a place which the LORD your God shall choose to cause his name to dwell there; thither shall ye bring all that I command you.' The phrase 'to cause his name to dwell there' (לְשַׁכֵּן שְׁמוֹ שָׁם, leshaken shemo sham) uses Tabernacle language—God's Name/Presence dwells at the chosen sanctuary. The comprehensive 'all that I command you' (repeated from v.6) emphasizes total obedience. Worship isn't à la carte; all prescribed elements must be brought. This creates accountability—the central sanctuary makes worship public, not private or hidden, preventing illicit practices.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The theology of God's Name dwelling at the sanctuary pervades Deuteronomy (12:11, 21; 14:23-24; 16:2, 6, 11; 26:2). This balances transcendence (God doesn't literally dwell in buildings) with immanence (God meets His people at the sanctuary). Solomon's dedication prayer acknowledges God dwells in heaven, yet 'his eyes and heart' are toward the temple (1 Kings 8:27-29; 9:3). Jesus later declares Himself the ultimate temple where God meets humanity (John 2:19-21).

Reflection Questions

  1. What does God causing 'his name to dwell' at a chosen place teach about divine presence and authorized worship?
  2. How does New Testament teaching about believers as God's temple (1 Corinthians 3:16; 6:19) transform this concept?
  3. Why does God regulate worship practices rather than allowing spontaneous human expression?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 29 words
וְהָיָ֣ה1 of 29
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

הַמָּק֗וֹם2 of 29

Then there shall be a place

H4725

properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)

אֲשֶׁר3 of 29
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

יִבְחַר֩4 of 29

shall choose

H977

properly, to try, i.e., (by implication) select

לַֽיהוָֽה׃5 of 29

unto the LORD

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֱלֹֽהֵיכֶ֥ם6 of 29

your God

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

בּוֹ֙7 of 29
H0
לְשַׁכֵּ֤ן8 of 29

to dwell

H7931

to reside or permanently stay (literally or figuratively)

שְׁמוֹ֙9 of 29

to cause his name

H8034

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

שָׁ֔ם10 of 29
H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

שָׁ֣מָּה11 of 29
H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

תָבִ֔יאוּ12 of 29

there thither shall ye bring

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

אֵ֛ת13 of 29
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

כָּל14 of 29
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

אֲשֶׁ֥ר15 of 29
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

אָֽנֹכִ֖י16 of 29
H595

i

מְצַוֶּ֣ה17 of 29

all that I command

H6680

(intensively) to constitute, enjoin

אֶתְכֶ֑ם18 of 29
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

עוֹלֹֽתֵיכֶ֣ם19 of 29

you your burnt offerings

H5930

a step or (collectively, stairs, as ascending); usually a holocaust (as going up in smoke)

וְזִבְחֵיכֶ֗ם20 of 29

and your sacrifices

H2077

properly, a slaughter, i.e., the flesh of an animal; by implication, a sacrifice (the victim or the act)

מַעְשְׂרֹֽתֵיכֶם֙21 of 29

your tithes

H4643

a tenth; especially a tithe

וּתְרֻמַ֣ת22 of 29

and the heave offering

H8641

a present (as offered up), especially in sacrifice or as tribute

יֶדְכֶ֔ם23 of 29

of your hand

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

וְכֹל֙24 of 29
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

מִבְחַ֣ר25 of 29

and all your choice

H4005

select, i.e., best

נִדְרֵיכֶ֔ם26 of 29

vows

H5088

a promise (to god); also (concretely) a thing promised

אֲשֶׁ֥ר27 of 29
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

תִּדְּר֖וּ28 of 29

which ye vow

H5087

to promise (pos., to do or give something to god)

לַֽיהוָֽה׃29 of 29

unto the LORD

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Deuteronomy. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Deuteronomy 12:11 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Deuteronomy 12:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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