King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 12:14 Mean?

Deuteronomy 12:14 in the King James Version says “But in the place which the LORD shall choose in one of thy tribes, there thou shalt offer thy burnt offerings, and there... — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 12 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

But in the place which the LORD shall choose in one of thy tribes, there thou shalt offer thy burnt offerings, and there thou shalt do all that I command thee.

Deuteronomy 12:14 · KJV


Context

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:

14

But in the place which the LORD shall choose in one of thy tribes, there thou shalt offer thy burnt offerings, and there thou shalt do all that I command thee.

15

Notwithstanding thou mayest kill and eat flesh in all thy gates, whatsoever thy soul lusteth after, according to the blessing of the LORD thy God which he hath given thee: the unclean and the clean may eat thereof, as of the roebuck, and as of the hart.

16

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


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The positive prescription: 'But in the place which the LORD shall choose in one of thy tribes, there thou shalt offer thy burnt offerings, and there thou shalt do all that I command thee.' The exclusivity is emphatic: 'the place'—singular, not plural. God will choose one tribe's territory for the sanctuary (ultimately Judah/Jerusalem). The phrase 'there...and there' emphasizes the exclusive location. 'All that I command thee' demands comprehensive obedience at the designated site. This prevents worship fragmentation and protects covenant unity. Authorized location and prescribed practice together constitute acceptable worship.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Initially, the chosen place was Shiloh in Ephraim (Joshua 18:1; Judges 18:31). After Philistines destroyed Shiloh (1 Samuel 4-6; Jeremiah 7:12-14; Psalm 78:60), the ark moved between cities until David brought it to Jerusalem in Judah. Solomon built the permanent temple there (1 Kings 8). God's choice of Jerusalem fulfilled this command. After AD 70's temple destruction, worship centralization transferred from physical location to Christ, the true temple (John 4:21-24).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does worship centralization (single authorized location/means) challenge modern religious pluralism and individualism?
  2. What does God's sovereign choice of worship location teach about human authority versus divine prerogative in worship?
  3. How do Christians today understand worship centralization given that 'the place' is now Christ, not physical Jerusalem?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
כִּ֣י1 of 17
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

אִם2 of 17
H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

בַּמָּק֞וֹם3 of 17

But in the 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)

אֲשֶׁר4 of 17
H834

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

יִבְחַ֤ר5 of 17

shall choose

H977

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

יְהוָה֙6 of 17

which the LORD

H3068

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

בְּאַחַ֣ד7 of 17

in one

H259

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

שְׁבָטֶ֔יךָ8 of 17

of thy tribes

H7626

a scion, i.e., (literally) a stick (for punishing, writing, fighting, ruling, walking, etc.) or (figuratively) a clan

שָׁ֖ם9 of 17
H8033

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

תַּֽעֲלֶ֣ה10 of 17

there thou shalt offer

H5927

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

עֹֽלֹתֶ֑יךָ11 of 17

thy burnt offerings

H5930

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

וְשָׁ֣ם12 of 17
H8033

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

תַּֽעֲשֶׂ֔ה13 of 17

and there thou shalt do

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

כֹּ֛ל14 of 17
H3605

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

אֲשֶׁ֥ר15 of 17
H834

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

אָֽנֹכִ֖י16 of 17
H595

i

מְצַוֶּֽךָּ׃17 of 17

all that I command

H6680

(intensively) to constitute, enjoin


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 12:14 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 12:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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