King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 12:6 Mean?

Deuteronomy 12:6 in the King James Version says “And thither ye shall bring your burnt offerings, and your sacrifices, and your tithes, and heave offerings of your hand,...” — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 12 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And thither ye shall bring your burnt offerings, and your sacrifices, and your tithes, and heave offerings of your hand, and your vows, and your freewill offerings, and the firstlings of your herds and of your flocks:”

Deuteronomy 12:6 · KJV

Context

4

Ye shall not do so unto the LORD your God.

5

But unto the place which the LORD your God shall choose out of all your tribes to put his name there, even unto his habitation shall ye seek, and thither thou shalt come:

6

And thither ye shall bring your burnt offerings, and your sacrifices, and your tithes, and heave offerings of your hand, and your vows, and your freewill offerings, and the firstlings of your herds and of your flocks:

7

And there ye shall eat before the LORD your God, and ye shall rejoice in all that ye put your hand unto, ye and your households, wherein the LORD thy God hath blessed thee.

8

Ye shall not do after all the things that we do here this day, every man whatsoever is right in his own eyes.

Read Deuteronomy 12 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The worship elements to bring: 'thither ye shall bring your burnt offerings, and your sacrifices, and your tithes, and heave offerings of your hand, and your vows, and your freewill offerings, and the firstlings of your herds and of your flocks.' This comprehensive list covers all sacrificial and tributary offerings prescribed in Leviticus. The centralization means all worship expressions—mandatory and voluntary, animal and agricultural—must occur at the chosen sanctuary. This created national gatherings for feast times, fostering unity and covenant identity. The variety of offerings reflects holistic stewardship: produce, livestock, wealth all belong to God and are offered back in worship.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Leviticus 1-7 prescribes these various offerings. The three annual pilgrimage feasts (Passover/Unleavened Bread, Pentecost/Weeks, Tabernacles—Deuteronomy 16:16) required males to appear at the sanctuary, bringing prescribed offerings. This created economic and social challenges for distant tribes but reinforced national cohesion. After the kingdom divided, Jeroboam established rival sanctuaries at Dan and Bethel (1 Kings 12:26-33) specifically to prevent northern tribes from worshiping in Jerusalem, recognizing worship centralization's unifying power.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does bringing all worship expressions to one place illustrate the totality of consecration to God?
  2. What does the variety of offerings (burnt, peace, vows, freewill, etc.) teach about appropriate worship responses to God?
  3. How can Christians practice worship centralization (gathering for corporate worship) while maintaining daily personal devotion?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
וַֽהֲבֵאתֶ֣ם1 of 14

“And thither ye shall bring”

H935

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

שָׁ֗מָּה2 of 14
H8033

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

עֹלֹֽתֵיכֶם֙3 of 14

“your burnt offerings”

H5930

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

וְזִבְחֵיכֶ֔ם4 of 14

“and your sacrifices”

H2077

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

וְאֵת֙5 of 14
H853

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

מַעְשְׂרֹ֣תֵיכֶ֔ם6 of 14

“and your tithes”

H4643

a tenth; especially a tithe

וְאֵ֖ת7 of 14
H853

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

תְּרוּמַ֣ת8 of 14

“and heave offerings”

H8641

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

יֶדְכֶ֑ם9 of 14

“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

וְנִדְרֵיכֶם֙10 of 14

“and your vows”

H5088

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

וְנִדְבֹ֣תֵיכֶ֔ם11 of 14

“and your freewill offerings”

H5071

properly (abstractly) spontaneity, or (adjectively) spontaneous; also (concretely) a spontaneous or (by inference, in plural) abundant gift

וּבְכֹרֹ֥ת12 of 14

“and the firstlings”

H1062

the firstling of man or beast; abstractly primogeniture

בְּקַרְכֶ֖ם13 of 14

“of your herds”

H1241

a beeve or an animal of the ox family of either gender (as used for plowing); collectively, a herd

וְצֹֽאנְכֶֽם׃14 of 14

“and of your flocks”

H6629

a collective name for a flock (of sheep or goats); also figuratively (of men)

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 12:6 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 12:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Deuteronomy 15:19-20Numbers 18:15-17Leviticus 27:32-33Deuteronomy 26:2Ezekiel 20:40Deuteronomy 14:22-26

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Deuteronomy 12 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterDeuteronomy Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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