King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 14:22 Mean?

Deuteronomy 14:22 in the King James Version says “Thou shalt truly tithe all the increase of thy seed, that the field bringeth forth year by year. — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Thou shalt truly tithe all the increase of thy seed, that the field bringeth forth year by year.

Deuteronomy 14:22 · KJV


Context

20

But of all clean fowls ye may eat.

21

Ye shall not eat of any thing that dieth of itself: thou shalt give it unto the stranger that is in thy gates, that he may eat it; or thou mayest sell it unto an alien: for thou art an holy people unto the LORD thy God. Thou shalt not seethe a kid in his mother's milk.

22

Thou shalt truly tithe all the increase of thy seed, that the field bringeth forth year by year.

23

And thou shalt eat before the LORD thy God, in the place which he shall choose to place his name there, the tithe of thy corn, of thy wine, and of thine oil, and the firstlings of thy herds and of thy flocks; that thou mayest learn to fear the LORD thy God always.

24

And if the way be too long for thee, so that thou art not able to carry it; or if the place be too far from thee, which the LORD thy God shall choose to set his name there, when the LORD thy God hath blessed thee:


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Thou shalt truly tithe all the increase of thy seed (עַשֵּׂר תְּעַשֵּׂר, aser te'aser, intensive construction: 'you shall certainly tithe')—The tithe (מַעֲשֵׂר, ma'aser, literally 'tenth') acknowledges God's ownership of all. The earth is the LORD's, and the fulness thereof (Psalm 24:1). Tithing isn't paying God what's His; it's acknowledging everything is His.

Moses describes three tithes: (1) Levitical tithe (Numbers 18:21), (2) Festival tithe (here, vv. 22-27), (3) Charity tithe every third year (vv. 28-29). Together they approach 23% annually—far exceeding modern 'prosperity gospel' minimums. Malachi confronts: Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me (Malachi 3:8). New Testament giving isn't less generous but more: freely ye have received, freely give (Matthew 10:8).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Agricultural societies measured wealth in harvest yields. Annual tithing forced Israel to trust God for next year's provision—an act of faith that God owned and would replenish the fields. Failure to tithe declared practical atheism: 'I alone make this grow.'

Reflection Questions

  1. Does your giving reflect mere obligation (minimum percentage) or grateful acknowledgment that everything belongs to God?
  2. How does systematic, 'certain' tithing (not sporadic generosity) demonstrate trust in God's continued provision?
  3. What areas of your 'increase' (time, talents, relationships) need to be 'tithed' beyond financial giving?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
תְּעַשֵּׂ֔ר1 of 10

Thou shalt truly

H6237

to tithe, i.e., to take or give a tenth

תְּעַשֵּׂ֔ר2 of 10

Thou shalt truly

H6237

to tithe, i.e., to take or give a tenth

אֵ֖ת3 of 10
H853

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

כָּל4 of 10
H3605

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

תְּבוּאַ֣ת5 of 10

all the increase

H8393

income, i.e., produce (literally or figuratively)

זַרְעֶ֑ךָ6 of 10

of thy seed

H2233

seed; figuratively, fruit, plant, sowing-time, posterity

הַיֹּצֵ֥א7 of 10

bringeth forth

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

הַשָּׂדֶ֖ה8 of 10

that the field

H7704

a field (as flat)

שָׁנָֽה׃9 of 10

by year

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

שָׁנָֽה׃10 of 10

by year

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)


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 14:22 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 14:22 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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