King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 14:23 Mean?

Deuteronomy 14:23 in the King James Version says “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... — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

Deuteronomy 14:23 · KJV


Context

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:

25

Then shalt thou turn it into money, and bind up the money in thine hand, and shalt go unto the place which the LORD thy God shall choose:


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Thou shalt eat before the LORD thy God, in the place which he shall choose—The Festival Tithe was eaten, not merely given away. Israel brought the tithe of thy corn, of thy wine, and of thine oil, and the firstlings of thy herds to the central sanctuary for a covenant meal. Worship includes feasting, not only fasting.

This foreshadows the Messianic banquet: In this mountain shall the LORD of hosts make unto all people a feast (Isaiah 25:6). Jesus ate with sinners (Matthew 9:10), instituted the Lord's Supper (Luke 22:19), and promised: I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father's kingdom (Matthew 26:29). The tithe-meal taught: covenant life is abundant, joyful fellowship with God.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The centralized sanctuary (later the Jerusalem Temple) unified Israel's worship and prevented idolatrous syncretism at local shrines. Three times yearly (Passover, Pentecost, Tabernacles), families brought their second tithe for celebratory meals, strengthening national unity and covenant identity.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's command to 'eat before the LORD' correct false ideas that spirituality equals severity and deprivation?
  2. What does the practice of eating your tithe (rather than merely surrendering it) teach about God's desire for your participation in blessing?
  3. How do you anticipate the coming Messianic banquet in your present worship and fellowship?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 25 words
וְאָֽכַלְתָּ֞1 of 25

And thou shalt eat

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

לִפְנֵ֣י׀2 of 25

before

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

יְהוָ֥ה3 of 25

the LORD

H3068

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

אֱלֹהֶ֖יךָ4 of 25

thy 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

בַּמָּק֣וֹם5 of 25

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)

אֲשֶׁר6 of 25
H834

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

יִבְחַר֮7 of 25

which he shall choose

H977

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

לְשַׁכֵּ֣ן8 of 25

to place

H7931

to reside or permanently stay (literally or figuratively)

שְׁמ֣וֹ9 of 25

his name

H8034

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

שָׁם֒10 of 25
H8033

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

מַעְשַׂ֤ר11 of 25

there the tithe

H4643

a tenth; especially a tithe

דְּגָֽנְךָ֙12 of 25

of thy corn

H1715

properly, increase, i.e., grain

תִּֽירֹשְׁךָ֣13 of 25

of thy wine

H8492

must or fresh grape-juice (as just squeezed out); by implication (rarely) fermented wine

וְיִצְהָרֶ֔ךָ14 of 25

and of thine oil

H3323

oil (as producing light); figuratively, anointing

וּבְכֹרֹ֥ת15 of 25

and the firstlings

H1062

the firstling of man or beast; abstractly primogeniture

בְּקָֽרְךָ֖16 of 25

of thy herds

H1241

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

וְצֹאנֶ֑ךָ17 of 25

and of thy flocks

H6629

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

לְמַ֣עַן18 of 25
H4616

properly, heed, i.e., purpose; used only adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim), teleologically, in order that

תִּלְמַ֗ד19 of 25

that thou mayest learn

H3925

properly, to goad, i.e., (by implication) to teach (the rod being an middle eastern incentive)

לְיִרְאָ֛ה20 of 25

to fear

H3372

to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten

אֶת21 of 25
H853

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

יְהוָ֥ה22 of 25

the LORD

H3068

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

אֱלֹהֶ֖יךָ23 of 25

thy 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

כָּל24 of 25
H3605

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

הַיָּמִֽים׃25 of 25

always

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso


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 14:23 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 14:23 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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