King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 14:24 Mean?

Deuteronomy 14:24 in the King James Version says “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 ...” — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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:”

Deuteronomy 14:24 · KJV

Context

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:

26

And thou shalt bestow that money for whatsoever thy soul lusteth after, for oxen, or for sheep, or for wine, or for strong drink, or for whatsoever thy soul desireth: and thou shalt eat there before the LORD thy God, and thou shalt rejoice, thou, and thine household, desireth: Heb. asketh of thee

Read Deuteronomy 14 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And if the way be too long for thee, so that thou art not able to carry it—God's law accommodates human limitations. Families living far from Jerusalem couldn't transport perishable tithes hundreds of miles. This provision demonstrates He knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust (Psalm 103:14).

Legalism makes no such allowance—it demands performance regardless of circumstance. Jesus condemned Pharisees who bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne (Matthew 23:4). God's law, by contrast, is not grievous (1 John 5:3). The monetary conversion (next verse) shows God values heart worship over mechanical compliance. He seeks truth in the inward parts (Psalm 51:6), not impossible logistics.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

After Solomon's Temple centralized worship in Jerusalem, families from northern Galilee or southern Negev traveled 70-100+ miles for festivals. This provision prevented the tithe from becoming an impossible burden, ensuring continued participation across all regions.

Reflection Questions

  1. Where have you experienced God's 'accommodation' of your limitations in spiritual disciplines?
  2. How do you distinguish between God's holy standards (unchanging) and His merciful accommodations (flexible)?
  3. What 'heavy burdens' have religious traditions placed on you that God's Word does not require?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 23 words
כִּ֥י1 of 23

“for thee so that”

H3588

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

יִרְבֶּ֨ה2 of 23

“be too long”

H7235

to increase (in whatever respect)

מִמְּךָ֜3 of 23
H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

הַדֶּ֗רֶךְ4 of 23

“And if the way”

H1870

a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb

כִּ֥י5 of 23

“for thee so that”

H3588

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

לֹ֣א6 of 23
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

תוּכַל֮7 of 23

“thou art not able”

H3201

to be able, literally (can, could) or morally (may, might)

שְׂאֵתוֹ֒8 of 23

“to carry”

H5375

to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative

כִּ֥י9 of 23

“for thee so that”

H3588

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

יִרְחַ֤ק10 of 23

“be too far”

H7368

to widen (in any direction), i.e., (intransitively) recede or (transitively) remove (literally or figuratively, of place or relation)

מִמְּךָ֙11 of 23
H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

הַמָּק֔וֹם12 of 23

“it or if 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)

אֲשֶׁ֤ר13 of 23
H834

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

יִבְחַר֙14 of 23

“shall choose”

H977

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

יְהוָ֥ה15 of 23

“from thee which the LORD”

H3068

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

אֱלֹהֶֽיךָ׃16 of 23

“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

לָשׂ֥וּם17 of 23

“to set”

H7760

to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)

שְׁמ֖וֹ18 of 23

“his name”

H8034

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

שָׁ֑ם19 of 23
H8033

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

כִּ֥י20 of 23

“for thee so that”

H3588

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

יְבָֽרֶכְךָ֖21 of 23

“hath blessed”

H1288

to kneel; by implication to bless god (as an act of adoration), and (vice-versa) man (as a benefit); also (by euphemism) to curse (god or the king, as

יְהוָ֥ה22 of 23

“from thee which the LORD”

H3068

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

אֱלֹהֶֽיךָ׃23 of 23

“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

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 14:24 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 14:24 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Deuteronomy 12:21Deuteronomy 12:5Deuteronomy 11:24Exodus 23:31

Test Your Knowledge

Deuteronomy 14 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterDeuteronomy Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Deuteronomy 14 with CommentaryAll Deuteronomy ChaptersComplete Deuteronomy QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes