King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 14:25 Mean?

Deuteronomy 14:25 in the King James Version says “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 ...” — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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:”

Deuteronomy 14:25 · KJV

Context

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

27

And the Levite that is within thy gates; thou shalt not forsake him; for he hath no part nor inheritance with thee.

Read Deuteronomy 14 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Then shalt thou turn it into money (כֶּסֶף, kesef, silver)—Converting produce to currency allowed distant Israelites to participate fully in centralized worship. This isn't compromise but wisdom: God cares about the heart's devotion, not the external form's rigidity. Bind up the money in thine hand pictures secure transport—God's people steward His gifts carefully.

Money represents stored labor—condensed time, energy, and creativity. Tithing money acknowledges God owns not just produce but the labor producing it. Paul echoes this: What hast thou that thou didst not receive? (1 Corinthians 4:7). Modern application is direct: whether paid in grain or salary, we tithe what God provides, recognizing Him as ultimate source.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The development of currency (standardized weights of precious metals) enabled economic complexity beyond barter. By allowing monetary tithes, God's law adapted to economic evolution while maintaining the principle: return to God a portion of what He's given.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does viewing money as 'stored labor' change your perspective on spending and giving?
  2. What does God's practical provision (allowing monetary conversion) teach about His concern for your real-life circumstances?
  3. In what ways do you 'bind up' (steward carefully) the resources God entrusts to you?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
וְנָֽתַתָּ֖ה1 of 13

“Then shalt thou turn”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

הַכֶּ֙סֶף֙2 of 13

“it into money”

H3701

silver (from its pale color); by implication, money

וְצַרְתָּ֤3 of 13

“and bind up”

H6696

to cramp, i.e., confine (in many applications, literally and figuratively, formative or hostile)

הַכֶּ֙סֶף֙4 of 13

“it into money”

H3701

silver (from its pale color); by implication, money

בְּיָ֣דְךָ֔5 of 13

“in thine 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

וְהָֽלַכְתָּ֙6 of 13

“and shalt go”

H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

אֶל7 of 13
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַמָּק֔וֹם8 of 13

“unto 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)

אֲשֶׁ֥ר9 of 13
H834

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

יִבְחַ֛ר10 of 13

“shall choose”

H977

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

יְהוָ֥ה11 of 13

“which the LORD”

H3068

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

אֱלֹהֶ֖יךָ12 of 13

“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

בּֽוֹ׃13 of 13
H0

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 14:25 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

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