King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 14:28 Mean?

Deuteronomy 14:28 in the King James Version says “At the end of three years thou shalt bring forth all the tithe of thine increase the same year, and shalt lay it up with...” — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“At the end of three years thou shalt bring forth all the tithe of thine increase the same year, and shalt lay it up within thy gates:”

Deuteronomy 14:28 · KJV

Context

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.

28

At the end of three years thou shalt bring forth all the tithe of thine increase the same year, and shalt lay it up within thy gates:

29

And the Levite, (because he hath no part nor inheritance with thee,) and the stranger, and the fatherless, and the widow, which are within thy gates, shall come, and shall eat and be satisfied; that the LORD thy God may bless thee in all the work of thine hand which thou doest.

Read Deuteronomy 14 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
At the end of three years thou shalt bring forth all the tithe of thine increase—This third tithe (distinct from the Levitical and Festival tithes) was distributed locally every third year for the Levite, the stranger, the fatherless, and the widow. God's economic law prevented permanent underclass formation through systematic wealth redistribution.

James defines pure religion as visiting the fatherless and widows in their affliction (James 1:27). Jesus proclaimed the gospel: The poor have the gospel preached to them (Matthew 11:5). This charity tithe wasn't optional benevolence but commanded justice. Isaiah condemned Israel: Your hands are full of blood—not murder, but oppressing the vulnerable (Isaiah 1:15-17). Economic obedience demonstrates love's authenticity: Whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him? (1 John 3:17).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Near Eastern societies lacked social safety nets—widows and orphans often starved or were enslaved. God's triennial tithe created a systematic welfare system, preventing destitution while maintaining work dignity (recipients came to the harvest, not passive recipients).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does systematic (not sporadic) care for the vulnerable demonstrate the reality of God's love dwelling in you?
  2. What 'fatherless and widows' (economically vulnerable, socially marginalized) exist in your community?
  3. In what ways does your budget reflect God's priority on justice for the poor?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
מִקְצֵ֣ה׀1 of 12

“At the end”

H7097

an extremity

שָׁלֹ֣שׁ2 of 12

“of three”

H7969

three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice

בַּשָּׁנָ֖ה3 of 12

“the same year”

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

תּוֹצִיא֙4 of 12

“thou shalt bring forth”

H3318

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

אֶת5 of 12
H853

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

כָּל6 of 12
H3605

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

מַעְשַׂר֙7 of 12

“all the tithe”

H4643

a tenth; especially a tithe

תְּבוּאָ֣תְךָ֔8 of 12

“of thine increase”

H8393

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

בַּשָּׁנָ֖ה9 of 12

“the same year”

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

הַהִ֑וא10 of 12
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

וְהִנַּחְתָּ֖11 of 12

“and shalt lay it up”

H3240

to deposit; by implication, to allow to stay

בִּשְׁעָרֶֽיךָ׃12 of 12

“within thy gates”

H8179

an opening, i.e., door or gate

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 14:28 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 14:28 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Deuteronomy 14:22Deuteronomy 26:12-15Amos 4:4

Test Your Knowledge

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

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