King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 14:29 Mean?

Deuteronomy 14:29 in the King James Version says “And the Levite, (because he hath no part nor inheritance with thee,) and the stranger, and the fatherless, and the widow... — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

Deuteronomy 14:29 · KJV


Context

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.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And the Levite, and the stranger, and the fatherless, and the widow...shall come, and shall eat and be satisfied—The same four groups appear repeatedly in Deuteronomy (16:11, 14; 24:19-21; 26:12-13), demonstrating God's relentless concern for the vulnerable. They shall be satisfied (שָׂבַע, sava, 'filled, satiated')—not minimal survival but true sufficiency.

That the LORD thy God may bless thee in all the work of thine hand—Generosity unlocks blessing. Give, and it shall be given unto you (Luke 6:38). He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly (2 Corinthians 9:6). Yet the motive must be obedience, not manipulation—blessing follows generosity but isn't purchased by it. Jesus embodied ultimate generosity: Though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich (2 Corinthians 8:9). Our giving mirrors His.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

In ancient agrarian economies, the triennial tithe's public distribution at local gates (city entrances) created accountability—everyone saw who gave and who received. This transparency prevented corruption while ensuring comprehensive care for society's most vulnerable members.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's promise of blessing for generosity differ from 'prosperity gospel' theology that treats giving as a financial transaction?
  2. What practical steps can you take to ensure the vulnerable in your community are 'satisfied,' not merely surviving?
  3. In what ways does Christ's generosity (becoming poor to make you rich) motivate and model your own giving?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 24 words
וּבָ֣א1 of 24

shall come

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

הַלֵּוִ֡י2 of 24

And the Levite

H3881

a levite or descendant of levi

כִּ֣י3 of 24
H3588

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

אֵֽין4 of 24
H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

לוֹ֩5 of 24
H0
חֵ֨לֶק6 of 24

because he hath no part

H2506

properly, smoothness (of the tongue)

וְנַֽחֲלָ֜ה7 of 24

nor inheritance

H5159

properly, something inherited, i.e., (abstractly) occupancy, or (concretely) an heirloom; generally an estate, patrimony or portion

עִמָּ֗ךְ8 of 24
H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

וְ֠הַגֵּר9 of 24

with thee and the stranger

H1616

properly, a guest; by implication, a foreigner

וְהַיָּת֤וֹם10 of 24

and the fatherless

H3490

a bereaved person

וְהָֽאַלְמָנָה֙11 of 24

and the widow

H490

a widow; also a desolate place

אֲשֶׁ֣ר12 of 24
H834

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

בִּשְׁעָרֶ֔יךָ13 of 24

which are within thy gates

H8179

an opening, i.e., door or gate

וְאָֽכְל֖וּ14 of 24

and shall eat

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

וְשָׂבֵ֑עוּ15 of 24

and be satisfied

H7646

to sate, i.e., fill to satisfaction (literally or figuratively)

לְמַ֤עַן16 of 24
H4616

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

יְבָֽרֶכְךָ֙17 of 24

may bless

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

יְהוָ֣ה18 of 24

that the LORD

H3068

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

אֱלֹהֶ֔יךָ19 of 24

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

בְּכָל20 of 24
H3605

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

מַֽעֲשֵׂ֥ה21 of 24

thee in all the work

H4639

an action (good or bad); generally, a transaction; abstractly, activity; by implication, a product (specifically, a poem) or (generally) property

יָֽדְךָ֖22 of 24

of 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

אֲשֶׁ֥ר23 of 24
H834

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

תַּֽעֲשֶֽׂה׃24 of 24

which thou doest

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application


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 14:29 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 14:29 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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