King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 15:14 Mean?

Deuteronomy 15:14 in the King James Version says “Thou shalt furnish him liberally out of thy flock, and out of thy floor, and out of thy winepress: of that wherewith the...” — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Thou shalt furnish him liberally out of thy flock, and out of thy floor, and out of thy winepress: of that wherewith the LORD thy God hath blessed thee thou shalt give unto him.”

Deuteronomy 15:14 · KJV

Context

12

And if thy brother, an Hebrew man, or an Hebrew woman, be sold unto thee, and serve thee six years; then in the seventh year thou shalt let him go free from thee.

13

And when thou sendest him out free from thee, thou shalt not let him go away empty:

14

Thou shalt furnish him liberally out of thy flock, and out of thy floor, and out of thy winepress: of that wherewith the LORD thy God hath blessed thee thou shalt give unto him.

15

And thou shalt remember that thou wast a bondman in the land of Egypt, and the LORD thy God redeemed thee: therefore I command thee this thing to day.

16

And it shall be, if he say unto thee, I will not go away from thee; because he loveth thee and thine house, because he is well with thee;

Read Deuteronomy 15 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Of that wherewith the LORD thy God hath blessed thee thou shalt give unto him—The motivation for generosity: you're redistributing God's blessing, not surrendering your achievement. This destroys pride: What hast thou that thou didst not receive? (1 Corinthians 4:7). The master's wealth came from God's blessing, making stinginess toward the freed servant ingratitude toward God.

The Greek word koinonia (κοινωνία, 'fellowship, sharing') describes the early church: All that believed were together, and had all things common (Acts 2:44). This wasn't communism but recognition that the earth is the LORD's (Psalm 24:1). We're stewards, not owners. The servant law embodied 'kingdom economics': abundant grace produces generous giving, creating flourishing community.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

In agrarian Israel, livestock, grain, and wine represented capital, not mere commodities—the means of production. Giving these to freed servants transferred wealth-generating capacity, not just consumables. This radical generosity distinguished Israelite society from surrounding cultures.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does viewing your resources as 'God's blessing to redistribute' rather than 'my achievement to protect' change your generosity?
  2. What capital goods (wealth-generating assets, skills, connections) could you share to empower others' flourishing?
  3. In what ways does Acts 2:44's 'all things common' reflect this Deuteronomic principle of covenant generosity?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
תַּֽעֲנִיק֙1 of 12

“Thou shalt furnish”

H6059

to collar, i.e., adorn with a necklace; figuratively, to fit out with supplies

תַּֽעֲנִיק֙2 of 12

“Thou shalt furnish”

H6059

to collar, i.e., adorn with a necklace; figuratively, to fit out with supplies

ל֔וֹ3 of 12
H0
מִצֹּ֣אנְךָ֔4 of 12

“out of thy flock”

H6629

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

וּמִֽגָּרְנְךָ֖5 of 12

“and out of thy floor”

H1637

a threshing-floor (as made even); by analogy, any open area

וּמִיִּקְבֶ֑ךָ6 of 12

“and out of thy winepress”

H3342

a trough (as dug out); specifically, a wine-vat (whether the lower one, into which the juice drains; or the upper, in which the grapes are crushed)

אֲשֶׁ֧ר7 of 12
H834

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

בֵּֽרַכְךָ֛8 of 12

“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

יְהוָ֥ה9 of 12

“of that wherewith the LORD”

H3068

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

אֱלֹהֶ֖יךָ10 of 12

“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

תִּתֶּן11 of 12

“thee thou shalt give”

H5414

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

לֽוֹ׃12 of 12
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 15:14 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 15:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Nehemiah 8:101 Corinthians 16:2Acts 20:35Proverbs 10:22Psalms 68:10

Test Your Knowledge

Deuteronomy 15 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterDeuteronomy Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Deuteronomy 15 with CommentaryAll Deuteronomy ChaptersComplete Deuteronomy QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes