King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 16:13 Mean?

Deuteronomy 16:13 in the King James Version says “Thou shalt observe the feast of tabernacles seven days, after that thou hast gathered in thy corn and thy wine: corn: He...” — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Thou shalt observe the feast of tabernacles seven days, after that thou hast gathered in thy corn and thy wine: corn: Heb. floor, and thy winepress”

Deuteronomy 16:13 · KJV

Context

11

And thou shalt rejoice before the LORD thy God, thou, and thy son, and thy daughter, and thy manservant, and thy maidservant, and the Levite that is within thy gates, and the stranger, and the fatherless, and the widow, that are among you, in the place which the LORD thy God hath chosen to place his name there.

12

And thou shalt remember that thou wast a bondman in Egypt: and thou shalt observe and do these statutes.

13

Thou shalt observe the feast of tabernacles seven days, after that thou hast gathered in thy corn and thy wine: corn: Heb. floor, and thy winepress

14

And thou shalt rejoice in thy feast, thou, and thy son, and thy daughter, and thy manservant, and thy maidservant, and the Levite, the stranger, and the fatherless, and the widow, that are within thy gates.

15

Seven days shalt thou keep a solemn feast unto the LORD thy God in the place which the LORD shall choose: because the LORD thy God shall bless thee in all thine increase, and in all the works of thine hands, therefore thou shalt surely rejoice.

Read Deuteronomy 16 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Thou shalt observe the feast of tabernacles seven days—The Hebrew chag ha-sukkot (חַ֧ג הַסֻּכֹּ֛ת, 'Feast of Booths/Tabernacles') commemorated wilderness wandering when Israel lived in temporary shelters. The seven-day duration (longest of Israel's feasts) reflects creation's pattern and covenant completeness. The verb ta'aseh (תַּעֲשֶׂ֥ה, 'you shall observe/do') indicates active celebration, not passive observance.

After that thou hast gathered in thy corn and thy wine—Timing coincides with autumn harvest (late September/October), after grain threshing and grape/olive gathering. The phrase 'thy corn and thy wine' (מִֽגָּרְנְךָ֖ וּמִיִּקְבֶֽךָ, migornecha umiyiqvecha, literally 'from your threshing floor and from your winepress') emphasizes God's blessing on agricultural labor. The feast celebrates both historical redemption (wilderness provision) and present provision (harvest abundance). This dual focus—salvation history and current blessing—characterizes biblical worship.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Sukkot was Israel's most joyous feast, celebrated after Canaan's settlement when agriculture became central. Families built temporary booths (sukkot) from branches, living in them seven days to remember wilderness tents. This tangible reenactment taught children Israel's redemptive history experientially. Sukkot also marked the agricultural year's end, when all crops were gathered. Jesus likely attended this feast (John 7:2-37), where He proclaimed Himself living water, fulfilling the water-drawing ceremony central to Sukkot celebrations.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does living in temporary shelters during Sukkot teach dependence on God rather than material security?
  2. What does combining historical remembrance with harvest thanksgiving teach about worshiping God for both redemption and provision?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 9 words
חַ֧ג1 of 9

“the feast”

H2282

a festival, or a victim therefor

הַסֻּכֹּ֛ת2 of 9

“of tabernacles”

H5521

a hut or lair

תַּֽעֲשֶׂ֥ה3 of 9

“Thou shalt observe”

H6213

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

לְךָ֖4 of 9
H0
שִׁבְעַ֣ת5 of 9

“seven”

H7651

seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number

יָמִ֑ים6 of 9

“days”

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

בְּאָ֨סְפְּךָ֔7 of 9

“after that thou hast gathered”

H622

to gather for any purpose; hence, to receive, take away, i.e., remove (destroy, leave behind, put up, restore, etc.)

מִֽגָּרְנְךָ֖8 of 9

“in thy corn”

H1637

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

וּמִיִּקְבֶֽךָ׃9 of 9

“and thy wine”

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)

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 16:13 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 16:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

John 7:2Exodus 23:16Leviticus 23:34-362 Chronicles 5:3Exodus 34:22Zechariah 14:16-18

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