King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 16:17 Mean?

Deuteronomy 16:17 in the King James Version says “Every man shall give as he is able , according to the blessing of the LORD thy God which he hath given thee. as: Heb. ac...” — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Every man shall give as he is able , according to the blessing of the LORD thy God which he hath given thee. as: Heb. according to the gift of his hand”

Deuteronomy 16:17 · KJV

Context

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.

16

Three times in a year shall all thy males appear before the LORD thy God in the place which he shall choose; in the feast of unleavened bread, and in the feast of weeks, and in the feast of tabernacles: and they shall not appear before the LORD empty:

17

Every man shall give as he is able , according to the blessing of the LORD thy God which he hath given thee. as: Heb. according to the gift of his hand

18

Judges and officers shalt thou make thee in all thy gates, which the LORD thy God giveth thee, throughout thy tribes: and they shall judge the people with just judgment.

19

Thou shalt not wrest judgment; thou shalt not respect persons, neither take a gift: for a gift doth blind the eyes of the wise, and pervert the words of the righteous. words: or, matters

Read Deuteronomy 16 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Every man shall give as he is able, according to the blessing of the LORD thy God which he hath given thee—This principle governs feast offerings after describing the three pilgrimage feasts (Passover/Unleavened Bread, Weeks, Tabernacles). The Hebrew ish kematnat yado (אִ֖ישׁ כְּמַתְּנַ֣ת יָד֑וֹ, 'each man according to the gift of his hand') means proportional giving based on ability, not fixed amounts. The phrase 'as he is able' prevents both pride (the wealthy) and shame (the poor).

The standard is 'according to the blessing of the LORD thy God' (kebirkat YHWH elohecha, כְּבִרְכַּ֛ת יְהוָ֥ה אֱלֹהֶ֖יךָ). Giving measures blessing received, making generosity a worship response to divine provision. This proportional principle anticipates New Testament teaching: 'Every man according as he purposeth in his heart...for God loveth a cheerful giver' (2 Corinthians 9:7). Paul also cites proportional giving: 'Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him' (1 Corinthians 16:2).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Pilgrimage feasts required male Israelites to 'appear before the LORD' at the central sanctuary (v. 16), bringing offerings from harvest abundance. This command prevented empty-handed worship (Exodus 23:15) while accommodating economic differences. The principle balanced obligation (everyone brings something) with equity (amount varies by blessing). This economic wisdom prevented both exploitation of the poor (by demanding fixed amounts) and enabling of the wealthy (by allowing token gifts). The system assumed God's varied but real blessing on all covenant members.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does proportional giving 'as God has prospered you' differ from percentage-based tithing or fixed-amount offerings?
  2. In what ways should recognizing all wealth as God's blessing shape both the amount and attitude of your giving?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 9 words
אִ֖ישׁ1 of 9

“Every man”

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

כְּמַתְּנַ֣ת2 of 9

“shall give as he is able”

H4979

a present; specifically (in a good sense), a sacrificial offering, (in a bad sense) a bribe

יָד֑וֹ3 of 9
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

כְּבִרְכַּ֛ת4 of 9

“according to the blessing”

H1293

benediction; by implication prosperity

יְהוָ֥ה5 of 9

“of the LORD”

H3068

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

אֱלֹהֶ֖יךָ6 of 9

“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

אֲשֶׁ֥ר7 of 9
H834

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

נָֽתַן8 of 9

“which he hath given”

H5414

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

לָֽךְ׃9 of 9
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 16:17 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 16:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Corinthians 9:6-72 Corinthians 8:12Deuteronomy 16:10Mark 12:41-44Leviticus 27:8Ezra 2:63

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