King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 16:2 Mean?

Deuteronomy 16:2 in the King James Version says “Thou shalt therefore sacrifice the passover unto the LORD thy God, of the flock and the herd, in the place which the LOR...” — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Thou shalt therefore sacrifice the passover unto the LORD thy God, of the flock and the herd, in the place which the LORD shall choose to place his name there.”

Deuteronomy 16:2 · KJV

Context

1

Observe the month of Abib, and keep the passover unto the LORD thy God: for in the month of Abib the LORD thy God brought thee forth out of Egypt by night.

2

Thou shalt therefore sacrifice the passover unto the LORD thy God, of the flock and the herd, in the place which the LORD shall choose to place his name there.

3

Thou shalt eat no leavened bread with it; seven days shalt thou eat unleavened bread therewith, even the bread of affliction; for thou camest forth out of the land of Egypt in haste: that thou mayest remember the day when thou camest forth out of the land of Egypt all the days of thy life.

4

And there shall be no leavened bread seen with thee in all thy coast seven days; neither shall there any thing of the flesh, which thou sacrificedst the first day at even, remain all night until the morning.

Read Deuteronomy 16 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Thou shalt therefore sacrifice the passover unto the LORD thy God, of the flock and the herd, in the place which the LORD shall choose to place his name there. Passover required blood sacrifice, foreshadowing that redemption necessitates substitutionary death. The lamb dies so the firstborn lives - this is the gospel in type.

Specification of the flock and the herd likely refers to the Passover lamb plus additional peace offerings during the festival week. The central Passover sacrifice came from the flock (sheep or goats), while additional offerings could include cattle.

The phrase in the place which the LORD shall choose centralizes worship at the tabernacle (later temple). This prevented proliferation of unauthorized shrines and maintained purity of worship according to God's prescribed pattern. True worship occurs where and how God designates, not according to human preference.

God's choosing to place his name there indicates His special presence and ownership. The sanctuary was not generic sacred space but the specific location where God manifested Himself to His people.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Initially, Passover could be observed in individual homes (Exodus 12). Deuteronomy's centralization requirement mandated observance at the central sanctuary once Israel settled in Canaan. This promoted national unity and prevented syncretistic worship at local shrines.

Jerusalem became the permanent location where God placed His name when Solomon built the temple. Jews traveled there for Passover throughout biblical history.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does the requirement of blood sacrifice teach about the cost of redemption?
  2. Why did God centralize worship rather than permitting local observance?
  3. How does God's choice of specific worship location demonstrate His sovereignty over proper worship?
  4. What dangers does unauthorized worship at human-chosen locations present?
  5. How does Old Testament centralized worship relate to New Testament worship in spirit and truth?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
וְזָבַ֥חְתָּ1 of 13

“Thou shalt therefore sacrifice”

H2076

to slaughter an animal (usually in sacrifice)

פֶּ֛סַח2 of 13

“the passover”

H6453

a pretermission, i.e., exemption; used only techically of the jewish passover (the festival or the victim)

יְהוָ֔ה3 of 13

“unto the LORD”

H3068

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

אֱלֹהֶ֖יךָ4 of 13

“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

צֹ֣אן5 of 13

“of the flock”

H6629

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

וּבָקָ֑ר6 of 13

“and the herd”

H1241

a beeve or an animal of the ox family of either gender (as used for plowing); collectively, a herd

בַּמָּקוֹם֙7 of 13

“in the place”

H4725

properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)

אֲשֶׁר8 of 13
H834

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

יִבְחַ֣ר9 of 13

“shall choose”

H977

properly, to try, i.e., (by implication) select

יְהוָ֔ה10 of 13

“unto the LORD”

H3068

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

לְשַׁכֵּ֥ן11 of 13

“to place”

H7931

to reside or permanently stay (literally or figuratively)

שְׁמ֖וֹ12 of 13

“his name”

H8034

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

שָֽׁם׃13 of 13
H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

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 16:2 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 16:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Deuteronomy 12:5Deuteronomy 12:26Mark 14:12Matthew 26:171 Corinthians 5:7Luke 22:15

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Deuteronomy 16 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterDeuteronomy Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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