King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 26:11 Mean?

Deuteronomy 26:11 in the King James Version says “And thou shalt rejoice in every good thing which the LORD thy God hath given unto thee, and unto thine house, thou, and ...” — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 26 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And thou shalt rejoice in every good thing which the LORD thy God hath given unto thee, and unto thine house, thou, and the Levite, and the stranger that is among you.”

Deuteronomy 26:11 · KJV

Context

9

And he hath brought us into this place, and hath given us this land, even a land that floweth with milk and honey.

10

And now, behold, I have brought the firstfruits of the land, which thou, O LORD, hast given me. And thou shalt set it before the LORD thy God, and worship before the LORD thy God:

11

And thou shalt rejoice in every good thing which the LORD thy God hath given unto thee, and unto thine house, thou, and the Levite, and the stranger that is among you.

12

When thou hast made an end of tithing all the tithes of thine increase the third year, which is the year of tithing, and hast given it unto the Levite, the stranger, the fatherless, and the widow, that they may eat within thy gates, and be filled;

13

Then thou shalt say before the LORD thy God, I have brought away the hallowed things out of mine house, and also have given them unto the Levite, and unto the stranger, to the fatherless, and to the widow, according to all thy commandments which thou hast commanded me: I have not transgressed thy commandments, neither have I forgotten them:

Read Deuteronomy 26 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And thou shalt rejoice in every good thing which the LORD thy God hath given unto thee, and unto thine house—the climax of the firstfruits ceremony (26:1-11), commanding joy as religious duty. The Hebrew samachta (שָׂמַחְתָּ) means to rejoice, be glad, celebrate. This wasn't mere emotion but covenantal celebration recognizing God as the source of every good thing. Thou, and the Levite, and the stranger that is among you—joy was communal, including those without land inheritance (Levites) and outsiders (resident aliens).

This verse connects gratitude, generosity, and worship. After offering firstfruits acknowledging God's provision and rehearsing redemption history (26:5-10), the worshiper was commanded to rejoice with those who received tithes and offerings. True worship produces joy that overflows to others, especially the marginalized. Deuteronomy repeatedly links obedience with joy (12:7, 12, 18; 14:26; 16:11, 14-15), presenting covenant life as inherently celebratory, not burdensome legalism.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Given circa 1406 BC in anticipation of harvest festivals in the Promised Land. Israel's agricultural calendar structured around three major feasts (Unleavened Bread, Weeks, Tabernacles)—all requiring joyful celebration with offerings shared among family, Levites, poor, and strangers. This contrasted with pagan fertility religions' anxious appeasement of capricious gods. Israel's worship celebrated a faithful covenant God whose blessings were reliable, producing security and joy rather than fear and manipulation.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why does God command joy rather than leaving it as spontaneous emotion? What does this reveal about worship?
  2. How does including Levites and strangers in celebration demonstrate that biblical joy is inherently communal?
  3. What practices help Christians cultivate commanded joy that transcends circumstances?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
וְשָֽׂמַחְתָּ֣1 of 14
H8056

blithe or gleeful

בְכָל2 of 14
H3605

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

הַטּ֗וֹב3 of 14

“in every good”

H2896

good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good

אֲשֶׁ֧ר4 of 14
H834

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

נָֽתַן5 of 14

“hath given”

H5414

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

לְךָ֛6 of 14
H0
יְהוָ֥ה7 of 14

“thing which the LORD”

H3068

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

אֱלֹהֶ֖יךָ8 of 14

“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

וּלְבֵיתֶ֑ךָ9 of 14

“unto thee and unto thine house”

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

אַתָּה֙10 of 14
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

וְהַלֵּוִ֔י11 of 14

“thou and the Levite”

H3881

a levite or descendant of levi

וְהַגֵּ֖ר12 of 14

“and the stranger”

H1616

properly, a guest; by implication, a foreigner

אֲשֶׁ֥ר13 of 14
H834

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

בְּקִרְבֶּֽךָ׃14 of 14

“that is among”

H7130

properly, the nearest part, i.e., the center, whether literal, figurative or adverbial (especially with preposition)

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 26:11 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 26:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Deuteronomy 16:11Deuteronomy 12:7Philippians 4:4Psalms 100:1-2Deuteronomy 28:47Isaiah 65:14

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Deuteronomy 26 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterDeuteronomy Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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