Deuteronomy 16:16

Deuteronomy 16:16 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

Three times a year all your men are to appear before the LORD your God in the place He will choose: at the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the Feast of Weeks, and the Feast of Tabernacles. No one should appear before the LORD empty-handed.

King James Version KJV

¶ 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:

American Standard Version ASV

Three times in a year shall all thy males appear before Jehovah 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 Jehovah empty:

Bible in Basic English BBE

Three times in the year let all your males come before the Lord your God in the place named by him; at the feast of unleavened bread, the feast of weeks, and the feast of tents: and they are not to come before the Lord with nothing in their hands;

Free Bible Version FBV

All your men must come before the Lord your God in the place He will choose three times every year: the Festival of Bread without Yeast, the Festival of Weeks, and the Festival of Shelters. No one should come before the Lord without an offering.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Three times in the yeere shall all the males appeare before the Lord thy God in the place which he shall chuse: in the feast of the vnleauened bread, and in the feast of the weekes, and in the feast of the Tabernacles: and they shall not appeare before the Lord emptie.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

'Three times in a year doth every one of thy males appear before Jehovah thy God in the place which He doth choose — in the feast of unleavened things, and in the feast of weeks, and in the feast of booths; and they do not appear before Jehovah empty;

World English Bible WEB

Three times in a year all of your males shall appear before the LORD your God in the place which he chooses: in the feast of unleavened bread, in the feast of weeks, and in the feast of booths. They shall not appear before the LORD empty.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

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:

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

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, in the feast of weeks, and in the feast of tabernacles. No one shall appear with his hands empty before the Lord:

Translation for Translators T4T

“So, each year all of you Israeli men must gather with your families to worship Yahweh our God at the place that he will choose, to celebrate three festivals: The Passover Festival, the Harvest Festival, and the Festival of Living in Temporary Shelters. Each of you men must bring [LIT] an offering for Yahweh to these festivals

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Berean Amplified Bible — Deuteronomy 16:16

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Deuteronomy 16:16 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB שָׁל֣וֹשׁ פְּעָמִ֣ים בַּ/שָּׁנָ֡ה יֵרָאֶ֨ה כָל זְכוּרְ/ךָ֜ אֶת פְּנֵ֣י יְהוָ֣ה אֱלֹהֶ֗י/ךָ בַּ/מָּקוֹם֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר יִבְחָ֔ר בְּ/חַ֧ג הַ/מַּצּ֛וֹת וּ/בְ/חַ֥ג הַ/שָּׁבֻע֖וֹת וּ/בְ/חַ֣ג הַ/סֻּכּ֑וֹת וְ/לֹ֧א יֵרָאֶ֛ה אֶת פְּנֵ֥י יְהוָ֖ה רֵיקָֽם

שָׁל֣וֹשׁ shâlôwsh H7969 three Adj

פְּעָמִ֣ים paʻam H6471 beat N-fp

בַּ/שָּׁנָ֡ה shâneh H8141 year Prep | N-fs

יֵרָאֶ֨ה râʼâh H7200 Provider V-Niphal-Imperf-3ms

כָל kôl H3605 all N-ms

זְכוּרְ/ךָ֜ zâkûwr H2138 male N-ms | Suff

אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM

פְּנֵ֣י pânîym H6440 face N-cp

יְהוָ֣ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper

אֱלֹהֶ֗י/ךָ ʼĕlôhîym H430 God N-mp | Suff

בַּ/מָּקוֹם֙ mâqôwm H4725 place Prep | N-ms

אֲשֶׁ֣ר ʼăsher H834 which Rel

יִבְחָ֔ר bâchar H977 to choose V-Qal-Imperf-3ms

בְּ/חַ֧ג chag H2282 feast Prep | N-ms

הַ/מַּצּ֛וֹת matstsâh H4682 unleavened bread Art | N-fp

וּ/בְ/חַ֥ג chag H2282 feast Conj | Prep | N-ms

הַ/שָּׁבֻע֖וֹת shâbûwaʻ H7620 week Art | N-mp

וּ/בְ/חַ֣ג chag H2282 feast Conj | Prep | N-ms

הַ/סֻּכּ֑וֹת çukkâh H5521 booth Art | N-fp

וְ/לֹ֧א lôʼ H3808 not Conj | Part

יֵרָאֶ֛ה râʼâh H7200 Provider V-Niphal-Imperf-3ms

אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM

פְּנֵ֥י pânîym H6440 face N-cp

יְהוָ֖ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper

רֵיקָֽם rêyqâm H7387 emptily Adv

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Deuteronomy 16:16

שָׁל֣וֹשׁ shâlôwsh H7969 "three" Adj

This Hebrew word means three or thrice, and is used to describe quantities or repetitions in the Bible. It appears in various forms, including three, third, and thirteen.

Definition: 1) three, triad 1a) 3, 300, third Aramaic equivalent: te.lat (תְּלָת "three" H8532)

Usage: Occurs in 381 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] fork, [phrase] often(-times), third, thir(-teen, -teenth), three, [phrase] thrice. Compare H7991 (שָׁלִישׁ). See also: Genesis 5:22; Joshua 1:11; 2 Kings 9:32.

פְּעָמִ֣ים paʻam H6471 "beat" N-fp

This word refers to a beat or stroke, like a footstep or a blow. It can also mean a time or occurrence, and is used in the Bible to describe things like a single step or a repeated action.

Definition: 1) stroke, beat, foot, step, anvil, occurrence 1a) foot, hoof-beat, footfall, footstep 1b) anvil 1c) occurrence, time, stroke, beat 1c1) one time, once, twice, thrice, as time on time, at this repetition, this once, now at length, now...now, at one time...at another

Usage: Occurs in 108 OT verses. KJV: anvil, corner, foot(-step), going, (hundred-) fold, [idiom] now, (this) [phrase] once, order, rank, step, [phrase] thrice, (often-), second, this, two) time(-s), twice, wheel. See also: Genesis 2:23; 1 Samuel 3:10; Psalms 17:5.

בַּ/שָּׁנָ֡ה shâneh H8141 "year" Prep | N-fs

This word also means a year, like when Abraham was 100 years old in Genesis 21. It is used to describe a period of time, age, or a lifetime.

Definition: 1) year 1a) as division of time 1b) as measure of time 1c) as indication of age 1d) a lifetime (of years of life) Aramaic equivalent: she.nah (שְׁנָה "year" H8140)

Usage: Occurs in 647 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] whole age, [idiom] long, [phrase] old, year([idiom] -ly). See also: Genesis 1:14; Genesis 47:28; Numbers 7:35.

יֵרָאֶ֨ה râʼâh H7200 "Provider" V-Niphal-Imperf-3ms

The Hebrew word for provider means to see or look after, and is used to describe God's care for his people. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Genesis and other books.

Definition: (Lord will) Provide, cause to be seen. This name means to see, look at, inspect, look after

Usage: Occurs in 1206 OT verses. KJV: advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, [idiom] be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), [idiom] sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, [idiom] surely, [idiom] think, view, visions. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 41:41; Exodus 33:13.

כָל kôl H3605 "all" N-ms

The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.

Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)

Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.

זְכוּרְ/ךָ֜ zâkûwr H2138 "male" N-ms | Suff

This word simply means a male person or animal, used in Genesis and Leviticus to describe the male sex. It's a basic term in the Bible, distinguishing between males and females in various contexts.

Definition: male

Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: males, men-children. See also: Exodus 23:17; Deuteronomy 16:16; Deuteronomy 20:13.

אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM

In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.

Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)

Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.

פְּנֵ֣י pânîym H6440 "face" N-cp

This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.

Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of

Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.

יְהוָ֣ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 "The Lord" N-proper

Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.

Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)

Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.

אֱלֹהֶ֗י/ךָ ʼĕlôhîym H430 "God" N-mp | Suff

The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.

Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)

Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.

בַּ/מָּקוֹם֙ mâqôwm H4725 "place" Prep | N-ms

Maqom means a place or location, like a city or a region. It can also refer to a condition of the body or mind. This term is used to describe a wide range of locations and situations.

Definition: 1) standing place, place 1a) standing place, station, post, office 1b) place, place of human abode 1c) city, land, region 1d) place, locality, spot 1e) space, room, distance 1f) region, quarter, direction 1g) give place to, instead of

Usage: Occurs in 379 OT verses. KJV: country, [idiom] home, [idiom] open, place, room, space, [idiom] whither(-soever). See also: Genesis 1:9; Deuteronomy 12:3; 1 Kings 20:24.

אֲשֶׁ֣ר ʼăsher H834 "which" Rel

This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.

Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when

Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.

יִבְחָ֔ר bâchar H977 "to choose" V-Qal-Imperf-3ms

To choose or select is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which appears in Deuteronomy. It can also mean to be chosen or elected. The KJV translates it as 'choose' or 'acceptable'.

Definition: 1) to choose, elect, decide for 1a) (Qal) to choose 1b) (Niphal) to be chosen 1c) (Pual) to be chosen, selected

Usage: Occurs in 162 OT verses. KJV: acceptable, appoint, choose (choice), excellent, join, be rather, require. See also: Genesis 6:2; 2 Kings 23:27; Psalms 25:12.

בְּ/חַ֧ג chag H2282 "feast" Prep | N-ms

A festival or feast is what this Hebrew word describes. It is used in Leviticus 23:2 to describe the festivals of the Lord. The word implies a time of celebration or sacrifice.

Definition: 1) festival, feast, festival-gathering, pilgrim-feast 1a) feast 1b) festival sacrifice

Usage: Occurs in 55 OT verses. KJV: (solemn) feast (day), sacrifice, solemnity. See also: Exodus 10:9; 2 Chronicles 7:8; Psalms 81:4.

הַ/מַּצּ֛וֹת matstsâh H4682 "unleavened bread" Art | N-fp

In the Bible, matstsah refers to unleavened bread, a sweet bread made without yeast, often eaten during the Passover festival. It symbolizes purity and simplicity. This bread is mentioned in Exodus and Leviticus.

Definition: unleavened (bread, cake), without leaven.

Usage: Occurs in 42 OT verses. KJV: unleaved (bread, cake), without leaven. See also: Genesis 19:3; Numbers 6:15; Ezekiel 45:21.

וּ/בְ/חַ֥ג chag H2282 "feast" Conj | Prep | N-ms

A festival or feast is what this Hebrew word describes. It is used in Leviticus 23:2 to describe the festivals of the Lord. The word implies a time of celebration or sacrifice.

Definition: 1) festival, feast, festival-gathering, pilgrim-feast 1a) feast 1b) festival sacrifice

Usage: Occurs in 55 OT verses. KJV: (solemn) feast (day), sacrifice, solemnity. See also: Exodus 10:9; 2 Chronicles 7:8; Psalms 81:4.

הַ/שָּׁבֻע֖וֹת shâbûwaʻ H7620 "week" Art | N-mp

This Hebrew word means a period of seven days or years, like a week. It appears in Exodus 34:22 and Deuteronomy 16:10, referring to the Feast of Weeks. In the KJV, it is translated as 'seven' or 'week'.

Definition: 1) seven, period of seven (days or years), heptad, week 1a) period of seven days, a week 1a1) Feast of Weeks 1b) heptad, seven (of years) Also means: sha.vu.a (שָׁבוּעַ "week" H7620I)

Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: seven, week. See also: Genesis 29:27; 2 Chronicles 8:13; Jeremiah 5:24.

וּ/בְ/חַ֣ג chag H2282 "feast" Conj | Prep | N-ms

A festival or feast is what this Hebrew word describes. It is used in Leviticus 23:2 to describe the festivals of the Lord. The word implies a time of celebration or sacrifice.

Definition: 1) festival, feast, festival-gathering, pilgrim-feast 1a) feast 1b) festival sacrifice

Usage: Occurs in 55 OT verses. KJV: (solemn) feast (day), sacrifice, solemnity. See also: Exodus 10:9; 2 Chronicles 7:8; Psalms 81:4.

הַ/סֻּכּ֑וֹת çukkâh H5521 "booth" Art | N-fp

This word describes a small, temporary shelter or booth. It is used to describe a thicket or covert, as seen in the KJV translations. In the Bible, it is used to describe the tabernacles or tents of the Israelites.

Definition: 1) thicket, covert, booth 1a) thicket 1b) booth (rude or temporary shelter)

Usage: Occurs in 29 OT verses. KJV: booth, cottage, covert, pavilion, tabernacle, tent. See also: Genesis 33:17; Nehemiah 8:15; Psalms 18:12.

וְ/לֹ֧א lôʼ H3808 "not" Conj | Part

The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.

Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)

Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.

יֵרָאֶ֛ה râʼâh H7200 "Provider" V-Niphal-Imperf-3ms

The Hebrew word for provider means to see or look after, and is used to describe God's care for his people. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Genesis and other books.

Definition: (Lord will) Provide, cause to be seen. This name means to see, look at, inspect, look after

אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM

Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)

Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.

פְּנֵ֥י pânîym H6440 "face" N-cp

This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.

יְהוָ֖ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 "The Lord" N-proper

Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.

Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)

Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.

רֵיקָֽם rêyqâm H7387 "emptily" Adv

This Hebrew word means doing something empty or without purpose, like acting in vain. It is used in the Bible to describe actions that have no real effect. In the KJV, it is translated as 'without cause' or 'in vain'.

Definition: 1) vainly, emptily 1a) in empty condition, empty, emptily 1b) in vain, without effect, vainly

Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: without cause, empty, in vain, void. See also: Genesis 31:42; 1 Samuel 6:3; Psalms 7:5.

Study Notes — Deuteronomy 16:16

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Deuteronomy 16:16 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 16:16
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 16:16
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 16:16
Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 16:16
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Deuteronomy 16:16
Whedon's Commentary on Deuteronomy 16:16
Sermons on Deuteronomy 16:16

Context — The Feast of Tabernacles

14And you shall rejoice in your feast—you, your sons and daughters, your menservants and maidservants, and the Levite, as well as the foreigner, the fatherless, and the widows among you. 15For seven days you shall celebrate a feast to the LORD your God in the place He will choose, because the LORD your God will bless you in all your produce and in all the work of your hands, so that your joy will be complete.

16Three times a year all your men are to appear before the LORD your God in the place He will choose: at the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the Feast of Weeks, and the Feast of Tabernacles. No one should appear before the LORD empty-handed.

17Everyone must appear with a gift as he is able, according to the blessing the LORD your God has given you. 18You are to appoint judges and officials for your tribes in every town that the LORD your God is giving you. They are to judge the people with righteous judgment.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Proverbs 3:9–10	Honor the LORD with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your harvest; then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will overflow with new wine.
2	Psalms 96:8	Ascribe to the LORD the glory due His name; bring an offering and enter His courts.
3	Haggai 1:9	You expected much, but behold, it amounted to little. And what you brought home, I blew away. Why? declares the LORD of Hosts. Because My house still lies in ruins, while each of you is busy with his own house.
4	Exodus 23:14–17	Three times a year you are to celebrate a feast to Me. You are to keep the Feast of Unleavened Bread as I commanded you: At the appointed time in the month of Abib you are to eat unleavened bread for seven days, because that was the month you came out of Egypt. No one may appear before Me empty-handed. You are also to keep the Feast of Harvest with the firstfruits of the produce from what you sow in the field. And keep the Feast of Ingathering at the end of the year, when you gather your produce from the field. Three times a year all your males are to appear before the Lord GOD.
5	Matthew 2:11	On coming to the house, they saw the Child with His mother Mary, and they fell down and worshiped Him. Then they opened their treasures and presented Him with gifts of gold and frankincense and myrrh.
6	Exodus 34:20	You must redeem the firstborn of a donkey with a lamb; but if you do not redeem it, you are to break its neck. You must redeem all the firstborn of your sons. No one shall appear before Me empty-handed.
7	1 Chronicles 29:14–17	But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? For everything comes from You, and from Your own hand we have given to You. For we are foreigners and strangers in Your presence, as were all our forefathers. Our days on earth are like a shadow, without hope. O LORD our God, from Your hand comes all this abundance that we have provided to build You a house for Your holy Name, and all of it belongs to You. I know, my God, that You test the heart and delight in uprightness. All these things I have given willingly and with an upright heart, and now I have seen Your people who are present here giving joyfully and willingly to You.
8	1 Chronicles 29:3–9	Moreover, because of my delight in the house of my God, I now give for it my personal treasures of gold and silver, over and above all that I have provided for this holy temple: three thousand talents of gold (the gold of Ophir) and seven thousand talents of refined silver, to overlay the walls of the buildings, for the gold work and the silver work, and for all the work to be done by the craftsmen. Now who will volunteer to consecrate himself to the LORD today?” Then the leaders of the households, the officers of the tribes of Israel, the commanders of thousands and of hundreds, and the officials in charge of the king’s work gave willingly. Toward the service of God’s house they gave 5,000 talents and 10,000 darics of gold, 10,000 talents of silver, 18,000 talents of bronze, and 100,000 talents of iron. Whoever had precious stones gave them to the treasury of the house of the LORD, under the care of Jehiel the Gershonite. And the people rejoiced at the willing response of their leaders, for they had given to the LORD freely and wholeheartedly. And King David also rejoiced greatly.
9	1 Kings 9:25	Three times a year Solomon offered burnt offerings and peace offerings on the altar he had built for the LORD, burning incense with them before the LORD. So he completed the temple.
10	Exodus 34:22–23	And you are to celebrate the Feast of Weeks with the firstfruits of the wheat harvest, and the Feast of Ingathering at the turn of the year. Three times a year all your males are to appear before the Lord GOD, the God of Israel.

Deuteronomy 16:16 Summary

[This verse is talking about three special times of year when the Israelites would come together to worship and celebrate God's goodness, and it reminds us that when we come to God, we should always come with a heart of gratitude and a willingness to give back to Him, as seen in Psalm 100:4. It's like when we go to visit someone we love, we often bring a gift to show our appreciation, and it's the same with God. We want to show Him that we're thankful for all He's done for us, and that we're willing to give Him our best, as seen in Romans 12:1.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the three feasts mentioned in Deuteronomy 16:16?

The three feasts are the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the Feast of Weeks, and the Feast of Tabernacles, which are also mentioned in Leviticus 23:5-43 and Exodus 23:14-17 as important times of celebration and worship for the Israelites.

Why is it important to not appear before the Lord empty-handed?

According to Deuteronomy 16:17, everyone must appear with a gift as they are able, according to the blessing the Lord has given them, which shows that our worship and gratitude to God should be accompanied by tangible expressions of thankfulness, as seen in Psalm 100:4 and Hebrews 13:15.

How does this verse relate to the concept of stewardship?

This verse emphasizes the importance of recognizing God's provision and blessing in our lives, and responding with generosity and gratitude, as seen in 2 Corinthians 9:6-11, which teaches that our giving should be a reflection of our love and devotion to God.

Is this commandment still applicable to Christians today?

While the specific commandment to appear before the Lord at these three feasts is part of the Old Covenant, the principles of worship, gratitude, and generosity that underlie it are still relevant for Christians today, as seen in Romans 12:1 and 1 Corinthians 10:31, which encourage us to offer our lives and resources as acts of worship to God.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways I can 'appear before the Lord' in my daily life, and how can I ensure that I am not doing so 'empty-handed'?
How can I cultivate a sense of gratitude and recognition of God's blessing in my life, and respond in a way that honors Him?
What are some tangible ways I can express my thankfulness to God, and how can I make sure that my giving is a reflection of my love and devotion to Him?
How can I balance the desire to give generously with the need to be wise and responsible with the resources God has given me?

Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 16:16

Three times a year shall all thy males appear before the Lord thy God,.... This has been observed before, Exodus 23:17, and is repeated here for the sake of mentioning the place where they were to

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 16:16

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

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 16:16

All thy males; not the women, partly, because of their infirmity and unfitness for many journeys; partly, because the care of their children and families lay upon them; and partly, because they were sufficiently represented in the men.

Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 16:16

(16) Three times in a year.—So Exodus 23:17. And in Exodus 34:23-24 a promise is added that their land should be safe in their absence.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Deuteronomy 16:16

Verse 16. Three times in a year] See Clarke on Exodus 23:14, where all the Jewish feasts are explained. See also Clarke "Leviticus 23:34".

Whedon's Commentary on Deuteronomy 16:16

16. Three times in a year shall all thy males appear — The women were not required to attend these festivals, yet it is evident that both women and children went to them.

Sermons on Deuteronomy 16:16

	Sermon	Description
	The Breaking of Bread by Stephen Kaung	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of announcing and remembering the death of the Lord Jesus. The act of breaking bread and drinking the cup is a testimony to th
	Exodus 23;14 Missionary Conf. by J.M. Davies	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the prophetic and commemorative nature of the death and resurrection of Christ. These events are foundational to Christian teaching and serve
	Worship - Notes of a Reading John 4 by John Nelson Darby	John Nelson Darby emphasizes that true worship is distinct from preaching and requires a relationship with God through salvation. He explains that worship can only occur in the pre
	The Vocation of the Church by T. Austin-Sparks	T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the church's vocation as a prophetic instrument representing God's mind and purpose, highlighting the need for believers to see the fullness of God's re
	(1 Peter - Part 24): Venerate All God's Creation by A.W. Tozer	In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the verse from Peter, chapter 2, verse 17: "Honor all men, love the brotherhood, fear God, honor the king." The speaker emphasizes the import
	From Babylon to Jerusalem - (Haggai) ch.1 & 2 by Zac Poonen	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the power of speaking the word of God under the anointing of the Holy Spirit. He emphasizes that even a few minutes of speaking the burden of
	(The Spiritual Man) the Law of Blessings by Denny Kenaston	In this sermon, Brother Denny discusses the concept of the law of blessings in the Bible. He emphasizes the importance of putting one's will into following God's laws and commands.