Deuteronomy 26:12
Deuteronomy 26:12 in Multiple Translations
When you have finished laying aside a tenth of all your produce in the third year, the year of the tithe, you are to give it to the Levite, the foreigner, the fatherless, and the widow, that they may eat and be filled within your gates.
¶ 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;
When thou hast made an end of tithing all the tithe of thine increase in the third year, which is the year of tithing, then thou shalt give it unto the Levite, to the sojourner, to the fatherless, and to the widow, that they may eat within thy gates, and be filled.
When you have taken out a tenth from the tenth of all your produce in the third year, which is the year when this has to be done, give it to the Levite, and the man from a strange land, and the child without a father, and the widow, so that they may have food in your towns and be full;
Once you've finished storing up a tenth of all your crops in the third year (the year of the tithe), you shall give it to the Levites, the foreigners, the orphans, and the widows, so they will have enough to eat in your towns.
When thou hast made an end of tithing all the tythes of thine increase, the thirde yeere, which is the yeere of tithing, and hast giuen it vnto the Leuite, to the stranger, to the fatherlesse, and to the widowe, that they may eate within thy gates, and be satisfied,
'When thou dost complete to tithe all the tithe of thine increase in the third year, the year of the tithe, then thou hast given to the Levite, to the sojourner, to the fatherless, and to the widow, and they have eaten within thy gates, and been satisfied,
When you have finished tithing all the tithe of your increase in the third year, which is the year of tithing, then you shall give it to the Levite, to the foreigner, to the fatherless, and to the widow, that they may eat within your gates and be filled.
When thou hast made an end of tithing all the tithes of thy increase the third year, which is the year of tithing, and hast given it to the Levite, the stranger, the fatherless, and the widow, that they may eat within thy gates, and be filled:
When thou hast made an end of tithing all thy fruits, in the third year of tithes thou shalt give it to the Levite, and to the stranger, and to the fatherless, and to the widow, that they may eat within thy gates, and be filled:
Every third year, you must bring to the descendants of Levi and to the foreigners who are living among you and the orphans and the widows ◄a tithe/10 percent► of your crops, in order that in every town they will have plenty to eat.
Berean Amplified Bible — Deuteronomy 26:12
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 26:12 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כִּ֣י
תְכַלֶּ֞ה
לַ֠/עְשֵׂר
אֶת
כָּל
מַעְשַׂ֧ר
תְּבוּאָתְ/ךָ֛
בַּ/שָּׁנָ֥ה
הַ/שְּׁלִישִׁ֖ת
שְׁנַ֣ת
הַֽ/מַּעֲשֵׂ֑ר
וְ/נָתַתָּ֣ה
לַ/לֵּוִ֗י
לַ/גֵּר֙
לַ/יָּת֣וֹם
וְ/לָֽ/אַלְמָנָ֔ה
וְ/אָכְל֥וּ
בִ/שְׁעָרֶ֖י/ךָ
וְ/שָׂבֵֽעוּ
כִּ֣י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
תְכַלֶּ֞ה
kâlâh
H3615
to end
V-Piel-Imperf-2ms
לַ֠/עְשֵׂר
ʻâsar
H6237
to tithe
Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
כָּל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
מַעְשַׂ֧ר
maʻăsêr
H4643
tithe
N-ms
תְּבוּאָתְ/ךָ֛
tᵉbûwʼâh
H8393
produce
N-fs | Suff
בַּ/שָּׁנָ֥ה
shâneh
H8141
year
Prep | N-fs
הַ/שְּׁלִישִׁ֖ת
shᵉlîyshîy
H7992
third
Art | Adj
שְׁנַ֣ת
shâneh
H8141
year
N-fs
הַֽ/מַּעֲשֵׂ֑ר
maʻăsêr
H4643
tithe
Art | N-ms
וְ/נָתַתָּ֣ה
nâthan
H5414
to give
Conj | V-Qal-2ms
לַ/לֵּוִ֗י
Lêvîyîy
H3881
Levi
Prep | Ngmsa
לַ/גֵּר֙
gêr
H1616
sojourner
Prep | N-ms
לַ/יָּת֣וֹם
yâthôwm
H3490
orphan
Prep | N-ms
וְ/לָֽ/אַלְמָנָ֔ה
ʼalmânâh
H490
widow
Conj | Prep | N-fs
וְ/אָכְל֥וּ
ʼâkal
H398
to eat
Conj | V-Qal-3cp
בִ/שְׁעָרֶ֖י/ךָ
shaʻar
H8179
gate
Prep | N-mp | Suff
וְ/שָׂבֵֽעוּ
sâbaʻ
H7646
to satisfy
Conj | V-Qal-3cp
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Deuteronomy 26:12
כִּ֣י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
תְכַלֶּ֞ה
kâlâh
H3615
"to end"
V-Piel-Imperf-2ms
This Hebrew word means to finish or end something, like completing a task or using up a resource, as seen in Genesis 2:2 where God finished creating the heavens and earth.
Definition: : finish 1) to accomplish, cease, consume, determine, end, fail, finish, be complete, be accomplished, be ended, be at an end, be finished, be spent 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be complete, be at an end 1a2) to be completed, be finished 1a3) to be accomplished, be fulfilled 1a4) to be determined, be plotted (bad sense) 1a5) to be spent, be used up 1a6) to waste away, be exhausted, fail 1a7) to come to an end, vanish, perish, be destroyed 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to complete, bring to an end, finish 1b2) to complete (a period of time) 1b3) to finish (doing a thing) 1b4) to make an end, end 1b5) to accomplish, fulfil, bring to pass 1b6) to accomplish, determine (in thought) 1b7) to put an end to, cause to cease 1b8) to cause to fail, exhaust, use up, spend 1b9) to destroy, exterminate 1c) (Pual) to be finished, be ended, be completed
Usage: Occurs in 199 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, cease, consume (away), determine, destroy (utterly), be (when... were) done, (be an) end (of), expire, (cause to) fail, faint, finish, fulfil, [idiom] fully, [idiom] have, leave (off), long, bring to pass, wholly reap, make clean riddance, spend, quite take away, waste. See also: Genesis 2:1; 2 Chronicles 29:17; Psalms 18:38.
לַ֠/עְשֵׂר
ʻâsar
H6237
"to tithe"
Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a
This Hebrew word means to give or take a tenth, often in the context of tithing or giving to God, as instructed in Leviticus 27:30-32. It is translated as 'to tithe' or 'give a tithe' in the KJV.
Definition: 1) to tithe, take the tenth part of, give a tithe, take a tithe 1a) (Qal) to tithe 1b) (Piel) to give a tithe 1c) (Hiphil) to take a tithe
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] surely, give (take) the tenth, (have, take) tithe(-ing, -s), [idiom] truly. See also: Genesis 28:22; 1 Samuel 8:15; Nehemiah 10:39.
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.
כָּל
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.
מַעְשַׂ֧ר
maʻăsêr
H4643
"tithe"
N-ms
Maaser means a tithe, or a tenth part, often referring to a payment of a tenth of one's income. It is mentioned in the Bible as a way to support the Levites and the poor.
Definition: 1) tithe, tenth part 1a) tenth part 1b) tithe, payment of a tenth part
Usage: Occurs in 27 OT verses. KJV: tenth (part), tithe(-ing). See also: Genesis 14:20; Deuteronomy 26:12; Malachi 3:10.
תְּבוּאָתְ/ךָ֛
tᵉbûwʼâh
H8393
"produce"
N-fs | Suff
This word means produce or income, referring to crops, revenue, or even the product of our lips. It is translated as fruit, gain, or revenue in the KJV Bible.
Definition: 1) produce, product, revenue 1a) product, yield, crops (of the earth usually) 1b) income, revenue 1c) gain (of wisdom) (fig) 1d) product of lips (fig)
Usage: Occurs in 40 OT verses. KJV: fruit, gain, increase, revenue. See also: Genesis 47:24; 2 Kings 8:6; Psalms 107:37.
בַּ/שָּׁנָ֥ה
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.
הַ/שְּׁלִישִׁ֖ת
shᵉlîyshîy
H7992
"third"
Art | Adj
This Hebrew word means third in a sequence, like a third day or year. It is used in the Bible to describe time, rank, or quantity, such as the third day of creation in Genesis.
Definition: 1) third, one third, third part, third time 1a) ordinal number
Usage: Occurs in 94 OT verses. KJV: third (part, rank, time), three (years old). See also: Genesis 1:13; 1 Kings 22:2; Isaiah 15:5.
שְׁנַ֣ת
shâneh
H8141
"year"
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.
הַֽ/מַּעֲשֵׂ֑ר
maʻăsêr
H4643
"tithe"
Art | N-ms
Maaser means a tithe, or a tenth part, often referring to a payment of a tenth of one's income. It is mentioned in the Bible as a way to support the Levites and the poor.
Definition: 1) tithe, tenth part 1a) tenth part 1b) tithe, payment of a tenth part
Usage: Occurs in 27 OT verses. KJV: tenth (part), tithe(-ing). See also: Genesis 14:20; Deuteronomy 26:12; Malachi 3:10.
וְ/נָתַתָּ֣ה
nâthan
H5414
"to give"
Conj | V-Qal-2ms
This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.
Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon
Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.
לַ/לֵּוִ֗י
Lêvîyîy
H3881
"Levi"
Prep | Ngmsa
A Levite is a descendant of Levi, one of Jacob's 12 sons, mentioned in Genesis 29:34. Levi's brothers include Reuben, Simeon, and Judah. His descendants played a key role in Israel's spiritual life.
Definition: Someone from the tribe of Levi living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.29.34; son of: Israel (H3478) and Leah (H3812); brother of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Judah (H3063), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074) and Dinah (H1783); half-brother of: Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); father of: Gershon (H1648), Kohath (H6955), Merari (H4847) and Jochebed (H3115) Another name of le.vi (לֵוִי "Levi" H3878) § Levite, of Levi "joined to" 1) the descendants of Levi, the 3rd son of Jacob by Leah 1a) the tribe descended from Levi specially set aside by God for His service
Usage: Occurs in 258 OT verses. KJV: Leviite. See also: Exodus 4:14; 1 Chronicles 6:33; Ezra 6:20.
לַ/גֵּר֙
gêr
H1616
"sojourner"
Prep | N-ms
A sojourner is a foreigner or temporary resident, lacking inherited rights, but often given concessions in Israel. This term appears in the Bible to describe outsiders living among God's people.
Definition: 1) sojourner 1a) a temporary inhabitant, a newcomer lacking inherited rights 1b) of foreigners in Israel, though conceded rights
Usage: Occurs in 83 OT verses. KJV: alien, sojourner, stranger. See also: Genesis 15:13; Deuteronomy 10:19; Psalms 39:13.
לַ/יָּת֣וֹם
yâthôwm
H3490
"orphan"
Prep | N-ms
This Hebrew word refers to an orphan or a child without a father, like in Exodus where God commands the Israelites to care for the fatherless.
Definition: an orphan, fatherless
Usage: Occurs in 42 OT verses. KJV: fatherless (child), orphan. See also: Exodus 22:21; Psalms 10:18; Psalms 10:14.
וְ/לָֽ/אַלְמָנָ֔ה
ʼalmânâh
H490
"widow"
Conj | Prep | N-fs
A widow is a woman whose husband has died, often left alone and vulnerable. The Bible teaches care and compassion for widows, as seen in the stories of Ruth and Naomi. God commands his people to look out for them.
Definition: widow
Usage: Occurs in 54 OT verses. KJV: desolate house (palace), widow. See also: Genesis 38:11; Job 29:13; Psalms 68:6.
וְ/אָכְל֥וּ
ʼâkal
H398
"to eat"
Conj | V-Qal-3cp
This word means to eat or devour, and it's used in many stories, including when Jesus fed the 5000 with fish and bread in the book of Matthew. It's about taking in nourishment and being satisfied.
Definition: 1) to eat, devour, burn up, feed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to eat (human subject) 1a2) to eat, devour (of beasts and birds) 1a3) to devour, consume (of fire) 1a4) to devour, slay (of sword) 1a5) to devour, consume, destroy (inanimate subjects - ie, pestilence, drought) 1a6) to devour (of oppression) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be eaten (by men) 1b2) to be devoured, consumed (of fire) 1b3) to be wasted, destroyed (of flesh) 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to cause to eat, feed with 1c2) to cause to devour 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to feed 1d2) to cause to eat 1e) (Piel) 1e1) consume Aramaic equivalent: a.khal (אֲכַל "to devour" H0399)
Usage: Occurs in 703 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, burn up, consume, devour(-er, up), dine, eat(-er, up), feed (with), food, [idiom] freely, [idiom] in...wise(-deed, plenty), (lay) meat, [idiom] quite. See also: Genesis 2:16; Leviticus 6:9; Numbers 24:8.
בִ/שְׁעָרֶ֖י/ךָ
shaʻar
H8179
"gate"
Prep | N-mp | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a gate or door, often referring to city entrances or temple doors, like in Genesis and Exodus. It can also symbolize a meeting place or marketplace. The word is used to describe important locations in the Bible.
Definition: : gate 1) gate 1a) gate (of entrance) 1b) gate (of space inside gate, i.e. marketplace, public meeting place) 1b1) city, town 1c) gate (of palace, royal castle, temple, court of tabernacle) 1d) heaven
Usage: Occurs in 302 OT verses. KJV: city, door, gate, port ([idiom] -er). See also: Genesis 19:1; 1 Chronicles 9:18; Psalms 9:14.
וְ/שָׂבֵֽעוּ
sâbaʻ
H7646
"to satisfy"
Conj | V-Qal-3cp
To satisfy means to fill someone with enough of something, like food or desire, and can also mean to have too much of something.
Definition: 1) to be satisfied, be sated, be fulfilled, be surfeited 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be sated (with food) 1a2) to be sated, be satisfied with, be fulfilled, be filled, have one's fill of (have desire satisfied) 1a3) to have in excess, be surfeited, be surfeited with 1a3a) to be weary of (fig) 1b) (Piel) to satisfy 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to satisfy 1c2) to enrich 1c3) to sate, glut (with the undesired)
Usage: Occurs in 93 OT verses. KJV: have enough, fill (full, self, with), be (to the) full (of), have plenty of, be satiate, satisfy (with), suffice, be weary of. See also: Exodus 16:8; Proverbs 12:11; Psalms 17:14.
Study Notes — Deuteronomy 26:12
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Context — Offering Firstfruits and Tithes
10And now, behold, I have brought the firstfruits of the land that You, O LORD, have given me.” Then you are to place the basket before the LORD your God and bow down before Him.
11So you shall rejoice—you, the Levite, and the foreigner dwelling among you—in all the good things the LORD your God has given to you and your household.
12When you have finished laying aside a tenth of all your produce in the third year, the year of the tithe, you are to give it to the Levite, the foreigner, the fatherless, and the widow, that they may eat and be filled within your gates.
13Then you shall declare in the presence of the LORD your God, “I have removed from my house the sacred portion and have given it to the Levite, the foreigner, the fatherless, and the widow, according to all the commandments You have given me. I have not transgressed or forgotten Your commandments. 14I have not eaten any of the sacred portion while in mourning, or removed any of it while unclean, or offered any of it for the dead. I have obeyed the LORD my God; I have done everything You commanded me.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Leviticus 27:30 | Thus any tithe from the land, whether from the seed of the land or the fruit of the trees, belongs to the LORD; it is holy to the LORD. |
| 2 | Numbers 18:24 | For I have given to the Levites as their inheritance the tithe that the Israelites present to the LORD as a contribution. That is why I told them that they would not receive an inheritance among the Israelites.” |
| 3 | Philippians 4:18–19 | I have all I need and more, now that I have received your gifts from Epaphroditus. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, well-pleasing to God. And my God will supply all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus. |
| 4 | Deuteronomy 14:22–29 | You must be sure to set aside a tenth of all the produce brought forth each year from your fields. And you are to eat a tenth of your grain, new wine, and oil, and the firstborn of your herds and flocks, in the presence of the LORD your God at the place He will choose as a dwelling for His Name, so that you may learn to fear the LORD your God always. But if the distance is too great for you to carry that with which the LORD your God has blessed you, because the place where the LORD your God will choose to put His Name is too far away, then exchange it for money, take the money in your hand, and go to the place the LORD your God will choose. Then you may spend the money on anything you desire: cattle, sheep, wine, strong drink, or anything you wish. You are to feast there in the presence of the LORD your God and rejoice with your household. And do not neglect the Levite within your gates, since he has no portion or inheritance among you. At the end of every three years, bring a tenth of all your produce for that year and lay it up within your gates. Then the Levite (because he has no portion or inheritance among you), the foreigner, the fatherless, and the widow within your gates may come and eat and be satisfied. And the LORD your God will bless you in all the work of your hands. |
| 5 | Proverbs 14:21 | He who despises his neighbor sins, but blessed is he who shows kindness to the poor. |
| 6 | Deuteronomy 16:14 | And 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. |
| 7 | Hebrews 7:5 | Now the law commands the sons of Levi who become priests to collect a tenth from the people—that is, from their brothers—though they too are descended from Abraham. |
| 8 | Deuteronomy 12:17–19 | Within your gates you must not eat the tithe of your grain or new wine or oil, the firstborn of your herds or flocks, any of the offerings that you have vowed to give, or your freewill offerings or special gifts. Instead, you must eat them in the presence of the LORD your God at the place the LORD your God will choose—you, your sons and daughters, your menservants and maidservants, and the Levite within your gates. Rejoice before the LORD your God in all you do, and be careful not to neglect the Levites as long as you live in your land. |
| 9 | Hebrews 7:9 | And so to speak, Levi, who collects the tenth, paid the tenth through Abraham. |
Deuteronomy 26:12 Summary
[Deuteronomy 26:12 teaches us that God wants us to care for those in need, like the Levite, foreigner, fatherless, and widow, by giving them a portion of what we have, just like the Israelites were commanded to do. This shows that God is a God of love and compassion, as seen in Psalm 68:5 and James 1:27. By giving to those in need, we demonstrate our trust in God's provision and our commitment to following His commands, as emphasized in Deuteronomy 26:13-14 and Matthew 25:31-46.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the year of the tithe mentioned in Deuteronomy 26:12?
The year of the tithe refers to the third year when the Israelites were to set aside a tenth of their produce for the Levite, foreigner, fatherless, and widow, as commanded by God in Deuteronomy 26:12 and also mentioned in Deuteronomy 14:28-29.
Why were the Levites included among those who received the tithe in Deuteronomy 26:12?
The Levites were included because they did not have an inheritance of land like the other tribes of Israel, as mentioned in Deuteronomy 18:1-2, and so they relied on the tithe for their livelihood, as also seen in Numbers 18:21-24.
How does Deuteronomy 26:12 relate to our giving today?
While the specific command to give a tithe to the Levite, foreigner, fatherless, and widow is part of the Old Testament law, the principle of generosity and caring for the poor and needy is still relevant today, as seen in verses like 2 Corinthians 9:6-7 and Galatians 2:10.
What does it mean to 'eat and be filled within your gates' in Deuteronomy 26:12?
This phrase means that the Levite, foreigner, fatherless, and widow would have enough to eat and be satisfied, and this would happen within the gates of the Israelites' cities, symbolizing the community's care for the vulnerable, as also emphasized in Jeremiah 22:3.
Reflection Questions
- How can I show generosity and care for the poor and needy in my community, just as the Israelites were commanded to do in Deuteronomy 26:12?
- What are some ways I can prioritize giving to those in need, even when it is challenging or requires sacrifice?
- How does my giving reflect my trust in God's provision and my obedience to His commands, as seen in Deuteronomy 26:12-14?
- What are some biblical principles of giving that I can apply in my life, such as those found in 2 Corinthians 9:6-7 and Malachi 3:10?
Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 26:12
When thou hast made an end of tithing all the tithes of thine increase,.... Which, according to Maimonides (k), is to be understood of the feast, in which all tithes are finished, which is the feast
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 26:12
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,
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 26:12
Of the tithes, See Poole on "". The year of tithing, Heb. the year of that tithe; so called, either, 1. Because these tithes were gathered only in that year. Or rather, 2. Because then only they were so bestowed or used; and whereas these second tithes for two years together were eaten only by the owners and Levites, and that in Jerusalem, in the third year they were eaten also by the strangers, fatherless, and widows, and that in their own dwellings. The LXX. join these words with the following, and for shemath, the year, read shenith, the second, and take vau for redundant, as sometimes it is, and read the place thus, The second tithe thou shalt give to the Levite, &c.
Trapp's Commentary on Deuteronomy 26:12
Deuteronomy 26:12 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;Ver. 12. The stranger, the fatherless.] Thus God doth not only plead the poor man’ s cause; but he allots a portion of the third year’ s tithe, not only to the Levite, who is never excluded, but to the stranger, fatherless, and widow, as Jerome observeth and calleth it πτωκοδεκαδη, the poor man’ s tithe.
Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 26:12
Deuteronomy 26:12-15. OF THE TITHE.(12) When thou hast made an end.—The time fixed for making the confession prescribed in Deuteronomy 26:13-15, according to Jewish usage, was the Passover-eve of the fourth year, i.e., the first feast after the completion of the year of tithing. It would seem that something was still to be gathered from the trees after the Feast of Tabernacles, and thus there would still be some produce untithed at that feast in any given year. But the tithe of the third year must be separated to the very last item before the Passover of the fourth. The third year, which is the year of tithing.—See Deuteronomy 14:28-29. In the third and sixth years, the second tithe, which in other years was eaten by the owners (in kind or value) at Jerusalem, was given to the poor, and was called the poor’s tithe. In Talmudical language, the Ma’aser ani took the place of Ma’aser shêni in these years. Thus the words “and hast given it unto the Levite,” are applied to the first tithe, which was never omitted, and which is prescribed by Numbers 18. The words that follow, “the stranger, the fatherless, and the widow,” are interpreted of the poor’s tithe. The prescribed confession is not to be made until all the tithe has been given, both first and second, i.e., the annual tithe to the Levites, and the second, which was in these years devoted to the poor.
That they may eat within thy gates, and be filled.—The quantity with which they were to be satisfied was duly prescribed by the Jewish scribes! (13) Thou shalt say before the Lord thy God, I have brought away.—Literally, I have consumed, or burned out. It is the same strong word used so frequently in this book for “putting away” evil, and from which the name Taberah, “burning,” is derived. It is taken by Jewish commentators to include everything that could possibly be required as holy under any law, whether tithe, or firstfruit of trees not yet made common, or anything that from any cause had not been brought to Jerusalem during the three previous years. I . . . have given . . . unto the Levite (the first tithe), and unto the stranger. . . . (the poor’s tithe).—Rashi. According to all thy commandments—i.e., “giving everything in its due order” (Rashi). The following words are also taken to refer to the details of the law respecting these matters. (14) I have not eaten thereof in my mourning.—“When I was clean and they were unclean, or when they were clean and I was unclean” (Rashi). The tomb or presence of a dead body made both persons and things unclean (Numbers 19).
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Deuteronomy 26:12
Verse 12. The third year, which is the year of tithing] This is supposed to mean the third year of the seventh or Sabbatical year, in which the tenths were to be given to the poor. See the law, Deuteronomy 14:28. But from the letter in both these places it would appear that the tithe was for the Levites, and that this tithe was drawn only once in three years.
Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 26:12
IV. Fourth Division of the Laws. Ideals of Ritual Procedure with Proper Prayers, Deuteronomy 26:1-15 The Presentation of Firstfruits (Deuteronomy 26:1-11) and the Distribution of Tithes (Deuteronomy 26:12-15). Throughout in the style of D (with particular affinity to the Law of Tithes, Deuteronomy 14:22-29) and in the Sg. address; for additions, see below. These beautiful forms of service express fully D’s ideals of worship—that it shall be national, at the nation’s one sanctuary, but performed by the separate families with their local dependents; that it shall be historical, recounting the Providence of God from the beginnings of the nation till their settlement in the Promised Land, and therefore joyful and eucharistic; and further that it shall be equally mindful of God and His dues and of the poor and their dues. No two rites could have better summed up the ritual teaching of D in its essential features, nor, with the ethical supplement which follows, have formed a fitter close to the whole Code. On the ground of the similarity between 26 and Deuteronomy 6-11 (esp. Deuteronomy 8:1-18) Cullen (Bk. of the Covt. in Moab, 79 ff.) refers the whole of 26 to his ‘Miṣ ?wah’ or earlier deuteronomic Book published before the reforms of Josiah. He gives a detailed examination of the ch. well worthy of study. He points out the number of expressions in 26 not found in the Code but in 6–11.
Others, however, common to 26 and the Code are not found in Deuteronomy 6-11, and the whole subject of Deu 26:1-15 is otherwise more suitable to the Code than to 6–11.
Barnes' Notes on Deuteronomy 26:12
See the marginal reference to Numbers and note. A strict fulfillment of the onerous and complicated tithe obligations was a leading part of the righteousness of the Pharisees: compare Matthew 23:23.
Whedon's Commentary on Deuteronomy 26:12
12. Tithing all the tithes — The presentation of tithes was to be accompanied with thanksgiving and prayer. In the third year the second tithe was to be employed in festal meals for the poor. Comp. Deuteronomy 14:28.
Sermons on Deuteronomy 26:12
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Tithes & the Levites by Gareth Evans | Gareth Evans preaches on the significance of the Levites as ministers of the tabernacle, chosen by God for various responsibilities such as judging the people, teaching the law, of |
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Christians Must Perform the Truth - Part 4 by Stephen Olford | In this sermon, the speaker addresses the topic of giving and tithing. One person shares a testimony of how they continued to tithe even after their income decreased, and God faith |
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No Credit System by Arthur Vess | Arthur Vess emphasizes the danger of using the tithe for personal needs and then returning it, leading to a path of backsliding from tithing and grace. He highlights that the tithe |
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Philippians: The Joy of the Lord by Stephen Kaung | In this sermon, Brother Stephen Kahn emphasizes the importance of rejoicing in the Lord always. He explains that the phrase "the Lord is near" refers to the present, rather than th |
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A Sacrifice Like a Perfume by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of sacrificial giving and worshiping God with a fragrant aroma, focusing on the story of the widow's offering in Mark 12. It challenges believ |
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The Contented and the Discontented Man by Geraint Fielder | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of contentment and its connection to the element of surprise. He shares the story of Michael Cassidy, a young man who had a remar |
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Grow in the Gloom by Charles E. Cowman | Charles E. Cowman preaches on the concept of flourishing in the midst of darkness and challenges, drawing parallels between flowers that thrive in gloomy corners of a garden and sp |