Deuteronomy 14:23

Giving Tithes · Deuteronomy 14:22–29
Read Deuteronomy 14

Translations

Modern
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.
Traditional
And thou shalt eat before the Lord thy God, in the place which he shall choose to place his name there, the tithe of thy corn, of thy wine, and of thine oil, and the firstlings of thy herds and of thy flocks; that thou mayest learn to fear the Lord thy God always.
Literal
And you shall eat before the face of YHWH your God, in the place where He chooses for His Name to dwell, the tithe of your grain, and your new wine, and your oil, and of the firstborn of your herd and your flock, so that you may learn to fear YHWH your God all the days.
Latin
…et comedes in conspectu Domini Dei tui in loco quem elegerit, ut in eo nomen illius invocetur, decimam frumenti tui, et vini, et olei, et primogenita de armentis et ovibus tuis: ut discas timere Dominum Deum tuum omni tempore.

Original

Hebrew
English
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.

Notes

the place He will choose as a dwelling for His Name: This is the central sanctuary. This place is the Lord’s special dwelling on the earth among his people. It is where God is present with them (see 12:5, 18).

set aside a tenth: A tithe (or tenth) is the practice of giving one-tenth of income or produce. People gave a tenth long before the law of Moses (Genesis 14:20; 28:22). Other ancient cultures also practiced this.

In the Bible, the tithe is treated as a tax or tribute. It is collected by the Lord from his people, who are like his subjects. The Lord, as sovereign, claims this portion as holy (see study notes on Deuteronomy 1:31 and 12:6).

Theme notes and profiles

Ancient Law Codes

Parallels

Leviticus 27:30–34 Deuteronomy 26:1–15 Nehemiah 13:10–14

Glossary

Archaeology and the Bible Biblical Concept of Law Covenant Deuteronomy, Book of Tithe, Tithing

Topics

Fear of God: A Motive of Obedience Fear of God: Reverence Godly Fear: should be Constantly Maintained Tithe: A Second: Or Its Value Yearly Brought to the Tabernacle and Eaten Tithes: Mosaic Laws Instituting