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.

DEUTERONOMY 14:23KJV
Know the Bible

Deuteronomy 14:23 (KJV)

What does Deuteronomy 14:23 mean?

Deuteronomy 14:23 instructs the Israelites to bring a tenth (tithe) of their crops and animals to a special place chosen by God, where they are to eat these offerings in God’s presence. This practice is meant to help them continually learn respect and reverence for the LORD their God.

In this verse, Moses is speaking to the people of Israel as they prepare to enter the Promised Land. The instruction is about a regular act of worship involving the tithe (a tenth part) of their produce and livestock. The verse highlights that this act is not just about giving, but about participating in a meal before God, reinforcing a relationship of dependence, gratitude, and awe toward God.

The Hebrew behind Deuteronomy 14:23

  • "Tithe" (מַעֲשֵׂר, ma‘ăśēr): This word means a tenth part, specifically set aside from crops or livestock. Here, it refers to a concrete practice of setting apart a portion of one’s increase as an act of worship.
  • "Eat" (אָכַל, ’āḵal): The instruction is not just to give, but to eat the tithe in God’s presence. This emphasizes participation and fellowship, not just sacrifice.
  • "Place" (מָקוֹם, māqôm) and "choose" (בָּחַר, bāḥar): God will select a specific location for this worship, underlining that worship is to happen where God directs, not wherever people wish.
  • "Learn" (לָמַד, lāmad) and "fear" (יָרֵא, yārē’): The purpose is to learn to fear (meaning to deeply respect and honor) the LORD always. This connects the practice to ongoing spiritual formation, not just a one-time act.

Why Deuteronomy 14:23 matters

  • Deuteronomy 14:23 clarifies that tithing in ancient Israel was not only about giving away resources, but also about celebrating and remembering God’s provision together in a communal setting.
  • The verse emphasizes that reverence for God is something learned through repeated, concrete actions, not just beliefs or feelings.
  • This instruction ties worship to a specific place chosen by God, which sets the stage for the later importance of Jerusalem and the temple in Israel’s worship life.

Where else these words appear

“firstlings” Hebrew H1062 · used in 14 verses

  • Genesis 4:4 And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof. And the LORD had respect unto Abel and to his offering:
  • Genesis 25:34 Then Jacob gave Esau bread and pottage of lentiles; and he did eat and drink, and rose up, and went his way: thus Esau despised his birthright.
  • Deuteronomy 12:17 Thou mayest not eat within thy gates the tithe of thy corn, or of thy wine, or of thy oil, or the firstlings of thy herds or of thy flock, nor any of thy vows which thou vowest, nor thy freewill offerings, or heave offering of thine hand:

“oil” Hebrew H3323 · used in 23 verses

  • Numbers 18:12 All the best of the oil, and all the best of the wine, and of the wheat, the firstfruits of them which they shall offer unto the LORD, them have I given thee.
  • 2 Chronicles 31:5 And as soon as the commandment came abroad, the children of Israel brought in abundance the firstfruits of corn, wine, and oil, and honey, and of all the increase of the field; and the tithe of all things brought they in abundantly.
  • Jeremiah 31:12 Therefore they shall come and sing in the height of Zion, and shall flow together to the goodness of the LORD, for wheat, and for wine, and for oil, and for the young of the flock and of the herd: and their soul shall be as a watered garden; and they shall not sorrow any more at all.

“tithe” Hebrew H4643 · used in 27 verses

  • Genesis 14:20 And blessed be the most high God, which hath delivered thine enemies into thy hand. And he gave him tithes of all.
  • Deuteronomy 12:6 And thither ye shall bring your burnt offerings, and your sacrifices, and your tithes, and heave offerings of your hand, and your vows, and your freewill offerings, and the firstlings of your herds and of your flocks:
  • Nehemiah 10:38 And the priest the son of Aaron shall be with the Levites, when the Levites take tithes: and the Levites shall bring up the tithe of the tithes unto the house of our God, to the chambers, into the treasure house.

“wine” Hebrew H8492 · used in 38 verses

  • Genesis 27:28 Therefore God give thee of the dew of heaven, and the fatness of the earth, and plenty of corn and wine:
  • 2 Chronicles 32:28 Storehouses also for the increase of corn, and wine, and oil; and stalls for all manner of beasts, and cotes for flocks.
  • Jeremiah 31:12 Therefore they shall come and sing in the height of Zion, and shall flow together to the goodness of the LORD, for wheat, and for wine, and for oil, and for the young of the flock and of the herd: and their soul shall be as a watered garden; and they shall not sorrow any more at all.