And thou shalt rejoice before the LORD thy God, thou, and thy son, and thy daughter, and thy manservant, and thy maidservant, and the Levite that is within thy gates, and the stranger, and the fatherless, and the widow, that are among you, in the place which the LORD thy God hath chosen to place his name there.

DEUTERONOMY 16:11KJV
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Deuteronomy 16:11 (KJV)

What does Deuteronomy 16:11 mean?

Deuteronomy 16:11 tells the Israelites to celebrate with joy before God at the place He chooses, including not just their own families but also servants, Levites, foreigners, orphans, and widows living among them. The verse emphasizes that everyone in the community, regardless of status or background, should be included in this joyful worship.

Moses is speaking to the people of Israel as they prepare to enter the Promised Land, giving instructions for how to observe the major festivals. Deuteronomy 16:11 specifically addresses the festival of Weeks (Shavuot), highlighting that celebration before the LORD (the God of Israel) is not just a private or family affair but a communal event that welcomes those who might otherwise be left out.

The Hebrew behind Deuteronomy 16:11

  • "Rejoice" (שָׂמַח, samach): This word means to be glad or joyful. The command is not just to observe a ritual, but to do so with real happiness and gratitude.
  • "Before" (פָּנִים, panim): This literally means "face" or "presence," so "before the LORD" suggests being in God's presence, not just physically but with a sense of honor and attention.
  • "Levite" (לֵוִי, levi): The Levites had no land inheritance and depended on the generosity of others. Including them shows care for those with special needs in the community.
  • "Stranger" (גֵּר, ger), "fatherless" (יָתוֹם, yatom), "widow" (אַלְמָנָה, almanah): These words refer to people who were often vulnerable or marginalized. Their inclusion stresses the importance of hospitality and compassion in worship.

Why Deuteronomy 16:11 matters

  • Deuteronomy 16:11 makes clear that worship and celebration are meant to be inclusive, not just for the privileged or insiders.
  • The verse highlights God's concern for justice and kindness, reminding the Israelites to care for those who might otherwise be forgotten.
  • By tying joy and community together, this verse connects the act of worship with social responsibility, showing that faith is lived out in relationships with others.

Where else these words appear

“fatherless” Hebrew H3490 · used in 42 verses

  • Exodus 22:22 Ye shall not afflict any widow, or fatherless child.
  • Job 22:9 Thou hast sent widows away empty, and the arms of the fatherless have been broken.
  • Proverbs 23:10 Remove not the old landmark; and enter not into the fields of the fatherless:

“maidservant” Hebrew H519 · used in 49 verses

  • Genesis 20:17 So Abraham prayed unto God: and God healed Abimelech, and his wife, and his maidservants; and they bare children.
  • Leviticus 25:44 Both thy bondmen, and thy bondmaids, which thou shalt have, shall be of the heathen that are round about you; of them shall ye buy bondmen and bondmaids.
  • 1 Samuel 25:41 And she arose, and bowed herself on her face to the earth, and said, Behold, let thine handmaid be a servant to wash the feet of the servants of my lord.

“widow” Hebrew H490 · used in 54 verses

  • Genesis 38:11 Then said Judah to Tamar his daughter in law, Remain a widow at thy father's house, till Shelah my son be grown: for he said, Lest peradventure he die also, as his brethren did. And Tamar went and dwelt in her father's house.
  • 1 Kings 7:14 He was a widow's son of the tribe of Naphtali, and his father was a man of Tyre, a worker in brass: and he was filled with wisdom, and understanding, and cunning to work all works in brass. And he came to king Solomon, and wrought all his work.
  • Isaiah 1:23 Thy princes are rebellious, and companions of thieves: every one loveth gifts, and followeth after rewards: they judge not the fatherless, neither doth the cause of the widow come unto them.

“stranger” Hebrew H1616 · used in 83 verses

  • Genesis 15:13 And he said unto Abram, Know of a surety that thy seed shall be a stranger in a land that is not theirs, and shall serve them; and they shall afflict them four hundred years;
  • Leviticus 25:35 And if thy brother be waxen poor, and fallen in decay with thee; then thou shalt relieve him: yea, though he be a stranger, or a sojourner; that he may live with thee.
  • Deuteronomy 27:19 Cursed be he that perverteth the judgment of the stranger, fatherless, and widow. And all the people shall say, Amen.