Then thou shalt say before the LORD thy God, I have brought away the hallowed things out of mine house, and also have given them unto the Levite, and unto the stranger, to the fatherless, and to the widow, according to all thy commandments which thou hast commanded me: I have not transgressed thy commandments, neither have I forgotten them:

DEUTERONOMY 26:13KJV
Know the Bible

Deuteronomy 26:13 (KJV)

What does Deuteronomy 26:13 mean?

Deuteronomy 26:13 describes a person declaring to God that they have properly set aside and distributed the “hallowed things” (the tithe or dedicated offerings) from their house, giving them to the Levite, the foreigner, the orphan, and the widow, just as God commanded, without neglect or disobedience. This verse is part of a formal statement made after fulfilling the requirements of giving, affirming faithfulness to God’s instructions.

In this setting, Moses is instructing the Israelites on what to say after they have given the required tithes in the third year, known as the “year of tithing.” The speaker is an Israelite addressing God, confirming that they have not kept back any of the offerings meant for the Levites (the tribe serving in religious duties), foreigners, or vulnerable people like orphans and widows. The verse emphasizes careful obedience to God’s commandments and a clear conscience in following these laws.

The Hebrew behind Deuteronomy 26:13

  • “Hallowed things” (קֹדֶשׁ, qodesh): This word means “holy” or “set apart.” In this context, it refers to the portion of produce or goods that are dedicated to God and given away as instructed, highlighting that these gifts are not ordinary but specially set aside for a sacred purpose.
  • “Levite” (לֵוִי, levi): The Levites were the tribe assigned to religious service and had no land inheritance, so they depended on these offerings for their livelihood. Naming them here underscores the community’s responsibility to support those serving in spiritual roles.
  • “Stranger” (גֵּר, ger): This term refers to a foreigner or resident alien living among the Israelites. Including the “ger” shows that the law’s concern extends beyond ethnic Israelites to anyone living in the land, stressing fairness and hospitality.
  • “Commandments” (מִצְוָה, mitsvah): The repeated mention of commandments underlines that these actions are not optional but required by God, and the speaker is affirming careful obedience.

Why Deuteronomy 26:13 matters

  • This verse clears up that the tithe was not just a private act but involved a public declaration of obedience and integrity before God, making giving a matter of both action and conscience.
  • The verse highlights the social concern built into Israel’s laws, showing that care for the vulnerable—Levites, foreigners, orphans, and widows—was a central part of faithful living.
  • Deuteronomy 26:13 connects to the broader passage by showing that Israel’s relationship with God was meant to shape everyday actions, especially in how resources were shared and commandments were remembered.

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:

“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.

“away” Hebrew H1197 · used in 90 verses

  • Exodus 3:2 And the angel of the LORD appeared unto him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush: and he looked, and, behold, the bush burned with fire, and the bush was not consumed.
  • 2 Samuel 22:13 Through the brightness before him were coals of fire kindled.
  • Isaiah 30:33 For Tophet is ordained of old; yea, for the king it is prepared; he hath made it deep and large: the pile thereof is fire and much wood; the breath of the LORD, like a stream of brimstone, doth kindle it.