Deuteronomy 12:14
But in the place which the LORD shall choose in one of thy tribes, there thou shalt offer thy burnt offerings, and there thou shalt do all that I command thee.
Original Language Analysis
כִּ֣י
H3588
כִּ֣י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 17
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
אִם
H518
אִם
Strong's:
H518
Word #:
2 of 17
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
בַּמָּק֞וֹם
But in the place
H4725
בַּמָּק֞וֹם
But in the place
Strong's:
H4725
Word #:
3 of 17
properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)
אֲשֶׁר
H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
4 of 17
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
יִבְחַ֤ר
shall choose
H977
יִבְחַ֤ר
shall choose
Strong's:
H977
Word #:
5 of 17
properly, to try, i.e., (by implication) select
יְהוָה֙
which the LORD
H3068
יְהוָה֙
which the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
6 of 17
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
בְּאַחַ֣ד
in one
H259
בְּאַחַ֣ד
in one
Strong's:
H259
Word #:
7 of 17
properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first
שְׁבָטֶ֔יךָ
of thy tribes
H7626
שְׁבָטֶ֔יךָ
of thy tribes
Strong's:
H7626
Word #:
8 of 17
a scion, i.e., (literally) a stick (for punishing, writing, fighting, ruling, walking, etc.) or (figuratively) a clan
שָׁ֖ם
H8033
תַּֽעֲלֶ֣ה
there thou shalt offer
H5927
תַּֽעֲלֶ֣ה
there thou shalt offer
Strong's:
H5927
Word #:
10 of 17
to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
עֹֽלֹתֶ֑יךָ
thy burnt offerings
H5930
עֹֽלֹתֶ֑יךָ
thy burnt offerings
Strong's:
H5930
Word #:
11 of 17
a step or (collectively, stairs, as ascending); usually a holocaust (as going up in smoke)
וְשָׁ֣ם
H8033
וְשָׁ֣ם
Strong's:
H8033
Word #:
12 of 17
there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence
תַּֽעֲשֶׂ֔ה
and there thou shalt do
H6213
תַּֽעֲשֶׂ֔ה
and there thou shalt do
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
13 of 17
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
כֹּ֛ל
H3605
כֹּ֛ל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
14 of 17
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
Cross References
2 Corinthians 5:19To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.Deuteronomy 12:5But unto the place which the LORD your God shall choose out of all your tribes to put his name there, even unto his habitation shall ye seek, and thither thou shalt come:Deuteronomy 12:11Then there shall be a place which the LORD your God shall choose to cause his name to dwell there; thither shall ye bring all that I command you; your burnt offerings, and your sacrifices, your tithes, and the heave offering of your hand, and all your choice vows which ye vow unto the LORD:
Historical Context
Initially, the chosen place was Shiloh in Ephraim (Joshua 18:1; Judges 18:31). After Philistines destroyed Shiloh (1 Samuel 4-6; Jeremiah 7:12-14; Psalm 78:60), the ark moved between cities until David brought it to Jerusalem in Judah. Solomon built the permanent temple there (1 Kings 8). God's choice of Jerusalem fulfilled this command. After AD 70's temple destruction, worship centralization transferred from physical location to Christ, the true temple (John 4:21-24).
Questions for Reflection
- How does worship centralization (single authorized location/means) challenge modern religious pluralism and individualism?
- What does God's sovereign choice of worship location teach about human authority versus divine prerogative in worship?
- How do Christians today understand worship centralization given that 'the place' is now Christ, not physical Jerusalem?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The positive prescription: 'But in the place which the LORD shall choose in one of thy tribes, there thou shalt offer thy burnt offerings, and there thou shalt do all that I command thee.' The exclusivity is emphatic: 'the place'—singular, not plural. God will choose one tribe's territory for the sanctuary (ultimately Judah/Jerusalem). The phrase 'there...and there' emphasizes the exclusive location. 'All that I command thee' demands comprehensive obedience at the designated site. This prevents worship fragmentation and protects covenant unity. Authorized location and prescribed practice together constitute acceptable worship.