Deuteronomy Chapter 12 · Verse 14

Authorized King James Version

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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
שָׁ֖ם
Strong's: H8033
Word #: 9 of 17
there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence
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)
אֲשֶׁ֥ר H834
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
Strong's: H834
Word #: 15 of 17
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
אָֽנֹכִ֖י H595
אָֽנֹכִ֖י
Strong's: H595
Word #: 16 of 17
i
מְצַוֶּֽךָּ׃ all that I command H6680
מְצַוֶּֽךָּ׃ all that I command
Strong's: H6680
Word #: 17 of 17
(intensively) to constitute, enjoin

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.

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