Deuteronomy Chapter 12 · Verse 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:
Original Language Analysis
לֹֽא
H3808
לֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
1 of 18
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
תוּכַ֞ל
Thou mayest
H3201
תוּכַ֞ל
Thou mayest
Strong's:
H3201
Word #:
2 of 18
to be able, literally (can, could) or morally (may, might)
וְתִֽירֹשְׁךָ֣
or of thy wine
H8492
וְתִֽירֹשְׁךָ֣
or of thy wine
Strong's:
H8492
Word #:
7 of 18
must or fresh grape-juice (as just squeezed out); by implication (rarely) fermented wine
וְיִצְהָרֶ֔ךָ
or of thy oil
H3323
וְיִצְהָרֶ֔ךָ
or of thy oil
Strong's:
H3323
Word #:
8 of 18
oil (as producing light); figuratively, anointing
וּבְכֹרֹ֥ת
or the firstlings
H1062
וּבְכֹרֹ֥ת
or the firstlings
Strong's:
H1062
Word #:
9 of 18
the firstling of man or beast; abstractly primogeniture
בְּקָֽרְךָ֖
of thy herds
H1241
בְּקָֽרְךָ֖
of thy herds
Strong's:
H1241
Word #:
10 of 18
a beeve or an animal of the ox family of either gender (as used for plowing); collectively, a herd
וְצֹאנֶ֑ךָ
or of thy flock
H6629
וְצֹאנֶ֑ךָ
or of thy flock
Strong's:
H6629
Word #:
11 of 18
a collective name for a flock (of sheep or goats); also figuratively (of men)
וְכָל
H3605
וְכָל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
12 of 18
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
נְדָרֶ֙יךָ֙
nor any of thy vows
H5088
נְדָרֶ֙יךָ֙
nor any of thy vows
Strong's:
H5088
Word #:
13 of 18
a promise (to god); also (concretely) a thing promised
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
14 of 18
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
תִּדֹּ֔ר
which thou vowest
H5087
תִּדֹּ֔ר
which thou vowest
Strong's:
H5087
Word #:
15 of 18
to promise (pos., to do or give something to god)
וְנִדְבֹתֶ֖יךָ
nor thy freewill offerings
H5071
וְנִדְבֹתֶ֖יךָ
nor thy freewill offerings
Strong's:
H5071
Word #:
16 of 18
properly (abstractly) spontaneity, or (adjectively) spontaneous; also (concretely) a spontaneous or (by inference, in plural) abundant gift
Cross References
Deuteronomy 26:14I have not eaten thereof in my mourning, neither have I taken away ought thereof for any unclean use, nor given ought thereof for the dead: but I have hearkened to the voice of the LORD my God, and have done according to all that thou hast commanded me.Deuteronomy 12:6And 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:
Historical Context
Numbers 18:21-32 and Leviticus 27 detail tithe laws. Firstlings belong to God (Exodus 13:2; 34:19). The sanctuary system ensured proper handling of consecrated items and supported Levites. This command prevented individuals from claiming consecrated items for personal use, even if disguised as worship. Hannah's vow (1 Samuel 1:11) and Paul's vow (Acts 18:18) exemplify voluntary vows requiring fulfillment. Vows aren't casual but binding covenant commitments to God.
Questions for Reflection
- What does the distinction between common and consecrated property teach about stewardship?
- How do we apply the principle of devoted offerings in churches today (tithes, pledges, dedications)?
- What dangers arise when sacred resources are mishandled or diverted from devoted purposes?
Analysis & Commentary
Further restrictions on local consumption: '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.' While ordinary meat may be eaten locally (v.15), dedicated offerings must be consumed only at the central sanctuary. Tithes, firstlings, vows, and voluntary offerings belong to God and must be presented at His chosen place. This maintains distinction between common and consecrated. What is devoted to God must be handled according to His stipulations.