Deuteronomy 12:26
Only thy holy things which thou hast, and thy vows, thou shalt take, and go unto the place which the LORD shall choose:
Original Language Analysis
רַ֧ק
H7535
רַ֧ק
Strong's:
H7535
Word #:
1 of 13
properly, leanness, i.e., (figuratively) limitation; only adverbial, merely, or conjunctional, although
קָֽדָשֶׁ֛יךָ
Only thy holy things
H6944
קָֽדָשֶׁ֛יךָ
Only thy holy things
Strong's:
H6944
Word #:
2 of 13
a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity
אֲשֶׁר
H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
3 of 13
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
יִֽהְי֥וּ
H1961
יִֽהְי֥וּ
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
4 of 13
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
וּנְדָרֶ֑יךָ
which thou hast and thy vows
H5088
וּנְדָרֶ֑יךָ
which thou hast and thy vows
Strong's:
H5088
Word #:
6 of 13
a promise (to god); also (concretely) a thing promised
תִּשָּׂ֣א
thou shalt take
H5375
תִּשָּׂ֣א
thou shalt take
Strong's:
H5375
Word #:
7 of 13
to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative
הַמָּק֖וֹם
unto the place
H4725
הַמָּק֖וֹם
unto the place
Strong's:
H4725
Word #:
10 of 13
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 #:
11 of 13
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
Historical Context
Hannah's vow to dedicate Samuel (1 Samuel 1:11, 24-28) exemplifies fulfilling vows at the sanctuary. Jephthah's tragic vow (Judges 11:30-40) shows vows' binding nature. Ecclesiastes 5:4-5 warns against rash vows: 'When you vow a vow to God, do not delay paying it...better that you should not vow than that you should vow and not pay.' Later Judaism developed vow formulas and release mechanisms (Mishnah Nedarim). Jesus critiqued using vows to evade obligations (Matthew 15:3-6).
Questions for Reflection
- What does the seriousness of vows teach about integrity and commitment to God?
- How do modern Christians understand vow-making given that Jesus said 'let your yes be yes' (Matthew 5:33-37)?
- What is our obligation when we've made commitments to God (pledges, dedications, promises)?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The requirement for consecrated items: 'Only thy holy things which thou hast, and thy vows, thou shalt take, and go unto the place which the LORD shall choose.' While ordinary meat can be consumed locally, 'holy things' (qodashim, קֳדָשִׁים, consecrated items) must go to the sanctuary. Vows (nedarim, נְדָרִים) create special obligations requiring sanctuary fulfillment. The phrase 'go unto the place' indicates pilgrimage—physically bringing consecrated items to God's chosen location. This maintains sacred/common distinction: what belongs to God must be handled according to His stipulations at His chosen place. Personal convenience doesn't override divine prescription.