Deuteronomy 14:23
And thou shalt eat before the LORD thy God, in the place which he shall choose to place his name there, the tithe of thy corn, of thy wine, and of thine oil, and the firstlings of thy herds and of thy flocks; that thou mayest learn to fear the LORD thy God always.
Original Language Analysis
לִפְנֵ֣י׀
before
H6440
לִפְנֵ֣י׀
before
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
2 of 25
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
יְהוָ֥ה
the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֥ה
the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
3 of 25
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֱלֹהֶ֖יךָ
thy God
H430
אֱלֹהֶ֖יךָ
thy God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
4 of 25
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
בַּמָּק֣וֹם
in the place
H4725
בַּמָּק֣וֹם
in the place
Strong's:
H4725
Word #:
5 of 25
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 #:
6 of 25
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
יִבְחַר֮
which he shall choose
H977
יִבְחַר֮
which he shall choose
Strong's:
H977
Word #:
7 of 25
properly, to try, i.e., (by implication) select
לְשַׁכֵּ֣ן
to place
H7931
לְשַׁכֵּ֣ן
to place
Strong's:
H7931
Word #:
8 of 25
to reside or permanently stay (literally or figuratively)
שְׁמ֣וֹ
his name
H8034
שְׁמ֣וֹ
his name
Strong's:
H8034
Word #:
9 of 25
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
שָׁם֒
H8033
תִּֽירֹשְׁךָ֣
of thy wine
H8492
תִּֽירֹשְׁךָ֣
of thy wine
Strong's:
H8492
Word #:
13 of 25
must or fresh grape-juice (as just squeezed out); by implication (rarely) fermented wine
וְיִצְהָרֶ֔ךָ
and of thine oil
H3323
וְיִצְהָרֶ֔ךָ
and of thine oil
Strong's:
H3323
Word #:
14 of 25
oil (as producing light); figuratively, anointing
וּבְכֹרֹ֥ת
and the firstlings
H1062
וּבְכֹרֹ֥ת
and the firstlings
Strong's:
H1062
Word #:
15 of 25
the firstling of man or beast; abstractly primogeniture
בְּקָֽרְךָ֖
of thy herds
H1241
בְּקָֽרְךָ֖
of thy herds
Strong's:
H1241
Word #:
16 of 25
a beeve or an animal of the ox family of either gender (as used for plowing); collectively, a herd
וְצֹאנֶ֑ךָ
and of thy flocks
H6629
וְצֹאנֶ֑ךָ
and of thy flocks
Strong's:
H6629
Word #:
17 of 25
a collective name for a flock (of sheep or goats); also figuratively (of men)
לְמַ֣עַן
H4616
לְמַ֣עַן
Strong's:
H4616
Word #:
18 of 25
properly, heed, i.e., purpose; used only adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim), teleologically, in order that
תִּלְמַ֗ד
that thou mayest learn
H3925
תִּלְמַ֗ד
that thou mayest learn
Strong's:
H3925
Word #:
19 of 25
properly, to goad, i.e., (by implication) to teach (the rod being an middle eastern incentive)
לְיִרְאָ֛ה
to fear
H3372
לְיִרְאָ֛ה
to fear
Strong's:
H3372
Word #:
20 of 25
to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
21 of 25
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
יְהוָ֥ה
the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֥ה
the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
22 of 25
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֱלֹהֶ֖יךָ
thy God
H430
אֱלֹהֶ֖יךָ
thy God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
23 of 25
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
Historical Context
The centralized sanctuary (later the Jerusalem Temple) unified Israel's worship and prevented idolatrous syncretism at local shrines. Three times yearly (Passover, Pentecost, Tabernacles), families brought their second tithe for celebratory meals, strengthening national unity and covenant identity.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's command to 'eat before the LORD' correct false ideas that spirituality equals severity and deprivation?
- What does the practice of eating your tithe (rather than merely surrendering it) teach about God's desire for your participation in blessing?
- How do you anticipate the coming Messianic banquet in your present worship and fellowship?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Thou shalt eat before the LORD thy God, in the place which he shall choose—The Festival Tithe was eaten, not merely given away. Israel brought the tithe of thy corn, of thy wine, and of thine oil, and the firstlings of thy herds to the central sanctuary for a covenant meal. Worship includes feasting, not only fasting.
This foreshadows the Messianic banquet: In this mountain shall the LORD of hosts make unto all people a feast (Isaiah 25:6). Jesus ate with sinners (Matthew 9:10), instituted the Lord's Supper (Luke 22:19), and promised: I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father's kingdom (Matthew 26:29). The tithe-meal taught: covenant life is abundant, joyful fellowship with God.