Deuteronomy 14:24
And if the way be too long for thee, so that thou art not able to carry it; or if the place be too far from thee, which the LORD thy God shall choose to set his name there, when the LORD thy God hath blessed thee:
Original Language Analysis
כִּ֥י
for thee so that
H3588
כִּ֥י
for thee so that
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 23
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
מִמְּךָ֜
H4480
מִמְּךָ֜
Strong's:
H4480
Word #:
3 of 23
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
הַדֶּ֗רֶךְ
And if the way
H1870
הַדֶּ֗רֶךְ
And if the way
Strong's:
H1870
Word #:
4 of 23
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
כִּ֥י
for thee so that
H3588
כִּ֥י
for thee so that
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
5 of 23
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
לֹ֣א
H3808
לֹ֣א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
6 of 23
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
תוּכַל֮
thou art not able
H3201
תוּכַל֮
thou art not able
Strong's:
H3201
Word #:
7 of 23
to be able, literally (can, could) or morally (may, might)
שְׂאֵתוֹ֒
to carry
H5375
שְׂאֵתוֹ֒
to carry
Strong's:
H5375
Word #:
8 of 23
to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative
כִּ֥י
for thee so that
H3588
כִּ֥י
for thee so that
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
9 of 23
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
יִרְחַ֤ק
be too far
H7368
יִרְחַ֤ק
be too far
Strong's:
H7368
Word #:
10 of 23
to widen (in any direction), i.e., (intransitively) recede or (transitively) remove (literally or figuratively, of place or relation)
מִמְּךָ֙
H4480
מִמְּךָ֙
Strong's:
H4480
Word #:
11 of 23
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
הַמָּק֔וֹם
it or if the place
H4725
הַמָּק֔וֹם
it or if the place
Strong's:
H4725
Word #:
12 of 23
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)
אֲשֶׁ֤ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֤ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
13 of 23
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
יִבְחַר֙
shall choose
H977
יִבְחַר֙
shall choose
Strong's:
H977
Word #:
14 of 23
properly, to try, i.e., (by implication) select
יְהוָ֥ה
from thee which the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֥ה
from thee which the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
15 of 23
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֱלֹהֶֽיךָ׃
thy God
H430
אֱלֹהֶֽיךָ׃
thy God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
16 of 23
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
לָשׂ֥וּם
to set
H7760
לָשׂ֥וּם
to set
Strong's:
H7760
Word #:
17 of 23
to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)
שְׁמ֖וֹ
his name
H8034
שְׁמ֖וֹ
his name
Strong's:
H8034
Word #:
18 of 23
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
שָׁ֑ם
H8033
כִּ֥י
for thee so that
H3588
כִּ֥י
for thee so that
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
20 of 23
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
יְבָֽרֶכְךָ֖
hath blessed
H1288
יְבָֽרֶכְךָ֖
hath blessed
Strong's:
H1288
Word #:
21 of 23
to kneel; by implication to bless god (as an act of adoration), and (vice-versa) man (as a benefit); also (by euphemism) to curse (god or the king, as
Cross References
Deuteronomy 12:21If the place which the LORD thy God hath chosen to put his name there be too far from thee, then thou shalt kill of thy herd and of thy flock, which the LORD hath given thee, as I have commanded thee, and thou shalt eat in thy gates whatsoever thy soul lusteth after.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:
Historical Context
After Solomon's Temple centralized worship in Jerusalem, families from northern Galilee or southern Negev traveled 70-100+ miles for festivals. This provision prevented the tithe from becoming an impossible burden, ensuring continued participation across all regions.
Questions for Reflection
- Where have you experienced God's 'accommodation' of your limitations in spiritual disciplines?
- How do you distinguish between God's holy standards (unchanging) and His merciful accommodations (flexible)?
- What 'heavy burdens' have religious traditions placed on you that God's Word does not require?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And if the way be too long for thee, so that thou art not able to carry it—God's law accommodates human limitations. Families living far from Jerusalem couldn't transport perishable tithes hundreds of miles. This provision demonstrates He knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust (Psalm 103:14).
Legalism makes no such allowance—it demands performance regardless of circumstance. Jesus condemned Pharisees who bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne (Matthew 23:4). God's law, by contrast, is not grievous (1 John 5:3). The monetary conversion (next verse) shows God values heart worship over mechanical compliance. He seeks truth in the inward parts (Psalm 51:6), not impossible logistics.