Deuteronomy 14:25
Then shalt thou turn it into money, and bind up the money in thine hand, and shalt go unto the place which the LORD thy God shall choose:
Original Language Analysis
וְנָֽתַתָּ֖ה
Then shalt thou turn
H5414
וְנָֽתַתָּ֖ה
Then shalt thou turn
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
1 of 13
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
הַכֶּ֙סֶף֙
it into money
H3701
הַכֶּ֙סֶף֙
it into money
Strong's:
H3701
Word #:
2 of 13
silver (from its pale color); by implication, money
וְצַרְתָּ֤
and bind up
H6696
וְצַרְתָּ֤
and bind up
Strong's:
H6696
Word #:
3 of 13
to cramp, i.e., confine (in many applications, literally and figuratively, formative or hostile)
הַכֶּ֙סֶף֙
it into money
H3701
הַכֶּ֙סֶף֙
it into money
Strong's:
H3701
Word #:
4 of 13
silver (from its pale color); by implication, money
בְּיָ֣דְךָ֔
in thine hand
H3027
בְּיָ֣דְךָ֔
in thine hand
Strong's:
H3027
Word #:
5 of 13
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
וְהָֽלַכְתָּ֙
and shalt go
H1980
וְהָֽלַכְתָּ֙
and shalt go
Strong's:
H1980
Word #:
6 of 13
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
הַמָּק֔וֹם
unto the place
H4725
הַמָּק֔וֹם
unto the place
Strong's:
H4725
Word #:
8 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)
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
9 of 13
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
יִבְחַ֛ר
shall choose
H977
יִבְחַ֛ר
shall choose
Strong's:
H977
Word #:
10 of 13
properly, to try, i.e., (by implication) select
יְהוָ֥ה
which the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֥ה
which the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
11 of 13
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
Historical Context
The development of currency (standardized weights of precious metals) enabled economic complexity beyond barter. By allowing monetary tithes, God's law adapted to economic evolution while maintaining the principle: return to God a portion of what He's given.
Questions for Reflection
- How does viewing money as 'stored labor' change your perspective on spending and giving?
- What does God's practical provision (allowing monetary conversion) teach about His concern for your real-life circumstances?
- In what ways do you 'bind up' (steward carefully) the resources God entrusts to you?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Then shalt thou turn it into money (כֶּסֶף, kesef, silver)—Converting produce to currency allowed distant Israelites to participate fully in centralized worship. This isn't compromise but wisdom: God cares about the heart's devotion, not the external form's rigidity. Bind up the money in thine hand pictures secure transport—God's people steward His gifts carefully.
Money represents stored labor—condensed time, energy, and creativity. Tithing money acknowledges God owns not just produce but the labor producing it. Paul echoes this: What hast thou that thou didst not receive? (1 Corinthians 4:7). Modern application is direct: whether paid in grain or salary, we tithe what God provides, recognizing Him as ultimate source.