Deuteronomy 14:28
At the end of three years thou shalt bring forth all the tithe of thine increase the same year, and shalt lay it up within thy gates:
Original Language Analysis
שָׁלֹ֣שׁ
of three
H7969
שָׁלֹ֣שׁ
of three
Strong's:
H7969
Word #:
2 of 12
three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice
תּוֹצִיא֙
thou shalt bring forth
H3318
תּוֹצִיא֙
thou shalt bring forth
Strong's:
H3318
Word #:
4 of 12
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
5 of 12
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
6 of 12
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
תְּבוּאָ֣תְךָ֔
of thine increase
H8393
תְּבוּאָ֣תְךָ֔
of thine increase
Strong's:
H8393
Word #:
8 of 12
income, i.e., produce (literally or figuratively)
הַהִ֑וא
H1931
הַהִ֑וא
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
10 of 12
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern societies lacked social safety nets—widows and orphans often starved or were enslaved. God's triennial tithe created a systematic welfare system, preventing destitution while maintaining work dignity (recipients came to the harvest, not passive recipients).
Questions for Reflection
- How does systematic (not sporadic) care for the vulnerable demonstrate the reality of God's love dwelling in you?
- What 'fatherless and widows' (economically vulnerable, socially marginalized) exist in your community?
- In what ways does your budget reflect God's priority on justice for the poor?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
At the end of three years thou shalt bring forth all the tithe of thine increase—This third tithe (distinct from the Levitical and Festival tithes) was distributed locally every third year for the Levite, the stranger, the fatherless, and the widow. God's economic law prevented permanent underclass formation through systematic wealth redistribution.
James defines pure religion as visiting the fatherless and widows in their affliction (James 1:27). Jesus proclaimed the gospel: The poor have the gospel preached to them (Matthew 11:5). This charity tithe wasn't optional benevolence but commanded justice. Isaiah condemned Israel: Your hands are full of blood—not murder, but oppressing the vulnerable (Isaiah 1:15-17). Economic obedience demonstrates love's authenticity: Whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him? (1 John 3:17).