Deuteronomy Chapter 16 · Verse 17

Authorized King James Version

Study PDF

Every man shall give as he is able, according to the blessing of the LORD thy God which he hath given thee.

Original Language Analysis

אִ֖ישׁ Every man H376
אִ֖ישׁ Every man
Strong's: H376
Word #: 1 of 9
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
כְּמַתְּנַ֣ת shall give as he is able H4979
כְּמַתְּנַ֣ת shall give as he is able
Strong's: H4979
Word #: 2 of 9
a present; specifically (in a good sense), a sacrificial offering, (in a bad sense) a bribe
יָד֑וֹ H3027
יָד֑וֹ
Strong's: H3027
Word #: 3 of 9
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
כְּבִרְכַּ֛ת according to the blessing H1293
כְּבִרְכַּ֛ת according to the blessing
Strong's: H1293
Word #: 4 of 9
benediction; by implication prosperity
יְהוָ֥ה of the LORD H3068
יְהוָ֥ה of the LORD
Strong's: H3068
Word #: 5 of 9
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֱלֹהֶ֖יךָ thy God H430
אֱלֹהֶ֖יךָ thy God
Strong's: H430
Word #: 6 of 9
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
אֲשֶׁ֥ר H834
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
Strong's: H834
Word #: 7 of 9
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
נָֽתַן which he hath given H5414
נָֽתַן which he hath given
Strong's: H5414
Word #: 8 of 9
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
לָֽךְ׃ H0
לָֽךְ׃
Strong's: H0
Word #: 9 of 9

Analysis & Commentary

Every man shall give as he is able, according to the blessing of the LORD thy God which he hath given thee—This principle governs feast offerings after describing the three pilgrimage feasts (Passover/Unleavened Bread, Weeks, Tabernacles). The Hebrew ish kematnat yado (אִ֖ישׁ כְּמַתְּנַ֣ת יָד֑וֹ, 'each man according to the gift of his hand') means proportional giving based on ability, not fixed amounts. The phrase 'as he is able' prevents both pride (the wealthy) and shame (the poor).

The standard is 'according to the blessing of the LORD thy God' (kebirkat YHWH elohecha, כְּבִרְכַּ֛ת יְהוָ֥ה אֱלֹהֶ֖יךָ). Giving measures blessing received, making generosity a worship response to divine provision. This proportional principle anticipates New Testament teaching: 'Every man according as he purposeth in his heart...for God loveth a cheerful giver' (2 Corinthians 9:7). Paul also cites proportional giving: 'Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him' (1 Corinthians 16:2).

Historical Context

Pilgrimage feasts required male Israelites to 'appear before the LORD' at the central sanctuary (v. 16), bringing offerings from harvest abundance. This command prevented empty-handed worship (Exodus 23:15) while accommodating economic differences. The principle balanced obligation (everyone brings something) with equity (amount varies by blessing). This economic wisdom prevented both exploitation of the poor (by demanding fixed amounts) and enabling of the wealthy (by allowing token gifts). The system assumed God's varied but real blessing on all covenant members.

Questions for Reflection