Deuteronomy Chapter 26 · Verse 11

Authorized King James Version

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And thou shalt rejoice in every good thing which the LORD thy God hath given unto thee, and unto thine house, thou, and the Levite, and the stranger that is among you.

Original Language Analysis

וְשָֽׂמַחְתָּ֣ H8056
וְשָֽׂמַחְתָּ֣
Strong's: H8056
Word #: 1 of 14
blithe or gleeful
בְכָל H3605
בְכָל
Strong's: H3605
Word #: 2 of 14
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
הַטּ֗וֹב in every good H2896
הַטּ֗וֹב in every good
Strong's: H2896
Word #: 3 of 14
good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good
אֲשֶׁ֧ר H834
אֲשֶׁ֧ר
Strong's: H834
Word #: 4 of 14
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
נָֽתַן hath given H5414
נָֽתַן hath given
Strong's: H5414
Word #: 5 of 14
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
לְךָ֛ H0
לְךָ֛
Strong's: H0
Word #: 6 of 14
יְהוָ֥ה thing which the LORD H3068
יְהוָ֥ה thing which the LORD
Strong's: H3068
Word #: 7 of 14
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֱלֹהֶ֖יךָ thy God H430
אֱלֹהֶ֖יךָ thy God
Strong's: H430
Word #: 8 of 14
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
וּלְבֵיתֶ֑ךָ unto thee and unto thine house H1004
וּלְבֵיתֶ֑ךָ unto thee and unto thine house
Strong's: H1004
Word #: 9 of 14
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
אַתָּה֙ H859
אַתָּה֙
Strong's: H859
Word #: 10 of 14
thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you
וְהַלֵּוִ֔י thou and the Levite H3881
וְהַלֵּוִ֔י thou and the Levite
Strong's: H3881
Word #: 11 of 14
a levite or descendant of levi
וְהַגֵּ֖ר and the stranger H1616
וְהַגֵּ֖ר and the stranger
Strong's: H1616
Word #: 12 of 14
properly, a guest; by implication, a foreigner
אֲשֶׁ֥ר H834
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
Strong's: H834
Word #: 13 of 14
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
בְּקִרְבֶּֽךָ׃ that is among H7130
בְּקִרְבֶּֽךָ׃ that is among
Strong's: H7130
Word #: 14 of 14
properly, the nearest part, i.e., the center, whether literal, figurative or adverbial (especially with preposition)

Analysis & Commentary

And thou shalt rejoice in every good thing which the LORD thy God hath given unto thee, and unto thine house—the climax of the firstfruits ceremony (26:1-11), commanding joy as religious duty. The Hebrew samachta (שָׂמַחְתָּ) means to rejoice, be glad, celebrate. This wasn't mere emotion but covenantal celebration recognizing God as the source of every good thing. Thou, and the Levite, and the stranger that is among you—joy was communal, including those without land inheritance (Levites) and outsiders (resident aliens).

This verse connects gratitude, generosity, and worship. After offering firstfruits acknowledging God's provision and rehearsing redemption history (26:5-10), the worshiper was commanded to rejoice with those who received tithes and offerings. True worship produces joy that overflows to others, especially the marginalized. Deuteronomy repeatedly links obedience with joy (12:7, 12, 18; 14:26; 16:11, 14-15), presenting covenant life as inherently celebratory, not burdensome legalism.

Historical Context

Given circa 1406 BC in anticipation of harvest festivals in the Promised Land. Israel's agricultural calendar structured around three major feasts (Unleavened Bread, Weeks, Tabernacles)—all requiring joyful celebration with offerings shared among family, Levites, poor, and strangers. This contrasted with pagan fertility religions' anxious appeasement of capricious gods. Israel's worship celebrated a faithful covenant God whose blessings were reliable, producing security and joy rather than fear and manipulation.

Questions for Reflection