Deuteronomy 26:12

Authorized King James Version

When thou hast made an end of tithing all the tithes of thine increase the third year, which is the year of tithing, and hast given it unto the Levite, the stranger, the fatherless, and the widow, that they may eat within thy gates, and be filled;

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
כִּ֣י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#2
תְכַלֶּ֞ה
When thou hast made an end
to end, whether intransitive (to cease, be finished, perish) or transitive (to complete, prepare, consume)
#3
לַ֠עְשֵׂר
of tithing
to tithe, i.e., to take or give a tenth
#4
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#5
כָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#6
הַֽמַּעֲשֵׂ֑ר
all the tithes
a tenth; especially a tithe
#7
תְּבוּאָֽתְךָ֛
of thine increase
income, i.e., produce (literally or figuratively)
#8
שְׁנַ֣ת
which is the year
a year (as a revolution of time)
#9
הַשְּׁלִישִׁ֖ת
the third
third; feminine a third (part); by extension, a third (day, year or time); specifically, a third-story cell)
#10
שְׁנַ֣ת
which is the year
a year (as a revolution of time)
#11
הַֽמַּעֲשֵׂ֑ר
all the tithes
a tenth; especially a tithe
#12
וְנָֽתַתָּ֣ה
and hast given
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#13
לַלֵּוִ֗י
it unto the Levite
a levite or descendant of levi
#14
לַגֵּר֙
the stranger
properly, a guest; by implication, a foreigner
#15
לַיָּת֣וֹם
the fatherless
a bereaved person
#16
וְלָֽאַלְמָנָ֔ה
and the widow
a widow; also a desolate place
#17
וְאָֽכְל֥וּ
that they may eat
to eat (literally or figuratively)
#18
בִשְׁעָרֶ֖יךָ
within thy gates
an opening, i.e., door or gate
#19
וְשָׂבֵֽעוּ׃
and be filled
to sate, i.e., fill to satisfaction (literally or figuratively)

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Deuteronomy. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Deuteronomy Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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