Deuteronomy 12 17

Deuteronomy 12:17 kjv

Thou mayest not eat within thy gates the tithe of thy corn, or of thy wine, or of thy oil, or the firstlings of thy herds or of thy flock, nor any of thy vows which thou vowest, nor thy freewill offerings, or heave offering of thine hand:

Deuteronomy 12:17 nkjv

You may not eat within your gates the tithe of your grain or your new wine or your oil, of the firstborn of your herd or your flock, of any of your offerings which you vow, of your freewill offerings, or of the heave offering of your hand.

Deuteronomy 12:17 niv

You must not eat in your own towns the tithe of your grain and new wine and olive oil, or the firstborn of your herds and flocks, or whatever you have vowed to give, or your freewill offerings or special gifts.

Deuteronomy 12:17 esv

You may not eat within your towns the tithe of your grain or of your wine or of your oil, or the firstborn of your herd or of your flock, or any of your vow offerings that you vow, or your freewill offerings or the contribution that you present,

Deuteronomy 12:17 nlt

"But you may not eat your offerings in your hometown ? neither the tithe of your grain and new wine and olive oil, nor the firstborn of your flocks and herds, nor any offering to fulfill a vow, nor your voluntary offerings, nor your sacred offerings.

Deuteronomy 12 verses

Deuteronomy 12 17 Meaning

Deuteronomy 12:17 prohibits the people of Israel from consuming specific consecrated offerings – including their second tithe of grain, new wine, and oil, their firstborn animals, and various types of voluntary offerings like vows, freewill gifts, and special contributions – within their local towns. Instead, these sacred items were exclusively to be brought to and consumed at the singular, central place of worship chosen by the LORD, fostering communal worship and reinforcing the unique holiness of God's presence.

Deuteronomy 12 17 Context

Deuteronomy chapter 12 introduces a radical shift in Israelite worship practices upon their entry into the Promised Land. Prior to this, especially in the wilderness, sacrifices could be offered at various temporary altars. However, Deuteronomy 12 strictly mandates one singular, chosen place for the central worship of Yahweh, which would ultimately be Jerusalem. This instruction was a crucial defense against the polytheistic and localized worship practices of the Canaanites, preventing Israel from falling into idolatry and syncretism by mimicking pagan "high places" and sacred trees. Verse 17 directly follows the command in verses 15-16 that allowed the consumption of common meat anywhere (even "within your gates") provided the blood was properly drained. This distinction is critical: ordinary food can be eaten domestically, but specifically sanctified items, listed in verse 17, are distinct and must be taken to the designated sanctuary, symbolizing the importance of proper reverence and communal recognition of God's holy dwelling place and provision.

Deuteronomy 12 17 Word analysis

• לֹא תוּכַל (lo tukhal): Transliteration: lo tukhal. Meaning: "you may not" or "you shall not be able/permitted." This phrase conveys a strong and absolute prohibition, emphasizing that it is neither lawful nor spiritually appropriate to engage in the stated action. It sets a strict boundary.
• לֶאֱכֹל (le'ekhol): Transliteration: le'ekhol. Meaning: "to eat." In this context, "eating" is not just about sustenance but refers to participating in the consumption of sacred portions, often within a celebratory or communal meal setting. The prohibition denies individuals the private disposal of consecrated items.
• בִּשְׁעָרֶיךָ (bish'areikha): Transliteration: bish'areikha. Meaning: "within your gates." This is a metonymy for "within your towns" or "at your local residence." It directly contrasts with "the place the LORD will choose," signifying domestic or private spheres, distinct from the centralized religious activities.
• מַעְשַׂר דְּגָנְךָ (ma'aser d'gan'kha): Transliteration: ma'aser d'gan'kha. Meaning: "the tithe of your grain." Ma'aser is the "tenth part." This refers to the specific second tithe (distinct from the Levitical tithe in Num 18) that Israelite families were to set aside annually and eat communally at the central sanctuary (Deut 14:22-23), often with Levites and the poor, celebrating God's blessing.
• וְתִירֹשְׁךָ (v'tirosh'kha): Transliteration: v'tirosh'kha. Meaning: "and of your new wine." Tirosh denotes freshly pressed grape juice. Along with grain and oil, it represents the vital agricultural bounty and the staple products of the land, which God had blessed.
• וְיִצְהָרֶךָ (v'yitshar'kha): Transliteration: v'yitshar'kha. Meaning: "and of your oil." Yitshar refers to olive oil. The triad of grain, new wine, and oil signifies the comprehensive agricultural abundance given by God, indicating His providential care and demanding proper acknowledgment of His ownership.
• בְּכוֹרֹת בְּקָרְךָ וְצֹאנְךָ (b'khorot b'kar'kha v'tzo'nekha): Transliteration: b'khorot b'kar'kha v'tzo'nekha. Meaning: "the firstborn of your herd or of your flock." Bekhorot (firstborn). These animals were fundamentally consecrated to God from birth (Exod 13:2). They were sacred offerings or redeemable portions, with certain parts designated for priestly consumption, always at the sanctuary.
• וְכָל נִדְרֶיךָ אֲשֶׁר תִּדֹּר (v'khol nidrekha asher tidor): Transliteration: v'khol nidrekha asher tidor. Meaning: "and all your vow offerings which you vow." Neder (vow). A binding promise made to God, often conditional. The fulfillment of such vows, typically involving a sacrifice, had to be performed publicly at the central sanctuary (Deut 23:21-23).
• וְנִדְבוֹתֶיךָ (v'nidvoteikha): Transliteration: v'nidvoteikha. Meaning: "and your freewill offerings." N'daba (freewill offering). These were spontaneous gifts, given out of gratitude, devotion, or love, not compelled by specific obligation or vow. Like vows, their presentation affirmed commitment and worship at the appointed holy site.
• וּתְרוּמַת יָדֶךָ (u'trumat yadekah): Transliteration: u'trumat yadekah. Meaning: "and the contribution of your hand." Terumah (contribution or heave offering). This refers to portions lifted off and dedicated to God, often for the support of the priesthood (Num 18:8-11). "Of your hand" implies a portion personally separated for sacred use, demonstrating a personal act of giving.

Words-group analysis:

• "You may not eat within your gates": This phrase directly contrasts domestic, private consumption with required, public consumption at the central sanctuary. It defines both the forbidden action (eating) and the forbidden location (local town), underscoring the shift towards centralized worship.
• "the tithe of your grain or of your new wine or of your oil": These agricultural products represent God's fundamental provision for Israel. Designating their tithe for central consumption emphasized that firstfruits and tithes belonged to the LORD and were to be celebrated in His presence, not simply treated as personal bounty.
• "or the firstborn of your herd or of your flock": These items held a special sacred status as God's redemption of the firstborn in Egypt (Exod 13). Their mandatory presentation and consumption at the central sanctuary continually reminded Israel of their redemption and God's exclusive claim over them.
• "or any of your vow offerings or your freewill offerings or the contribution of your hand": These three categories cover offerings that are voluntary or priestly dues, rather than specifically tied to agricultural output or firstborn status. By including these, the verse emphasizes that all forms of consecrated dedication to God, whether promised or freely given, must similarly be handled and consumed in the proper, central sacred context. This prevents a casual approach to anything dedicated to the LORD.

Deuteronomy 12 17 Bonus section

• The strict regulation against eating these sacred items at home underlines the concept of holiness and distinction between the sacred and the common (Lev 10:10). The central sanctuary was the focal point of God's dwelling and His holy presence among His people, making it the only appropriate place for such profound acts of worship and communal sharing.
• The "eating" specified in this verse often included a joyful, communal feast before the LORD (Deut 12:7, 18). It was not merely a ritual consumption but an act of shared worship and fellowship, strengthening community bonds and reinforcing dependence on God's provision and blessing.
• This instruction foreshadows New Covenant principles regarding the proper handling of things dedicated to God and the sacred nature of Christian fellowship and worship. While no longer bound by these specific dietary laws or a physical central sanctuary (as Christ is our ultimate Temple), the principle of giving first-rate devotion and honoring God with our best in designated, pure contexts remains vital (e.g., integrity in corporate worship, honoring the Body of Christ).
• The emphasis on "firstborn" and "firstfruits" (implied in tithes) speaks to God's claim on the beginning of our blessings, signifying that all success and abundance originate from Him.

Deuteronomy 12 17 Commentary

Deuteronomy 12:17 stands as a foundational command in establishing the ordered worship of Israel in the Promised Land. It makes a critical distinction: while common food could be eaten freely at home, specific items consecrated to the LORD – including tithes of grain, wine, and oil, firstborn animals, and various dedicated offerings – were sacred. These could not be casually consumed within the local town ("your gates"). Instead, their consumption was reserved exclusively for the central sanctuary chosen by God, alongside communal fellowship.

This command served several crucial purposes: It prevented the syncretism with Canaanite idolatry, which often involved localized shrines and diverse offerings. It centralized and unified the worship of the one true God, preventing fragmentation and ensuring doctrinal purity. Furthermore, it reinforced God's sovereignty and ownership over the land's produce and livestock, reminding Israel that all blessings came from Him. The act of bringing these costly and consecrated items to a distant, central location demonstrated intentional obedience, devotion, and dependence on God. The communal feasting at the sanctuary provided joyous fellowship and affirmed their identity as God's holy nation. This principle underscores that holiness requires distinction and designated space, reinforcing the reverent approach necessary when dealing with things dedicated to God.