TRV
Study This Verse
Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Deuteronomy 14:22–29. His three-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
We have here a part of the statute concerning tithes. The productions of the ground were twice tithed, so that, putting both together, a fifth part was devoted to God out of their increase, and only four parts of five were for their own common use; and they could not but own they paid an easy rent, especially since God's part was disposed of to their own benefit and advantage. The first tithe was for the maintenance of their Levites, who taught them the good knowledge of God, and ministered to them in holy things; this is supposed as anciently due, and is entailed upon the Levites as an inheritance, by that law, Num 18:24, etc. But it is the second tithe that is here spoken of, which was to be taken out of the remainder when the Levites had had theirs.
I.They are here charged to separate it, and set it apart for God:
Thou shalt truly tithe all the increase of they seed, Deu 14:22. The Levites took care of their own, but the separating of this was left to the owners themselves, the law encouraging them to be honest by reposing a confidence in them, and so trying their fear of God. They are commanded to tithe truly, that is, to be sure to do it, and to do it faithfully and carefully, that God's part might not be diminished either with design or by oversight. Note, We must be sure to give God his full dues out of our estates; for, being but stewards of them, it is required that we be faithful, as those that must give account.
II.They are here directed how to dispose of it when they had separated it.
Let every man lay by as God prospers him and gives him success, and then let him lay out in pious uses as God gives him opportunity; and it will be the easier to lay out, and the proportion will be more satisfying, when first we have laid by. This second tithe may be disposed of,
1.In works of piety, for the first two years after the year of release. They must bring it up, either in kind or in the full value of it, to the place of the sanctuary, and there must spend it in holy feasting before the Lord. If they could do it with any convenience, they must bring it in kind (Deu 14:23); but, if not, they might turn it into money (Deu 14:24, Deu 14:25), and that money must be laid out in something to feast upon before the Lord. The comfortable cheerful using of what God has given us, with temperance and sobriety, is really the honouring of God with it. Contentment, holy joy, and thankfulness, make every meal a religious feast. The end of this law we have (Deu 14:23): That thou mayest learn to fear the Lord thy God always; it was to keep them right and firm to their religion,
(1.)By acquainting them with the sanctuary, the holy things, and the solemn services that were there performed. What they read the appointment of their Bibles, it would do them good to see the observance of in the tabernacle; it would make a deeper impression upon them, which would keep them out of the snares of the idolatrous customs. Note, It will have a good influence upon our constancy in religion never to forsake the assembling of ourselves together, Heb 10:25. By the comfort of the communion of saints, we may be kept to our communion with God.
(2.)By using them to the most pleasant and delightful services of religion. Let them rejoice before the Lord, that they may learn to fear him always. The more pleasure we find in the ways of religion the more likely we shall be to persevere in those ways. One thing they must remember in their pious entertainments - to bid their Levites welcome to them. Thou shalt not forsake the Levites (Deu 14:27): "Let him never be a stranger to thy table, especially when thou eatest before the Lord."
2.Every third year this tithe must be disposed of at home in works of charity (Deu 14:28, Deu 14:29): Lay it up within they own gates, and let it be given to the poor, who, knowing the provision this law had made for them, no doubt would come to seek it; and, that they might make the poor familiar to them and not disdain their company, they are here directed to welcome them to their houses. "Thither let them come, and eat and be satisfied." In this charitable distribution of the second tithe they must have an eye to the poor ministers and add to their encouragement by entertaining them, then to poor strangers (not only for the supply of their necessities, but to put a respect upon them, and so to invite them to turn proselytes), and then to the fatherless and widow, who, though perhaps they might have a competent maintenance left them, yet could not be supposed to live so plentifully and comfortably as they had done in months past, and therefore they were to countenance them, and help to make them easy by inviting them to this entertainment. God has a particular care for widows and fatherless, and he requires that we should have the same. It is his honour, and will be ours, to help the helpless. And if we thus serve God, and do good with what we have, it is promised here that the Lord our God will bless us in all the work of our hand. Note,
(1.)The blessing of God is all in all to our outward prosperity, and, without that blessing, the work of our hands which we do will bring nothing to pass.
(2.)The way to obtain that blessing is to be diligent and charitable. The blessing descends upon the working hand: "Except not that God should bless thee in thy idleness and love of ease, but in all the work of they hand." It is the hand of the diligent, with the blessing of God upon it, that makes rich, Pro 10:4, Pro 10:22. And it descends upon the giving hand; he that thus scatters certainly increases, and the liberal soul will be made fat. It is an undoubted truth, though little believed, that to be charitable to the poor, and to be free and generous in the support of religion and any good work, is the surest and safest way of thriving. What is lent to the Lord will be repaid with abundant interest. See Eze 44:30.
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Summary
Deuteronomy 14:22 lays down a fundamental covenantal command for the Israelites: to faithfully set aside a tenth of all the agricultural produce from their fields each year. This practice, known as tithing, was a tangible and annual act of worship that affirmed God's ultimate ownership of the land and its bounty, serving as a profound reminder of His abundant provision. Beyond its spiritual significance, the tithe also established a divinely ordained system for supporting the Levites, facilitating communal worship, and ensuring the care of the vulnerable within the Israelite society.
Context
Literary Context
This command is strategically placed within a substantial legislative block in Deuteronomy, specifically chapters 12-26, which detail the statutes and ordinances given by Moses to the Israelites on the plains of Moab, just before their entry into the Promised Land. Following the foundational principles of the Ten Commandments and broader covenant stipulations, Moses delves into the practical outworkings of their life as God's chosen people. Deuteronomy 14 specifically addresses dietary laws and regulations concerning tithes and firstborn offerings. The tithe mandated in Deuteronomy 14:22 is often understood as the "second tithe," distinct from the Levitical tithe (Numbers 18) that supported the priests. This particular tithe was primarily intended for the purpose of an annual communal feast before the Lord in Jerusalem, fostering national unity and worship. Furthermore, every third year, this specific tithe was to be stored locally within their towns to provide for the Levites, sojourners, orphans, and widows, as explicitly outlined in Deuteronomy 14:28-29. This systematic and cyclical approach underscored the community's shared responsibility and their collective reliance on God's faithful provision.
Historical & Cultural Context
Ancient Israel was fundamentally an agrarian society, where the "increase of thy seed"—the harvest from their cultivated fields—constituted their primary source of wealth, sustenance, and economic stability. In this agricultural economy, the command to tithe transcended a mere religious ritual; it was an indispensable component of their socio-economic framework, reinforcing their absolute dependence on God's blessings for their very livelihood. Unlike surrounding pagan cultures that often offered portions to appease capricious and unpredictable deities, Israel's tithe was an act of worship and profound gratitude to Yahweh, a benevolent and covenant-keeping God. It served as a constant, annual reminder that the land itself, and all its abundant produce, belonged entirely to Yahweh, who had miraculously delivered them from slavery in Egypt and brought them into a land famously described as "flowing with milk and honey." This practice ingrained the theological truth of divine ownership into the very rhythm of their daily and yearly lives.
Key Themes
The command to tithe in Deuteronomy 14:22 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes woven throughout Deuteronomy and the broader Pentateuch. Firstly, it highlights Obedience and Covenant Faithfulness, as tithing was a direct divine instruction, a tangible act demonstrating the Israelites' unwavering commitment to the covenant established at Mount Sinai. Their prosperity and well-being in the land were inextricably linked to their faithful adherence to God's commands, a principle reiterated throughout Deuteronomy 28. Secondly, it profoundly underscores Divine Provision and Ownership, serving as a constant and annual reminder that God was the ultimate source of their prosperity. The "increase" was not a result of their own efforts alone but a gracious gift from His generous hand, affirming that the land and its produce truly belonged to Him, not to them. Thirdly, the practice fostered a deep sense of Stewardship, compelling the Israelites to acknowledge their role not as absolute owners, but as responsible managers of the blessings they received. By returning a portion to God, they affirmed His sovereignty over all aspects of their lives and resources. Finally, the phrase "year by year" emphasizes Systematic and Consistent Giving, establishing a discipline of annual contribution that ingrained a habit of regular devotion and unwavering trust in God's ongoing faithfulness.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This primitive root verb means "to accumulate," but is primarily used as a denominative from the word for "ten," meaning "to tithe," i.e., "to take or give a tenth." The KJV's "truly tithe" reflects the Hebrew intensive construction (עַשֵּׂר תְּעַשֵּׁר, 'asser tĕ'asser), which is an infinitive absolute used with the finite verb. This grammatical structure conveys emphasis, certainty, and diligence, signaling that the command is not optional but a fundamental and non-negotiable obligation to be performed with utmost care.
Derived from the verb "to come" or "to bring," this noun specifically refers to "income," "produce," "yield," or "revenue," whether literally (as in agricultural produce) or figuratively. In the context of Deuteronomy 14:22, it clearly denotes the agricultural harvest, the physical bounty brought forth from the fields. This word precisely defines the scope of the tithe, limiting it to the crops grown, distinguishing it from other potential sources of income or livestock. It highlights the direct result of God's blessing upon the land and human labor.
This noun refers to a "year" as a revolution of time. The repetition of this word, "year by year" (שָׁנָה בְשָׁנָה, shānāh bĕshānāh), is a Hebrew idiom emphasizing the annual, consistent, and recurring nature of this obligation. It underscores that tithing was not a one-time act but an ingrained, cyclical discipline that mirrored the agricultural seasons. This regularity fostered a deep-seated rhythm of gratitude, dependence, and obedience within the community, reinforcing their continuous reliance on God's yearly provision.
Verse Breakdown
"Thou shalt truly tithe"
This opening imperative, intensified by the Hebrew infinitive absolute construction, conveys the absolute and non-negotiable nature of the command. It is a direct divine mandate, not a mere suggestion, underscoring the seriousness and paramount importance of this act of obedience within the covenant relationship. The "truly" emphasizes the diligence, faithfulness, and thoroughness required in its execution.
"all the increase of thy seed"
This phrase precisely specifies the object of the tithe: the entire agricultural yield derived from planted crops. The word "all" (כֹּל, kol) highlights the comprehensive nature of the command, leaving no room for partiality or withholding. It refers to the net produce after the initial planting, representing the tangible fruit of God's blessing on their labor and the fertility of the land.
"that the field bringeth forth year by year"
This concluding clause further clarifies both the source and the frequency of the tithe. It is specifically from the produce of the cultivated land, emphasizing God's direct involvement in the fertility and yield of their fields. The phrase "year by year" powerfully reinforces the annual cycle of agricultural life and, consequently, the annual rhythm of tithing, embedding this practice deeply into the very fabric of their daily, seasonal, and yearly existence as an agrarian society.
Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 14:22 employs several impactful literary devices to underscore the importance and nature of the tithing command. Most prominently, the verse utilizes Emphasis through the doubling of the verb "tithe" in the original Hebrew (עַשֵּׂר תְּעַשֵּׁר), rendered as "truly tithe" in the KJV. This intensive construction serves to highlight the absolute necessity and the diligence required in fulfilling this divine mandate. Furthermore, the Repetition of "year by year" (שָׁנָה בְשָׁנָה) powerfully conveys the consistent, recurring, and annual nature of this obligation, embedding it as a fundamental, rhythmic discipline in the life of the Israelite community. The verse also employs Direct Address ("Thou shalt"), which is characteristic of legal and covenantal texts throughout Deuteronomy. This direct address establishes a personal and immediate relationship between the divine lawgiver and the individual Israelite, thereby reinforcing personal accountability and the intimate nature of their covenant with God.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Deuteronomy 14:22 articulates a profound theological statement about God's absolute sovereignty, His benevolent provision, and humanity's inherent role as stewards of His creation. The command to tithe transcends a mere fiscal regulation; it is a profound act of worship that acknowledges God as the ultimate owner of all creation and the benevolent source from whom all blessings flow. This practice instills a vital discipline of gratitude, trust, and humility, serving as a constant reminder to the Israelites that their sustenance and prosperity come not from their own strength, ingenuity, or labor alone, but from the Lord who faithfully gives the increase. Moreover, the tithe fostered a strong communal identity rooted in shared dependence on God and mutual care, as a significant portion of the tithe was designated for the support of the Levites, the sojourners, the orphans, and the widows, ensuring that no one was overlooked or left in destitution within the covenant community.
Reflection and Application
While the specific agricultural context of Deuteronomy 14:22 is deeply rooted in ancient Israel under the Old Covenant, the underlying principles of tithing, generous giving, and faithful stewardship remain profoundly relevant and transformative for believers today. This verse calls us to a radical reorientation of our understanding of wealth and resources, compelling us to recognize that everything we possess—our income, talents, time, and possessions—is a precious gift from God's gracious hand. It challenges us to move beyond a mindset of mere ownership to one of faithful stewardship, where we consciously manage God's resources for His glory and the advancement of His kingdom. Practicing systematic and proportional giving, whether it be a tithe (ten percent) or beyond, cultivates a spirit of humility, deep gratitude, and unwavering trust, reminding us that our true security and provision are found not in our accumulated possessions but in the unfailing faithfulness of our divine Provider. It invites us to actively participate in God's ongoing work in the world, supporting ministries that proclaim the Gospel, care for the poor and marginalized, and build up the Body of Christ for His glory.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Is tithing still mandatory for Christians today under the New Covenant?
While Deuteronomy 14:22 commands a specific agricultural tithe for ancient Israel under the Mosaic Law, the New Testament shifts the emphasis from a legalistic requirement to a principle of generous, cheerful, and proportional giving motivated by grace. Christians are not bound by the Old Covenant's specific tithing laws as a means of salvation or earning favor with God. However, the underlying principles of acknowledging God's ownership, trusting in His provision, and supporting His work remain vital. Passages like 2 Corinthians 9:7 encourage believers to give "as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver." Many Christians choose to give 10% or more as a practical expression of worship and stewardship, recognizing it as a biblical benchmark for generosity and a tangible act of faith. Ultimately, the New Testament focus is on the heart and the spirit of giving rather than a rigid percentage.
What does "increase of thy seed" mean for modern believers who are not farmers?
For ancient Israel, "increase of thy seed" referred to the literal agricultural yield from their fields, which was their primary source of income and sustenance. For modern believers, this principle extends broadly to all forms of "increase" or income that God provides. This includes wages, salaries, business profits, investments, gifts, or any other financial blessing. The core idea is to give a portion back to God from the first and best of what He has entrusted to us, acknowledging His sovereignty over all our resources. It's about recognizing that every blessing, regardless of its form, originates from Him and is to be managed according to His will and for His glory. This principle encourages a holistic view of stewardship over all that God has given us.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Deuteronomy 14:22, with its command to tithe the "increase of thy seed," finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment not in a legalistic adherence to a specific percentage, but in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ Himself. Christ is the ultimate "firstfruits" of the new creation, as declared in 1 Corinthians 15:20, representing the initial, perfect, and guaranteed harvest of God's redemptive plan for humanity. His entire life, culminating in His sacrificial death and glorious resurrection, constitutes the supreme act of giving – God giving His only Son out of boundless love for a lost world (John 3:16), and Christ giving Himself as a spotless and perfect sacrifice to atone for our sins (Ephesians 5:2). Under the New Covenant, our giving is no longer a means to earn God's favor or to secure a material harvest, but rather a grateful and Spirit-empowered response to the superabundant grace and spiritual blessings we have received through Christ's complete and final sacrifice. The communal aspect of the Old Testament tithe, which supported the Levites and provided for the needy, is beautifully fulfilled in the church, the body of Christ, which is called to collectively care for its members and to generously extend the Gospel and practical aid to a hurting world (Acts 2:44-45). Our giving, therefore, becomes an overflow of the Spirit's transformative work within us, mirroring Christ's own boundless generosity and self-emptying love, by which "though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich" (2 Corinthians 8:9).