Deuteronomy 14:22

KJV

¶ Thou shalt truly tithe all the increase of thy seed, that the field bringeth forth year by year.

KJV (with Strong's)

Thou shalt truly {H6237} tithe {H6237} all the increase {H8393} of thy seed {H2233}, that the field {H7704} bringeth forth {H3318} year {H8141} by year {H8141}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"Every year you must take one tenth of everything your seed produces in the field,

Berean Standard Bible

You must be sure to set aside a tenth of all the produce brought forth each year from your fields.

American Standard Version

Thou shalt surely tithe all the increase of thy seed, that which cometh forth from the field year by year.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 14:22 establishes a foundational command within the Mosaic Law, instructing the Israelites to faithfully set aside a tenth of all agricultural produce from their fields annually. This practice, known as tithing, served as a tangible expression of their covenant relationship with God, reminding them of His ultimate ownership and abundant provision of the land's bounty. It also laid the groundwork for a divinely ordained system of support for the Levites, the facilitation of communal worship, and the care of the vulnerable within their society.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This command is situated within a significant legislative section of Deuteronomy, spanning chapters 12-26, which outlines the detailed laws and statutes given by Moses to the Israelites just prior to their entry into the Promised Land. Following the foundational principles of the Ten Commandments and general covenant stipulations, Moses elaborates on practical aspects of their life as God's covenant people. Specifically, [Deuteronomy 14](/deuteronomy/14 "Deuteronomy 14 - Laws Concerning Clean and Unclean Animals, and Tithes") deals with dietary laws and regulations concerning tithes and firstborn offerings. The tithe described in [Deuteronomy 14:22](/deuteronomy/14-22 "Deuteronomy 14:22 - The Annual Tithe") is often understood as the "second tithe" (distinct from the Levitical tithe for priestly support), intended for the purpose of a communal feast before the Lord in Jerusalem. Furthermore, every third year, this tithe was to be stored locally to support the Levites, sojourners, orphans, and widows, as explicitly detailed in [Deuteronomy 14:28-29](/deuteronomy/14-28 "Deuteronomy 14:28-29 - The Third-Year Tithe for the Needy"). This systematic approach underscored the community's shared responsibility and reliance on God's provision.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Israel was an agrarian society, where the "increase of thy seed"—the harvest from their fields—represented their primary source of wealth, sustenance, and economic stability. In this context, the command to tithe was far more than a mere religious ritual; it was an integral component of their socio-economic structure, reinforcing their absolute dependence on God's blessings for their very livelihood. Unlike surrounding pagan cultures that often offered portions to appease capricious deities, Israel's tithe was an act of worship and gratitude to a benevolent God who had delivered them and promised to sustain them in the land. It served as a constant, annual reminder that the land itself, and all its produce, belonged to Yahweh, the covenant-keeping God who had brought them out of Egypt and into a land flowing with milk and honey.
* **Key Themes:** The command to tithe in [Deuteronomy 14:22](/deuteronomy/14-22 "Deuteronomy 14:22 - The Annual Tithe") contributes to several overarching themes within 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' commitment to the covenant established at Mount Sinai. Their prosperity was directly linked to their adherence to God's commands, as seen throughout [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses"). Secondly, it underscores **Divine Provision and Ownership**, serving as a constant reminder that God was the ultimate source of their prosperity, and that the land and its produce truly belonged to Him, not to them. The "increase" was a gift from His generous hand. Thirdly, the practice fostered a sense of **Stewardship**, compelling the Israelites to acknowledge their role as managers, not absolute owners, of the blessings they received. By returning a portion to God, they affirmed His sovereignty over all aspects of their lives. 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 trust in God's ongoing faithfulness.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Tithe (Hebrew, _ma'aser'_):** The Hebrew verb עָשַׂר (_'asar_), from which the noun מַעֲשֵׂר (_ma'aser_) is derived, literally means "to take a tenth" or "to give a tenth." The KJV's "truly tithe" reflects the Hebrew construction of repeating the verb for emphasis (עַשֵּׂר תְּעַשֵּׁר, _'asser tĕ'asser_), conveying the sense of "you shall surely tithe" or "you shall diligently tithe." This emphasizes the certainty and importance of the command, indicating it was not optional but a fundamental obligation.
* **Increase of thy seed (Hebrew, _tĕbû'at zar'ekā'_):** This phrase specifically refers to the "produce" or "yield" (תְּבוּאָה, _tĕbû'ah_) of one's "seed" (זֶרַע, _zera'_), meaning the agricultural harvest. It clearly defines the scope of the tithe as being from the crops grown in the field, distinguishing it from other forms of income or livestock. This specificity grounds the command in the agrarian reality of ancient Israel, making it directly applicable to their primary source of wealth.
* **Year by year (Hebrew, _shānāh bĕshānāh'_):** This repetition of the Hebrew word for "year" (שָׁנָה, _shānāh_) emphasizes the annual, consistent, and regular nature of this obligation. It was not a one-time act but a recurring discipline, reinforcing the Israelites' ongoing dependence on God's yearly provision and their continuous commitment to the covenant. This regularity fostered a deep-seated rhythm of gratitude and obedience within the community.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thou shalt truly tithe":** This opening imperative, intensified by the Hebrew verb repetition, conveys the absolute and non-negotiable nature of the command. It is a divine mandate, not a suggestion, highlighting the seriousness and importance of this act of obedience in the covenant relationship. The "truly" emphasizes diligence and faithfulness in its execution.
* **"all the increase of thy seed":** This specifies the object of the tithe: the entire agricultural yield from planted crops. The word "all" (כֹּל, _kol_) underscores 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 fruit of God's blessing on their labor.
* **"that the field bringeth forth year by year":** This clause further clarifies the source and frequency of the tithe. It is specifically from the produce of the cultivated land, emphasizing God's direct involvement in the fertility of their fields. The phrase "year by year" reinforces the annual cycle of agricultural life and, consequently, the annual rhythm of tithing, embedding this practice deeply into the fabric of their daily and yearly existence.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several impactful literary devices. The most prominent is **Emphasis** through the doubling of the verb "tithe" in the original Hebrew (עַשֵּׂר תְּעַשֵּׁר), which is rendered as "truly tithe" in the KJV. This intensive construction underscores the absolute necessity and diligence required in fulfilling this command. Furthermore, the **Repetition** of "year by year" (שָׁנָה בְשָׁנָה) serves to highlight the consistent and recurring nature of this obligation, embedding it as a fundamental, annual rhythm in the life of the community. The verse also utilizes **Direct Address** ("Thou shalt"), which is characteristic of legal and covenantal texts, establishing a personal and direct relationship between the divine lawgiver and the individual Israelite, thereby reinforcing personal accountability.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 14:22 presents a powerful theological statement about God's sovereignty, provision, and the nature of humanity's role as stewards. The command to tithe is not merely a fiscal regulation but a profound act of worship that acknowledges God as the ultimate owner of all creation and the benevolent source of all blessings. It instills a discipline of gratitude and trust, reminding the Israelites that their sustenance comes not from their own strength or ingenuity, but from the Lord who gives the increase. This practice fostered a communal identity rooted in shared dependence on God and mutual care, as a portion of the tithe was designated for the Levites and the vulnerable, ensuring that no one was overlooked within the covenant community.

* [Genesis 14:20](/genesis/14-20 "Genesis 14:20 - Abraham's Tithe to Melchizedek")
* [Leviticus 27:30](/leviticus/27-30 "Leviticus 27:30 - The Lord's Ownership of the Tithe")
* [Malachi 3:10](/malachi/3-10 "Malachi 3:10 - Bring All the Tithes into the Storehouse")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the specific agricultural context of Deuteronomy 14:22 is rooted in ancient Israel under the Old Covenant, the underlying principles of tithing and generous giving remain profoundly relevant 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 is a gift from God's gracious hand. It challenges us to move beyond a mindset of mere ownership to one of faithful stewardship, where we manage God's resources for His glory and the good of His kingdom. Practicing systematic and proportional giving, whether it be a tithe or beyond, cultivates a spirit of humility, gratitude, and trust, reminding us that our security is found not in our accumulated possessions but in the unfailing faithfulness of our divine Provider. It invites us to participate actively in God's work in the world, supporting ministries that spread the Gospel, care for the poor, and build up the Body of Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does recognizing God as the ultimate source of all provision impact my view of personal finances and possessions?**
* **In what practical ways can I apply the principle of "firstfruits" or regular, systematic giving in my life today?**
* **How does my giving reflect my trust in God's faithfulness to meet my needs, and what fears might hinder me from giving generously?**
* **What role does my financial stewardship play in supporting the broader community of faith and its mission to the world?**

### FAQ
**Is tithing still mandatory for Christians today under the New Covenant?**

Answer: 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, but the underlying principles of acknowledging God's ownership, trusting in His provision, and supporting His work remain vital. Passages like [2 Corinthians 9:7](/2_corinthians/9-7 "2 Corinthians 9:7 - Cheerful Giving") 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, but 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?**

Answer: For ancient Israel, "increase of thy seed" referred to the literal agricultural yield from their fields, their primary source of income and sustenance. For modern believers, this principle extends 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.

### 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 percentage, but in the person and work of Jesus Christ Himself. Christ is the ultimate "firstfruits" of the new creation, as declared in [1 Corinthians 15:20](/1_corinthians/15-20 "1 Corinthians 15:20 - Christ as the Firstfruits"), representing the initial and perfect harvest of God's redemptive plan. His life, death, and resurrection constitute the ultimate act of giving – God giving His only Son ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the World")), and Christ giving Himself as a spotless sacrifice ([Ephesians 5:2](/ephesians/5-2 "Ephesians 5:2 - Christ's Sacrificial Love")). Under the New Covenant, our giving is not a means to earn God's favor or to secure a harvest, but a grateful response to the superabundant grace we have received through Christ's complete and final sacrifice. The communal aspect of the tithe, supporting the Levites and the needy, is fulfilled in the church, the body of Christ, which is called to care for its members and to generously extend the Gospel and practical aid to a hurting world ([Acts 2:44-45](/acts/2-44 "Acts 2:44-45 - The Early Church Sharing All Things")). Our giving, therefore, becomes an overflow of the Spirit's work within us, mirroring Christ's own boundless generosity and self-emptying love ([2 Corinthians 8:9](/2_corinthians/8-9 "2 Corinthians 8:9 - Christ's Generosity")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Nehemiah 10:37

And [that] we should bring the firstfruits of our dough, and our offerings, and the fruit of all manner of trees, of wine and of oil, unto the priests, to the chambers of the house of our God; and the tithes of our ground unto the Levites, that the same Levites might have the tithes in all the cities of our tillage.

Deuteronomy 26:12

¶ 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;

Deuteronomy 26:15

Look down from thy holy habitation, from heaven, and bless thy people Israel, and the land which thou hast given us, as thou swarest unto our fathers, a land that floweth with milk and honey.

Deuteronomy 12:17

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 12:6

And thither ye shall bring your burnt offerings, and your sacrifices, and your tithes, and heave offerings of your hand, and your vows, and your freewill offerings, and the firstlings of your herds and of your flocks:

Numbers 18:21

And, behold, I have given the children of Levi all the tenth in Israel for an inheritance, for their service which they serve, [even] the service of the tabernacle of the congregation.

Leviticus 27:30

And all the tithe of the land, [whether] of the seed of the land, [or] of the fruit of the tree, [is] the LORD'S: [it is] holy unto the LORD.