Deuteronomy 15:14

KJV

Thou shalt furnish him liberally out of thy flock, and out of thy floor, and out of thy winepress: [of that] wherewith the LORD thy God hath blessed thee thou shalt give unto him.

KJV (with Strong's)

Thou shalt furnish {H6059} him liberally {H6059} out of thy flock {H6629}, and out of thy floor {H1637}, and out of thy winepress {H3342}: of that wherewith the LORD {H3068} thy God {H430} hath blessed {H1288} thee thou shalt give {H5414} unto him.

Complete Jewish Bible

but supply him generously from your flock, threshing-floor and winepress; from what ADONAI your God has blessed you with, you are to give to him.

Berean Standard Bible

You are to furnish him liberally from your flock, your threshing floor, and your winepress. You shall give to him as the LORD your God has blessed you.

American Standard Version

thou shalt furnish him liberally out of thy flock, and out of thy threshing-floor, and out of thy winepress; as Jehovah thy God hath blessed thee thou shalt give unto him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 15:14 is a profound command within the "Law of Release," stipulating that an Israelite master must not only free a servant after six years of service but must also generously equip them with substantial resources from their own abundance. This divine directive underscores a foundational principle of radical generosity, justice, and compassionate provision within the covenant community, reflecting God's own character as the ultimate benefactor and liberator.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within Deuteronomy 15, a chapter dedicated to the laws concerning the Sabbatical year (Shemittah), which mandated the cancellation of debts and the release of Israelite indentured servants every seventh year. The preceding verses (e.g., [Deuteronomy 15:1-6](/deuteronomy/15-1 "Deuteronomy 15:1-6 - The Sabbatical Year and Debt Release")) establish the general principle of release and generosity, while [Deuteronomy 15:7-11](/deuteronomy/15-7 "Deuteronomy 15:7-11 - Lending to the Poor") further emphasizes open-handedness towards the needy. Verses [Deuteronomy 15:12-18](/deuteronomy/15-12 "Deuteronomy 15:12-18 - Release of Servants") specifically address the freeing of Israelite servants, with verse 14 providing the crucial detail of the required liberal provision, contrasting sharply with merely letting them go empty-handed. This command is part of a broader legal framework designed to prevent perpetual poverty and maintain social equity within Israel, rooted in their identity as a people liberated by God.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Israel's societal structure included various forms of servitude. Unlike chattel slavery common in surrounding nations, Israelite indentured servitude (often entered due to poverty or debt) was temporary and governed by distinct, humane laws. The Shemittah (Sabbatical year) was a unique institution, occurring every seven years, during which land lay fallow, debts were canceled, and Israelite servants were freed. This practice was a theological reflection of God's ownership of the land and His people, and a practical mechanism to prevent the accumulation of wealth by a few and the perpetual destitution of others. The command in [Deuteronomy 15:14](/deuteronomy/15-14 "Deuteronomy 15:14 - Furnishing the Released Servant") stands in stark contrast to the practices of other ancient Near Eastern societies, where released servants often received little to no provision, highlighting Israel's distinct covenantal ethic rooted in their own experience of liberation from Egyptian bondage (cf. [Deuteronomy 15:15](/deuteronomy/15-15 "Deuteronomy 15:15 - Remember Your Bondage in Egypt")).
* **Key Themes:** Deuteronomy 15:14 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book of Deuteronomy and the broader Pentateuch. Firstly, **Generosity and Compassion** are paramount, demanding a spirit of open-handed giving that goes beyond mere obligation, reflecting God's own abundant provision. Secondly, **Justice and Equity** are upheld by ensuring that those who have served faithfully are not returned to destitution but are empowered for a new beginning, preventing cycles of poverty and fostering social stability. Thirdly, the verse highlights the **Reflection of God's Blessing**, emphasizing that the master's ability to give stems directly from the Lord's provision (cf. [Deuteronomy 8:18](/deuteronomy/8-18 "Deuteronomy 8:18 - God Gives Power to Get Wealth")), making the act of generosity an act of gratitude and worship. Finally, it reinforces Israel's **Covenant Responsibility** to live as a distinct people, whose social laws embody God's righteous and compassionate character, setting them apart from surrounding nations.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Furnish him liberally (Hebrew, _ha'aneq_):** This Hebrew verb (הַעֲנֵיק) carries the sense of "to put a collar on," "to load heavily," or "to give a necklace." It implies not just a token gift, but a substantial, weighty provision. The KJV translation "furnish him liberally" captures the essence of equipping the released servant with significant resources, enough to establish a new life and prevent them from immediately falling back into poverty. It suggests a generous, even overflowing, provision rather than a minimal one.
* **Flock, floor, and winepress (Hebrew, _tso'n_, _goren_, _yeqev_):** These three terms represent the primary sources of agricultural wealth in ancient Israel: livestock (flock), grain (floor, referring to the threshing floor), and wine/oil (winepress). Their collective mention signifies that the provision should come from the master's most abundant and valuable assets, encompassing the full spectrum of their agricultural prosperity. It underscores the expectation of giving from one's best and most comprehensive resources, not merely from surplus or leftovers.
* **Wherewith the LORD thy God hath blessed thee (Hebrew, _asher barekhkha YHWH Eloheykha_):** This crucial phrase grounds the command in a theological reality. It explicitly states that the master's wealth is not self-generated but is a direct result of divine blessing. This transforms the act of giving from a mere social obligation into an act of worship and gratitude, acknowledging God as the ultimate source of all prosperity. It reminds the master that their abundance is a stewardship, given by God to be shared and used for righteous purposes, especially for the well-being of the covenant community.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thou shalt furnish him liberally":** This is a direct, emphatic command from God to the master. The instruction is not merely to release the servant, but to actively and generously equip them for their future. The adverb "liberally" (from _ha'aneq_) stresses the substantial and abundant nature of the required provision, indicating a desire for the servant to thrive, not just survive.
* **"out of thy flock, and out of thy floor, and out of thy winepress":** This specifies the sources of the generous provision. By mentioning the "flock" (livestock), "floor" (grain), and "winepress" (wine/oil), the text covers the three main pillars of agricultural wealth in ancient Israel. This implies that the master is to give from the very best and most productive aspects of their livelihood, demonstrating a comprehensive and valuable endowment.
* **"[of that] wherewith the LORD thy God hath blessed thee":** This clause provides the theological rationale and motivation for the command. It reminds the master that their prosperity is not due to their own efforts alone but is a direct gift and blessing from God. This perspective transforms the act of giving into an expression of gratitude and stewardship, acknowledging God's sovereignty over all resources and aligning human generosity with divine beneficence.
* **"thou shalt give unto him.":** This final, concise phrase reiterates the imperative and identifies the recipient. It emphasizes the direct action required of the master and the clear beneficiary of this divinely mandated generosity. The simplicity of the command underscores its non-negotiable nature within the covenant.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 15:14 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. The use of **Direct Command** ("Thou shalt furnish him") establishes the imperative nature of the law, leaving no ambiguity about the divine expectation. **Merism** is evident in the phrase "flock, floor, and winepress," where these three distinct categories represent the totality of agricultural wealth, signifying that the provision should be comprehensive and from all aspects of the master's abundance. **Theological Framing** is powerfully present in the clause "wherewith the LORD thy God hath blessed thee," which grounds the ethical command in divine sovereignty and beneficence, transforming an economic transaction into an act of worship and gratitude. This also functions as a form of **Motivation**, appealing to the master's recognition of God's prior blessing as the impetus for their own generosity. The overall tone is one of **Covenantal Expectation**, reinforcing Israel's identity as a people called to reflect God's character in their social and economic interactions.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 15:14 is deeply rooted in the theological understanding of God as a liberator and a generous provider. It reflects the truth that all wealth and blessing ultimately originate from the Lord, making human generosity a response to divine grace rather than a mere act of charity. This command challenges the notion of absolute ownership, instead promoting a theology of stewardship where resources are entrusted by God to be managed righteously, particularly for the benefit of the vulnerable and those in need of a fresh start. It underscores the covenantal ideal of a society marked by compassion, equity, and mutual support, where no Israelite should remain perpetually impoverished, echoing God's own act of freeing Israel from Egyptian bondage and providing for them in the wilderness. The principle is clear: those who have received abundantly from God are morally and spiritually obligated to give abundantly to others, especially those transitioning out of difficult circumstances.

* [Leviticus 25:35-38](/leviticus/25-35 "Leviticus 25:35-38 - Laws Concerning the Poor") - Commands Israel to support their impoverished brethren, emphasizing that they are to live with their community, not be exploited.
* [Proverbs 19:17](/proverbs/19-17 "Proverbs 19:17 - Lending to the Poor") - States, "Whoever lends to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will reward them for what they have done," directly linking acts of generosity to divine recompense.
* [2 Corinthians 9:6-8](/2_corinthians/9-6 "2 Corinthians 9:6-8 - Cheerful Giving and God's Provision") - Encourages believers to give cheerfully, reminding them that "God loves a cheerful giver" and "God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 15:14, though set in the specific context of ancient Israelite indentured servitude, offers timeless principles for contemporary believers and communities. It challenges us to move beyond minimalist obligations and embrace a spirit of proactive, empowering generosity. This verse calls us to consider how we can genuinely equip individuals for new beginnings, whether they are transitioning out of poverty, homelessness, incarceration, or other challenging life circumstances. It's not enough to simply "release" someone from a difficult situation; true compassion, inspired by God's own liberal provision, demands that we furnish them with the resources, skills, and support necessary for sustainable flourishing. Recognizing that all our resources are ultimately blessings from God, this passage compels us to be faithful stewards, using our abundance to foster dignity, equity, and opportunity for others, thereby reflecting the character of our benevolent God in our personal giving, our organizational practices, and our societal structures.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How can we, individually and communally, identify and practically "furnish liberally" those in our society who are transitioning out of difficult circumstances or seeking a fresh start?**
* **In what ways does recognizing God as the ultimate source of our blessings (our "flock, floor, and winepress") transform our attitude towards giving and sharing?**
* **Beyond financial provision, what other forms of "liberal furnishing" (e.g., mentorship, skill-building, relational support) can we offer to empower others?**
* **How can our churches and organizations embody the spirit of Deuteronomy 15:14 to ensure that our aid to the needy is truly empowering and dignifying?**

### FAQ
**Why is this command so specific about "flock, floor, and winepress"?**
Answer: The specificity of "flock, floor, and winepress" is crucial because these represented the primary and most valuable sources of wealth in ancient Israel's agrarian economy. "Flock" refers to livestock (sheep, goats, cattle), providing meat, milk, wool, and labor. "Floor" refers to the threshing floor, where grain was processed, providing bread and sustenance. "Winepress" refers to the production of wine and olive oil, essential commodities for trade, cooking, and anointing. By specifying these, the command ensures that the master's provision is not merely symbolic or minimal, but substantial and from the very best of their comprehensive abundance. It signifies a genuine investment in the released servant's future, equipping them with capital goods and resources to establish their own independent livelihood, reflecting the depth of God's expected generosity.

**How does this law differ from other ancient Near Eastern laws regarding servitude?**
Answer: Deuteronomy 15:14, and the broader Law of Release, stands out significantly from other ancient Near Eastern (ANE) legal codes, such as the Code of Hammurabi. While some ANE codes had provisions for debt slavery and limited terms of service, they generally lacked the explicit, divinely mandated generosity and concern for the released individual's future well-being found in Israelite law. ANE codes often focused on maintaining social order and the rights of masters, with less emphasis on preventing perpetual poverty or ensuring a dignified fresh start for servants. Israel's law, uniquely rooted in their covenant relationship with Yahweh and their own experience of liberation from Egyptian bondage (cf. [Deuteronomy 15:15](/deuteronomy/15-15 "Deuteronomy 15:15 - Remember Your Bondage in Egypt")), emphasized compassion, social equity, and a theological imperative for generosity, reflecting God's character as a liberator and provider. The command to "furnish him liberally" was a distinctive feature, designed to prevent the cycle of poverty and ensure that no Israelite fell into permanent destitution.

**Is this command still relevant today, given that indentured servitude is not common?**
Answer: Absolutely. While the specific social context of Israelite indentured servitude has changed, the underlying principles of Deuteronomy 15:14 remain profoundly relevant and applicable today. The command underscores the enduring theological truths about God's character as a generous provider, the stewardship of resources, and the call for His people to reflect His compassion and justice. It challenges us to consider how we can support individuals transitioning out of difficult circumstances (e.g., poverty, homelessness, addiction, incarceration) by providing not just minimal aid, but empowering resources that enable a dignified and sustainable fresh start. This principle applies to personal giving, charitable organizations, ethical business practices, and societal policies aimed at fostering equity and opportunity. It calls believers to a spirit of radical generosity, recognizing that all we possess is a blessing from God, to be used for the flourishing of others and the glory of His name.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 15:14 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Just as the Israelite servant was released from bondage and "furnished liberally" for a new life, humanity, enslaved by sin, is set free by the liberating work of Christ. Jesus, the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), did not merely release us from sin's penalty; He "furnished" us with an abundance of spiritual blessings. Through His atoning sacrifice, we are not sent away empty-handed but are richly endowed with righteousness, the indwelling [Holy Spirit](/john/14-26 "John 14:26 - The Holy Spirit as Helper"), adoption into God's family (cf. [Ephesians 1:3-14](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3-14 - Spiritual Blessings in Christ")), and the promise of eternal life. Christ, who was rich, yet for our sakes became poor, that we through His poverty might be rich (cf. [2 Corinthians 8:9](/2_corinthians/8-9 "2 Corinthians 8:9 - Christ's Example of Giving")), is the ultimate example of one who "furnished liberally" from His own divine "flock, floor, and winepress"—His very being and abundance. Having been so lavishly blessed and liberated by Him, believers are now called to embody this same Christ-like generosity, extending compassion and empowering provision to others, reflecting the boundless grace we have received (cf. [Galatians 5:13](/galatians/5-13 "Galatians 5:13 - Serve One Another in Love")).

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

1 Corinthians 16:2

Upon the first [day] of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as [God] hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.

Nehemiah 8:10

Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for [this] day [is] holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength.

Proverbs 10:22

¶ The blessing of the LORD, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it.

Acts 20:35

I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.

Psalms 68:10

Thy congregation hath dwelt therein: thou, O God, hast prepared of thy goodness for the poor.