Deuteronomy 16:10

KJV

And thou shalt keep the feast of weeks unto the LORD thy God with a tribute of a freewill offering of thine hand, which thou shalt give [unto the LORD thy God], according as the LORD thy God hath blessed thee:

KJV (with Strong's)

And thou shalt keep {H6213} the feast {H2282} of weeks {H7620} unto the LORD {H3068} thy God {H430} with a tribute {H4530} of a freewill offering {H5071} of thine hand {H3027}, which thou shalt give {H5414} unto the LORD thy God, according as the LORD {H3068} thy God {H430} hath blessed {H1288} thee:

Complete Jewish Bible

You are to observe the festival of Shavu'ot [weeks] for ADONAI your God with a voluntary offering, which you are to give in accordance with the degree to which ADONAI your God has prospered you.

Berean Standard Bible

And you shall celebrate the Feast of Weeks to the LORD your God with a freewill offering that you give in proportion to how the LORD your God has blessed you,

American Standard Version

And thou shalt keep the feast of weeks unto Jehovah thy God with a tribute of a freewill-offering of thy hand, which thou shalt give, according as Jehovah thy God blesseth thee:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 16:10 outlines a key aspect of the Feast of Weeks (Shavuot), one of the three annual pilgrimage festivals commanded by God for ancient Israel. This verse specifically details the nature of the offering to be brought during this celebration: it was to be a "freewill offering," given voluntarily and proportionally to the blessings the individual had received from the LORD. It underscores a profound principle of grateful giving, where the act of offering is a joyful response to divine provision and generosity.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 16 is situated within the larger legal and covenantal discourse of the book, specifically in the section (chapters 12-26) that expounds upon various laws and statutes concerning Israel's worship, justice, and social conduct as they prepare to enter the Promised Land. This chapter focuses on the three major annual pilgrimage festivals: the Feast of Unleavened Bread (Passover), the Feast of Weeks (Pentecost), and the Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot). These festivals were not merely religious rituals but integral components of Israel's national identity, worship, and covenant relationship with Yahweh. Deuteronomy 16:10, therefore, provides specific instructions for the second of these three feasts, emphasizing the personal and proportional nature of the required offering.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Feast of Weeks, known as Shavuot in Hebrew, was an agricultural festival marking the culmination of the grain harvest, particularly the wheat harvest. It occurred fifty days after the Feast of Unleavened Bread, hence its Greek name "Pentecost" (meaning "fiftieth"). In an agrarian society like ancient Israel, the harvest was critical for survival and a tangible sign of God's blessing and provision. Beyond its agricultural significance, Jewish tradition also linked Shavuot to the giving of the Law at Mount Sinai, transforming it into a commemoration of both physical sustenance and spiritual revelation. The requirement for a "freewill offering" reflects a societal expectation of communal thanksgiving and generosity, acknowledging that all prosperity derived from God's hand.
* **Key Themes:** Deuteronomy 16:10 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Deuteronomy and the broader Pentateuch. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Gratitude and Thanksgiving**, emphasizing that Israel's worship should be a grateful response to God's abundant provision, particularly evident in the harvest. Secondly, it articulates the principle of **Proportional and Voluntary Giving**, teaching that offerings should not be a fixed tax but a heartfelt contribution determined by the individual's recognition of God's blessings. This concept of giving cheerfully and not under compulsion is echoed much later in [2 Corinthians 9:7](/2_corinthians/9-7 "2 Corinthians 9:7 - Cheerful Giving"). Thirdly, the verse reinforces **God's Sovereignty and Provision**, reminding the Israelites that their sustenance and prosperity came directly from Yahweh, fostering dependence on Him and acknowledging His ultimate control over all aspects of life, including agriculture and economic well-being, as seen in [Deuteronomy 8:18](/deuteronomy/8-18 "Deuteronomy 8:18 - God Gives Power to Get Wealth").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Feast of Weeks (Hebrew, _Chag Shavu'ot'_):** This term refers to the second of the three annual pilgrimage festivals, occurring seven weeks (or fifty days) after Passover. Its name, "Shavu'ot," literally means "weeks," signifying the period of seven weeks counting from the barley harvest to the wheat harvest. It marked the completion of the grain harvest and was a time of joyous thanksgiving for God's provision. The festival later became associated with the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai, adding a profound spiritual dimension to its agricultural significance.
* **Freewill offering (Hebrew, _nedabah'_):** This Hebrew term denotes a voluntary gift or contribution, given spontaneously and from the heart, rather than as a compulsory duty or a fixed obligation. Unlike other offerings that might have specific requirements or amounts, the _nedabah_ was characterized by its optional and generous nature, reflecting the giver's personal devotion and gratitude. It highlighted a spirit of willingness and personal devotion, making the offering a true expression of the individual's relationship with God.
* **According as the LORD thy God hath blessed thee (Hebrew, _ka'asher y'varechecha YHWH Eloheicha'_):** This phrase establishes the principle of proportional giving. The amount of the freewill offering was not prescribed but was to be determined by the individual's own assessment of how much God had prospered them. This links the act of giving directly to the experience of receiving divine blessing, fostering a deeper sense of gratitude and responsibility. It transforms the offering from a mere ritual into a personal and dynamic response to God's ongoing faithfulness and generosity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And thou shalt keep the feast of weeks unto the LORD thy God":** This is a direct divine command, emphasizing the mandatory observance of the Feast of Weeks. The phrase "unto the LORD thy God" underscores that the festival, and all its associated acts of worship, are directed towards God as the ultimate recipient and object of devotion. It highlights the covenantal relationship between God and Israel, where obedience to His commands is a central expression of their faith.
* **"with a tribute of a freewill offering of thine hand":** This clause specifies the nature of the offering to be brought during the Feast of Weeks. It is a "tribute" (often implying a gift or payment) but specifically a "freewill offering" (_nedabah_), indicating its voluntary and spontaneous character. The phrase "of thine hand" emphasizes that this offering is a personal act, brought by the individual's own effort and volition, not something collected or imposed.
* **"which thou shalt give [unto the LORD thy God], according as the LORD thy God hath blessed thee":** This final clause reiterates the divine recipient of the offering and, more importantly, establishes the principle governing its amount. The offering is to be given "according as" or "in proportion to" the blessings received from God. This means the more God had blessed an individual, the greater their freewill offering should be, fostering a direct correlation between divine generosity and human gratitude. The repetition of "the LORD thy God hath blessed thee" reinforces that all prosperity originates from God, making the offering a grateful response to His prior grace.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Repetition** is prominent with the phrase "the LORD thy God" appearing multiple times, serving to constantly remind the audience of the covenant relationship and the divine authority behind the command. This repetition also emphasizes that all blessings flow from this divine source. The structure of the command, moving from the general observance of the feast to the specific nature and proportionality of the offering, demonstrates a form of **elaboration** or **specification**, detailing how the general command is to be fulfilled in practice. Furthermore, the phrasing "according as the LORD thy God hath blessed thee" functions as a **causal statement**, directly linking the act of giving to the experience of receiving, thereby encouraging generosity as a grateful and proportional **response** to divine favor rather than a mere obligation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 16:10 encapsulates profound theological truths about God's character and humanity's proper response. It reveals God as the benevolent provider, the source of all blessing and sustenance, who desires a relationship of grateful reciprocity rather than mere ritualistic adherence. The emphasis on a "freewill offering" given "according as the LORD thy God hath blessed thee" establishes a foundational principle of stewardship: our giving is not a tax, but a joyful, proportional response to God's prior generosity. This principle transcends the specific context of the Old Covenant agricultural festival, speaking to the heart of Christian giving and worship today, where our offerings are expressions of love and gratitude for God's immeasurable grace in Christ. It reminds us that true worship involves acknowledging God's sovereignty over all our resources and responding with open-handed generosity born of a grateful heart.

* [Leviticus 23:15-21](/leviticus/23-15 "Leviticus 23:15-21 - Laws for the Feast of Weeks")
* [Proverbs 3:9-10](/proverbs/3-9 "Proverbs 3:9-10 - Honor the LORD with your wealth")
* [2 Corinthians 9:7](/2_corinthians/9-7 "2 Corinthians 9:7 - God Loves a Cheerful Giver")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 16:10 offers timeless wisdom for believers across all generations. While the specific observance of the Feast of Weeks belongs to the Old Covenant, the spiritual principles embedded within it remain profoundly relevant. This verse calls us to cultivate a profound and enduring heart of gratitude, recognizing that every good and perfect gift, whether material, spiritual, or relational, descends from the Father of Lights ([James 1:17](/james/1-17 "James 1:17 - Every Good and Perfect Gift")). It challenges us to move beyond a transactional view of giving, where we might feel obligated to offer a fixed amount, towards a transformative understanding where our generosity is a joyful, spontaneous, and proportional overflow of our appreciation for God's boundless grace. Just as the Israelites gave from the abundance of their harvest, we are called to give from what God has provided us, with a willing and cheerful heart, trusting in His continued faithfulness. This principle encourages a life of open-handed stewardship, where our resources are seen not as our own, but as gifts entrusted to us by God, to be used for His glory and the advancement of His kingdom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the concept of a "freewill offering" given "according as the LORD thy God hath blessed thee" challenge or affirm your current understanding of giving?**
* **In what specific areas of your life (material, relational, spiritual) do you most clearly see God's blessings, and how might those blessings inform your response of gratitude and generosity?**
* **How can you cultivate a more spontaneous and joyful spirit of giving, moving beyond a sense of obligation to one of heartfelt worship?**

### FAQ
**What is the "Feast of Weeks" and why is it important?**

Answer: The "Feast of Weeks," known as Shavuot in Hebrew and Pentecost in Greek, was one of the three annual pilgrimage festivals for ancient Israel, occurring fifty days after Passover. It marked the completion of the grain harvest, particularly the wheat harvest, making it a celebration of God's provision and agricultural bounty. Beyond its agricultural significance, Jewish tradition also connects it to the giving of the Law (Torah) at Mount Sinai, making it a commemoration of both physical sustenance and spiritual revelation. Its importance lies in reminding the Israelites of God's faithfulness in providing for their physical needs and His covenant relationship with them through the Law, fostering gratitude and dependence.

**What does "freewill offering" mean in this context, and how does it differ from other offerings?**

Answer: A "freewill offering" (Hebrew: _nedabah_) in Deuteronomy 16:10 refers to a voluntary, spontaneous gift given from the heart, not under compulsion or as a fixed obligation. This contrasts with other types of offerings that might have prescribed amounts or mandatory requirements (e.g., tithes, sin offerings, guilt offerings). The unique aspect of the freewill offering was that its amount was determined by the giver's personal assessment of how much God had blessed them, making it a direct and proportional expression of gratitude and devotion rather than a legalistic duty. It emphasized the spirit of generosity and willingness.

**How does this verse apply to Christians today, given that we are not under the Old Covenant Law?**

Answer: While Christians are not obligated to observe the specific rituals of the Old Covenant Law, the underlying spiritual principles of Deuteronomy 16:10 remain profoundly relevant. This verse teaches us about God's character as a generous provider and calls us to respond with grateful, proportional, and cheerful giving. It encourages us to recognize that all our blessings come from God and that our giving should be a joyful response to His grace, not a legalistic burden. The New Testament affirms these principles in passages like [2 Corinthians 9:7](/2_corinthians/9-7 "2 Corinthians 9:7 - God Loves a Cheerful Giver"), which speaks of cheerful giving, and [Philippians 4:19](/philippians/4-19 "Philippians 4:19 - God Will Supply All Your Needs"), which assures us of God's continued provision. Our giving today is an act of worship, reflecting our gratitude for the ultimate blessing of salvation through Christ.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 16:10, with its emphasis on the Feast of Weeks and a proportional freewill offering, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the New Testament, particularly in the event of Pentecost. The agricultural harvest celebrated in the Old Covenant Feast of Weeks foreshadows the spiritual harvest inaugurated by Christ. On the day of Pentecost, as recorded in [Acts 2](/acts/2 "Acts 2 - The Day of Pentecost"), the Holy Spirit was poured out upon the disciples, fulfilling the promise of [Joel 2:28-29](/joel/2-28 "Joel 2:28-29 - The Spirit Poured Out") and marking the birth of the Church. This outpouring led to a massive spiritual harvest, with thousands being added to the number of believers, a far greater "blessing" than any physical crop. Christ Himself is the ultimate "freewill offering," willingly laying down His life for the sins of the world ([John 10:18](/john/10-18 "John 10:18 - Jesus Lays Down His Life")). His sacrifice, given "according as the LORD... hath blessed" humanity with His Son, calls forth our grateful response. Our "freewill offering" today is not merely material giving, but the offering of our whole lives in worship and service, empowered by the very Spirit given at Pentecost, as a joyful and proportional response to the immeasurable blessings of redemption and new life in Christ ([Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Living Sacrifices")).

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.

Leviticus 25:26

And if the man have none to redeem it, and himself be able to redeem it;

Malachi 3:10

Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that [there shall] not [be room] enough [to receive it].

Malachi 3:11

And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the LORD of hosts.

Proverbs 10:22

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

Leviticus 5:7

¶ And if he be not able to bring a lamb, then he shall bring for his trespass, which he hath committed, two turtledoves, or two young pigeons, unto the LORD; one for a sin offering, and the other for a burnt offering.

Numbers 31:37

And the LORD'S tribute of the sheep was six hundred and threescore and fifteen.