Deuteronomy 16:14

KJV

And thou shalt rejoice in thy feast, thou, and thy son, and thy daughter, and thy manservant, and thy maidservant, and the Levite, the stranger, and the fatherless, and the widow, that [are] within thy gates.

KJV (with Strong's)

And thou shalt rejoice {H8055} in thy feast {H2282}, thou, and thy son {H1121}, and thy daughter {H1323}, and thy manservant {H5650}, and thy maidservant {H519}, and the Levite {H3881}, the stranger {H1616}, and the fatherless {H3490}, and the widow {H490}, that are within thy gates {H8179}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Rejoice at your festival - you, your sons and daughters, your male and female slaves, the L'vi'im, and the foreigners, orphans and widows living among you.

Berean Standard Bible

And you shall rejoice in your feast—you, your sons and daughters, your menservants and maidservants, and the Levite, as well as the foreigner, the fatherless, and the widows among you.

American Standard Version

and thou shalt rejoice in thy feast, thou, and thy son, and thy daughter, and thy man-servant, and thy maid-servant, and the Levite, and the sojourner, and the fatherless, and the widow, that are within thy gates.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 16:14 presents a divine command for the Israelites to engage in joyful celebration during their annual pilgrimage feasts, particularly emphasizing a radical inclusivity that extends beyond the immediate family. This verse mandates the active participation of all members of the community—including sons and daughters, male and female servants, the landless Levite, the resident alien (stranger), the orphaned (fatherless), and the widowed—ensuring that the communal joy and gratitude for God's provision are shared by the most vulnerable and often marginalized within their settlements.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within Deuteronomy 12-26, a significant section often referred to as the Deuteronomic Code, which outlines the laws and statutes governing Israel's life in the Promised Land. Specifically, Deuteronomy 16 details the observance of the three major annual pilgrimage festivals: the Feast of Unleavened Bread (Passover), the Feast of Weeks (Pentecost), and the Feast of Tabernacles (Booths). The command to "rejoice" is a recurring motif throughout this chapter, appearing in verses like [Deuteronomy 16:11](/deuteronomy/16-11 "Deuteronomy 16:11 - Rejoicing with the Levite, Stranger, Fatherless, and Widow") and [Deuteronomy 16:15](/deuteronomy/16-15 "Deuteronomy 16:15 - Rejoicing in God's Blessing at the Feast of Tabernacles"), highlighting that worship and obedience were meant to be expressions of profound gladness, not burdensome obligations. This emphasis on joy underscores the covenant relationship between God and Israel, where blessings flow from faithful adherence to His commands.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The annual pilgrimage feasts were central to ancient Israelite life, serving as crucial markers of their agricultural year and their covenant identity. These were not merely religious rituals but comprehensive communal celebrations involving travel to a central sanctuary (initially Shiloh, later Jerusalem), offering sacrifices, and feasting. In a society where social safety nets were largely familial or tribal, the inclusion of the Levite (who had no land inheritance), the stranger (a resident alien without tribal affiliation), the fatherless (orphans), and the widow (often economically vulnerable without a male provider) was a radical act of social justice. These groups were typically dependent on the generosity of others, and their explicit inclusion in these joyous feasts underscored God's concern for the vulnerable and the community's responsibility to care for them "within thy gates," meaning within their towns or settlements.
* **Key Themes:** Deuteronomy 16:14 powerfully articulates several foundational themes. First, **Joy in Worship** is paramount; the command to "rejoice" (Hebrew: _samach_) signifies a deep, uninhibited gladness rooted in God's faithfulness, deliverance from Egypt, and provision in the land. This joy was to characterize their communal worship. Second, **Radical Inclusivity and Social Justice** are central, as the verse explicitly lists various vulnerable groups who must be included, reflecting God's concern for the marginalized and the ethical demands of the covenant. This principle is echoed throughout the Law, such as in provisions for gleaning in [Deuteronomy 24:19-21](/deuteronomy/24-19 "Deuteronomy 24:19-21 - Provisions for the Poor and Sojourner"). Third, the theme of **Communal Responsibility** is evident, as the householder is charged with actively ensuring that all within their "gates" participate in the bounty and joy of the feasts, fostering a strong sense of **Covenant Community** where no one is left out of God's blessings.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Rejoice (Hebrew, שָׂמַח, _samach_):** This verb signifies a profound, active, and often public expression of gladness, pleasure, and delight. It is not merely an internal feeling but an outward manifestation of joy, frequently associated with feasting, celebration, and worship. In the context of the Deuteronomic feasts, _samach_ emphasizes that these were to be truly festive occasions, overflowing with communal happiness rooted in God's provision and covenant faithfulness. It implies a deliberate choice to celebrate God's goodness and to share that joy with others.
* **Within thy gates (Hebrew, בִּשְׁעָרֶיךָ, _bish'areykha_):** This phrase refers to the towns or settlements of Israel. The city gate was not just an entrance but the center of civic life, commerce, and justice. Thus, "within thy gates" encompasses all residents, whether native Israelite or resident alien, who lived within the boundaries of a given community. Its use here underscores the comprehensive scope of the command to include everyone residing in one's locale, reflecting a broad communal responsibility for welfare and inclusion, rather than just a familial one.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And thou shalt rejoice in thy feast":** This is a direct, imperative command, establishing the central posture for the celebration of the annual pilgrimage festivals. The joy is not optional but a required response to God's goodness and deliverance, transforming religious observance into a vibrant, grateful experience.
* **"thou, and thy son, and thy daughter":** This specifies the immediate nuclear family, the fundamental unit of Israelite society, as the primary participants in the feast. It highlights the familial nature of the celebration and the transmission of covenant identity across generations.
* **"and thy manservant, and thy maidservant":** This expands the scope to include household servants, who were considered part of the extended family unit, albeit in a subordinate role. Their inclusion demonstrates a divine concern for the well-being and participation of all who labored within the household, reflecting a principle of shared blessing and rest.
* **"and the Levite, the stranger, and the fatherless, and the widow":** This crucial enumeration identifies the most vulnerable and often marginalized groups in Israelite society. The Levites had no land and were dependent on tithes and offerings; the stranger (resident alien) was a non-Israelite living among them, lacking tribal support; the fatherless (orphan) and widow were often without male protection or economic provision. Their explicit inclusion underscores God's radical concern for social justice and the community's responsibility to ensure that these individuals, who could easily be overlooked, were actively brought into the joy and bounty of the communal celebration.
* **"that [are] within thy gates":** This phrase defines the geographical and communal scope of the inclusivity. It means all who reside within the boundaries of one's town or settlement, emphasizing that the responsibility for inclusion extends beyond one's immediate household to the broader community, ensuring that the celebration is truly comprehensive and shared by all residents.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 16:14 employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. The most prominent is **Enumeration**, as the verse meticulously lists the various categories of people who are to be included in the feast: "thou, and thy son, and thy daughter, and thy manservant, and thy maidservant, and the Levite, the stranger, and the fatherless, and the widow." This detailed listing serves to emphasize the radical and comprehensive nature of the commanded inclusivity, leaving no room for ambiguity about who should participate. The repeated use of the conjunction "and" (a form of **Polysyndeton**) further reinforces this sense of comprehensive inclusion, linking each group together as equally vital participants. The overarching tone is **Didactic**, as the verse functions as a direct instruction or command from God through Moses, guiding the Israelites on how to live out their covenant responsibilities in a way that reflects divine justice and generosity. Finally, the verse uses **Emphasis** through the repeated command to "rejoice" throughout Deuteronomy 16, underscoring that joy is not merely an emotion but an integral, commanded aspect of their worship and communal life.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 16:14 offers profound theological insights into God's character and His expectations for His covenant people. It reveals a God who not only desires worship but desires joyful worship, a joy that is deeply communal and radically inclusive. This command to rejoice with the vulnerable reflects God's own heart for justice and compassion, demonstrating that true piety is inextricably linked to ethical living and social responsibility. The feasts were not just about remembering God's past acts of deliverance, but also about embodying His present character through shared blessing and hospitality. This principle foreshadows the New Testament emphasis on love for neighbor and the communal nature of the Body of Christ, where all are welcomed and valued regardless of social standing.

* [Nehemiah 8:10](/nehemiah/8-10 "Nehemiah 8:10 - The Joy of the Lord is Your Strength")
* [Psalm 122:1](/psalms/122-1 "Psalm 122:1 - Joy in Going to the House of the Lord")
* [Isaiah 58:7](/isaiah/58-7 "Isaiah 58:7 - True Fasting and Social Justice")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 16:14 transcends its ancient context to offer timeless principles for believers today. It challenges us to examine the nature of our own spiritual celebrations and communal gatherings. Is our worship characterized by genuine joy, a deep gladness rooted in God's faithfulness and provision? More profoundly, does our joy extend to include those who might be on the margins of our communities—the lonely, the vulnerable, the new arrivals, the economically struggling, or those who simply feel overlooked? This verse calls us to intentional hospitality, to actively seek out and invite others into our blessings, mirroring God's own boundless love and inclusivity. True Christian community, like the ideal Israelite community, should be a place where everyone finds belonging, shared joy, and tangible support, reflecting the heart of Christ for the "least of these."

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the command to "rejoice" challenge my understanding of worship and spiritual disciplines?**
* **In what practical ways can I, or my faith community, better embody the radical inclusivity commanded in this verse, especially towards those who are often marginalized?**
* **What does it mean for me to share my "feast" (blessings, resources, joy) with others "within my gates" today?**
* **How can I cultivate a deeper sense of communal joy and responsibility in my relationships and church life?**

### FAQ
**Why is joy commanded, rather than being a spontaneous emotion?**

Answer: In the biblical context, joy (שָׂמַח, _samach_) is often presented not merely as a passive emotion but as an active, commanded response to God's character and His redemptive acts. Commanding joy ensures that the Israelites would intentionally recall God's goodness and provision, transforming their feasts from mere rituals into vibrant expressions of gratitude and celebration. It underscores that worship is meant to be a delightful experience, a choice to focus on God's blessings despite life's challenges, and a communal affirmation of His covenant faithfulness. This commanded joy is a theological statement, reflecting that God desires His people to live in gladness because of who He is and what He has done, as seen in passages like [Psalm 100:2](/psalms/100-2 "Psalm 100:2 - Serve the Lord with Gladness").

**Who are the "stranger, and the fatherless, and the widow" and why are they specifically mentioned?**

Answer: These three groups represent the most vulnerable and often unprotected members of ancient Israelite society. The "stranger" (גֵּר, _ger_) was a resident alien, a non-Israelite living among them who lacked tribal land or familial support. The "fatherless" (יָתוֹם, _yatom_) were orphans, particularly those who had lost their male provider. The "widow" (אַלְמָנָה, _almanah_) was a woman who had lost her husband, often leaving her without economic security or social standing. These groups were dependent on the generosity and justice of the community. Their explicit mention highlights God's profound concern for the marginalized and His command for His people to reflect His own compassionate character by actively including and caring for those who could easily be overlooked or exploited, a theme woven throughout the Law (e.g., [Deuteronomy 24:17](/deuteronomy/24-17 "Deuteronomy 24:17 - Justice for the Sojourner, Fatherless, and Widow")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 16:14, with its emphasis on commanded joy and radical inclusivity at the feast, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus. Jesus himself is the ultimate host and provider of a greater feast, inviting all to the banquet of salvation, especially those on the margins. His ministry was characterized by an unparalleled inclusivity, welcoming tax collectors, sinners, the sick, and the outcast, much like the Levite, stranger, fatherless, and widow of the Old Testament (e.g., [Luke 15:1-2](/luke/15-1 "Luke 15:1-2 - Jesus Welcomes Sinners")). The joy commanded in Deuteronomy is fully realized in the "joy of the Lord" that Jesus brings, a joy rooted in forgiveness, redemption, and the presence of the Holy Spirit (e.g., [John 15:11](/john/15-11 "John 15:11 - Jesus' Joy in Believers") and [Romans 14:17](/romans/14-17 "Romans 14:17 - The Kingdom of God is Righteousness, Peace, and Joy in the Holy Spirit")). The church, as the new covenant community, is called to embody this same radical hospitality and shared joy, recognizing that in Christ, "there is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus" ([Galatians 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "Galatians 3:28 - Unity in Christ")). Ultimately, the earthly feasts foreshadow the eschatological wedding feast of the Lamb, where all who are called will "rejoice and be glad" in the eternal presence of God ([Revelation 19:7-9](/revelation/19-7-9 "Revelation 19:7-9 - The Wedding Supper of the Lamb")), fulfilling the ancient command for a perfect, eternal celebration of joy and inclusion.

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 8:9

¶ And Nehemiah, which [is] the Tirshatha, and Ezra the priest the scribe, and the Levites that taught the people, said unto all the people, This day [is] holy unto the LORD your God; mourn not, nor weep. For all the people wept, when they heard the words of the law.

Nehemiah 8:12

And all the people went their way to eat, and to drink, and to send portions, and to make great mirth, because they had understood the words that were declared unto them.

Deuteronomy 16:11

And thou shalt rejoice before the LORD thy God, thou, and thy son, and thy daughter, and thy manservant, and thy maidservant, and the Levite that [is] within thy gates, and the stranger, and the fatherless, and the widow, that [are] among you, in the place which the LORD thy God hath chosen to place his name there.

Isaiah 25:6

¶ And in this mountain shall the LORD of hosts make unto all people a feast of fat things, a feast of wines on the lees, of fat things full of marrow, of wines on the lees well refined.

Isaiah 25:8

He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord GOD will wipe away tears from off all faces; and the rebuke of his people shall he take away from off all the earth: for the LORD hath spoken [it].

Isaiah 30:29

Ye shall have a song, as in the night [when] a holy solemnity is kept; and gladness of heart, as when one goeth with a pipe to come into the mountain of the LORD, to the mighty One of Israel.

1 Thessalonians 5:16

¶ Rejoice evermore.