Deuteronomy 16:17

Every man [shall give] as he is able, according to the blessing of the LORD thy God which he hath given thee.

Every man {H376} shall give as he is able {H4979}{H3027}, according to the blessing {H1293} of the LORD {H3068} thy God {H430} which he hath given {H5414} thee.

but every man is to give what he can, in accordance with the blessing ADONAI your God has given you.

Everyone must appear with a gift as he is able, according to the blessing the LORD your God has given you.

every man shall give as he is able, according to the blessing of Jehovah thy God which he hath given thee.

Commentary

Context

Deuteronomy 16:17 is part of a larger section (Deuteronomy 16:1-17) detailing the regulations for the three annual pilgrim festivals in ancient Israel: the Feast of Unleavened Bread (Passover), the Feast of Weeks (Pentecost), and the Feast of Tabernacles. These were times when all Israelite males were commanded to appear before the LORD at the central sanctuary. The preceding verse, Deuteronomy 16:16, explicitly states that "they shall not appear before the LORD empty." Verse 17 then specifies the principle by which their offerings should be determined, emphasizing that their giving should be a direct reflection of God's generosity towards them.

Key Themes

  • Proportional Giving: The verse clearly establishes that giving is not about equal amounts, but rather about proportion. Each individual was to give "as he is able," recognizing the varying economic capacities among the people. This principle ensures fairness and accessibility for all to participate in worship through giving.
  • Gratitude and Stewardship: The act of giving is directly tied to "the blessing of the LORD thy God which he hath given thee." This highlights that offerings are a response of gratitude for divine provision and an acknowledgment that all prosperity originates from God. It underscores the concept of stewardship, where individuals manage God's resources for His glory.
  • Worship and Remembrance: These offerings were integral to the celebratory atmosphere of the festivals, serving as a tangible expression of worship and a communal remembrance of God's faithfulness, deliverance, and provision throughout the year.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "as he is able" translates the Hebrew kefi yado (ื›ึฐึผืคึดื™ ื™ึธื“ื•ึน), which literally means "according to the power/ability of his hand." This vivid imagery emphasizes the practical capacity and strength of an individual to give, linking their physical ability to their financial means. The "blessing of the LORD" (birkat Yahweh) refers to the prosperity, abundance, and favor that God bestows upon His people, making the act of giving a direct outflow of receiving.

Practical Application

Deuteronomy 16:17 provides a timeless principle for giving that transcends the ancient Israelite context. It teaches us that our giving to God, whether through tithes, offerings, or charitable acts, should be:

  • Proportional: We are called to give according to what we have received and what we are able to give, rather than a fixed amount that might be burdensome for some and negligible for others. This principle is later echoed in the New Testament concerning cheerful and proportional giving.
  • Responsive to God's Blessings: Our generosity should stem from a heart of gratitude, recognizing that all our resources and prosperity are ultimately gifts from the Lord, the Giver of every good and perfect gift. It transforms giving from an obligation into an act of worship and thanksgiving.
  • An Act of Stewardship: This verse reminds us that we are managers of God's resources, and our giving is part of our faithful stewardship, demonstrating our trust in His continued provision.

Therefore, this verse encourages believers to regularly assess their blessings and ability, giving generously and joyfully as a reflection of God's overflowing goodness in their lives.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 2 Corinthians 9:6

    ยถ But this [I say], He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.

  • 2 Corinthians 9:7

    Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, [so let him give]; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.

  • Deuteronomy 16:10

    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:

  • 2 Corinthians 8:12

    For if there be first a willing mind, [it is] accepted according to that a man hath, [and] not according to that he hath not.

  • Leviticus 27:8

    But if he be poorer than thy estimation, then he shall present himself before the priest, and the priest shall value him; according to his ability that vowed shall the priest value him.

  • Mark 12:41

    ยถ And Jesus sat over against the treasury, and beheld how the people cast money into the treasury: and many that were rich cast in much.

  • Mark 12:44

    For all [they] did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want did cast in all that she had, [even] all her living.
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