Deuteronomy 16:5

KJV

Thou mayest not sacrifice the passover within any of thy gates, which the LORD thy God giveth thee:

KJV (with Strong's)

Thou mayest {H3201} not sacrifice {H2076} the passover {H6453} within any {H259} of thy gates {H8179}, which the LORD {H3068} thy God {H430} giveth {H5414} thee:

Complete Jewish Bible

You may not sacrifice the Pesach offering in just any of the towns that ADONAI your God is giving you;

Berean Standard Bible

You are not to sacrifice the Passover animal in any of the towns that the LORD your God is giving you.

American Standard Version

Thou mayest not sacrifice the passover within any of thy gates, which Jehovah thy God giveth thee;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 16:5 delivers a precise and emphatic divine command concerning the proper observance of the Passover festival, explicitly prohibiting its sacrifice within the local towns or "gates" throughout Israel. This injunction underscores God's unwavering intention for a singular, centralized system of worship, ensuring that this foundational act of remembrance and atonement, commemorating Israel's deliverance from Egypt, would be performed exclusively at the divinely chosen location where the Lord would establish His name. This mandate was crucial for safeguarding the purity, unity, and distinctiveness of Israel's faith against the pervasive syncretism and idolatry prevalent among the surrounding nations.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 16:5 is strategically positioned within Moses' final, covenant-renewal discourses to the Israelites on the plains of Moab, immediately preceding their entry into the Promised Land. The book of Deuteronomy itself serves as a re-proclamation and exposition of the Mosaic Law, adapting its principles for a settled agricultural society in Canaan. Chapter 16 specifically delineates the regulations for the three annual pilgrim festivals—Passover and Unleavened Bread (vv. 1-8), Weeks (vv. 9-12), and Tabernacles (vv. 13-17)—which required all Israelite males to appear before the Lord. This particular verse, therefore, is a vital detail within this broader framework of national worship and pilgrimage, emphatically underscoring the singular location for the most significant of these festivals. This theme of a centralized sanctuary is a foundational legislative principle running throughout Deuteronomy, notably articulated in [Deuteronomy 12](/deuteronomy/12 "Deuteronomy 12 - The Central Sanctuary"), which repeatedly emphasizes "the place that the LORD your God will choose, to make his name dwell there."
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Prior to their settlement in Canaan, the Israelites had been a nomadic people, and sacrifices could be offered at various temporary altars erected in different locations, as evidenced during the wilderness wanderings and in the patriarchal narratives. However, with the impending transition to a settled agricultural society in the Promised Land, the potential for syncretism and idolatry became an acute and immediate threat. The Canaanite inhabitants worshipped numerous local deities at countless "high places," groves, and shrines, often involving abhorrent practices. To counteract this pervasive influence and to fundamentally distinguish Israel's worship of the one true God, Yahweh commanded a radical centralization of worship for all major national sacrifices and festivals. This was a critical measure designed to prevent the Israelites from adopting the polytheistic and immoral practices of their neighbors, thereby ensuring the purity, unity, and distinctiveness of their national worship, especially for a pivotal national observance like the Passover, which commemorated their unique, foundational deliverance from Egyptian bondage.
* **Key Themes:** The paramount theme embedded in Deuteronomy 16:5 is **Centralized Worship**. The explicit prohibition against sacrificing "within any of thy gates" directly mandates that all major national sacrifices and festivals, particularly the Passover, must be observed at the singular, divinely designated place that the LORD would choose "to put his name there" ([Deuteronomy 12:5](/deuteronomy/12-5 "Deuteronomy 12:5 - God's Chosen Place to Dwell")). This chosen place would eventually be established in Jerusalem, where the Temple would be built. This centralization was not merely for logistical convenience but served profound theological purposes: it fostered **National Unity** by compelling all tribes to gather at one location, reinforcing their shared identity and covenant. It ensured **Purity of Worship** by guarding against local pagan influences, unauthorized altars, and syncretistic practices, thereby preserving the unique holiness of Israel's devotion to Yahweh. Finally, it powerfully reinforced **Obedience to Divine Command**, emphasizing that true worship must be conducted strictly on God's terms, according to His revealed will, and not according to human preference, convenience, or local custom. The Passover itself, as detailed in [Exodus 12](/exodus/12 "Exodus 12 - Institution of the Passover"), was the foundational act of redemption for Israel, and its proper, unified observance was paramount to their identity and ongoing covenant relationship with Yahweh.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **sacrifice (Hebrew, _zâbach'_):** (H2076) This primitive root means "to slaughter an animal (usually in sacrifice)." In the context of Deuteronomy 16:5, it specifically refers to the ritual slaughter of the Passover lamb. The use of this verb underscores the solemn, divinely ordained act of offering, emphasizing that this particular ritual, central to Israel's identity and redemption, must be performed according to precise divine stipulations regarding location, not merely any act of killing.
* **Passover (Hebrew, _peçach'_):** (H6453) Derived from the root "to pass over," this term refers to the annual festival commemorating God's miraculous deliverance of Israel from slavery in Egypt, specifically His "passing over" the homes of the Israelites whose doorposts were marked with the blood of a sacrificed lamb, while the firstborn of Egypt were struck down ([Exodus 12:1-13](/exodus/12-1-13 "Exodus 12:1-13 - The First Passover")). The sacrifice of the Passover lamb was the central, atoning act of this observance. In Deuteronomy, the focus shifts from the initial historical event to the ongoing, communal remembrance and re-enactment of this foundational act of redemption, demanding its proper and unified execution.
* **gates (Hebrew, _shaʻar'_):** (H8179) In ancient Israel, city gates were far more than simple entrances; they were the vibrant hub of public life. Legal proceedings were conducted there ([Deuteronomy 21:19](/deuteronomy/21-19 "Deuteronomy 21:19 - Elders Judging at the Gate")), commerce thrived ([2 Kings 7:1](/2_kings/7-1 "2 Kings 7:1 - Famine and Promise at the Gate")), and social gatherings occurred. Thus, "within any of thy gates" signifies "in any of your local towns, cities, or communities." The prohibition explicitly forbids the decentralization of the Passover sacrifice, preventing its performance in myriad local settings that could easily become corrupted, lead to fragmented worship, or foster syncretism with local pagan practices.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thou mayest not sacrifice the passover":** This clause opens with a direct, emphatic prohibition, leaving no room for ambiguity. The auxiliary verb "mayest not" (from H3201, _yâkôl_, "to be able") combined with the negative particle, signifies an absolute inability or prohibition. The verb "sacrifice" (H2076, _zâbach'_) here refers specifically to the ritual slaughter of the Passover lamb. This command is not merely a suggestion but a divine imperative, underscoring the seriousness of the instruction and the paramount importance of its proper execution according to God's precise terms. It immediately sets a strict boundary for Israel's worship, distinguishing it from pagan practices.
* **"within any of thy gates":** This phrase specifies the forbidden locations for the Passover sacrifice. As elaborated in the Key Word Analysis, "gates" represents any local town or city throughout the land of Israel. This command directly contrasts with the previous, more flexible practice during the wilderness wanderings, where sacrifices could be made at various temporary altars. Now, as Israel prepares to settle in the Promised Land, God is establishing a new, unified system of worship, centralizing this vital national observance to prevent fragmentation and syncretism.
* **"which the LORD thy God giveth thee":** This concluding clause serves as a profound theological reminder of God's covenant faithfulness and His sovereign provision of the land. It subtly reinforces the idea that since the land itself is a gracious gift from the Lord (H5414, _nâthan_, "to give"), so too are the laws governing worship within that land. The privilege of possessing the land comes with the solemn responsibility of worshipping God exclusively and according to His revealed will (H3068, _Yᵉhôvâh_, "the self-Existent or Eternal"; H430, _ʼĕlôhîym_, "Supreme God"), in the specific place He designates, not according to human convenience or preference in any local "gate" within that gifted territory.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 16:5 employs several potent literary devices to convey its authoritative and non-negotiable message. The most prominent is **Command/Prohibition**, directly stating what the Israelites "mayest not" do, underscoring the absolute and divine nature of God's will regarding the centralization of worship. This is powerfully reinforced by the pervasive **Repetition** of the theme of a single, chosen place for God's name to dwell, a motif that permeates the entire book of Deuteronomy, especially [Deuteronomy 12](/deuteronomy/12 "Deuteronomy 12 - The Central Sanctuary"). This constant reiteration emphasizes the profound theological significance of centralized worship for Israel's identity and purity. Furthermore, the phrase "within any of thy gates" utilizes **Metonymy**, where "gates" stands in for the entire local community or city. This compact phrase effectively communicates the comprehensive idea that no local, decentralized sacrifice of the Passover is permitted, symbolizing the rejection of fragmented or localized worship in favor of a unified, national observance.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 16:5 is a critical articulation of God's profound desire for a holy, unified, and distinct people, worshipping Him in a manner that truly reflects His singular nature and sovereign authority. The command for centralized worship was far from arbitrary; it was a divinely inspired strategy to cultivate a unique national identity rooted exclusively in Yahweh, thereby preventing the spiritual dilution and eventual apostasy that would inevitably arise from adopting the localized, polytheistic, and often immoral practices of the Canaanites. By requiring all Israel to gather at one chosen place for the Passover, God instilled a deep sense of corporate identity, shared history, and mutual accountability, powerfully reinforcing the covenant relationship. This foundational principle of exclusive worship and the sanctity of God's designated dwelling place resonates throughout the Old Testament narrative, from the Tabernacle to the Temple, emphasizing that true worship is always on God's terms, in His presence, and in a way that honors His holiness and preserves the purity of His people.

* [Leviticus 17:3-5](/leviticus/17-3-5 "Leviticus 17:3-5 - Sacrifices at the Tent of Meeting")
* [1 Kings 8:29](/1_kings/8-29 "1 Kings 8:29 - Solomon's Prayer for the Temple")
* [Psalm 122:3-4](/psalm/122-3-4 "Psalm 122:3-4 - Jerusalem, the City of Unity")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the specific command to sacrifice the Passover lamb at a single physical location no longer applies in the new covenant era, the underlying principles of Deuteronomy 16:5 remain profoundly relevant and spiritually nourishing for believers today. This verse powerfully calls us to a deep consideration of the **centrality of God's revealed will** in our worship. Our worship, both corporately in the gathered assembly and individually in our daily lives, must be offered on God's terms, not according to our personal convenience, fleeting preferences, or prevailing cultural trends. It challenges us to honestly examine if our spiritual practices truly honor God's holiness and supreme authority, or if we are subtly tempted to decentralize our devotion, allowing other "gates" (such as idols, worldly pursuits, self-interest, or even unbiblical traditions) to compete for the place of ultimate worship in our hearts and lives. Furthermore, the emphasis on unity in Israel's worship serves as a powerful and enduring reminder for the church today: we are called to be one body, united in Christ, gathering together not around local preferences or superficial distinctions but around the unchanging truth of the Gospel and the glorious person of Jesus Christ, our ultimate Passover Lamb and the singular focus of our adoration.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might we, as modern believers, be tempted to "sacrifice the passover within our gates" by allowing personal convenience, cultural norms, or individual preferences to dictate our worship rather than God's revealed will?**
* **How does the Old Testament principle of centralized worship foreshadow the absolute centrality of Christ in the New Testament, and what profound implications does this have for our individual and corporate worship today?**
* **What practical steps can we take, both personally and as a church community, to ensure that our worship remains pure, unified, and truly centered on God's terms and His glory, rather than on ourselves or the world?**

### FAQ
**Why was it so important for the Passover to be sacrificed in one specific place, rather than locally?**

Answer: The centralization of the Passover sacrifice, along with other major national festivals, was a crucial theological and practical measure for ancient Israel. Theologically, it powerfully reinforced the concept of Yahweh as the one true God, distinct from the polytheistic deities of the Canaanites who were worshipped at numerous local shrines. Practically, it served as a vital safeguard, preventing the Israelites from adopting the corrupt and idolatrous practices of their neighbors, thereby ensuring the purity and integrity of their worship. It also fostered profound national unity by requiring all tribes to gather at a single, divinely designated location, strengthening their shared identity as God's covenant people and reinforcing their collective memory of His redemptive acts. This command was a foundational safeguard against syncretism and a means to preserve Israel's unique calling as God's holy nation, worshipping Him exclusively and according to His precise instructions, as outlined comprehensively in [Deuteronomy 12](/deuteronomy/12 "Deuteronomy 12 - The Central Sanctuary").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 16:5, with its strict command for the centralized worship of the Passover, finds its profound and ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment not in a physical location but in the very person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. The Old Testament Passover lamb, meticulously sacrificed "at the place the LORD your God will choose" ([Deuteronomy 16:6](/deuteronomy/16-6 "Deuteronomy 16:6 - Passover at the Chosen Place")), powerfully foreshadowed Jesus, who is divinely declared by John the Baptist as the [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God") Just as the physical Temple in Jerusalem became the singular, divinely appointed place for atonement and worship, Christ Himself is the ultimate Temple, the living dwelling place of God among humanity ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19-21 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus, the Temple")). His once-for-all sacrifice on the cross, outside the "gates" of Jerusalem but in the divinely appointed time and manner, completely superseded all localized and repetitive Old Covenant sacrifices ([Hebrews 9:28](/hebrews/9-28 "Hebrews 9:28 - Christ's Singular Sacrifice")). Therefore, all true worship in the New Covenant now centers entirely on Him, our [Passover Lamb who has been sacrificed](/1_corinthians/5-7 "1 Corinthians 5:7 - Christ Our Passover"). Believers are no longer bound to a physical location for worship but are called to worship God "in spirit and truth" ([John 4:23-24](/john/4-23-24 "John 4:23-24 - Worship in Spirit and Truth")), with Christ as the singular focus and the sole mediator of our access to God ([Hebrews 10:19-22](/hebrews/10-19-22 "Hebrews 10:19-22 - Access to God Through Christ")). He is the true and ultimate "chosen place" where God's name dwells, and through whom all humanity can approach the Father in perfect reconciliation.

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

Deuteronomy 16:2

Thou shalt therefore sacrifice the passover unto the LORD thy God, of the flock and the herd, in the place which the LORD shall choose to place his name there.

Deuteronomy 12:5

¶ But unto the place which the LORD your God shall choose out of all your tribes to put his name there, [even] unto his habitation shall ye seek, and thither thou shalt come:

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: