Deuteronomy 26:13

KJV

Then thou shalt say before the LORD thy God, I have brought away the hallowed things out of [mine] house, and also have given them unto the Levite, and unto the stranger, to the fatherless, and to the widow, according to all thy commandments which thou hast commanded me: I have not transgressed thy commandments, neither have I forgotten [them]:

KJV (with Strong's)

Then thou shalt say {H559} before {H6440} the LORD {H3068} thy God {H430}, I have brought away {H1197} the hallowed things {H6944} out of mine house {H1004}, and also have given {H5414} them unto the Levite {H3881}, and unto the stranger {H1616}, to the fatherless {H3490}, and to the widow {H490}, according to all thy commandments {H4687} which thou hast commanded {H6680} me: I have not transgressed {H5674} thy commandments {H4687}, neither have I forgotten {H7911} them:

Complete Jewish Bible

you are to say, in the presence of ADONAI your God, 'I have rid my house of the things set aside for God and given them to the Levi, the foreigner, the orphan and the widow, in keeping with every one of the mitzvot you gave me. I haven't disobeyed any of your mitzvot or forgotten them.

Berean Standard Bible

Then you shall declare in the presence of the LORD your God, “I have removed from my house the sacred portion and have given it to the Levite, the foreigner, the fatherless, and the widow, according to all the commandments You have given me. I have not transgressed or forgotten Your commandments.

American Standard Version

And thou shalt say before Jehovah thy God, I have put away the hallowed things out of my house, and also have given them unto the Levite, and unto the sojourner, to the fatherless, and to the widow, according to all thy commandment which thou hast commanded me: I have not transgressed any of thy commandments, neither have I forgotten them:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 26:13 encapsulates a pivotal moment within the covenant renewal ceremony, where an Israelite declares before the Lord their faithful completion of the triennial tithe distribution. This declaration signifies not only meticulous obedience to God's specific commandments regarding the care of the Levite, the stranger, the fatherless, and the widow, but also embodies a profound commitment to integrity, stewardship, and the compassionate principles at the heart of the Mosaic Law. It is a public affirmation of having neither transgressed nor forgotten divine instructions, demonstrating a holistic devotion to God's ways and His people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 26:13 is part of a significant liturgical ceremony detailed in [Deuteronomy 26](/deuteronomy/26 "Deuteronomy 26 - Firstfruits and Tithes"). The preceding verses (Deuteronomy 26:1-11) outline the offering of firstfruits, a declaration of Israel's history from Abraham to the Promised Land, and an expression of gratitude for God's provision. Immediately following this, verses 12-15 describe the "third-year tithe" or "triennial tithe" (also known as the "poor tithe"). Our verse, [Deuteronomy 26:13](/deuteronomy/26-13 "Deuteronomy 26:13 - Declaration of the Triennial Tithe"), is the solemn declaration made by the Israelite after distributing this specific tithe. This entire chapter serves as a capstone to the legal sections of Deuteronomy, transitioning into the blessings and curses of [Deuteronomy 27-28](/deuteronomy/27 "Deuteronomy 27 - Covenant Curses") and reinforcing the covenant relationship between God and Israel through acts of worship, obedience, and social justice. The declaration in this verse is a final, personal affirmation of compliance before the Lord, underscoring the individual's accountability within the covenant.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The triennial tithe, as distinct from the annual tithe for the Levites, was a unique social welfare system mandated by God. Every third year, instead of bringing the tithe to the central sanctuary, it was to be stored within the towns for local distribution. The designated recipients—the Levite (who had no land inheritance), the stranger (resident alien), the fatherless (orphans), and the widow—represented the most vulnerable and marginalized groups in ancient Israelite society, those without traditional means of support or familial protection. This practice was a tangible expression of God's compassionate character and His expectation that His people would reflect that compassion. The public declaration "before the LORD thy God" was not merely a bureaucratic check-off; it was a sacred oath, a moment of personal and communal covenant renewal, acknowledging God as the ultimate provider and the source of all blessings, and affirming the individual's integrity in managing His entrusted resources. This system ensured that the covenant community actively participated in caring for its weakest members, preventing destitution and fostering communal solidarity.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Deuteronomy and the broader Old Testament. Firstly, **Obedience and Covenant Fidelity** are paramount; the declaration "I have not transgressed thy commandments, neither have I forgotten them" is the very essence of covenant keeping, emphasizing not just external compliance but internal commitment and remembrance of God's laws (cf. [Deuteronomy 6:6-9](/deuteronomy/6-6 "Deuteronomy 6:6-9 - The Shema and Remembering God's Commands")). Secondly, **Social Justice and Compassion for the Vulnerable** are central. God's repeated concern for the Levite, stranger, fatherless, and widow throughout Deuteronomy (e.g., [Deuteronomy 14:28-29](/deuteronomy/14-28 "Deuteronomy 14:28-29 - The Triennial Tithe Explained")) highlights that true worship involves practical care for the marginalized. Thirdly, **Stewardship and Accountability** are underscored, as the Israelite acknowledges that the "hallowed things" are not their own but are set apart for God's purposes, requiring faithful management and distribution. This public declaration before God signifies personal integrity and responsibility in handling divine provisions. Finally, the verse reinforces the theme of **God's Sovereignty and Provision**, reminding Israel that all their prosperity comes from Him, and their generosity is a response to His prior generosity.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Hallowed things (Hebrew, _qodesh_):** This term, often translated as "holy" or "sacred," here refers not to items used in temple rituals, but to portions of the harvest that have been "set apart" or consecrated for a specific, divinely ordained purpose. In this context, it specifically designates the triennial tithe, which was set apart from the common harvest to be distributed to the Levite, the stranger, the fatherless, and the widow. It emphasizes that these resources were not for personal consumption or gain, but were dedicated to God's purposes of supporting His ministers and providing for the needy, thus carrying a sacred obligation.
* **Transgressed (Hebrew, _ʿāḇar_):** This verb literally means "to pass over" or "to cross over," but in a moral or legal sense, it signifies "to violate," "to break," or "to go beyond" a boundary or command. The declaration "I have not transgressed thy commandments" is a strong affirmation of not having violated or deviated from God's explicit instructions regarding the tithe's distribution. It implies a conscious effort to remain within the bounds of God's law.
* **Forgotten (Hebrew, _šāḵaḥ_):** This word means "to forget," "to neglect," or "to be unmindful of." In a covenantal context, forgetting God's commandments is not merely a lapse of memory but a failure to heed, obey, or uphold one's obligations. The declaration "neither have I forgotten them" signifies a deliberate and continuous remembrance of God's commands, implying active recall and diligent application, ensuring that the tithe was not withheld due to negligence or indifference.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then thou shalt say before the LORD thy God":** This phrase establishes the solemnity and sacred nature of the declaration. It is not a private thought or a mere human accounting, but a direct address to God Himself, emphasizing personal accountability and the covenant relationship. The act takes place in a sacred context, likely at the central sanctuary, reinforcing the gravity of the oath.
* **"I have brought away the hallowed things out of [mine] house, and also have given them unto the Levite, and unto the stranger, to the fatherless, and to the widow":** This is the core statement of compliance. "Brought away" (or "removed") indicates that the tithe, which had been stored in the Israelite's home (as per [Deuteronomy 14:28](/deuteronomy/14-28 "Deuteronomy 14:28 - The Triennial Tithe")), has now been fully distributed. The explicit listing of the four vulnerable groups underscores the specific and compassionate intent of the law, demonstrating that the individual has faithfully discharged their duty to those God specifically designated as needing support.
* **"according to all thy commandments which thou hast commanded me: I have not transgressed thy commandments, neither have I forgotten [them]:"** This concluding affirmation is a comprehensive declaration of perfect obedience. "According to all thy commandments" asserts full compliance with the letter of the law. The double negative, "not transgressed" and "neither have I forgotten," emphasizes the thoroughness of their obedience—they haven't actively violated the law, nor have they passively neglected it. This speaks to both intentional and unintentional adherence, signifying a heart fully committed to God's will.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 26:13 employs several literary devices to enhance its impact and meaning. The most prominent is **Declaration** or **Affirmation**, as the verse presents a direct, solemn statement made by the Israelite to God. This public utterance serves as a ritualistic act of covenant renewal and personal accountability. The use of **Repetition** and **Parallelism** is evident in the concluding phrase: "I have not transgressed thy commandments, neither have I forgotten [them]." This negative parallelism emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the Israelite's obedience, covering both active violation and passive neglect. The detailed listing of the recipients ("the Levite, and unto the stranger, to the fatherless, and to the widow") functions as a form of **Enumeration**, highlighting the specific and inclusive scope of God's compassionate command. This enumeration also serves as a **Synecdoche**, where these four groups represent all the vulnerable and marginalized within the community, underscoring the breadth of Israel's social responsibility. Finally, the entire passage can be seen as an example of **Liturgical Formula**, a prescribed set of words to be spoken during a religious ceremony, designed to instill reverence, reinforce covenant obligations, and facilitate communal participation in worship.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 26:13 stands as a powerful testament to the holistic nature of biblical faith, demonstrating that true worship extends beyond ritual to encompass practical righteousness and social responsibility. The declaration of having faithfully distributed the triennial tithe underscores God's profound concern for justice and compassion, integrating economic practices directly into the covenant relationship. It reveals that obedience to God is not merely about avoiding sin but actively participating in His redemptive purposes by caring for the vulnerable. This act of giving and declaration transforms a material transaction into a spiritual act of devotion, affirming that all possessions are ultimately from God and are to be stewarded according to His will for the welfare of His people.

* [Proverbs 19:17](/proverbs/19-17 "Proverbs 19:17 - Lending to the Lord by Helping the Poor")
* [Matthew 25:34-40](/matthew/25-34 "Matthew 25:34-40 - The Parable of the Sheep and the Goats")
* [James 1:27](/james/1-27 "James 1:27 - Pure and Undefiled Religion")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 26:13 calls us to a profound reflection on our own stewardship, compassion, and integrity before God. While the specific triennial tithe is an Old Covenant practice, the underlying principles resonate deeply with the Christian call to discipleship. We are reminded that all we possess—our resources, time, talents, and even our very lives—are gifts from God, to be managed not for selfish gain but for His glory and the good of others. The meticulous care for the Levite, stranger, fatherless, and widow challenges us to identify and actively serve the marginalized in our contemporary society, whether they are the economically disadvantaged, refugees, orphans, or those who are socially isolated. Our obedience to God is not merely intellectual assent but a tangible outworking of love for Him and for our neighbor. This verse encourages us to cultivate a heart that not only remembers God's commands but actively seeks to fulfill them with integrity, knowing that our actions are declared "before the LORD our God."

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what practical ways can I identify and meet the needs of the "stranger, the fatherless, and the widow" (or their modern equivalents) in my community today?**
* **How does my current approach to stewardship reflect the principle that all my possessions are "hallowed things" set apart for God's purposes?**
* **What does it mean for me to declare "before the LORD my God" that I have not transgressed or forgotten His commandments in my daily life?**
* **Beyond financial giving, what other "hallowed things" (e.g., time, skills, influence) has God entrusted to me for the benefit of others and His kingdom?**

### FAQ

**What was the significance of declaring this "before the LORD thy God"?**

Answer: This declaration was a solemn, public oath, likely made at the central sanctuary (as implied by the context of firstfruits offerings in [Deuteronomy 26:1-11](/deuteronomy/26-1 "Deuteronomy 26:1-11 - Offering of Firstfruits")). It signified the Israelite's personal accountability and integrity directly to God. It was not merely a legalistic fulfillment but a spiritual act of worship and covenant affirmation, acknowledging God as the ultimate owner of all resources and the one to whom all are responsible. This public declaration served to reinforce the individual's commitment to the covenant and to demonstrate their faithfulness to the community.

**Why were the Levite, stranger, fatherless, and widow specifically mentioned?**

Answer: These four groups consistently represent the most vulnerable and dependent members of ancient Israelite society, often lacking land inheritance, familial support, or stable means of provision. The Levites had no tribal land and were dependent on tithes for their livelihood. Strangers (resident aliens) were often without land or tribal ties, making them susceptible to exploitation. The fatherless (orphans) and widows were particularly vulnerable without a male head of household for protection and provision. God's repeated command to care for these groups throughout the Law (e.g., [Exodus 22:21-22](/exodus/22-21 "Exodus 22:21-22 - Laws Concerning Strangers, Widows, and Orphans"); [Deuteronomy 10:18-19](/deuteronomy/10-18 "Deuteronomy 10:18-19 - God's Love for the Alien, Orphan, and Widow")) underscores His own character as a protector of the marginalized and His expectation that His people would reflect His compassion and justice.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 26:13, with its emphasis on perfect obedience, generous giving, and compassionate care for the vulnerable, finds its ultimate fulfillment and transformation in Jesus Christ. While no human could perfectly declare "I have not transgressed thy commandments, neither have I forgotten them," Jesus alone lived a life of flawless obedience, fulfilling every jot and tittle of the Law (cf. [Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")). He is the ultimate "hallowed thing" set apart by God, not merely a portion of a harvest, but the very [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), given for the ultimate provision of humanity. Furthermore, Christ's teachings profoundly deepen the call to care for the vulnerable, identifying with the "least of these" (cf. [Matthew 25:40](/matthew/25-40 "Matthew 25:40 - When You Did It to the Least of These")). His life was a perfect embodiment of self-giving love, culminating in His sacrifice on the cross—the ultimate act of bringing away His "hallowed life" from His "house" (earthly existence) to give it for the sake of humanity, particularly those spiritually poor, orphaned, and alienated from God. Under the New Covenant, our ability to genuinely give and obey is no longer dependent on our own strength or declarations, but on the Spirit of Christ dwelling within us, empowering us to live lives of generosity and justice that truly reflect the heart of God (cf. [2 Corinthians 9:7-8](/2_corinthians/9-7 "2 Corinthians 9:7-8 - God Loves a Cheerful Giver"); [Philippians 2:3-8](/philippians/2-3 "Philippians 2:3-8 - Christ's Humility and Obedience")). We are now called to share not just a portion of our harvest, but the very good news of Christ, which brings ultimate provision and belonging to all who are spiritually poor, orphaned, and alienated.

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

Psalms 119:141

¶ I [am] small and despised: [yet] do not I forget thy precepts.

Psalms 119:176

¶ I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek thy servant; for I do not forget thy commandments.

Psalms 119:153

¶ RESH. Consider mine affliction, and deliver me: for I do not forget thy law.

Psalms 26:6

¶ I will wash mine hands in innocency: so will I compass thine altar, O LORD:

Proverbs 3:1

¶ My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments:

Deuteronomy 14:29

And the Levite, (because he hath no part nor inheritance with thee,) and the stranger, and the fatherless, and the widow, which [are] within thy gates, shall come, and shall eat and be satisfied; that the LORD thy God may bless thee in all the work of thine hand which thou doest.

Psalms 26:1

¶ [A Psalm] of David. Judge me, O LORD; for I have walked in mine integrity: I have trusted also in the LORD; [therefore] I shall not slide.