Deuteronomy 26:14

KJV

I have not eaten thereof in my mourning, neither have I taken away [ought] thereof for [any] unclean [use], nor given [ought] thereof for the dead: [but] I have hearkened to the voice of the LORD my God, [and] have done according to all that thou hast commanded me.

KJV (with Strong's)

I have not eaten {H398} thereof in my mourning {H205}, neither have I taken away {H1197} ought thereof for any unclean {H2931} use, nor given {H5414} ought thereof for the dead {H4191}: but I have hearkened {H8085} to the voice {H6963} of the LORD {H3068} my God {H430}, and have done {H6213} according to all that thou hast commanded {H6680} me.

Complete Jewish Bible

I haven't eaten any of this food when mourning, I haven't put any of it aside when unclean, nor have I given any of it for the dead. I have listened to what ADONAI my God has said, and I have done everything you ordered me to do.

Berean Standard Bible

I have not eaten any of the sacred portion while in mourning, or removed any of it while unclean, or offered any of it for the dead. I have obeyed the LORD my God; I have done everything You commanded me.

American Standard Version

I have not eaten thereof in my mourning, neither have I put away thereof, being unclean, nor given thereof for the dead: I have hearkened to the voice of Jehovah my God; I have done according to all that thou hast commanded me.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 26:14 presents a solemn declaration made by an Israelite presenting their tithes or firstfruits to the Lord in the sanctuary. This verse is a critical component of a public oath, affirming that the dedicated offering has been handled with scrupulous adherence to God's specific commands regarding purity and proper usage. It explicitly renounces practices associated with ritual impurity, common diversion, and pagan funerary rites, culminating in a powerful statement of comprehensive obedience to the voice and commands of the LORD God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 26 concludes Moses' final discourse to the Israelites before their entry into the Promised Land, serving as a climactic reaffirmation of the covenant. The chapter is divided into two main sections: the presentation of firstfruits (verses 1-11) and the declaration concerning the third-year tithe (verses 12-15). Verse 14 falls within the latter, following the Israelite's affirmation of having distributed the tithe to the Levite, the sojourner, the fatherless, and the widow (compare [Deuteronomy 26:12-13](/deuteronomy/26-12 "Deuteronomy 26:12-13 - The Tithe Declaration")). This declaration is not merely a statement of financial compliance but a profound spiritual and covenantal affirmation, demonstrating the giver's heart attitude and commitment to God's law. The chapter then moves to a summary of the covenant commitment between God and Israel (compare [Deuteronomy 26:16-19](/deuteronomy/26-16 "Deuteronomy 26:16-19 - Covenant Commitment")).

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, offerings were a common practice, but Israel's system was unique, emphasizing Yahweh's sole sovereignty and the holiness required in all interactions with Him. The prohibitions in this verse directly counter prevalent pagan practices. Mourning rituals in surrounding cultures often involved practices deemed ritually impure or even idolatrous by Israelite law (e.g., self-mutilation, contact with the dead). Furthermore, ancestor worship and necromancy—offering food or seeking guidance from the dead—were widespread pagan customs strictly forbidden in Israel as they violated the exclusive worship of the living God (compare [Deuteronomy 18:10-12](/deuteronomy/18-10 "Deuteronomy 18:10-12 - Abominable Practices")). The Israelite's declaration underscored their distinct identity as God's holy people, set apart from the nations and their defiling practices.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several core themes found throughout [Deuteronomy](/deuteronomy/1 "Deuteronomy - The Second Law"). Foremost is **Obedience** to God's commands, presented not as a burden but as a joyful response to His covenant faithfulness. The emphasis on handling the tithe correctly highlights **Holiness and Purity in Worship**, ensuring that sacred resources are treated with the reverence due to God and His purposes. By explicitly rejecting practices related to mourning and the dead, the verse reinforces Israel's **Distinction from Paganism and Idolatry**, asserting the unique and exclusive worship of Yahweh. Finally, the declaration embodies **Integrity and Accountability**, as the individual stands before God and the community, affirming their faithfulness in managing what belongs to the Lord.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Mourning (Hebrew, _'avel'_):** This term refers to the state of sorrow and lamentation, often accompanied by specific ritual practices following a death. In Israelite law, contact with a dead body or participation in certain mourning rites rendered a person ritually unclean (e.g., [Numbers 19:11-16](/numbers/19-11 "Numbers 19:11-16 - Laws Concerning Uncleanness from a Corpse")). Eating holy food while in a state of ritual impurity was strictly forbidden, as it would profane the sacred offering (compare [Leviticus 7:20](/leviticus/7-20 "Leviticus 7:20 - Eating Holy Offerings While Unclean")). The declaration thus affirms the Israelite's adherence to purity laws regarding consecrated food.
* **Unclean (Hebrew, _tame'_):** This broad term denotes ritual impurity, defilement, or profaneness. It encompasses a wide range of conditions or objects that render a person unfit for sacred activities or contact with holy things. In this context, "unclean use" signifies any diversion of the holy tithe for common, profane, or ritually defiling purposes, rather than its designated sacred use for the Levites, sojourners, fatherless, and widows. It underscores the principle that what is consecrated to God must remain distinct and set apart.
* **Dead (Hebrew, _met_):** This refers specifically to deceased persons. The prohibition against giving "ought thereof for the dead" directly targets pagan practices such as funerary offerings, ancestor worship, or necromancy (seeking communication with the dead). These practices were anathema to Israel's monotheistic faith, as they involved idolatry, contact with forbidden spiritual realms, and a denial of God's exclusive authority over life and death.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"I have not eaten thereof in my mourning":** This clause declares that the Israelite has not consumed the consecrated tithe while in a state of ritual impurity due to mourning. This highlights the strict separation between the holy and the common, emphasizing that sacred food could only be partaken by those who were ritually clean, ensuring the sanctity of the offering and the reverence due to God.
* **"neither have I taken away [ought] thereof for [any] unclean [use]":** This affirmation ensures that the dedicated tithe has not been diverted from its holy purpose for any common, profane, or ritually defiling use. The tithe was consecrated to the LORD for specific beneficiaries (Levites, sojourners, fatherless, widow); diverting it for personal gain or any use not sanctioned by God's law would constitute a defilement of something holy.
* **"nor given [ought] thereof for the dead":** This is a direct and forceful rejection of pagan practices. It refers to the abhorrent custom of offering food to deceased spirits, engaging in ancestor worship, or using consecrated resources in necromantic rituals. Such practices were strictly forbidden in Israel, as they constituted idolatry and a violation of the covenant relationship with the living God, who alone is to be worshipped and consulted.
* **"[but] I have hearkened to the voice of the LORD my God, [and] have done according to all that thou hast commanded me":** This concluding statement is the theological climax of the declaration. It transforms the specific acts of handling the tithe correctly into a comprehensive affirmation of total obedience and covenant faithfulness. The Israelite declares not merely compliance with rules but a deep-seated commitment to listening to and obeying the very voice of God, signifying a life lived in submission to His entire revealed will.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 26:14 employs several powerful **literary devices** to convey its message. The verse functions as a **solemn declaration** or **oath**, a formal statement made before God and the community, underscoring the gravity of the Israelite's commitment. It utilizes **negative confession** ("I have not eaten... neither have I taken... nor given...") to enumerate the specific prohibitions upheld, followed by a strong **positive affirmation** ("but I have hearkened... and have done..."). This structure emphasizes both the avoidance of wrongdoing and the active pursuit of righteousness. The three prohibitions form a **triad**, providing a comprehensive scope of potential misuses, from personal impurity to profane diversion and outright paganism. Finally, the concluding phrase serves as a powerful **summary statement**, elevating the specific acts of obedience to a broader principle of hearkening to God's voice, thereby providing a climactic and all-encompassing affirmation of covenant fidelity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 26:14 encapsulates Israel's unique identity as a holy nation set apart by God. It underscores the profound theological principle that obedience is not merely ritualistic compliance but a heartfelt response to God's covenant grace. The meticulous care required in handling consecrated offerings reflects the holiness of God Himself and the reverence due to Him. By explicitly forbidding practices associated with mourning impurity and offerings to the dead, the verse draws a sharp distinction between Israel's pure worship of the living God and the defiling idolatry of the surrounding nations. This declaration of integrity and comprehensive obedience before the Lord serves as a powerful reminder that all aspects of life, including the handling of resources, are to be brought under the lordship of God.

* [Leviticus 19:28](/leviticus/19-28 "Leviticus 19:28 - Prohibitions Against Self-Mutilation and Tattooing")
* [Deuteronomy 18:10-12](/deuteronomy/18-10 "Deuteronomy 18:10-12 - Abominable Practices")
* [1 Samuel 15:22](/1_samuel/15-22 "1 Samuel 15:22 - Obedience is Better Than Sacrifice")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the specific ritualistic prohibitions of Deuteronomy 26:14 may not apply directly to New Testament believers in the same way, the underlying principles of integrity, purity, and comprehensive obedience remain profoundly relevant. This verse calls us to examine how we handle resources—time, talent, and treasure—that we acknowledge belong to God. Are we treating what is consecrated to Him with the reverence and distinction it deserves, or are we allowing it to be defiled by our "mourning" (personal sorrows, worldly anxieties, or self-pity that distract from God's purposes), "unclean uses" (selfish gain, common pursuits, or pursuits not aligned with God's will), or "offerings for the dead" (practices rooted in cultural trends, superstition, or false beliefs that detract from exclusive devotion to the living God)? Our giving and service are not merely transactional but are expressions of our heart's submission to God's voice. The Israelite's declaration challenges us to live a life characterized by genuine, holistic obedience, reflecting a heart that truly "hearkens to the voice of the LORD our God" in every sphere.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the Israelite's meticulous adherence to purity laws regarding offerings challenge my own approach to stewardship of God-given resources?**
* **In what ways might I inadvertently "eat in my mourning" or "take away for an unclean use" by allowing personal struggles or worldly influences to diminish the sanctity of my devotion or service to God?**
* **What "offerings for the dead"—cultural practices, superstitions, or false beliefs—do I need to identify and reject in order to ensure my worship and life are solely directed to the living God?**
* **How can I cultivate a heart that genuinely "hearkens to the voice of the LORD my God" in all areas of my life, moving beyond mere compliance to joyful and comprehensive obedience?**

### FAQ
**Why was eating holy food during mourning forbidden?**

Answer: Eating holy food, such as the tithe, was forbidden during mourning because mourning rituals often involved contact with death, which rendered a person ritually unclean according to the Mosaic Law. Holy food was considered sacred and could only be consumed by those who were ritually pure. To eat it while unclean would profane the offering and disrespect the holiness of God. This rule emphasized the strict separation between the holy and the common, ensuring that God's consecrated things were treated with utmost reverence (see [Leviticus 7:20](/leviticus/7-20 "Leviticus 7:20 - Eating Holy Offerings While Unclean")).

**What does "taken away [ought] thereof for [any] unclean [use]" mean?**

Answer: This phrase refers to the prohibition against diverting any part of the consecrated tithe for purposes other than those explicitly commanded by God. The tithe was dedicated to the LORD for specific holy uses, such as supporting the Levites, the sojourners, the fatherless, and the widows (compare [Deuteronomy 26:12-13](/deuteronomy/26-12 "Deuteronomy 26:12-13 - The Tithe Declaration")). To use it for common, profane, or ritually impure purposes—even if not explicitly pagan—would be to defile what was set apart for God. It underscores the principle of integrity and proper stewardship of sacred resources.

**What pagan practices are implied by "nor given [ought] thereof for the dead"?**

Answer: This prohibition directly targets various pagan customs common in the ancient Near East, which were anathema to Israel's faith. These included ancestor worship, where food or other offerings were made to deceased relatives to appease them or seek their favor. It also refers to necromancy, the practice of seeking to communicate with the dead, which was strictly forbidden (compare [Deuteronomy 18:10-12](/deuteronomy/18-10 "Deuteronomy 18:10-12 - Abominable Practices")). Furthermore, it could encompass funerary rites that involved offering food to idols or spirits associated with death. This command reinforced the exclusive worship of the living God and Israel's distinct identity, free from the defiling practices of surrounding nations.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 26:14, with its emphasis on perfect obedience, purity, and distinction from paganism, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The Israelite's declaration, "I have hearkened to the voice of the LORD my God, and have done according to all that thou hast commanded me," perfectly describes the life of Christ. He lived a life of absolute and unwavering obedience to the Father's will, never defiled by "mourning" (sinful sorrow or worldly anxiety), never diverted for "unclean use" (selfish gain or common purposes), and never tainted by "offerings for the dead" (idolatry or pagan practices). His life was the perfect offering, consecrated entirely to God's purpose. Through His atoning sacrifice, Christ became the ultimate "firstfruits" (compare [1 Corinthians 15:20](/1_corinthians/15-20 "1 Corinthians 15:20 - Christ as the Firstfruits")), cleansing us from all ritual and moral impurity, enabling us to approach God with a clear conscience (compare [Hebrews 9:14](/hebrews/9-14 "Hebrews 9:14 - Christ's Blood Cleanses Conscience")). In Christ, believers are empowered by the Holy Spirit to offer their very lives as "living sacrifices" (compare [Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Living Sacrifice")), truly hearkening to God's voice and walking in the newness of life, worshipping Him in spirit and truth (compare [John 4:23-24](/john/4-23 "John 4:23-24 - Worship in Spirit and Truth")), free from the defilement of sin and the dead works of the world.

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

Leviticus 7:20

But the soul that eateth [of] the flesh of the sacrifice of peace offerings, that [pertain] unto the LORD, having his uncleanness upon him, even that soul shall be cut off from his people.

Leviticus 21:11

Neither shall he go in to any dead body, nor defile himself for his father, or for his mother;

Hosea 9:4

They shall not offer wine [offerings] to the LORD, neither shall they be pleasing unto him: their sacrifices [shall be] unto them as the bread of mourners; all that eat thereof shall be polluted: for their bread for their soul shall not come into the house of the LORD.

Leviticus 21:1

¶ And the LORD said unto Moses, Speak unto the priests the sons of Aaron, and say unto them, There shall none be defiled for the dead among his people:

Psalms 106:28

They joined themselves also unto Baalpeor, and ate the sacrifices of the dead.

Ezekiel 24:17

Forbear to cry, make no mourning for the dead, bind the tire of thine head upon thee, and put on thy shoes upon thy feet, and cover not [thy] lips, and eat not the bread of men.

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.