“You shall tithe all the yield of your seed that comes from the field year by year.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Deuteronomy 14:22
What does Deuteronomy 14:22 mean?
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Deuteronomy 14:22
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This verse isn't just about giving a tenth; it's a command to "truly tithe," emphasizing a faithful, honest giving that's left to the people's own conscience to fulfill. It reveals a deep trust God places in His people, expecting them to set aside this sacred portion willingly from their own harvests.
“You shall tithe all the yield of your seed that comes from the field year by year.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This passage is part of a larger section detailing laws for Israel as they prepare to enter and live in the Promised Land, specifically addressing how they should use their resources to honor God. Building on earlier instructions about bringing offerings to the central sanctuary, these verses describe a specific "second tithe" that the people themselves would eat and celebrate with in Jerusalem. It's a call to joy and remembrance, emphasizing that their abundance is a gift from God to be shared and enjoyed in His presence.
When you hear 'tithe,' you might think of a strict obligation, a percentage you have to give. But what if the Bible presents it as something richer, something more joyful?
A Sacred Trust
This verse introduces a specific kind of tithe – often called the 'second tithe' – that was distinct from the tithe given to the Levites for their support. This was a tithe meant to be brought to the central sanctuary.
A Feast Before God
Imagine setting aside a portion of your harvest, not just to hand over, but to celebrate with. This tithe was for the people to enjoy in Jerusalem, a way to share in God's blessings together before Him. It was a tangible reminder that everything they had came from God's provision.
Joyful Sharing
This practice wasn't just about giving; it was about fellowship and joyful remembrance. It was a way to express gratitude and to participate in the communal worship of God. The instruction to 'truly tithe' emphasizes the faithfulness required in this sacred trust.
Why would God institute such a specific practice of tithing? It wasn't just for the Levites or the priests – it was deeply personal for you.
Cultivating a Godly Heart
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The purpose behind this 'second tithe' went beyond mere sustenance for religious workers. It was a spiritual discipline designed to shape the hearts of the people.
Learning to Fear God
By bringing a portion of their harvest to the place where God's presence resided, the Israelites were taught to fear the Lord. This 'fear' isn't terror, but a deep reverence, awe, and respect that acknowledges God's sovereignty over all things, including their prosperity.
From Harvest to Awe
This practice connected their daily work and the fruit of their labor directly to their relationship with God. It was a constant reminder that their ability to sow, grow, and harvest was a gift from Him. This regular act helped them internalize their dependence on God and fostered a heart of true piety.
Understand the original words
ma'aser · Hebrew Noun/Verb
A tenth part of one's produce or income, given to God as an act of worship, acknowledgment of His provision, and support for the religious and social structures of the covenant.
This passage lays the groundwork for the Levitical tithe, providing context for understanding Deuteronomy's mention of a 'second tithe' for communal feasting and worship.
Nehemiah 10:37This post-exilic passage shows the continuation of the tithe practice, demonstrating its enduring importance in Israel's covenant relationship with God.
Luke 11:42Jesus critiques the Pharisees for tithing meticulously on small herbs while neglecting justice and the love of God, highlighting that the spirit behind the giving is as crucial as the act itself.
Malachi 3:10This prophetic call to 'bring the full tithe into the storehouse' challenges the people for withholding what is due to God and promises blessing for their faithfulness, echoing the spirit of Deuteronomy's command.
2 Corinthians 9:7Paul encourages cheerful and generous giving, emphasizing that God loves a 'giver,' which resonates with the celebratory and communal aspect of the tithe commanded in Deuteronomy.
jfbDeuteronomy 14:22: "Thou shalt truly tithe all the increase of thy seed, that the field bringeth forth year by year."
22-27. Thou shalt truly tithe all the increase of thy seed—The dedication of a tenth part of the year's produce in everything was then a religious duty. It was to be brought as an offering to the sanctuary; and, where distance prevented its being taken in kind, it was by this statute convertible into money.
clarkeDeuteronomy 14:22: "Thou shalt truly tithe all the increase of thy seed, that the field bringeth forth year by year."
Thou shalt truly tithe - Meaning the second tithe which themselves were to eat, Deuteronomy 14:23 , for there was a first tithe that was given to the Levites, out of which they paid a tenth part to the priests, Numbers 18:24-28 ; Nehemiah 10:37 , Nehemiah 10:38 . Then of that which remained, the owners separated a second tithe, which they ate before the Lord the first and second…
This verse isn't just about giving a tenth; it's a command to "truly tithe," emphasizing a faithful, honest giving that's left to the people's own conscience to fulfill. It reveals a deep trust God places in His people, expecting them to set aside this sacred portion willingly from their own harvests.
This passage is part of a larger section detailing laws for Israel as they prepare to enter and live in the Promised Land, specifically addressing how they should use their resources to honor God. Building on earlier instructions about bringing offerings to the central sanctuary, these verses describe a specific "second tithe" that the people themselves would eat and celebrate with in Jerusalem. It's a call to joy and remembrance, emphasizing that their abundance is a gift from God to be shared and enjoyed in His presence.
This passage is part of a larger section detailing laws for Israel as they prepare to enter and live in the Promised Land, specifically addressing how they should use their resources to honor God. Building on earlier instructions about bringing offerings to the central sanctuary, these verses describe a specific "second tithe" that the people themselves would eat and celebrate with in Jerusalem. It's a call to joy and remembrance, emphasizing that their abundance is a gift from God to be shared and enjoyed in His presence.
"“You shall tithe all the yield of your seed that comes from the field year by year." — This verse isn't just about giving a tenth; it's a command to "truly tithe," emphasizing a faithful, honest giving that's left to the people's own conscience to fulfill. It reveals a deep trust God p…
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Last reviewed October 2026