Deuteronomy 12:17
New International Version
You must not eat in your own towns the tithe of your grain and new wine and olive oil, or the firstborn of your herds and flocks, or whatever you have vowed to give, or your freewill offerings or special gifts.

New Living Translation
“But you may not eat your offerings in your hometown—neither the tithe of your grain and new wine and olive oil, nor the firstborn of your flocks and herds, nor any offering to fulfill a vow, nor your voluntary offerings, nor your sacred offerings.

English Standard Version
You may not eat within your towns the tithe of your grain or of your wine or of your oil, or the firstborn of your herd or of your flock, or any of your vow offerings that you vow, or your freewill offerings or the contribution that you present,

Berean Standard Bible
Within your gates you must not eat the tithe of your grain or new wine or oil, the firstborn of your herds or flocks, any of the offerings that you have vowed to give, or your freewill offerings or special gifts.

King James Bible
Thou mayest not eat within thy gates the tithe of thy corn, or of thy wine, or of thy oil, or the firstlings of thy herds or of thy flock, nor any of thy vows which thou vowest, nor thy freewill offerings, or heave offering of thine hand:

New King James Version
You may not eat within your gates the tithe of your grain or your new wine or your oil, of the firstborn of your herd or your flock, of any of your offerings which you vow, of your freewill offerings, or of the heave offering of your hand.

New American Standard Bible
You are not allowed to eat within your gates the tithe of your grain, new wine, or oil, or the firstborn of your herd or flock, or any of your vowed offerings which you vow, or your voluntary offerings, or the contribution of your hand.

NASB 1995
“You are not allowed to eat within your gates the tithe of your grain or new wine or oil, or the firstborn of your herd or flock, or any of your votive offerings which you vow, or your freewill offerings, or the contribution of your hand.

NASB 1977
“You are not allowed to eat within your gates the tithe of your grain, or new wine, or oil, or the first-born of your herd or flock, or any of your votive offerings which you vow, or your freewill offerings, or the contribution of your hand.

Legacy Standard Bible
You are not allowed to eat within your gates the tithe of your grain or new wine or oil, or the firstborn of your herd or flock, or any of your votive offerings which you vow, or your freewill offerings, or the contribution of your hand.

Amplified Bible
You are forbidden to eat within your [city] gates the tithe of your grain or new wine or oil, or the firstborn of your herd or flock, or any of your votive offerings, or your freewill offerings, or the contribution of your hand.

Christian Standard Bible
Within your city gates you may not eat the tenth of your grain, new wine, or fresh oil; the firstborn of your herd or flock; any of your vow offerings that you pledge; your freewill offerings; or your personal contributions.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Within your gates you may not eat: the tenth of your grain, new wine, or oil; the firstborn of your herd or flock; any of your vow offerings that you pledge; your freewill offerings; or your personal contributions.

American Standard Version
Thou mayest not eat within thy gates the tithe of thy grain, or of thy new wine, or of thine oil, or the firstlings of thy herd or of thy flock, nor any of thy vows which thou vowest, nor thy freewill-offerings, nor the heave-offering of thy hand;

English Revised Version
Thou mayest not eat within thy gates the tithe of thy corn, or of thy wine, or of thine oil, or the firstlings of thy herd or of thy flock, nor any of thy vows which thou vowest, nor thy freewill offerings, nor the heave offering of thine hand:

GOD'S WORD® Translation
You may not eat [the LORD's offerings] in your cities. Those offerings are: one-tenth of your grain, new wine, and olive oil; the firstborn of your cattle, sheep, or goats; the offerings you vow to bring; your freewill offerings; and your contributions.

Good News Translation
Nothing that you offer to the LORD is to be eaten in the places where you live: neither the tithes of your grain, your wine, or your olive oil, nor the first-born of your cattle and sheep, the gifts that you promise to the LORD, your freewill offerings, or any other offerings.

International Standard Version
"You won't be allowed to eat your tithe of grain, new wine, oil, the firstborn of your herd and flock, your voluntary offerings that you pledged, your free-will offerings, and the works of your hands in your own cities.

Majority Standard Bible
Within your gates you must not eat the tithe of your grain or new wine or oil, the firstborn of your herds or flocks, any of the offerings that you have vowed to give, or your freewill offerings or special gifts.

NET Bible
You will not be allowed to eat in your villages your tithe of grain, new wine, olive oil, the firstborn of your herd and flock, any votive offerings you have vowed, or your freewill and personal offerings.

New Heart English Bible
You may not eat within your gates the tithe of your grain, or of your new wine, or of your oil, or the firstborn of your herd or of your flock, nor any of your vows which you vow, nor your freewill offerings, nor the wave offering of your hand;

Webster's Bible Translation
Thou mayest not eat within thy gates the tithe of thy corn, or of thy wine, or of thy oil, or the firstlings of thy herds or of thy flock, nor any of thy vows which thou vowest, nor thy free-will-offerings, or heave-offering of thy hand:

World English Bible
You may not eat within your gates the tithe of your grain, or of your new wine, or of your oil, or the firstborn of your herd or of your flock, nor any of your vows which you vow, nor your free will offerings, nor the wave offering of your hand;
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
you are not able to eat within your gates the tithe of your grain, and of your new wine, and your oil, and the firstlings of your herd and of your flock, and any of your vows which you vow, and your free-will offerings, and a raised-offering of your hand;

Young's Literal Translation
thou art not able to eat within thy gates the tithe of thy corn, and of thy new wine, and thine oil, and the firstlings of thy herd and of thy flock, and any of thy vows which thou vowest, and thy free-will offerings, and heave-offering of thy hand;

Smith's Literal Translation
Thou shalt not be able to eat in thy gates the tenth of thy grain, and thy new wine and thy new oil, and the firstlings of thy herd and thy flocks, and all the vows which thou shalt vow, and thy voluntaries, and the offerings of thy hand:
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Thou mayst not eat in thy towns the tithes of thy corn, and thy wine, and thy oil, the firstborn of thy herds and thy cattle, nor any thing that thou vowest, and that thou wilt offer voluntarily, and the firstfruits of thy hands:

Catholic Public Domain Version
You may not eat in your towns the tithes of your crops, and your wine and oil, the firstborn of your herds and your flocks, nor anything which you will vow, or which you will offer spontaneously, nor the first-fruits of your hands.

New American Bible
Moreover, you may not, in your own communities, partake of your tithe of grain or wine or oil, of the firstborn of your herd or flock, of any offering you have vowed, of your voluntary offerings, or of your personal contributions.

New Revised Standard Version
Nor may you eat within your towns the tithe of your grain, your wine, and your oil, the firstlings of your herds and your flocks, any of your votive gifts that you vow, your freewill offerings, or your donations;
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
It is unlawful to eat within your towns the tithes of your grain, or of your wine, or of your oil, or the firstlings of your herds, or of your flock, or any of things which you vow, nor your freewill offerings, nor gift offerings of your hands;

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
You will not be authorized in your cities to eat the tithes of your grain, or of your wine, or of your oil, or the firstborn of your oxen, or of your flocks, or all your vows that you will vow, or your offerings, or the dedications of your hands:
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Thou mayest not eat within thy gates the tithe of thy corn, or of thy wine, or of thine oil, or the firstlings of thy herd or of thy flock, nor any of thy vows which thou vowest, nor thy freewill-offerings, nor the offering of thy hand;

Brenton Septuagint Translation
Thou shalt not be able to eat in thy cities the tithe of thy corn, and of thy wine, and of thine oil, the first-born of thine herd and of thy flock, and all your vows as many as ye shall have vowed, and your thank-offerings, and the first-fruits of thine hands.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
One Place for Worship
16but you must not eat the blood; pour it on the ground like water. 17Within your gates you must not eat the tithe of your grain or new wine or oil, the firstborn of your herds or flocks, any of the offerings that you have vowed to give, or your freewill offerings or special gifts. 18Instead, you must eat them in the presence of the LORD your God at the place the LORD your God will choose—you, your sons and daughters, your menservants and maidservants, and the Levite within your gates. Rejoice before the LORD your God in all you do,…

Cross References
Leviticus 17:3-4
‘Anyone from the house of Israel who slaughters an ox, a lamb, or a goat in the camp or outside of it / instead of bringing it to the entrance to the Tent of Meeting to present it as an offering to the LORD before His tabernacle—that man shall incur bloodguilt. He has shed blood and must be cut off from among his people.

Numbers 18:9-11
A portion of the most holy offerings reserved from the fire will be yours. From all the offerings they render to Me as most holy offerings, whether grain offerings or sin offerings or guilt offerings, that part belongs to you and your sons. / You are to eat it as a most holy offering, and every male may eat it. You shall regard it as holy. / And this is yours as well: the offering of their gifts, along with all the wave offerings of the Israelites. I have given this to you and your sons and daughters as a permanent statute. Every ceremonially clean person in your household may eat it.

Deuteronomy 14:22-23
You must be sure to set aside a tenth of all the produce brought forth each year from your fields. / And you are to eat a tenth of your grain, new wine, and oil, and the firstborn of your herds and flocks, in the presence of the LORD your God at the place He will choose as a dwelling for His Name, so that you may learn to fear the LORD your God always.

Deuteronomy 15:19-20
You must set apart to the LORD your God every firstborn male produced by your herds and flocks. You are not to put the firstborn of your oxen to work, nor are you to shear the firstborn of your flock. / Each year you and your household are to eat it before the LORD your God in the place the LORD will choose.

Deuteronomy 16:13-15
You are to celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles for seven days after you have gathered the produce of your threshing floor and your winepress. / And you shall rejoice in your feast—you, your sons and daughters, your menservants and maidservants, and the Levite, as well as the foreigner, the fatherless, and the widows among you. / For seven days you shall celebrate a feast to the LORD your God in the place He will choose, because the LORD your God will bless you in all your produce and in all the work of your hands, so that your joy will be complete.

Deuteronomy 26:12-15
When you have finished laying aside a tenth of all your produce in the third year, the year of the tithe, you are to give it to the Levite, the foreigner, the fatherless, and the widow, that they may eat and be filled within your gates. / 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. / 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. ...

1 Samuel 1:3-5
Year after year Elkanah would go up from his city to worship and sacrifice to the LORD of Hosts at Shiloh, where Eli’s two sons, Hophni and Phinehas, were priests to the LORD. / And whenever the day came for Elkanah to present his sacrifice, he would give portions to his wife Peninnah and to all her sons and daughters. / But to Hannah he would give a double portion, for he loved her even though the LORD had closed her womb.

2 Chronicles 31:5-6
As soon as the order went out, the Israelites generously provided the firstfruits of the grain, new wine, oil, and honey, and of all the produce of the field, and they brought in an abundance—a tithe of everything. / And the Israelites and Judahites who lived in the cities of Judah also brought a tithe of their herds and flocks and a tithe of the holy things consecrated to the LORD their God, and they laid them in large heaps.

Nehemiah 10:37-39
Moreover, we will bring to the priests at the storerooms of the house of our God the firstfruits of our dough, of our grain offerings, of the fruit of all our trees, and of our new wine and oil. A tenth of our produce belongs to the Levites, so that they shall receive tithes in all the towns where we labor. / A priest of Aaron’s line is to accompany the Levites when they collect the tenth, and the Levites are to bring a tenth of these tithes to the storerooms of the treasury in the house of our God. / For the Israelites and the Levites are to bring the contributions of grain, new wine, and oil to the storerooms where the articles of the sanctuary are kept and where the ministering priests, the gatekeepers, and the singers stay. Thus we will not neglect the house of our God.”

Malachi 3:10
Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, so that there may be food in My house. Test Me in this,” says the LORD of Hosts. “See if I will not open the windows of heaven and pour out for you blessing without measure.

Matthew 23:23
Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You pay tithes of mint, dill, and cumin. But you have disregarded the weightier matters of the law: justice, mercy, and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former.

Luke 11:42
Woe to you Pharisees! For you pay tithes of mint, rue, and every herb, but you disregard justice and the love of God. You should have practiced the latter without neglecting the former.

Luke 14:12-14
Then Jesus said to the man who had invited Him, “When you host a dinner or a banquet, do not invite your friends or brothers or relatives or rich neighbors. Otherwise, they may invite you in return, and you will be repaid. / But when you host a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind, / and you will be blessed. Since they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.”

John 4:20-24
Our fathers worshiped on this mountain, but you Jews say that the place where one must worship is in Jerusalem.” / “Believe Me, woman,” Jesus replied, “a time is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem. / You worship what you do not know; we worship what we do know, for salvation is from the Jews. ...

Acts 2:46-47
With one accord they continued to meet daily in the temple courts and to break bread from house to house, sharing their meals with gladness and sincerity of heart, / praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.


Treasury of Scripture

You may not eat within your gates the tithe of your corn, or of your wine, or of your oil, or the firstborn of your herds or of your flock, nor any of your vows which you vow, nor your freewill offerings, or heave offering of your hand:

the tithe

Deuteronomy 12:6,11
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: …

Deuteronomy 14:22-29
Thou shalt truly tithe all the increase of thy seed, that the field bringeth forth year by year…

Deuteronomy 26:12,14
When thou hast made an end of tithing all the tithes of thine increase the third year, which is the year of tithing, and hast given it unto the Levite, the stranger, the fatherless, and the widow, that they may eat within thy gates, and be filled; …

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Contribution Corn Eat Hand Heave Heave-Offering Herd Herds Mayest New Offering Offerings Oil Present Tithe Towns Votive Vow Vowest Vows Wave Wine Within
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Deuteronomy 12
1. Monuments of idolatry to be destroyed
4. The place of God's service to be kept
15. Blood is forbidden
17. Holy things must be eaten in the holy place
19. The Levite is not to be forsaken
20. Blood is again forbidden
26. and holy things must be eaten in the holy place
29. Idolatry is not to be enquired after














You are not to eat within your gates
This phrase sets a boundary for the Israelites, emphasizing the importance of sacred space and communal worship. The "gates" refer to the entrance of their towns or homes, symbolizing personal domains. The instruction to not consume these offerings "within your gates" underscores the need to bring these sacred items to a designated holy place, reinforcing the communal and covenantal relationship with God. Historically, this reflects the centralization of worship in Israel, where offerings were to be brought to the tabernacle or temple, highlighting the unity and centrality of worship in the life of the nation.

the tithe of your grain, new wine, or oil
The "tithe" refers to a tenth part of one's produce, a practice rooted in the Hebrew word "ma'aser," which means "a tenth." This was a divine ordinance for the Israelites to acknowledge God's provision and sovereignty. Grain, new wine, and oil were staples of the ancient Near Eastern diet and economy, representing sustenance, joy, and anointing. By setting aside a portion of these, the Israelites were reminded of their dependence on God and their duty to support the Levitical priesthood and the community.

or the firstborn of your herd or flock
The "firstborn" signifies the principle of giving God the first and best, a practice that dates back to the Exodus when the firstborn of Israel were spared. This act of dedication is a tangible expression of faith and gratitude, acknowledging God's deliverance and ongoing provision. The firstborn of the herd or flock were considered especially valuable, and offering them was a significant act of worship and trust in God's continued blessing.

or any vow you have vowed
A "vow" in the biblical context is a solemn promise made to God, often in response to His blessings or in anticipation of His intervention. The Hebrew word "neder" conveys a sense of binding commitment. Vows were voluntary but, once made, were obligatory to fulfill. This phrase highlights the seriousness with which vows were regarded, emphasizing integrity and faithfulness in one's relationship with God.

or your freewill offerings
"Freewill offerings" are voluntary gifts given out of gratitude and devotion, distinct from obligatory sacrifices. The Hebrew term "nedavah" reflects a spontaneous act of worship, driven by love and reverence for God. These offerings demonstrate the heart's desire to honor God beyond what is required, fostering a spirit of generosity and worship.

or the special gifts you give
"Special gifts" refer to offerings set apart for specific purposes, often for the maintenance of the sanctuary or support of the priesthood. The Hebrew word "terumah" implies a contribution lifted up to God, symbolizing the elevation of the giver's heart and resources to divine service. This phrase underscores the importance of intentionality and dedication in giving, reflecting a life oriented towards God's purposes.

(17) The tithe.--This is understood by Jewish commentators of what is called "the second tithe." The disposal of it is more particularly specified in Deuteronomy 14:22-29. (See also on Deuteronomy 26:12, &c.)

Verses 17-19. - (Cf. vers. 6, 7, 12.) Thou mayest not eat; literally, thou art not able to eat; i.e. there is a legal inability to this. So the verb to be able (יָכֹל) is frequently used (cf. Genesis 43; Numbers 9:6; Deuteronomy 16:5; Deuteronomy 17:15, etc.).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Within your gates
בִּשְׁעָרֶ֗יךָ (biš·‘ā·re·ḵā)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine plural construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 8179: An opening, door, gate

you must
תוּכַ֞ל (ṯū·ḵal)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 3201: To be able, have power

not
לֹֽא־ (lō-)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

eat
לֶאֱכֹ֣ל (le·’ĕ·ḵōl)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 398: To eat

the tithe
מַעְשַׂ֤ר (ma‘·śar)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 4643: Tenth part, tithe

of your grain
דְּגָֽנְךָ֙ (də·ḡā·nə·ḵā)
Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 1715: Corn, grain (of cereals)

or new wine
וְתִֽירֹשְׁךָ֣ (wə·ṯî·rō·šə·ḵā)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 8492: Must, fresh grape-juice, fermented wine

or oil,
וְיִצְהָרֶ֔ךָ (wə·yiṣ·hā·re·ḵā)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 3323: Oil, anointing

the firstborn
וּבְכֹרֹ֥ת (ū·ḇə·ḵō·rōṯ)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1062: The firstling of man, beast, primogeniture

of your herds
בְּקָרְךָ֖ (bə·qā·rə·ḵā)
Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 1241: Beef cattle, ox, a herd

or flocks,
וְצֹאנֶ֑ךָ (wə·ṣō·ne·ḵā)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 6629: Small cattle, sheep and goats, flock

any
וְכָל־ (wə·ḵāl)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

of the offerings
נְדָרֶ֙יךָ֙ (nə·ḏā·re·ḵā)
Noun - masculine plural construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 5088: A promise, a thing promised

that
אֲשֶׁ֣ר (’ă·šer)
Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that

you have vowed to give,
תִּדֹּ֔ר (tid·dōr)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 5087: To promise

or your freewill offerings
וְנִדְבֹתֶ֖יךָ (wə·niḏ·ḇō·ṯe·ḵā)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine plural construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 5071: Spontaneity, spontaneous, a spontaneous, abundant gift

or special gifts.
וּתְרוּמַ֥ת (ū·ṯə·rū·maṯ)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 8641: Contribution, offering (for sacred uses)


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OT Law: Deuteronomy 12:17 You may not eat within your gates (Deut. De Du)
Deuteronomy 12:16
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