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.
Deuteronomy 16:11 · King James Version
Meaning
This verse from the book of Deuteronomy emphasizes the importance of communal celebration and joy in the presence of the Lord. It instructs not only the individual but also their family, servants, Levites, strangers, fatherless, and widows to rejoice before God in a specific place chosen by Him. This commandment underscores the inclusive nature of God's love and highlights the value of unity and togetherness among all members of the community. It serves as a reminder to care for the marginalized and vulnerable members of society, ensuring that they are included in the festivities and celebrations of faith. By coming together in joy and gratitude before the Lord, individuals not only strengthen their own faith but also foster a sense of belonging and solidarity within the community. This verse encourages a spirit of inclusivity, compassion, and celebration in the worship of God.
Theological Overview
One theological interpretation of Deuteronomy 16:11 emphasizes the importance of communal worship and celebration before the presence of the Lord. This verse highlights the inclusivity of God's joyous gatherings, extending the invitation to rejoice not only to family members but also to servants, Levites, strangers, orphans, and widows. It teaches us that the joy and worship of God are not limited to a select few but are meant to be shared by all members of the community, regardless of their social status or background. This verse emphasizes the unity and equality that come through worshiping together in the presence of God. Through word studies, one can explore the deeper meanings of terms such as "rejoice," "Levite," "stranger," "fatherless," and "widow," shedding light on the significance of each individual or group in the context of this verse and how they contribute to the overall message of communal celebration and unity.
Deuteronomy 16:11 in other translations
American Standard Version
and thou shalt rejoice before Jehovah thy God, thou, and thy son, and thy daughter, and thy man-servant, and thy maid-servant, and the Levite that is within thy gates, and the sojourner, and the fatherless, and the widow, that are in the midst of thee, in the place which Jehovah thy God shall choose, to cause his name to dwell there.
World English Bible
You shall rejoice before Yahweh your God: you, your son, your daughter, your male servant, your female servant, the Levite who is within your gates, the foreigner, the fatherless, and the widow, who are in your midst, in the place which Yahweh your God shall choose to cause his name to dwell there.
Douay-Rheims
And thou shalt feast 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, who abide with you: in the place which the Lord thy God shall choose, that his name may dwell there:
Geneva Bible (1599)
And thou shalt reioyce before the Lord thy God, thou and thy sonne, and thy daughter, and thy seruant, and thy maide, and the Leuite that is within thy gates, and the stranger, and the fatherles, and the widowe, that are among you, in the place which the Lord thy God shall chuse to place his Name there,