Deuteronomy 26:12
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;
Deuteronomy 26:12 · King James Version
Meaning
When looking at this verse, it is vital to understand the concept of tithing in the biblical context. Tithing was a practice in ancient Israel where individuals were required to give ten percent of their agricultural produce and income to support the Levites, who were responsible for the religious duties of the community. The verse emphasizes the importance of tithing consistently to ensure that all members of society are taken care of. By giving tithes to the Levites, strangers, fatherless, and widows, individuals were providing for those who were less fortunate and could not provide for themselves. This act of generosity reflects God's concern for the marginalized and vulnerable in society. The instruction to give tithes every third year specifically emphasizes the ongoing commitment to supporting those in need, ensuring that they are able to eat and be filled within the community. Overall, this verse highlights the importance of giving generously and caring for those who are in need, reflecting God's love and compassion for all individuals.
Theological Overview
In this verse from the book of Deuteronomy, the act of tithing is highlighted as a way to support those who are in need within the community. The theological interpretation of this verse emphasizes the importance of generosity and caring for others, especially those who may be marginalized or vulnerable. By giving a portion of their increase to the Levite, the stranger, the fatherless, and the widow, individuals are not only fulfilling a commandment but also demonstrating compassion and solidarity with those who may be less fortunate. The act of tithing is seen as a way to ensure that everyone has enough to eat and is able to be filled, reflecting God's desire for justice and provision for all.
Deuteronomy 26:12 in other translations
American Standard Version
When thou hast made an end of tithing all the tithe of thine increase in the third year, which is the year of tithing, then thou shalt give it unto the Levite, to the sojourner, to the fatherless, and to the widow, that they may eat within thy gates, and be filled.
World English Bible
When you have made an end of tithing all the tithe of your increase in the third year, which is the year of tithing, then you shall give it to the Levite, to the foreigner, to the fatherless, and to the widow, that they may eat within your gates, and be filled.
Douay-Rheims
When thou hast made an end of tithing all thy fruits, in the third year of tithes thou shalt give it to the Levite, and to the stranger, and to the fatherless, and to the widow, that they may eat within thy gates, and be filled:
Geneva Bible (1599)
When thou hast made an end of tithing all the tythes of thine increase, the thirde yeere, which is the yeere of tithing, and hast giuen it vnto the Leuite, to the stranger, to the fatherlesse, and to the widowe, that they may eate within thy gates, and be satisfied,