Deuteronomy 26:13
Then thou shalt say before the LORD thy God, I have brought away the hallowed things out of mine house, and also have given them unto the Levite, and unto the stranger, to the fatherless, and to the widow, according to all thy commandments which thou hast commanded me: I have not transgressed thy commandments, neither have I forgotten them:
Deuteronomy 26:13 · King James Version
Meaning
In this verse, the speaker is declaring before the LORD that they have followed His commandments by giving away the hallowed things from their house to those in need. It shows obedience to God's laws and a heart of generosity towards the Levite, the stranger, the fatherless, and the widow. By specifically mentioning these groups, the speaker highlights the importance of caring for the marginalized and vulnerable in society, as instructed by God. The verse emphasizes the importance of not only following God's commandments but also actively remembering them and putting them into practice in everyday life. It serves as a reminder to prioritize helping others and showing compassion, reflecting the values of kindness and justice that God desires from His people. Ultimately, this verse reaffirms the significance of living out one's faith by loving and serving others selflessly, as a way of honoring and obeying God's will.
Theological Overview
In this verse, the speaker is acknowledging their fulfillment of God's commandments regarding the giving of hallowed things. The theological interpretation of this verse highlights the importance of obedience to God's commands, particularly in the realm of being generous to those in need. By giving hallowed things to the Levite, the stranger, the fatherless, and the widow, the speaker demonstrates their commitment to following God's instructions. This act of charity and obedience serves as a reminder of the responsibility believers have to care for the marginalized and vulnerable members of society. Furthermore, the verse emphasizes the need for mindfulness and remembrance of God's commandments, as the speaker declares they have not forgotten them. This serves as a reminder for readers to continuously reflect on and uphold the teachings and instructions given by God. Overall, this verse underscores the importance of obedience, generosity, and mindfulness in serving God and caring for others.
Deuteronomy 26:13 in other translations
American Standard Version
And thou shalt say before Jehovah thy God, I have put away the hallowed things out of my house, and also have given them unto the Levite, and unto the sojourner, to the fatherless, and to the widow, according to all thy commandment which thou hast commanded me: I have not transgressed any of thy commandments, neither have I forgotten them:
World English Bible
You shall say before Yahweh your God, “I have put away the holy things out of my house, and also have given them to the Levite, to the foreigner, to the fatherless, and to the widow, according to all your commandment which you have commanded me. I have not transgressed any of your commandments, neither have I forgotten them.
Douay-Rheims
And thou shalt speak thus in the sight of the Lord thy God: I have taken that which was sanctified out of my house, and I have given it to the Levite, and to the stranger, and to the fatherless, and to the widow, as thou hast commanded me: I have not transgressed thy commandments nor forgotten thy precepts.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Then thou shalt say before the Lord thy God, I haue brought the halowed thing out of mine house, and also haue giuen it vnto the Leuites and to the strangers, to the fatherlesse, and to the widow, according to all thy comandements which thou hast commanded me: I haue transgressed none of thy comandements, nor forgotten them.