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What Does Deuteronomy 14:28 Mean?

Read the Verse of the DayDeuteronomy 14:28 To Strengthen Your Spiritual Journey.

The Context of Deuteronomy 14:28 KJV

The Book of Deuteronomy in the Bible

The book of Deuteronomy is the fifth book in the Old Testament. It is also the last book of the Pentateuch, the group of five books written by Moses. Deuteronomy means “second law.” This book is a collection of Moses’ final messages to the Israelites before they entered the Promised Land. In it, he reminded them of God‘s commandments and urged them to stay faithful.

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Deuteronomy contains sermons and instructions. Moses reminded the people of the laws God gave them. These laws were to guide their lives in the new land. They taught the Israelites how to live in obedience, love, and justice.

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The Larger Setting of Chapter 14

Deuteronomy 14 speaks about two main topics. The first part lists clean and unclean animals. This helped the Israelites know which animals were acceptable to eat and which were not. These food laws were part of what set them apart as God’s chosen people.

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The second part of the chapter, from verse 22 onward, talks about tithing. Tithing means giving one-tenth of something. In Israel, the people were required to tithe from their harvest and livestock. It was a way to honor God and to support others.

There were different types of tithes in ancient Israel:

  • A Levitical tithe given yearly to support the Levites.
  • A festival tithe used by families to rejoice before God.
  • A charity tithe, taken every third year to help the poor.

Deuteronomy 14:28 speaks about this third-year tithe—the tithe for the poor. This law ensured that no one in the community was forgotten.

Deuteronomy 14:28 (KJV)

“At the end of three years thou shalt bring forth all the tithe of thine increase the same year, and shalt lay it up within thy gates:”

Deuteronomy 14:28 Meaning

Breaking Down the Verse

Let us look closely at each part of the verse to understand what it means.

“At the end of three years”

This phrase points to a special time period. The Israelites were to take tithes regularly. But every third year, there was a different focus. In that year, they would do something special with their tithe. Instead of bringing it to a central place, they would keep it in their own towns.

This “third-year tithe” did not replace other tithes. It was an additional act of giving done every third year.

“Thou shalt bring forth all the tithe of thine increase”

This means that whatever increase a person received—crops, animals, income—they were to set aside a tenth. This was to be a full tithe, not a portion. They were not to withhold anything. God asked for a complete tithe, a full tenth of what He had blessed them with.

The increase came from God. This tithe was a way of acknowledging that everything they had belonged to Him.

“The same year”

This confirms that the tithe was from that specific year’s increase. They did not bring old or leftover offerings. They were to give from the fresh blessings they had received that year. This showed respect and thankfulness to God.

“And shalt lay it up within thy gates”

The “gates” refer to their towns or cities. Instead of traveling to the tabernacle or later the temple, the people were to store the tithe locally. This was a change from what they did in other years.

By keeping the tithe within the town, it became accessible to those in need—like the poor, the widows, the fatherless, and the Levites.

The Broader Teaching

This verse introduces a plan of local care and community support. The people were to make sure that the needy in their own towns were provided for. God’s plan included everyone. No one was to be left out. Even those without land or income were to be cared for.

This verse also teaches accountability. Every third year, the Israelites had to intentionally prepare to give. They could not forget or neglect this command. It was part of the rhythm of their lives.

Deuteronomy 14:28 Application in Life

1. God Cares Deeply for the Poor and Needy

This verse shows God’s heart for the poor. He made a specific plan to make sure they were provided for. God did not leave their care up to chance. He gave a law. He told the people to take action.

We live in a world where poverty still exists. God still cares for the poor today. He wants His people—believers in Christ—to care as well.

The church is called to help the widow, the orphan, the stranger, and the needy. Just like the Israelites stored up a tithe for the poor every three years, we too should make intentional plans to care for others.

2. Generosity Should Be a Regular Part of Life

The third-year tithe was not a one-time event. It was part of a three-year cycle. This teaches us that giving should not be random or rare. It should be regular, planned, and generous.

Christians today are not under the Old Testament law. But we are called to be cheerful and generous givers (2 Corinthians 9:7). We give not out of duty but out of love and gratitude for what Christ has done.

We should ask ourselves: Am I making space in my life to give regularly? Do I plan to be generous, or do I only give when it’s convenient?

3. Giving Begins in the Local Community

This verse says the people were to lay up the tithe “within thy gates.” That means the help began in the local community. Before reaching far-off places, they cared for the people nearby.

Today, many Christians support international missions—and that’s a good thing. But we must not forget to help our neighbors, our local churches, and our towns. Real needs exist right around us.

God calls us to be salt and light where we are. Helping our local food banks, shelters, schools, and churches is a way to apply this verse.

4. Everything We Have Comes from God

The Israelites tithed from their “increase.” That word reminds us that God is the one who gives growth. Whether it’s crops in a field or income from a job, all of it comes from Him.

We are only stewards. We manage what He gives. Giving back a portion—whether it’s 10% or more—is a way to say, “Thank You, Lord.” It’s an act of worship.

We should not give with a reluctant heart. God is our Provider. When we give, we are trusting Him to take care of our needs.

5. Tithing Can Be More Than Money

The Israelites gave from their harvest and flocks. Today, our “increase” may look different. It may be a paycheck, time, talents, or resources.

We can tithe with our:

  • Money: Supporting the church and the needy.
  • Time: Volunteering to help others.
  • Skills: Using our gifts to bless the community.

Ask yourself: What has God given me that I can share? How can I lay it “within my gates” to help someone nearby?

Conclusion

Deuteronomy 14:28 is a simple yet powerful verse. It teaches us about God’s plan for justice, generosity, and care within the community. Every third year, the Israelites were to set aside a full tithe of their increase and store it in their towns. This was not for personal use. It was for those in need.

The meaning of this verse reveals God’s deep concern for the vulnerable. It shows how giving can be part of regular worship and community life. It also reminds us that everything we have comes from God.

As Christians today, we may not follow the exact tithe structure. But the heart of the verse remains strong:

  • Care for others.
  • Give with joy.
  • Plan to be generous.
  • Trust that God will provide.

Let us remember this: True worship is not only in songs and prayers. It is also in loving our neighbor and sharing what we have. Deuteronomy 14:28 shows us that God’s people should live with open hands, joyful hearts, and generous spirits.

Let us give, not because we have to, but because God gave first.

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