Deuteronomy 16:14
Deuteronomy 16:14 in Multiple Translations
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.
And thou shalt rejoice in thy feast, thou, and thy son, and thy daughter, and thy manservant, and thy maidservant, and the Levite, the stranger, and the fatherless, and the widow, that are within thy gates.
and thou shalt rejoice in thy feast, thou, and thy son, and thy daughter, and thy man-servant, and thy maid-servant, and the Levite, and the sojourner, and the fatherless, and the widow, that are within thy gates.
You are to keep the feast with joy, you and your son and your daughter, your man-servant and your woman-servant, and the Levite, and the man from a strange country, and the child without a father, and the widow, who are living among you.
Enjoy your feast—you, your sons and daughters, your male and female slaves, and the Levites who live in your towns, as well as the foreigners, orphans, and widows among you.
And thou shalt reioyce in thy feast, thou, and thy sonne, and thy daughter, and thy seruant, and thy maid, and the Leuite, and the stranger, and the fatherlesse, and the widow, that are within thy gates.
and thou hast rejoiced in thy feast, thou, and thy son, and thy daughter, and thy man-servant, and thy handmaid, and the Levite, and the sojourner, and the fatherless, and the widow, who [are] within thy gates.
You shall rejoice in your feast, you, your son, your daughter, your male servant, your female servant, the Levite, the foreigner, the fatherless, and the widow who are within your gates.
And thou shalt rejoice in thy feast, thou, and thy son, and thy daughter, and thy man-servant, and thy maid-servant, and the Levite, the stranger, and the fatherless, and the widow, that are within thy gates:
And thou shalt make merry in thy festival time, thou, thy son, and thy daughter, thy manservant, and thy maidservant, the Levite also and the stranger, and the fatherless and the widow that are within thy gates.
Each married couple along with their children, their servants, the descendants of Levi who are in that town, and the foreigners, orphans, and widows who are living among you, should be joyful in the presence of Yahweh.
Berean Amplified Bible — Deuteronomy 16:14
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Deuteronomy 16:14 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/שָׂמַחְתָּ֖
בְּ/חַגֶּ֑/ךָ
אַתָּ֨ה
וּ/בִנְ/ךָ֤
וּ/בִתֶּ֨/ךָ֙
וְ/עַבְדְּ/ךָ֣
וַ/אֲמָתֶ֔/ךָ
וְ/הַ/לֵּוִ֗י
וְ/הַ/גֵּ֛ר
וְ/הַ/יָּת֥וֹם
וְ/הָ/אַלְמָנָ֖ה
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
בִּ/שְׁעָרֶֽי/ךָ
וְ/שָׂמַחְתָּ֖
sâmach
H8055
to rejoice
Conj | V-Qal-2ms
בְּ/חַגֶּ֑/ךָ
chag
H2282
feast
Prep | N-ms | Suff
אַתָּ֨ה
ʼattâh
H859
you(m.s.)
Pron
וּ/בִנְ/ךָ֤
bên
H1121
son
Conj | N-ms | Suff
וּ/בִתֶּ֨/ךָ֙
bath
H1323
Bath (Shua)
Conj | N-fs | Suff
וְ/עַבְדְּ/ךָ֣
ʻebed
H5650
servant/slave
Conj | N-ms | Suff
וַ/אֲמָתֶ֔/ךָ
ʼâmâh
H519
maidservant
Conj | N-fs | Suff
וְ/הַ/לֵּוִ֗י
Lêvîyîy
H3881
Levi
Conj | Art | Ngmsa
וְ/הַ/גֵּ֛ר
gêr
H1616
sojourner
Conj | Art | N-ms
וְ/הַ/יָּת֥וֹם
yâthôwm
H3490
orphan
Conj | Art | N-ms
וְ/הָ/אַלְמָנָ֖ה
ʼalmânâh
H490
widow
Conj | Art | N-fs
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
בִּ/שְׁעָרֶֽי/ךָ
shaʻar
H8179
gate
Prep | N-mp | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Deuteronomy 16:14
וְ/שָׂמַחְתָּ֖
sâmach
H8055
"to rejoice"
Conj | V-Qal-2ms
This verb means to rejoice or be glad, often used in a religious sense, like when the Israelites rejoiced at the dedication of the temple in 1 Kings 8:66.
Definition: 1) to rejoice, be glad 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to rejoice 1a2) to rejoice (arrogantly), exult (at) 1a3) to rejoice (religiously) 1b) (Piel) to cause to rejoice, gladden, make glad 1c) (Hiphil) to cause to rejoice, gladden, make glad
Usage: Occurs in 148 OT verses. KJV: cheer up, be (make) glad, (have, make) joy(-ful), be (make) merry, (cause to, make to) rejoice, [idiom] very. See also: Exodus 4:14; Psalms 92:5; Psalms 5:12.
בְּ/חַגֶּ֑/ךָ
chag
H2282
"feast"
Prep | N-ms | Suff
A festival or feast is what this Hebrew word describes. It is used in Leviticus 23:2 to describe the festivals of the Lord. The word implies a time of celebration or sacrifice.
Definition: 1) festival, feast, festival-gathering, pilgrim-feast 1a) feast 1b) festival sacrifice
Usage: Occurs in 55 OT verses. KJV: (solemn) feast (day), sacrifice, solemnity. See also: Exodus 10:9; 2 Chronicles 7:8; Psalms 81:4.
אַתָּ֨ה
ʼattâh
H859
"you(m.s.)"
Pron
You is the translation of a Hebrew word used to address someone directly, like when God says you to someone in the Bible. It can be singular or plural, and is often translated as thee, thou, or ye.
Definition: you (second pers. sing. masc.)
Usage: Occurs in 997 OT verses. KJV: thee, thou, ye, you. See also: Genesis 3:11; Exodus 23:9; Deuteronomy 14:1.
וּ/בִנְ/ךָ֤
bên
H1121
"son"
Conj | N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
וּ/בִתֶּ֨/ךָ֙
bath
H1323
"Bath (Shua)"
Conj | N-fs | Suff
The Hebrew word for daughter is used to describe a female child or a woman, and can also be used figuratively. In the Bible, it is used to describe women like Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah and later of King David.
Definition: A woman living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.38.2; daughter of: Shua (H7770); married to Judah (H3063); mother of: Er (H6147), Onan (H0209) and Shelah (H7956) the wife of Uriah whom David had murdered, having had adulterous relations with her; subsequently wife of David and mother of Solomon, Shimea, Shobab, and Nathan (alternate spelling to 'Bathsheba')
Usage: Occurs in 498 OT verses. KJV: apple (of the eye), branch, company, daughter, [idiom] first, [idiom] old, [phrase] owl, town, village. See also: Genesis 5:4; Exodus 2:21; Ruth 1:13.
וְ/עַבְדְּ/ךָ֣
ʻebed
H5650
"servant/slave"
Conj | N-ms | Suff
This word refers to a servant or slave, often in the context of serving God or a human master. It can also describe a prophet or Levite. The KJV translates it as bondage, bondman, or servant.
Definition: 1) slave, servant 1a) slave, servant, man-servant 1b) subjects 1c) servants, worshippers (of God) 1d) servant (in special sense as prophets, Levites etc) 1e) servant (of Israel) 1f) servant (as form of address between equals) Aramaic equivalent: a.vad (עֲבַד "servant/slave" H5649)
Usage: Occurs in 714 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] bondage, bondman, (bond-) servant, (man-) servant. See also: Genesis 9:25; Exodus 11:3; 1 Samuel 8:16.
וַ/אֲמָתֶ֔/ךָ
ʼâmâh
H519
"maidservant"
Conj | N-fs | Suff
A maidservant is a female slave or servant, like the ones mentioned in the stories of Abraham and Sarah in the book of Genesis.
Definition: 1) maid-servant, female slave, maid, handmaid, concubine 1a) of humility (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 49 OT verses. KJV: (hand-) bondmaid(-woman), maid(-servant). See also: Genesis 20:17; Judges 9:18; Psalms 86:16.
וְ/הַ/לֵּוִ֗י
Lêvîyîy
H3881
"Levi"
Conj | Art | Ngmsa
A Levite is a descendant of Levi, one of Jacob's 12 sons, mentioned in Genesis 29:34. Levi's brothers include Reuben, Simeon, and Judah. His descendants played a key role in Israel's spiritual life.
Definition: Someone from the tribe of Levi living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.29.34; son of: Israel (H3478) and Leah (H3812); brother of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Judah (H3063), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074) and Dinah (H1783); half-brother of: Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); father of: Gershon (H1648), Kohath (H6955), Merari (H4847) and Jochebed (H3115) Another name of le.vi (לֵוִי "Levi" H3878) § Levite, of Levi "joined to" 1) the descendants of Levi, the 3rd son of Jacob by Leah 1a) the tribe descended from Levi specially set aside by God for His service
Usage: Occurs in 258 OT verses. KJV: Leviite. See also: Exodus 4:14; 1 Chronicles 6:33; Ezra 6:20.
וְ/הַ/גֵּ֛ר
gêr
H1616
"sojourner"
Conj | Art | N-ms
A sojourner is a foreigner or temporary resident, lacking inherited rights, but often given concessions in Israel. This term appears in the Bible to describe outsiders living among God's people.
Definition: 1) sojourner 1a) a temporary inhabitant, a newcomer lacking inherited rights 1b) of foreigners in Israel, though conceded rights
Usage: Occurs in 83 OT verses. KJV: alien, sojourner, stranger. See also: Genesis 15:13; Deuteronomy 10:19; Psalms 39:13.
וְ/הַ/יָּת֥וֹם
yâthôwm
H3490
"orphan"
Conj | Art | N-ms
This Hebrew word refers to an orphan or a child without a father, like in Exodus where God commands the Israelites to care for the fatherless.
Definition: an orphan, fatherless
Usage: Occurs in 42 OT verses. KJV: fatherless (child), orphan. See also: Exodus 22:21; Psalms 10:18; Psalms 10:14.
וְ/הָ/אַלְמָנָ֖ה
ʼalmânâh
H490
"widow"
Conj | Art | N-fs
A widow is a woman whose husband has died, often left alone and vulnerable. The Bible teaches care and compassion for widows, as seen in the stories of Ruth and Naomi. God commands his people to look out for them.
Definition: widow
Usage: Occurs in 54 OT verses. KJV: desolate house (palace), widow. See also: Genesis 38:11; Job 29:13; Psalms 68:6.
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
בִּ/שְׁעָרֶֽי/ךָ
shaʻar
H8179
"gate"
Prep | N-mp | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a gate or door, often referring to city entrances or temple doors, like in Genesis and Exodus. It can also symbolize a meeting place or marketplace. The word is used to describe important locations in the Bible.
Definition: : gate 1) gate 1a) gate (of entrance) 1b) gate (of space inside gate, i.e. marketplace, public meeting place) 1b1) city, town 1c) gate (of palace, royal castle, temple, court of tabernacle) 1d) heaven
Usage: Occurs in 302 OT verses. KJV: city, door, gate, port ([idiom] -er). See also: Genesis 19:1; 1 Chronicles 9:18; Psalms 9:14.
Study Notes — Deuteronomy 16:14
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — The Feast of Tabernacles
12Remember that you were slaves in Egypt, and carefully follow these statutes.
13You are to celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles for seven days after you have gathered the produce of your threshing floor and your winepress.
14And 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.
15For 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. 16Three times a year all your men are to appear before the LORD your God in the place He will choose: at the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the Feast of Weeks, and the Feast of Tabernacles. No one should appear before the LORD empty-handed.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nehemiah 8:9–12 | Nehemiah the governor, Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who were instructing the people said to all of them, “This day is holy to the LORD your God. Do not mourn or weep.” For all the people were weeping as they heard the words of the Law. Then Nehemiah told them, “Go and eat what is rich, drink what is sweet, and send out portions to those who have nothing prepared, since today is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.” And the Levites calmed all the people, saying, “Be still, since today is holy. Do not grieve.” Then all the people began to eat and drink, to send out portions, and to rejoice greatly, because they understood the words that had been made known to them. |
| 2 | Deuteronomy 16:11 | and you shall rejoice before the LORD your God in the place He will choose as a dwelling for His Name—you, your sons and daughters, your menservants and maidservants, and the Levite within your gates, as well as the foreigner, the fatherless, and the widows among you. |
| 3 | Isaiah 30:29 | You will sing as on the night of a holy festival, and your heart will rejoice like one who walks to the music of a flute, going up to the mountain of the LORD, to the Rock of Israel. |
| 4 | Isaiah 35:10 | So the redeemed of the LORD will return and enter Zion with singing, crowned with everlasting joy. Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee. |
| 5 | Isaiah 25:6–8 | On this mountain the LORD of Hosts will prepare a banquet for all the peoples, a feast of aged wine, of choice meat, of finely aged wine. On this mountain He will swallow up the shroud that enfolds all peoples, the sheet that covers all nations; He will swallow up death forever. The Lord GOD will wipe away the tears from every face and remove the disgrace of His people from the whole earth. For the LORD has spoken. |
| 6 | Ecclesiastes 9:7 | Go, eat your bread with joy, and drink your wine with a cheerful heart, for God has already approved your works: |
| 7 | Isaiah 12:1–6 | In that day you will say: “O LORD, I will praise You. Although You were angry with me, Your anger has turned away, and You have comforted me. Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. For the LORD GOD is my strength and my song, and He also has become my salvation.” With joy you will draw water from the springs of salvation, and on that day you will say: “Give praise to the LORD; proclaim His name! Make His works known among the peoples; declare that His name is exalted. Sing to the LORD, for He has done glorious things. Let this be known in all the earth. Cry out and sing, O citizen of Zion, for great among you is the Holy One of Israel.” |
| 8 | Deuteronomy 26:11 | So you shall rejoice—you, the Levite, and the foreigner dwelling among you—in all the good things the LORD your God has given to you and your household. |
| 9 | 1 Thessalonians 5:16 | Rejoice at all times. |
| 10 | Deuteronomy 12:12 | And you shall rejoice before the LORD your God—you, your sons and daughters, your menservants and maidservants, and the Levite within your gates, since he has no portion or inheritance among you. |
Deuteronomy 16:14 Summary
[This verse is telling us to have a big celebration with all the people in our lives, including those who might not have a lot of money or power, like the foreigner, fatherless, and widows, because God wants us to take care of them, as seen in Deuteronomy 10:18-19. We should be happy and grateful for the blessings God has given us, and we should make sure everyone feels included and loved, just like in Psalm 100:1-5. By doing this, we can experience the joy and unity that God desires for us, as stated in Deuteronomy 16:15.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of including the Levite, foreigner, fatherless, and widows in the feast?
The inclusion of these groups in Deuteronomy 16:14 emphasizes the importance of caring for the marginalized and vulnerable in society, as also commanded in Deuteronomy 10:18-19 and Leviticus 19:34, demonstrating God's heart for justice and compassion.
How does this verse relate to the concept of joy and celebration in the Bible?
This verse highlights the importance of rejoicing and celebrating God's blessings, as also seen in Psalm 100:1-5, where we are called to shout for joy and serve the Lord with gladness, recognizing that our joy is complete in Him, as stated in Deuteronomy 16:15.
What is the role of servants and slaves in this feast?
The inclusion of menservants and maidservants in Deuteronomy 16:14 shows that they are also part of the community and are to participate in the celebration, reflecting the biblical value of treating all people with dignity and respect, as seen in Ephesians 6:5-9 and Colossians 3:22-4:1.
How does this verse apply to our lives today?
This verse reminds us to prioritize community, inclusivity, and gratitude, as we celebrate God's blessings in our lives, just as the Israelites did, and to ensure that our celebrations are marked by joy, generosity, and a sense of unity, as encouraged in Acts 2:42-47.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can include those who are often marginalized or overlooked in my community in my celebrations and gatherings?
- How can I cultivate a sense of gratitude and joy in my daily life, even in difficult circumstances, like the Israelites did in Deuteronomy 16:14?
- What are some things that I can do to ensure that my celebrations and gatherings are marked by a sense of unity and inclusivity, as seen in Deuteronomy 16:14?
- How can I balance the desire to celebrate and have fun with the need to prioritize the well-being and dignity of all people, as taught in Deuteronomy 16:14 and other scriptures?
Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 16:14
And thou shalt rejoice in thy feast,.... At this feast of tabernacles and ingathering of the fruits of the earth, in token of gratitude and thankfulness for the goodness of God bestowed on them; the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 16:14
Thou shalt observe the feast of tabernacles seven days, after that thou hast gathered in thy corn and thy wine: Thou shalt observe the feast ... - (see the notes at Exodus 23:16; Leviticus 23:34;
Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 16:14
Deuteronomy 16:13-15. THE FEAST OF .(13) Thou shalt observe the feast of tabernacles seven days.—For details of the observance see the passages already referred to in Exodus, Leviticus and Numbers, but more especially Leviticus 23:33-43. (14) Thou, and thy son . . .—The rejoicing of the Feast of Tabernacles was proverbial among the Jews. On the persons who are to share the joy, Rashi has an interesting note. “The Levite, the stranger, and the fatherless, and the widow,—My four (Jehovah’s), over against thy four—thy son, thy daughter, thy manservant, thy maidservant. If thou wilt make My four to rejoice, I will rejoice thy four.” (15) Seven days.—An eighth day is mentioned both in Leviticus 23:36 and Numbers 29:35. But the seven days of this feast are also spoken of in both those passages (Leviticus 23:36 and Numbers 29:12). There is, therefore, no contradiction between the two passages. The eighth day is treated apart from the first seven days of the Feast of Tabernacles, somewhat in the same way as the Passover is always distinguished in the Pentateuch from the six days which followed it, and which are called the Feast of Unleavened bread. The reason for the distinction in that case becomes clear in the fulfilment of the feast by our Lord. The Passover is His sacrifice and death.
We keep the feast of unleavened bread by serving Him in “sincerity and truth.” The Feast of Tabernacles has not yet been fulfilled by our Lord like the two other great feasts of the Jewish calendar. Unfulfilled prophecies regarding it may be pointed out, as in Zechariah 14. Our Lord refused to signalise that feast by any public manifestation (John 7:2-10). There may, therefore, be some reason for separating the eighth and last day of the Feast of Tabernacles from the former seven, which will appear in its fulfilment in the kingdom of God. It is remarkable that the dedication of Solomon’s temple, the commencement of the second temple and the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem, all occurred about the time of the Feast of Tabernacles. Thou shalt surely rejoice.—In the Hebrew this is a somewhat unusual form of expression. Literally, thou wilt be only rejoicing. Rashi says it is not a command, but a promise.
Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 16:14
14. and thou shalt rejoice] As in Deuteronomy 16:11 but slightly varied.
Sermons on Deuteronomy 16:14
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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A Call to Anguish by David Wilkerson | This sermon is a powerful call to anguish, urging listeners to move beyond concern to a deep sense of inner pain and distress for the state of the church and society. It emphasizes |
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A Booth on the Roof by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the danger of becoming too attached to worldly possessions and material wealth. He warns that the more blessed we are, the more we tend to d |
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A Time to Weep and a Time to Laugh by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the speaker addresses the issue of false laughing revivals and the need for genuine spiritual hunger. He emphasizes the importance of following Bible principles and |
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The Basics of Expository Preaching by Alistair Begg | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding the foundation of the preaching of the word of God. He acknowledges that sometimes preachers focus so much on |
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Getting Back to the Bible by David Legge | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the importance of getting back to the Bible. The sermon is based on Nehemiah chapter 8, where the people of Israel gather together to hear t |
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Nehemiah #3: Chapter 7-12 by Stephen Kaung | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the unity of believers in Christ. He describes a gathering in a large tent where people from different backgrounds come together to worship a |
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God Is Merciful; Ready to Pardon by Shane Idleman | Shane Idleman emphasizes God's mercy and readiness to pardon, drawing from Nehemiah's leadership in Jerusalem. He highlights the importance of faithfulness and reverence for God, a |