Deuteronomy 12:21 Meaning and Explanation
“If the place which the LORD thy God hath chosen to put his name there be too far from thee, then thou shalt kill of thy herd and of thy flock, which the LORD hath given thee, as I have commanded thee, and thou shalt eat in thy gates whatsoever thy soul lusteth after.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →If the worship center is distant, you may slaughter your own animals at home.
The Context of Deuteronomy 12:21
Distance allows local slaughter when the chosen place is unreachably far.
What Does Deuteronomy 12:21 Mean?
Distance justifies exception: if the chosen place becomes too far to travel, Israel may slaughter livestock from their own herds and flocks at home and eat locally. This provision acknowledges that extreme distance makes centralized sacrifice for every meal impossible. The permission is specifically for distance, not for convenience.
The animals belong to God's provision ('which the LORD hath given thee'), and the slaughter follows God's method ('as I have commanded thee'). Even in the exception, reverence for proper procedure is maintained. Home slaughter becomes legitimate only when distance makes the ideal impractical.
Frequently Asked Questions About Deuteronomy 12:21
What does Deuteronomy 12:21 mean?
If the worship center is distant, you may slaughter your own animals at home.
What is the context of Deuteronomy 12:21?
Distance allows local slaughter when the chosen place is unreachably far.