Deuteronomy 16:14 Meaning and Explanation
“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.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Rejoice at the harvest festival, bringing together your household, servants, and all marginalized members of your community.
The Context of Deuteronomy 16:14
The pattern reinforces that festivals are occasions for justice and inclusion, not exclusion.
What Does Deuteronomy 16:14 Mean?
The same inclusive list appears here as in the Weeks festival. Rejoicing is not the privilege of landowners alone. The command insists that joy is shared, that those without property or family also celebrate abundance before God and within the community.
The gates mentioned are your gates—your sphere of influence and responsibility. You are charged with ensuring that the widow and fatherless within your gates know they are welcomed at the table, recognized as part of the people of God.
Frequently Asked Questions About Deuteronomy 16:14
What does Deuteronomy 16:14 mean?
Rejoice at the harvest festival, bringing together your household, servants, and all marginalized members of your community.
What is the context of Deuteronomy 16:14?
The pattern reinforces that festivals are occasions for justice and inclusion, not exclusion.