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.

Bible > Deuteronomy > Chapter 12 > Verse 12

◄ Deuteronomy 12:12 ►

New International Version
And there rejoice before the LORD your God—you, your sons and daughters, your male and female servants, and the Levites from your towns who have no allotment or inheritance of their own.

New Living Translation
“You must celebrate there in the presence of the LORD your God with your sons and daughters and all your servants. And remember to include the Levites who live in your towns, for they will receive no allotment of land among you.

English Standard Version
And you shall rejoice before the LORD your God, you and your sons and your daughters, your male servants and your female servants, and the Levite that is within your towns, since he has no portion or inheritance with you.

Berean Standard Bible
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.

King James Bible
And ye shall rejoice before the LORD your God, ye, and your sons, and your daughters, and your menservants, and your maidservants, and the Levite that is within your gates; forasmuch as he hath no part nor inheritance with you.

New King James Version
And you shall rejoice before the LORD your God, you and your sons and your daughters, your male and female servants, and the Levite who is within your gates, since he has no portion nor inheritance with you.

New American Standard Bible
And you shall rejoice before the LORD your God, you and your sons and daughters, your male and female slaves, and the Levite who is within your gates, since he has no portion or inheritance with you.

NASB 1995
“And you shall rejoice before the LORD your God, you and your sons and daughters, your male and female servants, and the Levite who is within your gates, since he has no portion or inheritance with you.

NASB 1977
“And you shall rejoice before the LORD your God, you and your sons and daughters, your male and female servants, and the Levite who is within your gates, since he has no portion or inheritance with you.

Legacy Standard Bible
And you shall be glad before Yahweh your God, you and your sons and daughters, your male and female slaves, and the Levite who is within your gates, since he has no portion or inheritance with you.

Amplified Bible
And you shall rejoice before the LORD your God, you and your sons and your daughters, and your male and female servants, and the Levite who is within your [city] gates, since he has no portion or inheritance with you.

Christian Standard Bible
You will rejoice before the LORD your God—you, your sons and daughters, your male and female slaves, and the Levite who is within your city gates, since he has no portion or inheritance among you.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
You will rejoice before the LORD your God—you, your sons and daughters, your male and female slaves, and the Levite who is within your gates, since he has no portion or inheritance among you.

American Standard Version
And ye shall rejoice before Jehovah your God, ye, and your sons, and your daughters, and your men-servants, and your maid-servants, and the Levite that is within your gates, forasmuch as he hath no portion nor inheritance with you.

English Revised Version
and ye shall rejoice before the LORD your God, ye, and your sons, and your daughters, and your menservants, and your maidservants, and the Levite that is within your gates, forasmuch as he hath no portion nor inheritance with you.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Enjoy yourselves in the presence of the LORD your God along with your sons, daughters, male and female slaves, and the Levites. (The Levites live in your cities because they have no land of their own as you have.)

Good News Translation
Be joyful there in his presence, together with your children, your servants, and the Levites who live in your towns; remember that the Levites will have no land of their own.

International Standard Version
"Rejoice in the presence of the LORD your God—you, your sons and daughters, your male and female servants, and the descendant of Levi who is in your city—for there is no territorial allotment for him as you have.

Majority Standard Bible
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.

NET Bible
You shall rejoice in the presence of the LORD your God, along with your sons, daughters, male and female servants, and the Levites in your villages (since they have no allotment or inheritance with you).

New Heart English Bible
You shall rejoice before the LORD your God, you, and your sons, and your daughters, and your male servants, and your female servants, and the Levite who is within your gates, because he has no portion nor inheritance with you.

Webster's Bible Translation
And ye shall rejoice before the LORD your God, ye, and your sons, and your daughters, and your men-servants, and your maid-servants, and the Levite that is within your gates; forasmuch as he hath no part nor inheritance with you.

World English Bible
You shall rejoice before Yahweh your God—you, and your sons, your daughters, your male servants, your female servants, and the Levite who is within your gates, because he has no portion nor inheritance with you.

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
And you have rejoiced before your God YHWH, you, and your sons, and your daughters, and your menservants, and your handmaids, and the Levite who [is] within your gates, for he has no part and inheritance with you.

Young's Literal Translation
and ye have rejoiced before Jehovah your God, ye, and your sons, and your daughters, and your men-servants, and your handmaids, and the Levite who is within your gates, for he hath no part and inheritance with you.

Smith's Literal Translation
And rejoice ye before Jehovah your God, ye, and your sons and your daughters, and your servants, and your maids, and the Levite who is in your gates; for not to him a portion and inheritance with you.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
There shall you feast before the Lord your God, you and your sons and your daughters, your menservants and maid- servants, and the Levite that dwelleth in your cities. For he hath no other part and possession among you.

Catholic Public Domain Version
In that place, you shall feast before the Lord your God: you, and your sons and daughters, your men and women servants, as well as the Levite who dwells in your cities. For he has no other portion or possession among you.

New American Bible
You shall rejoice in the presence of the LORD, your God, with your sons and daughters, your male and female slaves, as well as with the Levite within your gates, who has no hereditary portion with you.

New Revised Standard Version
And you shall rejoice before the LORD your God, you together with your sons and your daughters, your male and female slaves, and the Levites who reside in your towns (since they have no allotment or inheritance with you).

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
And you shall rejoice before the LORD your God, you and your sons and your daughters and your men-servants and your maidservants and the Levites that are living within your towns; because they have no portion nor inheritance with you.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And rejoice before LORD JEHOVAH your God, you and your sons and your daughters and your Servants and your Maids and the Levites who are in your cities, because they have no inheritance or a division with you.

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
And ye shall rejoice before the LORD your God, ye, and your sons, and your daughters, and your men-servants, and your maid-servants, and the Levite that is within your gates, forasmuch as he hath no portion nor inheritance with you.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And ye shall rejoice before the Lord your God, ye and your sons, and your daughters, and your men-servants and your maid-servants, and the Levite that is at your gates; because he has no portion or inheritance with you.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

One Place for Worship
…11then the LORD your God will choose a dwelling for His Name. And there you are to bring everything I command you: your burnt offerings and sacrifices, your tithes and special gifts, and all the choice offerings you vow to the LORD. 12And 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. 13Be careful not to offer your burnt offerings in just any place you see;…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

Acts 2:46
With one accord they continued to meet daily in the temple courts and to break bread from house to house, sharing their meals with gladness and sincerity of heart,

Acts 14:17
Yet He has not left Himself without testimony to His goodness: He gives you rain from heaven and fruitful seasons, filling your hearts with food and gladness.”

1 Corinthians 10:31
So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all to the glory of God.

Hebrews 13:15-16
Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise, the fruit of lips that confess His name. / And do not neglect to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.

Philippians 4:4
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!

Ephesians 5:19-20
Speak to one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your hearts to the Lord, / always giving thanks to God the Father for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Colossians 3:16-17
Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. / And whatever you do, in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.

Romans 14:17
For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Rejoice at all times. / Pray without ceasing. / Give thanks in every circumstance, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

Luke 15:23-24
Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let us feast and celebrate. / For this son of mine was dead and is alive again! He was lost and is found!’ So they began to celebrate.

John 16:24
Until now you have not asked for anything in My name. Ask and you will receive, so that your joy may be complete.

Nehemiah 8:10
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.”

Psalm 100:2
Serve the LORD with gladness; come into His presence with joyful songs.

Psalm 122:1
A song of ascents. Of David. I was glad when they said to me, “Let us go to the house of the LORD.”

Psalm 32:11
Be glad in the LORD and rejoice, O righteous ones; shout for joy, all you upright in heart.

Treasury of Scripture

And you shall rejoice before the LORD your God, you, and your sons, and your daughters, and your menservants, and your maidservants, and the Levite that is within your gates; for as much as he has no part nor inheritance with you.

And ye

Deuteronomy 12:7
And there ye shall eat before the LORD your God, and ye shall rejoice in all that ye put your hand unto, ye and your households, wherein the LORD thy God hath blessed thee.

Deuteronomy 14:26,27
And thou shalt bestow that money for whatsoever thy soul lusteth after, for oxen, or for sheep, or for wine, or for strong drink, or for whatsoever thy soul desireth: and thou shalt eat there before the LORD thy God, and thou shalt rejoice, thou, and thine household, …

1 Kings 8:66
On the eighth day he sent the people away: and they blessed the king, and went unto their tents joyful and glad of heart for all the goodness that the LORD had done for David his servant, and for Israel his people.

the Levite

Deuteronomy 12:19
Take heed to thyself that thou forsake not the Levite as long as thou livest upon the earth.

Deuteronomy 14:27,29
And the Levite that is within thy gates; thou shalt not forsake him; for he hath no part nor inheritance with thee…

Deuteronomy 16:11,14
And thou shalt rejoice before the LORD thy God, thou, and thy son, and thy daughter, and thy manservant, and thy maidservant, and the Levite that is within thy gates, and the stranger, and the fatherless, and the widow, that are among you, in the place which the LORD thy God hath chosen to place his name there…

forasmuch

Deuteronomy 10:9
Wherefore Levi hath no part nor inheritance with his brethren; the LORD is his inheritance, according as the LORD thy God promised him.

Deuteronomy 18:1,2
The priests the Levites, and all the tribe of Levi, shall have no part nor inheritance with Israel: they shall eat the offerings of the LORD made by fire, and his inheritance…

Numbers 18:20,23,24,26
And the LORD spake unto Aaron, Thou shalt have no inheritance in their land, neither shalt thou have any part among them: I am thy part and thine inheritance among the children of Israel…

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Allotment Bondmen Daughters Heritage House Inheritance Levite Maidservants Maid-Servants Male Menservants Men-Servants Part Portion Rejoice Servants Towns Within Women-Servants You

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Allotment Bondmen Daughters Heritage House Inheritance Levite Maidservants Maid-Servants Male Menservants Men-Servants Part Portion Rejoice Servants Towns Within Women-Servants You

Deuteronomy 12

1. Monuments of idolatry to be destroyed
4. The place of God's service to be kept
15. Blood is forbidden
17. Holy things must be eaten in the holy place
19. The Levite is not to be forsaken
20. Blood is again forbidden
26. and holy things must be eaten in the holy place
29. Idolatry is not to be enquired after

Berean Study Bible

And you shall rejoice
The Hebrew word for "rejoice" is שָׂמַח (samach), which conveys a deep sense of joy and gladness. In the context of ancient Israel, rejoicing was not merely an emotional response but a commanded act of worship and gratitude towards God. This joy is rooted in the acknowledgment of God's provision and blessings. Historically, this command to rejoice was significant as it set Israel apart from other nations whose religious practices often involved fear and appeasement of their deities. The act of rejoicing before the LORD was a communal celebration, emphasizing the joy found in God's presence and His faithfulness.

before the LORD your God
The phrase "before the LORD your God" indicates a direct and personal relationship with God. The Hebrew word for "before" is לִפְנֵי (lifnei), which can also mean "in the presence of." This suggests that the act of rejoicing is not just a private affair but a public declaration of faith and trust in God. It underscores the covenant relationship between God and His people, where He is not a distant deity but an ever-present Lord who desires to be intimately involved in the lives of His followers.

you, your sons and daughters
This phrase highlights the inclusivity of worship and celebration. The family unit, central to Israelite society, is called to participate in this act of rejoicing. It reflects the generational aspect of faith, where the knowledge and worship of God are passed down from parents to children. This communal aspect of worship serves to strengthen family bonds and ensure that the faith is preserved and cherished across generations.

your menservants and maidservants
Including servants in the command to rejoice underscores the egalitarian nature of worship in Israel. In a society where social hierarchies were prevalent, this inclusion demonstrates that all people, regardless of social status, are valued and have a place in the worship of God. It reflects the biblical principle that all are equal before God and that His blessings and joy are available to everyone.

and the Levite within your gates
The Levites, who were set apart for religious duties, had no inheritance of land like the other tribes of Israel. Their inclusion in this command highlights the communal responsibility to care for those who serve in spiritual capacities. It also emphasizes the importance of community support and unity in worship. The phrase "within your gates" suggests that the Levites were integrated into the local communities, and their well-being was a shared responsibility.

since he has no portion or inheritance among you
This part of the verse acknowledges the unique role of the Levites, who were dependent on the other tribes for their sustenance. It serves as a reminder of the communal and interdependent nature of the Israelite society, where each tribe and individual had a role to play in supporting one another. This reflects the broader biblical theme of stewardship and the call to care for those who dedicate their lives to serving God and His people. The absence of a physical inheritance for the Levites points to a spiritual inheritance, emphasizing that their true portion is found in their service to God and His people.

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 12. - Of their offerings they should make a festive meal for themselves and their household; and of this the Levite who might happen at the time to be resident among them was to partake. Rejoice before the Lord. This phrase occurs frequently in this book (Deuteronomy 14:26; Deuteronomy 16:11, 14; Deuteronomy 26:11; Deuteronomy 27:7); elsewhere it appears only once - Leviticus 23:40, where it is used with reference to the Feast of Tabernacles, Moses now enjoins this festivity to be observed in connection with all the sacrificial meals. The Levite that is within your gates. The Levites had no share in the land as the property of their tribe; but they had towns allotted to them among the different tribes (Numbers 35.), so that in this way they were dispersed through the nation. Hence, perhaps, they are described as "within the gates" of the rest of the people. Or, as the Levites seem to have itinerated in the discharge of various offices among the people, the phrase may designate them as on this account occasionally resident among others in their community; just as "the stranger that is within thy gates" means the person of some other nation who for the time being was resident in any of the towns of Israel.

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

And you shall rejoice
וּשְׂמַחְתֶּ֗ם (ū·śə·maḥ·tem)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine plural
Strong's 8055: To brighten up, be, blithe, gleesome

before
לִפְנֵי֮ (lip̄·nê)
Preposition-l | Noun - common plural construct
Strong's 6440: The face

the LORD
יְהוָ֣ה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

your God—
אֱלֹֽהֵיכֶם֒ (’ĕ·lō·hê·ḵem)
Noun - masculine plural construct | second person masculine plural
Strong's 430: gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative

you,
אַתֶּ֗ם (’at·tem)
Pronoun - second person masculine plural
Strong's 859: Thou and thee, ye and you

your sons
וּבְנֵיכֶם֙ (ū·ḇə·nê·ḵem)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural construct | second person masculine plural
Strong's 1121: A son

and daughters,
וּבְנֹ֣תֵיכֶ֔ם (ū·ḇə·nō·ṯê·ḵem)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine plural construct | second person masculine plural
Strong's 1323: A daughter

and your menservants
וְעַבְדֵיכֶ֖ם (wə·‘aḇ·ḏê·ḵem)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural construct | second person masculine plural
Strong's 5650: Slave, servant

and maidservants,
וְאַמְהֹתֵיכֶ֑ם (wə·’am·hō·ṯê·ḵem)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine plural construct | second person masculine plural
Strong's 519: A maidservant, female slave

and the Levite
וְהַלֵּוִי֙ (wə·hal·lê·wî)
Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3881: Levites -- descendant of Levi

within your gates,
בְּשַֽׁעֲרֵיכֶ֔ם (bə·ša·‘ă·rê·ḵem)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine plural construct | second person masculine plural
Strong's 8179: An opening, door, gate

since
כִּ֣י (kî)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

he has no
אֵ֥ין (’ên)
Adverb
Strong's 369: A non-entity, a negative particle

portion
חֵ֥לֶק (ḥê·leq)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2506: Portion, tract, territory

or inheritance
וְנַחֲלָ֖ה (wə·na·ḥă·lāh)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 5159: Something inherited, occupancy, an heirloom, an estate, patrimony, portion

among you.
אִתְּכֶֽם׃ (’it·tə·ḵem)
Preposition | second person masculine plural
Strong's 854: Nearness, near, with, by, at, among

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OT Law: Deuteronomy 12:12 You shall rejoice before Yahweh your God (Deut. De Du)