share torah logo

Deuteronomy 14:22 - Tithe your harvest yearly?

Deuteronomy 14:22 - דברים 14:22

Hebrew Text

עַשֵּׂר תְּעַשֵּׂר אֵת כָּל־תְּבוּאַת זַרְעֶךָ הַיֹּצֵא הַשָּׂדֶה שָׁנָה שָׁנָה׃

English Translation

Thou shalt truly tithe all the increase of thy seed, that the field brings forth year by year.

Transliteration

Aser te'aser et kol-tevu'at zar'ekha hayotze hasadeh shanah shanah.

Hebrew Leining Text

עַשֵּׂ֣ר תְּעַשֵּׂ֔ר אֵ֖ת כׇּל־תְּבוּאַ֣ת זַרְעֶ֑ךָ הַיֹּצֵ֥א הַשָּׂדֶ֖ה שָׁנָ֥ה שָׁנָֽה׃
עַשֵּׂ֣ר תְּעַשֵּׂ֔ר אֵ֖ת כׇּל־תְּבוּאַ֣ת זַרְעֶ֑ךָ הַיֹּצֵ֥א הַשָּׂדֶ֖ה שָׁנָ֥ה שָׁנָֽה׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

The Mitzvah of Ma'aser (Tithing)

The verse "עַשֵּׂר תְּעַשֵּׂר אֵת כָּל־תְּבוּאַת זַרְעֶךָ" ("Thou shalt truly tithe all the increase of thy seed") establishes the biblical commandment of separating tithes (ma'aser) from agricultural produce. This mitzvah applies specifically to crops grown in the Land of Israel (Eretz Yisrael) and is one of the foundational obligations for Jewish farmers.

Double Language: "עַשֵּׂר תְּעַשֵּׂר"

Rashi (Devarim 14:22) notes the repetitive phrasing "עַשֵּׂר תְּעַשֵּׂר" ("thou shalt truly tithe") and explains that this emphasizes the requirement to tithe properly—even multiple times if necessary. For example, if one mistakenly tithes from untithed produce (tevel) for untithed produce, they must tithe again to fulfill the obligation correctly.

Types of Tithes

According to the Talmud (Ta'anit 9a) and Rambam (Hilchos Ma'aser 1:1-2), there are two primary tithes mentioned in the Torah:

  • Ma'aser Rishon (First Tithe): Given to the Levites (Bamidbar 18:21-24).
  • Ma'aser Sheni (Second Tithe) or Ma'aser Ani (Poor Tithe): In the 1st, 2nd, 4th, and 5th years of the Shemitah cycle, the owner brings Ma'aser Sheni to Jerusalem to eat in purity. In the 3rd and 6th years, it is given to the poor as Ma'aser Ani (Devarim 14:28-29).

Yearly Obligation: "שָׁנָה שָׁנָה"

The phrase "שָׁנָה שָׁנָה" ("year by year") teaches that tithing must be done annually and not delayed. The Mishnah (Ma'aserot 1:1) states that produce becomes obligated in tithes once it reaches a certain stage of growth, and one must separate the tithes each year before consuming it.

Midrashic Insight

The Midrash (Sifrei Devarim 105) connects this mitzvah to the broader theme of gratitude to Hashem. By setting aside a portion of one's harvest, a farmer acknowledges that the land and its produce ultimately belong to Hashem, reinforcing humility and trust in Divine providence.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Ta'anit 9a
The verse is cited in the context of discussing the importance of tithing and its benefits, emphasizing the commandment to tithe annually from the produce of the field.
📖 Ketubot 50a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the laws of tithing and the obligations of landowners to give tithes from their produce.
📖 Sotah 47b
The verse is mentioned in a broader discussion about agricultural laws and the proper fulfillment of tithing commandments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does 'tithe' mean in Deuteronomy 14:22?
A: The word 'tithe' (עַשֵּׂר) means giving one-tenth (10%) of your agricultural produce to support the Levites, the poor, or for other holy purposes, as commanded in the Torah. Rashi explains that this verse emphasizes giving tithes properly and consistently every year.
Q: Why is tithing important in Judaism?
A: Tithing is a mitzvah (commandment) that teaches gratitude to Hashem for providing sustenance. The Talmud (Ta'anit 9a) states that tithing brings blessings, while neglecting it can lead to hardship. It also supports the Levites (who had no land) and the needy, fostering communal responsibility.
Q: What types of produce require tithing?
A: According to Rambam (Hilchos Ma'aser 2:1), tithing applies to grains, wine, oil, and fruits grown in the Land of Israel. The verse specifies 'the increase of your seed' (תְּבוּאַת זַרְעֶךָ), meaning crops from seeded plants.
Q: Do we still tithe today?
A: While the Torah obligation applies mainly in the Land of Israel, some communities still separate tithes as a remembrance (זֵכֶר לַמִּקְדָּשׁ). However, without the Temple, the exact laws differ. A rabbi should be consulted for practical application today.
Q: What can we learn from 'year by year' in this verse?
A: The phrase 'year by year' (שָׁנָה שָׁנָה) teaches consistency in fulfilling mitzvos. The Midrash (Sifrei Devarim) notes that just as Hashem provides for us constantly, we must regularly acknowledge His kindness through mitzvos like tithing.