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Deuteronomy 26:13 - Tithing with pure devotion?

Deuteronomy 26:13 - דברים 26:13

Hebrew Text

וְאָמַרְתָּ לִפְנֵי יְהוָה אֱלֹהֶיךָ בִּעַרְתִּי הַקֹּדֶשׁ מִן־הַבַּיִת וְגַם נְתַתִּיו לַלֵּוִי וְלַגֵּר לַיָּתוֹם וְלָאַלְמָנָה כְּכָל־מִצְוָתְךָ אֲשֶׁר צִוִּיתָנִי לֹא־עָבַרְתִּי מִמִּצְוֺתֶיךָ וְלֹא שָׁכָחְתִּי׃

English Translation

then thou shalt say before the Lord thy God, I have removed the hallowed things out of my house, and also have given them to the Levite, and to the stranger, to the fatherless, and to the widow, according to all thy commandments which thou hast commanded me: I have not transgressed thy commandments, neither have I forgotten them:

Transliteration

Ve'amarta lifnei Adonai Eloheicha bi'arti hakodesh min-habayit vegam netativ lalevi velager layatom velaalmana kechol-mitzvotcha asher tzivitani lo-avarti mimitzvoteicha velo shachachti.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְאָמַרְתָּ֡ לִפְנֵי֩ יְהֹוָ֨ה אֱלֹהֶ֜יךָ בִּעַ֧רְתִּי הַקֹּ֣דֶשׁ מִן־הַבַּ֗יִת וְגַ֨ם נְתַתִּ֤יו לַלֵּוִי֙ וְלַגֵּר֙ לַיָּת֣וֹם וְלָאַלְמָנָ֔ה כְּכׇל־מִצְוָתְךָ֖ אֲשֶׁ֣ר צִוִּיתָ֑נִי לֹֽא־עָבַ֥רְתִּי מִמִּצְוֺתֶ֖יךָ וְלֹ֥א שָׁכָֽחְתִּי׃
וְאָמַרְתָּ֡ לִפְנֵי֩ יְהֹוָ֨ה אֱלֹהֶ֜יךָ בִּעַ֧רְתִּי הַקֹּ֣דֶשׁ מִן־הַבַּ֗יִת וְגַ֨ם נְתַתִּ֤יו לַלֵּוִי֙ וְלַגֵּר֙ לַיָּת֣וֹם וְלָאַלְמָנָ֔ה כְּכׇל־מִצְוָתְךָ֖ אֲשֶׁ֣ר צִוִּיתָ֑נִי לֹֽא־עָבַ֥רְתִּי מִמִּצְוֺתֶ֖יךָ וְלֹ֥א שָׁכָֽחְתִּי׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Devarim 26:13) is part of the declaration made when bringing ma'aser sheni (the second tithe) and ma'aser ani (the tithe for the poor) to the Beis Hamikdash. The speaker affirms that they have properly separated and distributed these sanctified portions in accordance with Hashem's commandments.

Explanation of Key Phrases

  • "בִּעַרְתִּי הַקֹּדֶשׁ מִן־הַבַּיִת" (I have removed the hallowed things from my house): Rashi explains that this refers to the removal of terumah (the priestly portion) and ma'aser (tithes) from one's produce, ensuring they are no longer mixed with non-sacred food in the home.
  • "נְתַתִּיו לַלֵּוִי וְלַגֵּר לַיָּתוֹם וְלָאַלְמָנָה" (I have given them to the Levite, the stranger, the orphan, and the widow): The Rambam (Hilchos Ma'aser 11:1) clarifies that this refers to the distribution of ma'aser ani to the needy in the third and sixth years of the shemittah cycle, as commanded in Devarim 14:28-29.

Affirmation of Fulfillment

The declaration concludes with a statement of compliance: "לֹא־עָבַרְתִּי מִמִּצְוֺתֶיךָ וְלֹא שָׁכָחְתִּי" (I have not transgressed Your commandments nor forgotten them). The Sifri emphasizes that this is a public proclamation of one's meticulous observance, demonstrating that the mitzvos were performed with full awareness and without negligence.

Moral and Halachic Implications

The Talmud (Berachos 40a) derives from this verse that one must not only perform mitzvos but also verbally acknowledge their fulfillment. Additionally, the Midrash (Devarim Rabbah 7:2) teaches that this declaration reflects humility—acknowledging that one's observance is only due to Hashem's commandments, not personal merit.

Practical Lessons

  • The mitzvah of tithing teaches gratitude for sustenance and responsibility toward the less fortunate.
  • Verbalizing mitzvah fulfillment reinforces mindfulness in divine service.
  • The inclusion of vulnerable groups (Levites, converts, orphans, widows) underscores Torah's emphasis on social justice.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Berakhot 40b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the importance of giving tithes and charity, emphasizing the fulfillment of commandments.
📖 Sotah 14a
The verse is cited in the context of discussing the mitzvah of supporting the Levites, strangers, orphans, and widows, highlighting the ethical obligations of the community.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Deuteronomy 26:13 mean?
A: Deuteronomy 26:13 describes the declaration a person makes when bringing tithes (ma'aser) to the Temple, affirming that they have properly separated and distributed the holy portions to the Levites, converts, orphans, and widows as commanded by Hashem. Rashi explains that this verse emphasizes fulfilling mitzvot with sincerity and not neglecting the needs of the vulnerable.
Q: Why is giving to the Levite, stranger, orphan, and widow important in this verse?
A: The Torah prioritizes caring for those without independent means—the Levites (who had no land inheritance), converts (who may lack family support), orphans, and widows. Rambam (Hilchos Matnos Aniyim) teaches that supporting these groups fulfills the mitzvah of tzedakah (charity) and strengthens communal responsibility, a core Jewish value.
Q: What can we learn from the phrase 'I have not transgressed... nor forgotten'?
A: This teaches the importance of both action and awareness in mitzvah observance. The Talmud (Berachos 5a) notes that remembering mitzvot prevents neglect, while the Sforno adds that declaring this before Hashem reflects honesty in self-assessment—a reminder to regularly check if we’ve fulfilled our obligations properly.
Q: How does the concept of 'removing the holy from the house' apply today?
A: While the Temple tithes no longer apply, the principle remains: we must separate portions of our wealth for sacred purposes (like tzedakah). The Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh De’ah 248) rules that giving to Torah scholars (modern Levites) and the needy (orphans/widows) continues this mitzvah’s spirit, ensuring holiness permeates our homes through generosity.
Q: Why does the verse mention declaring this 'before Hashem'?
A: The Midrash (Sifrei Devarim) teaches that this public declaration in the Temple underscores accountability—not just to others, but to Hashem. Today, this reminds us that mitzvot like tzedakah should be done with pure intent (lishmah), as if standing before the Divine, even without a physical Temple (Rambam, Hilchos Ma’aser Sheni 11:1).