Deuteronomy 16:16
New International Version
Three times a year all your men must appear before the LORD your God at the place he will choose: at the Festival of Unleavened Bread, the Festival of Weeks and the Festival of Tabernacles. No one should appear before the LORD empty-handed:

New Living Translation
“Each year every man in Israel must celebrate these three festivals: the Festival of Unleavened Bread, the Festival of Harvest, and the Festival of Shelters. On each of these occasions, all men must appear before the LORD your God at the place he chooses, but they must not appear before the LORD without a gift for him.

English Standard Version
“Three times a year all your males shall appear before the LORD your God at the place that he will choose: at the Feast of Unleavened Bread, at the Feast of Weeks, and at the Feast of Booths. They shall not appear before the LORD empty-handed.

Berean Standard Bible
Three times a year all your men are to appear before the LORD your God in the place He will choose: at the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the Feast of Weeks, and the Feast of Tabernacles. No one should appear before the LORD empty-handed.

King James Bible
Three times in a year shall all thy males appear before the LORD thy God in the place which he shall choose; in the feast of unleavened bread, and in the feast of weeks, and in the feast of tabernacles: and they shall not appear before the LORD empty:

New King James Version
“Three times a year all your males shall appear before the LORD your God in the place which He chooses: at the Feast of Unleavened Bread, at the Feast of Weeks, and at the Feast of Tabernacles; and they shall not appear before the LORD empty-handed.

New American Standard Bible
“Three times a year all your males shall appear before the LORD your God at the place which He chooses: at the Feast of Unleavened Bread, at the Feast of Weeks, and at the Feast of Booths; and they are not to appear before the LORD empty-handed.

NASB 1995
“Three times in a year all your males shall appear before the LORD your God in the place which He chooses, at the Feast of Unleavened Bread and at the Feast of Weeks and at the Feast of Booths, and they shall not appear before the LORD empty-handed.

NASB 1977
“Three times in a year all your males shall appear before the LORD your God in the place which He chooses, at the Feast of Unleavened Bread and at the Feast of Weeks and at the Feast of Booths, and they shall not appear before the LORD empty-handed.

Legacy Standard Bible
“Three times in a year all your males shall appear before Yahweh your God in the place which He chooses, at the Feast of Unleavened Bread and at the Feast of Weeks and at the Feast of Booths, and they shall not appear before Yahweh empty-handed.

Amplified Bible
“Three times a year all your males shall appear before the LORD your God in the place which He chooses, at the Feast of Unleavened Bread (Passover) and at the Feast of Weeks (Pentecost) and at the Feast of Booths (Tabernacles), and they shall not appear before the LORD empty-handed.

Christian Standard Bible
“All your males are to appear three times a year before the LORD your God in the place he chooses: at the Festival of Unleavened Bread, the Festival of Weeks, and the Festival of Shelters. No one is to appear before the LORD empty-handed.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
All your males are to appear three times a year before the LORD your God in the place He chooses: at the Festival of Unleavened Bread, the Festival of Weeks, and the Festival of Booths. No one is to appear before the LORD empty-handed.

American Standard Version
Three times in a year shall all thy males appear before Jehovah thy God in the place which he shall choose: in the feast of unleavened bread, and in the feast of weeks, and in the feast of tabernacles; and they shall not appear before Jehovah empty:

Contemporary English Version
Each year there are three festivals when all Israelite men must go to the place where the LORD chooses to be worshiped. These are the Festival of Thin Bread, the Harvest Festival, and the Festival of Shelters. And don't forget to take along a gift for the LORD.

English Revised Version
Three times in a year shall all thy males appear before the LORD thy God in the place which he shall choose; in the feast of unleavened bread, and in the feast of weeks, and in the feast of tabernacles: and they shall not appear before the LORD empty:

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Three times a year all your men must come into the presence of the LORD your God at the place he will choose: at the Festival of Unleavened Bread, the Festival of Weeks, and the Festival of Booths. But no one may come into the presence of the LORD without an offering.

Good News Translation
"All the men of your nation are to come to worship the LORD three times a year at the one place of worship: at Passover, Harvest Festival, and the Festival of Shelters. Each man is to bring a gift

International Standard Version
"Every male must appear in the presence of the LORD your God three times a year at the place where he will choose: for the Festival of Unleavened Bread, the Festival of Seven Weeks, and the Festival of Tents. He must not appear in the LORD's presence empty-handed,

Majority Standard Bible
Three times a year all your men are to appear before the LORD your God in the place He will choose: at the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the Feast of Weeks, and the Feast of Tabernacles. No one should appear before the LORD empty-handed.

NET Bible
Three times a year all your males must appear before the LORD your God in the place he chooses for the Festival of Unleavened Bread, the Festival of Weeks, and the Festival of Temporary Shelters; and they must not appear before him empty-handed.

New Heart English Bible
Three times in a year shall all your males appear before the LORD your God in the place which he shall choose: in the feast of unleavened bread, and in the feast of weeks, and in the feast of tents; and they shall not appear before the LORD empty:

Webster's Bible Translation
Three times in a year shall all thy males appear before the LORD thy God in the place which he shall choose; in the feast of unleavened bread, and in the feast of weeks, and in the feast of tabernacles: and they shall not appear before the LORD empty:

World English Bible
Three times in a year all of your males shall appear before Yahweh your God in the place which he chooses: in the feast of unleavened bread, in the feast of weeks, and in the feast of booths. They shall not appear before Yahweh empty.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
Three times in a year all of your males appear before your God YHWH in the place which He chooses: in the Celebration of Unleavened Things, and in the Celebration of Weeks, and in the Celebration of Shelters; and they do not appear before YHWH empty;

Young's Literal Translation
'Three times in a year doth every one of thy males appear before Jehovah thy God in the place which He doth choose -- in the feast of unleavened things, and in the feast of weeks, and in the feast of booths; and they do not appear before Jehovah empty;

Smith's Literal Translation
Three times in a year shall every one of thy males be seen before Jehovah thy God in the place which he shall choose in the festival of unleavened, and in the festival of weeks, and in the festival of booths: and he shall not be seen before Jehovah empty:
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Three times in a year shall all thy males appear before the Lord thy God in the place which he shall choose: in the feast of unleavened bread, in the feast of weeks, and in the feast of tabernacles. No one shall appear with his hands empty before the Lord:

Catholic Public Domain Version
Three times a year, all your males shall appear in the sight the Lord your God in the place which he will choose: at the Feast of Unleavened Bread, at the Feast of Weeks, and at the Feast of Tabernacles. No one shall appear before the Lord empty.

New American Bible
Three times a year, then, all your males shall appear before the LORD, your God, in the place which he will choose: at the feast of Unleavened Bread, at the feast of Weeks, and at the feast of Booths. They shall not appear before the LORD empty-handed,

New Revised Standard Version
Three times a year all your males shall appear before the LORD your God at the place that he will choose: at the festival of unleavened bread, at the festival of weeks, and at the festival of booths. They shall not appear before the LORD empty-handed;
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Three times in a year shall all your memorial gifts be brought before the LORD your God in the place which he shall choose; in the feast of unleavened bread, and in the feast of weeks, and in the feast of the tabernacles; and you shall not appear before the LORD your God empty-handed;

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
Three times in a year your memorials shall appear before LORD JEHOVAH your God in the place He has chosen: in the feast of unleavened bread, and in the feast of weeks, and in the feast of booths, and you shall not appear before LORD JEHOVAH your God with nothing:
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Three times in a year shall all thy males appear before the LORD thy God in the place which He shall choose; on the feast of unleavened bread, and on the feast of weeks, and on the feast of tabernacles; and they shall not appear before the LORD empty;

Brenton Septuagint Translation
Three times in the year shall all thy males appear before the Lord thy God in the place which the Lord shall choose in the feast of unleavened bread, and in the feast of weeks, and in the feast of tabernacles: thou shalt not appear before the Lord thy God empty.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Feast of Tabernacles
15For seven days you shall celebrate a feast to the LORD your God in the place He will choose, because the LORD your God will bless you in all your produce and in all the work of your hands, so that your joy will be complete. 16Three times a year all your men are to appear before the LORD your God in the place He will choose: at the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the Feast of Weeks, and the Feast of Tabernacles. No one should appear before the LORD empty-handed. 17Everyone must appear with a gift as he is able, according to the blessing the LORD your God has given you.…

Cross References
Exodus 23:14-17
Three times a year you are to celebrate a feast to Me. / You are to keep the Feast of Unleavened Bread as I commanded you: At the appointed time in the month of Abib you are to eat unleavened bread for seven days, because that was the month you came out of Egypt. No one may appear before Me empty-handed. / You are also to keep the Feast of Harvest with the firstfruits of the produce from what you sow in the field. And keep the Feast of Ingathering at the end of the year, when you gather your produce from the field. ...

Exodus 34:23-24
Three times a year all your males are to appear before the Lord GOD, the God of Israel. / For I will drive out the nations before you and enlarge your borders, and no one will covet your land when you go up three times a year to appear before the LORD your God.

Leviticus 23:4-44
These are the LORD’s appointed feasts, the sacred assemblies you are to proclaim at their appointed times. / The Passover to the LORD begins at twilight on the fourteenth day of the first month. / On the fifteenth day of the same month begins the Feast of Unleavened Bread to the LORD. For seven days you must eat unleavened bread. ...

Numbers 28:16-31
The fourteenth day of the first month is the LORD’s Passover. / On the fifteenth day of this month, there shall be a feast; for seven days unleavened bread is to be eaten. / On the first day there is to be a sacred assembly; you must not do any regular work. ...

Numbers 29:12-40
On the fifteenth day of the seventh month, you are to hold a sacred assembly; you must not do any regular work, and you shall observe a feast to the LORD for seven days. / As a pleasing aroma to the LORD, you are to present a food offering, a burnt offering of thirteen young bulls, two rams, and fourteen male lambs a year old, all unblemished, / along with the grain offering of three-tenths of an ephah of fine flour mixed with oil with each of the thirteen bulls, two-tenths of an ephah with each of the two rams, ...

2 Chronicles 8:13
He observed the daily requirement for offerings according to the commandment of Moses for Sabbaths, New Moons, and the three annual appointed feasts—the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the Feast of Weeks, and the Feast of Tabernacles.

2 Chronicles 30:21-23
The Israelites who were present in Jerusalem celebrated the Feast of Unleavened Bread for seven days with great joy, and the Levites and priests praised the LORD day after day, accompanied by loud instruments of praise to the LORD. / And Hezekiah encouraged all the Levites who performed skillfully before the LORD. For seven days they ate their assigned portion, sacrificing peace offerings and giving thanks to the LORD, the God of their fathers. / The whole assembly agreed to observe seven more days, so they observed seven days with joy.

2 Chronicles 35:17-19
The Israelites who were present also observed the Passover at that time, as well as the Feast of Unleavened Bread for seven days. / No such Passover had been observed in Israel since the days of Samuel the prophet. None of the kings of Israel ever observed a Passover like the one that Josiah observed with the priests, the Levites, all Judah, the Israelites who were present, and the people of Jerusalem. / In the eighteenth year of Josiah’s reign, this Passover was observed.

Ezra 3:4
They also celebrated the Feast of Tabernacles in accordance with what is written, and they offered burnt offerings daily based on the number prescribed for each day.

Nehemiah 8:14-18
And they found written in the Law, which the LORD had commanded through Moses, that the Israelites were to dwell in booths during the feast of the seventh month, / and that they should proclaim this message and spread it throughout their towns and in Jerusalem, saying, “Go out to the hill country and bring back branches of olive, wild olive, myrtle, palm, and other leafy trees, to make booths, as it is written.” / And the people went out, brought back branches, and made booths on their own rooftops, in their courtyards, in the courts of the house of God, and in the squares by the Water Gate and by the Gate of Ephraim. ...

Psalm 122:4
where the tribes go up, the tribes of the LORD, as a testimony for Israel, to give thanks to the name of the LORD.

Matthew 26:17-19
On the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Where do You want us to prepare for You to eat the Passover?” / He answered, “Go into the city to a certain man and tell him that the Teacher says, ‘My time is near. I will keep the Passover with My disciples at your house.’” / So the disciples did as Jesus had directed them and prepared the Passover.

Mark 14:12-16
On the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, when the Passover lamb was to be sacrificed, Jesus’ disciples asked Him, “Where do You want us to prepare for You to eat the Passover?” / So He sent two of His disciples and told them, “Go into the city, and a man carrying a jug of water will meet you. Follow him, / and whichever house he enters, say to the owner, ‘The Teacher asks: Where is My guest room, where I may eat the Passover with My disciples?’ ...

Luke 22:7-13
Then came the day of Unleavened Bread on which the Passover lamb was to be sacrificed. / Jesus sent Peter and John, saying, “Go and make preparations for us to eat the Passover.” / “Where do You want us to prepare it?” they asked. ...

John 7:2-10
However, the Jewish Feast of Tabernacles was near. / So Jesus’ brothers said to Him, “Leave here and go to Judea, so that Your disciples there may see the works You are doing. / For no one who wants to be known publicly acts in secret. Since You are doing these things, show Yourself to the world.” ...


Treasury of Scripture

Three times in a year shall all your males appear before the LORD your God in the place which he shall choose; in the feast of unleavened bread, and in the feast of weeks, and in the feast of tabernacles: and they shall not appear before the LORD empty:

Three times

Exodus 23:14-17
Three times thou shalt keep a feast unto me in the year…

Exodus 34:22,23
And thou shalt observe the feast of weeks, of the firstfruits of wheat harvest, and the feast of ingathering at the year's end…

1 Kings 9:25
And three times in a year did Solomon offer burnt offerings and peace offerings upon the altar which he built unto the LORD, and he burnt incense upon the altar that was before the LORD. So he finished the house.

and they shall

Exodus 23:15
Thou shalt keep the feast of unleavened bread: (thou shalt eat unleavened bread seven days, as I commanded thee, in the time appointed of the month Abib; for in it thou camest out from Egypt: and none shall appear before me empty:)

Exodus 34:20
But the firstling of an ass thou shalt redeem with a lamb: and if thou redeem him not, then shalt thou break his neck. All the firstborn of thy sons thou shalt redeem. And none shall appear before me empty.

1 Chronicles 29:3-9,14-17
Moreover, because I have set my affection to the house of my God, I have of mine own proper good, of gold and silver, which I have given to the house of my God, over and above all that I have prepared for the holy house, …

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Appear Booths Bread Choose Chooses Empty Empty-Handed Males Tabernacles Tents Three Times Unleavened Weeks
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Appear Booths Bread Choose Chooses Empty Empty-Handed Males Tabernacles Tents Three Times Unleavened Weeks
Deuteronomy 16
1. The feast of the Passover
9. of weeks
13. of tabernacles
16. Every male must offer, as he is able, at these three feasts
18. Of judges and justice
21. Asherah poles and images are forbidden














Three times a year
This phrase refers to the specific times that God commanded the Israelites to gather for worship and celebration. In the Hebrew context, these three times are the pilgrimage festivals: Passover, the Feast of Weeks (Pentecost), and the Feast of Tabernacles. These festivals were not only religious observances but also times of national unity and identity. They served as reminders of God's deliverance, provision, and presence among His people. The number three often symbolizes completeness and divine perfection in the Bible, emphasizing the fullness of worship and dedication expected from the Israelites.

all your men
The Hebrew term used here, "zakar," specifically refers to males, highlighting the patriarchal structure of ancient Israelite society. Men were seen as the spiritual leaders of their families and communities, responsible for representing their households before God. This requirement underscores the importance of male leadership in spiritual matters, a principle that is echoed in various parts of Scripture. It also reflects the communal aspect of worship, where the collective participation of the community's leaders was essential.

must appear
The phrase indicates a divine mandate, not a suggestion. The Hebrew word "ra'ah" implies being seen or presenting oneself. This command underscores the importance of obedience and accountability in worship. It was not enough to worship God in private; public acknowledgment and participation in the community's spiritual life were essential. This principle of appearing before God is a reminder of the need for intentionality and commitment in our relationship with Him.

before the LORD your God
This phrase emphasizes the personal and covenantal relationship between God and His people. The use of "LORD" (YHWH) signifies the covenant name of God, highlighting His faithfulness and the special relationship He has with Israel. The phrase "your God" personalizes this relationship, reminding the Israelites of their unique identity as God's chosen people. It is a call to recognize God's sovereignty and to approach Him with reverence and awe.

in the place He will choose
This refers to the centralization of worship in a specific location, which would later be identified as Jerusalem. The phrase underscores God's sovereignty in determining the place of worship, reinforcing the idea that worship is not about human preference but divine command. It also points to the unity and centrality of worship in the life of Israel, as all tribes would gather in one place to honor God.

at the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the Feast of Weeks, and the Feast of Tabernacles
These three feasts are significant in Israel's liturgical calendar. The Feast of Unleavened Bread, associated with Passover, commemorates the Exodus and God's deliverance from Egypt. The Feast of Weeks, or Pentecost, celebrates the firstfruits of the harvest and the giving of the Law at Sinai. The Feast of Tabernacles, or Booths, is a time of thanksgiving for the harvest and a reminder of God's provision during the wilderness wanderings. Each feast has deep theological significance, pointing to God's past acts of salvation and His ongoing provision and care.

No one should appear before the LORD empty-handed
This command highlights the principle of giving as an integral part of worship. The Hebrew word "reqam" (empty-handed) suggests coming without an offering or gift. In the ancient Near Eastern context, approaching a deity without a gift was considered disrespectful. This principle teaches that worship involves sacrifice and generosity, reflecting gratitude for God's blessings. It is a reminder that true worship is not just about receiving from God but also about giving back to Him in acknowledgment of His goodness.

(16) Three times in a year.--So Exodus 23:17. And in Exodus 34:23-24 a promise is added that their land should be safe in their absence.

Verses 16, 17. - (Cf. Exodus 23:17; Exodus 34:23.) The law is repeated here with the additional clause, "at the place which the Lord shall choose;" and the words, "not empty," are explained to mean with gifts according to the gift of their hands, according to the blessing of Jehovah their God, which he had given them.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Three
שָׁל֣וֹשׁ (šā·lō·wōš)
Number - feminine singular
Strong's 7969: Three, third, thrice

times
פְּעָמִ֣ים ׀ (pə·‘ā·mîm)
Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 6471: A beat, foot, anvil, occurrence

a year
בַּשָּׁנָ֡ה (baš·šā·nāh)
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 8141: A year

all
כָל־ (ḵāl)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

your men
זְכוּרְךָ֜ (zə·ḵū·rə·ḵā)
Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 2138: A male

are to appear
יֵרָאֶ֨ה (yê·rā·’eh)
Verb - Nifal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7200: To see

before
פְּנֵ֣י ׀ (pə·nê)
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
אֱלֹהֶ֗יךָ (’ĕ·lō·he·ḵā)
Noun - masculine plural construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 430: gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative

in the place
בַּמָּקוֹם֙ (bam·mā·qō·wm)
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4725: A standing, a spot, a condition

He will choose:
יִבְחָ֔ר (yiḇ·ḥār)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 977: To try, select

at the Feast
בְּחַ֧ג (bə·ḥaḡ)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 2282: A festival gathering, feast, pilgrim feast

of Unleavened Bread,
הַמַּצּ֛וֹת (ham·maṣ·ṣō·wṯ)
Article | Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 4682: Sweetness, sweet, an unfermented cake, loaf, the festival of Passover

the Feast
וּבְחַ֥ג (ū·ḇə·ḥaḡ)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 2282: A festival gathering, feast, pilgrim feast

of Weeks,
הַשָּׁבֻע֖וֹת (haš·šā·ḇu·‘ō·wṯ)
Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 7620: A period of seven (days, years), heptad, week

and the Feast
וּבְחַ֣ג (ū·ḇə·ḥaḡ)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 2282: A festival gathering, feast, pilgrim feast

of Tabernacles
הַסֻּכּ֑וֹת (has·suk·kō·wṯ)
Article | Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 5521: A thicket, booth

No one
וְלֹ֧א (wə·lō)
Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

should appear
יֵרָאֶ֛ה (yê·rā·’eh)
Verb - Nifal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7200: To see

before
פְּנֵ֥י (pə·nê)
Noun - common plural construct
Strong's 6440: The face

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

empty-handed.
רֵיקָֽם׃ (rê·qām)
Adverb
Strong's 7387: Emptily, ineffectually, undeservedly


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OT Law: Deuteronomy 16:16 Three times in a year shall all (Deut. De Du)
Deuteronomy 16:15
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