Old Testament
Deuteronomy 14:26
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Once you get there, spend the money on whatever you want — cattle, sheep, wine, strong drink, or anything else your heart desires. Then eat and celebrate there in the presence of the LORD your God, together with your whole household.
Compare translations
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,
What Deuteronomy 14:26 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this passage, God invites His people to enjoy the blessings He has provided. When they arrive at the designated place, they are encouraged to spend their money on whatever they desire, whether it be animals for a feast or drinks to celebrate. This is not just about satisfying hunger or thirst; it’s about joy and community. Eating together in the presence of God emphasizes the importance of gratitude and fellowship. It’s a time to reflect on the goodness of life and the blessings received. The act of celebrating with family and friends strengthens bonds and creates lasting memories. This invitation to enjoy life is a reminder that God wants us to experience joy and share it with those we love. It’s about making the most of the good things in life while acknowledging the source of those blessings. Ultimately, this passage encourages us to celebrate life’s moments with gratitude and joy, recognizing that these experiences are gifts from God meant to be shared with others.
How to apply Deuteronomy 14:26 to your life
Take time to celebrate the good things in your life. Gather with family and friends to enjoy meals and share stories. Recognize the blessings you have and express gratitude for them. Make these moments special and memorable, creating a sense of community and joy in your life together. Embrace the joy of togetherness and gratitude regularly in your life.
Curated for this public verse page. Deuteronomy Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.

Illustrated scene from Daniel's story: Faithful at the King's Table (Daniel 1:1–21)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Daniel

Photo: Bukvoed, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 4.0. Source. Location: Burj Beitin, Beitin, Ramallah and al-Bireh Governorate, West Bank. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Bethel
Where Jacob dreamed of a stairway to heaven and met God.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Deuteronomy 14:26
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Deuteronomy 14:26
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Deuteronomy
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites about to enter the Promised Land
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Deuteronomy 14:26 mean?
Deuteronomy 14:26 means that God encourages His people to enjoy the blessings He has given them by spending money on food and drink they desire, celebrating together in His presence.
What is the significance of celebrating in Deuteronomy 14:26?
The significance of celebrating in Deuteronomy 14:26 is to emphasize joy, gratitude, and community, as people gather to enjoy meals and acknowledge God's blessings together.
What does 'whatsoever thy soul lusteth after' refer to in Deuteronomy 14:26?
'Whatsoever thy soul lusteth after' refers to the freedom to choose any food or drink that one desires, highlighting the joy of indulging in God's provisions.
How can I apply Deuteronomy 14:26 in my life?
You can apply Deuteronomy 14:26 by taking time to celebrate good moments with family and friends, enjoying meals together, and expressing gratitude for the blessings in your life.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.