Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Instead, I give to the Levites as their inheritance the tithes that the Israelites present as an offering to the LORD. That is why I said concerning them: ‘They will have no inheritance among the Israelites.’” New Living Translation because I have given them the Israelites’ tithes, which have been presented as sacred offerings to the LORD. This will be the Levites’ share. That is why I said they would receive no allotment of land among the Israelites.” English Standard Version For the tithe of the people of Israel, which they present as a contribution to the LORD, I have given to the Levites for an inheritance. Therefore I have said of them that they shall have no inheritance among the people of Israel.” Berean Standard Bible For I have given to the Levites as their inheritance the tithe that the Israelites present to the LORD as a contribution. That is why I told them that they would not receive an inheritance among the Israelites.” Berean Literal Bible For the tithes of the sons of Israel, which they offer up to YHWH as a contribution, I have given to the Levites as an inheritance. Upon thus I have said to them: In the midst of the sons of Israel they shall not have an inheritance.” King James Bible But the tithes of the children of Israel, which they offer as an heave offering unto the LORD, I have given to the Levites to inherit: therefore I have said unto them, Among the children of Israel they shall have no inheritance. New King James Version For the tithes of the children of Israel, which they offer up as a heave offering to the LORD, I have given to the Levites as an inheritance; therefore I have said to them, ‘Among the children of Israel they shall have no inheritance.’ ” New American Standard Bible For the tithe of the sons of Israel, which they offer as an offering to the LORD, I have given to the Levites as an inheritance; therefore I have said concerning them, ‘They shall have no inheritance among the sons of Israel.’” NASB 1995 “For the tithe of the sons of Israel, which they offer as an offering to the LORD, I have given to the Levites for an inheritance; therefore I have said concerning them, ‘They shall have no inheritance among the sons of Israel.’” NASB 1977 “For the tithe of the sons of Israel, which they offer as an offering to the LORD, I have given to the Levites for an inheritance; therefore I have said concerning them, ‘They shall have no inheritance among the sons of Israel.’” Legacy Standard Bible For the tithe of the sons of Israel, which they raise up as a contribution offering to Yahweh, I have given to the Levites for an inheritance; therefore I have said concerning them, ‘They shall have no inheritance among the sons of Israel.’” Amplified Bible But the tithe of the Israelites, which they present as an offering to the LORD, I have given to the Levites as an inheritance; therefore I have said to them, ‘They shall have no inheritance among the children of Israel.’” Berean Annotated Bible For I have given to the Levites as their inheritance the tithe that the Israelites (God prevails) present to the LORD {YHWH} as a contribution. That is why I told them that they would not receive an inheritance among the Israelites. Christian Standard Bible For I have given them the tenth that the Israelites present to the LORD as a contribution for their inheritance. That is why I told them that they would not receive an inheritance among the Israelites.” Holman Christian Standard Bible For I have given them the tenth that the Israelites present to the LORD as a contribution for their inheritance. That is why I told them that they would not receive an inheritance among the Israelites.” American Standard Version For the tithe of the children of Israel, which they offer as a heave-offering unto Jehovah, I have given to the Levites for an inheritance: therefore I have said unto them, Among the children of Israel they shall have no inheritance. Contemporary English Version they will be given the crops and newborn animals that the Israelites offer to me. English Revised Version For the tithe of the children of Israel, which they offer as an heave offering unto the LORD, I have given to the Levites for an inheritance: therefore I have said unto them, Among the children of Israel they shall have no inheritance. GOD'S WORD® Translation Instead, I will give the Levites what the Israelites contribute to the LORD-one-tenth of the Israelites' income. This is why I said about them, 'They will own no property as the other Israelites do.'" Good News Translation because I have given to them as their possession the tithe which the Israelites present to me as a special contribution. That is why I told them that they would have no permanent property in Israel." International Standard Version because I've given to the descendants of Levi the tithes that the Israelis bring to the LORD as raised offering. Therefore I told them that, unlike the Israelis, they won't receive an inheritance." NET Bible But I have given to the Levites for an inheritance the tithes of the Israelites that are offered to the LORD as a raised offering. That is why I said to them that among the Israelites they are to have no inheritance." New Heart English Bible For the tithe of the children of Israel, which they offer as a wave offering to the LORD, I have given to the Levites for an inheritance: therefore I have said to them, 'Among the children of Israel they shall have no inheritance.'" Webster's Bible Translation But the tithes of the children of Israel, which they offer as a heave-offering to the LORD, I have given to the Levites to inherit: therefore I have said to them, Among the children of Israel they shall have no inheritance. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleFor I have given to the Levites as their inheritance the tithe that the Israelites present to the LORD as a contribution. That is why I told them that they would not receive an inheritance among the Israelites.” World English Bible For the tithe of the children of Israel, which they offer as a wave offering to Yahweh, I have given to the Levites for an inheritance. Therefore I have said to them, ‘Among the children of Israel they shall have no inheritance.’” Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionbut the tithe of the sons of Israel which they lift up to YHWH, a raised-offering, I have given to the Levites for inheritance; therefore I have said of them, They have no inheritance in the midst of the sons of Israel.” Berean Literal Bible For the tithes of the sons of Israel, which they offer up to YHWH as a contribution, I have given to the Levites as an inheritance. Upon thus I have said to them: In the midst of the sons of Israel they shall not have an inheritance.” Young's Literal Translation but the tithe of the sons of Israel which they lift up to Jehovah, a heave-offering, I have given to the Levites for inheritance; therefore I have said of them, In the midst of the sons of Israel they have no inheritance.' Smith's Literal Translation For the tenth of the sons of Israel which they shall lift up to Jehovah, an offering I gave to the Levites to inherit: for this I said to them, In the midst of the sons of Israel they shall not inherit an inheritance. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleBut be content with the oblation or tithes, which I have separated for their uses and necessities. Catholic Public Domain Version being content with the oblation of tithes, which I have separated for their uses and necessities.” New American Bible for I have assigned to the Levites as their heritage the tithes which the Israelites put aside as a contribution to the LORD. That is why I have said, they will not have any heritage among the Israelites. New Revised Standard Version because I have given to the Levites as their portion the tithe of the Israelites, which they set apart as an offering to the LORD. Therefore I have said of them that they shall have no allotment among the Israelites. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleFor the tithes of the children of Israel which they offer to the LORD I have given to the Levites for an inheritance; therefore I have said to them, Among the children of Israel they shall have no inheritance. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated Because the tithes that the children of Israel offer to LORD JEHOVAH I have given to the Levites as an inheritance; because of this I have said to them that among the children of Israel they shall not inherit an inheritance.” OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917For the tithe of the children of Israel, which they set apart as a gift unto the LORD, I have given to the Levites for an inheritance; therefore I have said unto them: Among the children of Israel they shall have no inheritance.' Brenton Septuagint Translation Because I have given as a distinct portion to the Levites for an inheritance the tithes of the children of Israel, whatsoever they shall offer to the Lord; therefore I said to them, In the midst of the children of Israel they shall have no inheritance. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Offerings for Priests and Levites…23The Levites are to perform the work of the Tent of Meeting, and they must bear their iniquity. This is a permanent statute for the generations to come. The Levites will not receive an inheritance among the Israelites. 24For I have given to the Levites as their inheritance the tithe that the Israelites present to the LORD as a contribution. That is why I told them that they would not receive an inheritance among the Israelites.” 25And the LORD instructed Moses,… Cross References For I have given to the Levites as their inheritance Deuteronomy 10:9 That is why Levi has no portion or inheritance among his brothers; the LORD is his inheritance, as the LORD your God promised him. Joshua 13:33 To the tribe of Levi, however, Moses had given no inheritance. The LORD, the God of Israel, is their inheritance, just as He had promised them. Ezekiel 44:28 In regard to their inheritance, I am their inheritance. You are to give them no possession in Israel, for I am their possession. the tithe that the Israelites present to the LORD as a contribution. Leviticus 27:30-32 Thus any tithe from the land, whether from the seed of the land or the fruit of the trees, belongs to the LORD; it is holy to the LORD. / If a man wishes to redeem part of his tithe, he must add a fifth to its value. / Every tenth animal from the herd or flock that passes under the shepherd’s rod will be holy to the LORD. Deuteronomy 12:5-7 Instead, you must seek the place the LORD your God will choose from among all your tribes to establish as a dwelling for His Name, and there you must go. / To that place you are to bring your burnt offerings and sacrifices, your tithes and heave offerings, your vow offerings and freewill offerings, as well as the firstborn of your herds and flocks. / There, in the presence of the LORD your God, you and your households shall eat and rejoice in all you do, because the LORD your God has blessed you. Malachi 3:8-10 Will a man rob God? Yet you are robbing Me! But you ask, ‘How do we rob You?’ In tithes and offerings. / You are cursed with a curse, yet you—the whole nation—are still robbing Me. / Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, so that there may be food in My house. Test Me in this,” says the LORD of Hosts. “See if I will not open the windows of heaven and pour out for you blessing without measure. That is why I told them that they would not receive an inheritance among the Israelites.” Deuteronomy 18:1-2 The Levitical priests—indeed the whole tribe of Levi—shall have no portion or inheritance with Israel. They are to eat the food offerings to the LORD; that is their inheritance. / Although they have no inheritance among their brothers, the LORD is their inheritance, as He promised them. Joshua 13:14 To the tribe of Levi, however, Moses had given no inheritance. The food offerings to the LORD, the God of Israel, are their inheritance, just as He had promised them. Deuteronomy 14:27-29 And do not neglect the Levite within your gates, since he has no portion or inheritance among you. / At the end of every three years, bring a tenth of all your produce for that year and lay it up within your gates. / Then the Levite (because he has no portion or inheritance among you), the foreigner, the fatherless, and the widow within your gates may come and eat and be satisfied. And the LORD your God will bless you in all the work of your hands. Deuteronomy 14:22-29 You must be sure to set aside a tenth of all the produce brought forth each year from your fields. / And you are to eat a tenth of your grain, new wine, and oil, and the firstborn of your herds and flocks, in the presence of the LORD your God at the place He will choose as a dwelling for His Name, so that you may learn to fear the LORD your God always. / But if the distance is too great for you to carry that with which the LORD your God has blessed you, because the place where the LORD your God will choose to put His Name is too far away, … Nehemiah 10:37-39 Moreover, we will bring to the priests at the storerooms of the house of our God the firstfruits of our dough, of our grain offerings, of the fruit of all our trees, and of our new wine and oil. A tenth of our produce belongs to the Levites, so that they shall receive tithes in all the towns where we labor. / A priest of Aaron’s line is to accompany the Levites when they collect the tenth, and the Levites are to bring a tenth of these tithes to the storerooms of the treasury in the house of our God. / For the Israelites and the Levites are to bring the contributions of grain, new wine, and oil to the storerooms where the articles of the sanctuary are kept and where the ministering priests, the gatekeepers, and the singers stay. Thus we will not neglect the house of our God.” Hebrews 7:5 Now the law commands the sons of Levi who become priests to collect a tenth from the people—that is, from their brothers—though they too are descended from Abraham. 2 Chronicles 31:4-6 Moreover, he commanded the people living in Jerusalem to make a contribution for the priests and Levites so that they could devote themselves to the Law of the LORD. / As soon as the order went out, the Israelites generously provided the firstfruits of the grain, new wine, oil, and honey, and of all the produce of the field, and they brought in an abundance—a tithe of everything. / And the Israelites and Judahites who lived in the cities of Judah also brought a tithe of their herds and flocks and a tithe of the holy things consecrated to the LORD their God, and they laid them in large heaps. Nehemiah 12:44 And on that same day men were appointed over the rooms that housed the supplies, contributions, firstfruits, and tithes. The portions specified by the Law for the priests and Levites were gathered into these storerooms from the fields of the villages, because Judah rejoiced over the priests and Levites who were serving. 1 Corinthians 9:13-14 Do you not know that those who work in the temple eat of its food, and those who serve at the altar partake of its offerings? / In the same way, the Lord has prescribed that those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel. 2 Corinthians 9:7-14 Each one should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not out of regret or compulsion. For God loves a cheerful giver. / And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things, at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. / As it is written: “He has scattered abroad His gifts to the poor; His righteousness endures forever.” … Treasury of Scripture But the tithes of the children of Israel, which they offer as an heave offering to the LORD, I have given to the Levites to inherit: therefore I have said to them, Among the children of Israel they shall have no inheritance. Malachi 3:8-10 Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings… Jump to Previous Apart Children Heave Heave-Offering Heritage Inherit Inheritance Instead Israel Israelites Levites Midst Offer Offering Possess Present Tenths Tithe Tithes WaveJump to Next Apart Children Heave Heave-Offering Heritage Inherit Inheritance Instead Israel Israelites Levites Midst Offer Offering Possess Present Tenths Tithe Tithes WaveNumbers 18 1. The charge of the priests and Levites8. The priests, portion 21. The Levites, 25. The heave offering to the priests out of the Levites' portion For I have given to the Levites as their inheritance The Levites were set apart for service to God, specifically in the tabernacle and later the temple. Unlike the other tribes of Israel, they did not receive a portion of the land as their inheritance. Instead, their inheritance was the service of God and the provision through the tithes of the people. This reflects the principle that those who serve in spiritual matters are supported by the community they serve, as seen in 1 Corinthians 9:13-14, where Paul discusses the rights of those who preach the gospel to receive their living from it. the tithe that the Israelites present to the LORD as a contribution. That is why I told them that they would not receive an inheritance among the Israelites. Persons / Places / Events 1. The LevitesA tribe of Israel set apart for religious duties and service in the Tabernacle. They were not given a land inheritance like the other tribes but were supported through the tithes of the Israelites. 2. The Israelites The chosen people of God, descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, who were commanded to give tithes to support the Levites. 3. The LORD The covenant God of Israel, who established the system of tithes and offerings to support the religious and communal life of His people. 4. The Tabernacle The portable sanctuary where the Israelites worshiped God during their journey in the wilderness, and where the Levites performed their duties. 5. Tithes A tenth of the produce and livestock given by the Israelites as an offering to God, which was designated for the support of the Levites. Teaching Points God's Provision for His ServantsThe Levites' reliance on tithes illustrates God's provision for those dedicated to His service. This principle can be applied today in supporting church leaders and ministries. The Principle of Giving Tithing is an act of worship and obedience, acknowledging God's sovereignty and provision. It encourages believers to prioritize God's work in their financial planning. Spiritual Inheritance Over Material Possessions The Levites' lack of land inheritance highlights the value of spiritual over material wealth. Believers are reminded to seek eternal treasures rather than earthly possessions. Community Responsibility The system of tithing underscores the communal responsibility of believers to support one another, especially those in ministry and those in need. Faithfulness in Stewardship Just as the Israelites were called to be faithful in their tithes, Christians are encouraged to be faithful stewards of all resources God has entrusted to them. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Numbers 18:24?2. How does Numbers 18:24 emphasize the importance of tithes for the Levites' sustenance? 3. What does "inheritance among the Israelites" reveal about the Levites' unique role? 4. How can we apply the principle of tithing in our modern church community? 5. How does Numbers 18:24 connect with Malachi 3:10 regarding tithes and offerings? 6. What lessons on stewardship can we learn from the Levites' reliance on tithes? 7. Why were the Levites given the tithes instead of land inheritance in Numbers 18:24? 8. How does Numbers 18:24 reflect God's provision for religious leaders? 9. What is the significance of tithes in Numbers 18:24 for modern believers? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Numbers 18? 11. Deuteronomy 14:22–27 says tithes can be exchanged for money if travel is too far. Does this contradict other biblical teachings on tithing? 12. Does the inheritance prohibition in Numbers 18:20-24 conflict with other passages that suggest Levites owned cities or land, indicating a possible textual inconsistency? 13. If the Levites had no land inheritance (Joshua 21:2), how could they sustainably live in the granted cities without farmland? 14. In Joshua 14:3-4, how does the Levites' lack of a territorial inheritance align with other biblical passages that mention Levitical cities and lands? What Does Numbers 18:24 Mean For I have given to the LevitesThe LORD Himself speaks, underscoring that the Levites’ provision originates directly from Him, not from human generosity or governmental allotment. • Numbers 3:12 shows God taking the Levites “in place of every firstborn,” establishing their unique role. • Deuteronomy 10:8 reminds us that the tribe was “set apart to carry the ark of the covenant… to stand before the LORD to minister.” Because the Levites belong to God’s service, God takes personal responsibility for their sustenance. as their inheritance Inheritance normally meant land in Canaan, yet the Levites receive something different. • In Deuteronomy 18:2 we read, “The LORD is their inheritance, as He promised them.” • Joshua 13:33 repeats, “The LORD, the God of Israel, is their inheritance.” Their “portion” is not acreage but the privilege of close service to God, a reality that foreshadows the believer’s ultimate inheritance in Christ (1 Peter 1:4). the tithe that the Israelites present to the LORD as a contribution Tithes—one-tenth of Israel’s produce and livestock—transfer to the Levites. • Leviticus 27:30-33 lays out the basic tithe command. • 2 Chronicles 31:4-6 and Nehemiah 10:37-39 show tithes sustaining temple work during revival periods. • Malachi 3:10 promises blessing when the tithe is brought “into the storehouse.” • Hebrews 7:5 notes that even under the New Covenant the Levites “collect a tenth.” Bullet-point snapshot: – Israel gives to God. – God gives that same portion to the Levites. Thus, supporting ministry is inseparable from honoring God. That is why I told them that they would not receive an inheritance among the Israelites God repeats this restriction (Numbers 18:20) to emphasize His design: the Levites’ lack of land is not a loss but a call to faith. • Deuteronomy 14:27-29 instructs towns to include Levites in feasts because “they have no portion or inheritance.” • Joshua 21 details cities within each tribe for Levites, illustrating communal responsibility. Their dependence on God-given tithes teaches Israel—and us—that worship and provision go hand in hand. summary Numbers 18:24 explains that God replaces territorial inheritance with tithe income for the Levites. The LORD—owner of all—directly meets the needs of those devoted to His service. Israel’s faithful giving funds continual worship, and the Levites’ reliance on God models trust for every generation. (24) But the tithes . . . --Better, for the tithes . . . This verse assigns the reason why the Levites were to have no inheritance among the children of Israel.Verse 24. - As an heave offering. This means nothing more than an "offering" apparently. It is not to be supposed that any ritual was observed in the giving of tithes.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew Forכִּ֞י (kî) Conjunction Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction I have given נָתַ֥תִּי (nā·ṯat·tî) Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular Strong's 5414: To give, put, set the Levites לַלְוִיִּ֖ם (lal·wî·yim) Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine plural Strong's 3881: Levites -- descendant of Levi as their inheritance לְנַחֲלָ֑ה (lə·na·ḥă·lāh) Preposition-l | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 5159: Something inherited, occupancy, an heirloom, an estate, patrimony, portion the tenth מַעְשַׂ֣ר (ma‘·śar) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 4643: Tenth part, tithe that אֲשֶׁ֨ר (’ă·šer) Pronoun - relative Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that the Israelites בְּנֵֽי־ (bə·nê-) Noun - masculine plural construct Strong's 1121: A son present יָרִ֤ימוּ (yā·rî·mū) Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine plural Strong's 7311: To be high actively, to rise, raise to the LORD לַֽיהוָה֙ (Yah·weh) Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel as a contribution. תְּרוּמָ֔ה (tə·rū·māh) Noun - feminine singular Strong's 8641: Contribution, offering (for sacred uses) That is why עַל־ (‘al-) Preposition Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against I told אָמַ֣רְתִּי (’ā·mar·tî) Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular Strong's 559: To utter, say them that they would not לֹ֥א (lō) Adverb - Negative particle Strong's 3808: Not, no receive an inheritance יִנְחֲל֖וּ (yin·ḥă·lū) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural Strong's 5157: To inherit, to occupy, to bequeath, distribute, instate among בְּתוֹךְ֙ (bə·ṯō·wḵ) Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 8432: A bisection, the centre the Israelites.” בְּנֵ֣י (bə·nê) Noun - masculine plural construct Strong's 1121: A son Links Numbers 18:24 NIVNumbers 18:24 NLT Numbers 18:24 ESV Numbers 18:24 NASB Numbers 18:24 KJV Numbers 18:24 BibleApps.com Numbers 18:24 Biblia Paralela Numbers 18:24 Chinese Bible Numbers 18:24 French Bible Numbers 18:24 Catholic Bible OT Law: Numbers 18:24 For the tithe of the children (Nu Num.) |
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