King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 18:5 Mean?

Deuteronomy 18:5 in the King James Version says “For the LORD thy God hath chosen him out of all thy tribes, to stand to minister in the name of the LORD, him and his so... — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

For the LORD thy God hath chosen him out of all thy tribes, to stand to minister in the name of the LORD, him and his sons for ever.

Deuteronomy 18:5 · KJV


Context

3

And this shall be the priest's due from the people, from them that offer a sacrifice, whether it be ox or sheep; and they shall give unto the priest the shoulder, and the two cheeks, and the maw.

4

The firstfruit also of thy corn, of thy wine, and of thine oil, and the first of the fleece of thy sheep, shalt thou give him.

5

For the LORD thy God hath chosen him out of all thy tribes, to stand to minister in the name of the LORD, him and his sons for ever.

6

And if a Levite come from any of thy gates out of all Israel, where he sojourned, and come with all the desire of his mind unto the place which the LORD shall choose;

7

Then he shall minister in the name of the LORD his God, as all his brethren the Levites do, which stand there before the LORD.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The LORD thy God hath chosen him out of all thy tribes (כִּי בוֹ בָּחַר יְהוָה אֱלֹהֶיךָ מִכָּל־שְׁבָטֶיךָ)—bachar (chosen) emphasizes divine election, not human qualification. God sovereignly set apart Levi's tribe for perpetual ministry: to stand to minister in the name of the LORD, him and his sons for ever (la'amod lesharet beshem-YHWH hu uvanav kol-hayamim).

The phrase to stand (la'amod) indicates standing in God's presence as servants before a king. To minister (lesharet) means to serve, attend, officiate in sacred duties. In the name of the LORD means by His authority, as His representatives. This wasn't self-appointed ministry but divinely authorized service. Kol-hayamim (all the days, forever) establishes perpetuity until the Levitical priesthood's fulfillment in Christ.

Hebrews 7-8 reveals Christ as the superior high priest from Judah's tribe, not Levi—chosen by divine oath, not ancestral lineage. The Levitical priesthood, though divinely chosen, was temporary and preparatory. Christ's eternal priesthood after Melchizedek's order supersedes it, but the principle remains: God chooses His ministers, and only those He calls should presume to serve in His name.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

God chose Levi's tribe after the golden calf incident when they sided with Moses (Exodus 32:26-29). This choice demonstrated that privilege comes through faithfulness, not birthright alone. Aaron and his sons received the priesthood specifically (Exodus 28:1), while other Levites served as assistants. The phrase 'for ever' governed Israel's covenant age—the Levitical system lasted roughly 1,400 years (1440 BC to AD 70) before its fulfillment in Christ.

Reflection Questions

  1. How should God's sovereign choice of ministers shape our understanding of vocational calling and church leadership?
  2. What does 'standing to minister in the name of the LORD' teach about the seriousness and accountability of spiritual leadership?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
כִּ֣י1 of 15
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

ב֗וֹ2 of 15
H0
בָּחַ֛ר3 of 15

hath chosen

H977

properly, to try, i.e., (by implication) select

יְהוָ֛ה4 of 15

For the LORD

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֱלֹהֶ֖יךָ5 of 15

thy God

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

מִכָּל6 of 15
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

שְׁבָטֶ֑יךָ7 of 15

him out of all thy tribes

H7626

a scion, i.e., (literally) a stick (for punishing, writing, fighting, ruling, walking, etc.) or (figuratively) a clan

לַֽעֲמֹ֨ד8 of 15

to stand

H5975

to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)

לְשָׁרֵ֧ת9 of 15

to minister

H8334

to attend as a menial or worshipper; figuratively, to contribute to

בְּשֵׁם10 of 15

in the name

H8034

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

יְהוָ֛ה11 of 15

For the LORD

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

ה֥וּא12 of 15
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

וּבָנָ֖יו13 of 15

him and his sons

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

כָּל14 of 15
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

הַיָּמִֽים׃15 of 15

for ever

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Deuteronomy. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Deuteronomy 18:5 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Deuteronomy 18:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study