King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 18:6 Mean?

Deuteronomy 18:6 in the King James Version says “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 mi... — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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;

Deuteronomy 18:6 · KJV


Context

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.

8

They shall have like portions to eat, beside that which cometh of the sale of his patrimony. that: Heb. his sale by the fathers


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
If a Levite come from any of thy gates out of all Israel, where he sojourned (וְכִי־יָבוֹא הַלֵּוִי מֵאַחַד שְׁעָרֶיךָ)—this protects itinerant Levites' rights. Though Levites received 48 cities (Numbers 35:1-8), many lived scattered throughout Israel teaching the law. The phrase with all the desire of his mind (bechol-avvat nafsho) shows passionate devotion—literally "with all the desire of his soul." This wasn't mercenary service but wholehearted commitment.

Unto the place which the LORD shall choose refers to the central sanctuary—first the tabernacle, later Jerusalem's temple. Before Solomon's temple, Shiloh served this function (Joshua 18:1). The law ensures that any Levite, regardless of where he lived in Israel, could come to the central sanctuary to serve and receive equal treatment with resident priests.

This prevented a two-tier priesthood—local vs. temple priests—ensuring equality based on tribal calling, not geography or connections. It also protected against impoverishment of rural Levites who might lack adequate local support. 2 Chronicles 31:2-19 describes Hezekiah implementing this provision, registering all Levites by genealogy to ensure fair distribution of offerings.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This law anticipated Israel's settlement in Canaan with a central sanctuary (eventually Jerusalem). During the judges period, Levites did travel seeking service (Judges 17-19, showing both the practice and its potential abuses). When Jeroboam established rival sanctuaries at Dan and Bethel (1 Kings 12:28-31), he violated this centralization principle, appointing non-Levitical priests and fragmenting worship. Faithful Levites migrated to Judah, strengthening Jerusalem's orthodoxy.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's provision for itinerant ministers challenge churches to support missionaries and traveling ministries?
  2. What does the phrase 'with all the desire of his mind' teach about the heart attitude required for ministry?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 20 words
וְכִֽי1 of 20
H3588

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

וּבָא֙2 of 20

and come

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

הַלֵּוִ֜י3 of 20

And if a Levite

H3881

a levite or descendant of levi

מֵֽאַחַ֤ד4 of 20

from any

H259

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

שְׁעָרֶ֙יךָ֙5 of 20

of thy gates

H8179

an opening, i.e., door or gate

מִכָּל6 of 20
H3605

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

יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל7 of 20

out of all Israel

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

אֲשֶׁר8 of 20
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

ה֖וּא9 of 20
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

גָּ֣ר10 of 20

where he sojourned

H1481

properly, to turn aside from the road (for a lodging or any other purpose), i.e., sojourn (as a guest); also to shrink, fear (as in a strange place);

שָׁ֑ם11 of 20
H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

וּבָא֙12 of 20

and come

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

בְּכָל13 of 20
H3605

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

אַוַּ֣ת14 of 20

with all the desire

H185

longing

נַפְשׁ֔וֹ15 of 20

of his mind

H5315

properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

אֶל16 of 20
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַמָּק֖וֹם17 of 20

unto the place

H4725

properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)

אֲשֶׁר18 of 20
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

יִבְחַ֥ר19 of 20

shall choose

H977

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

יְהוָֽה׃20 of 20

which the LORD

H3068

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


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 18:6 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 18:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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