King James Version

What Does Joshua 13:14 Mean?

Joshua 13:14 in the King James Version says “Only unto the tribe of Levi he gave none inheritance; the sacrifices of the LORD God of Israel made by fire are their in...” — study this verse from Joshua chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Only unto the tribe of Levi he gave none inheritance; the sacrifices of the LORD God of Israel made by fire are their inheritance, as he said unto them.”

Joshua 13:14 · KJV

Context

12

All the kingdom of Og in Bashan, which reigned in Ashtaroth and in Edrei, who remained of the remnant of the giants: for these did Moses smite, and cast them out.

13

Nevertheless the children of Israel expelled not the Geshurites, nor the Maachathites: but the Geshurites and the Maachathites dwell among the Israelites until this day.

14

Only unto the tribe of Levi he gave none inheritance; the sacrifices of the LORD God of Israel made by fire are their inheritance, as he said unto them.

15

And Moses gave unto the tribe of the children of Reuben inheritance according to their families.

16

And their coast was from Aroer, that is on the bank of the river Arnon, and the city that is in the midst of the river, and all the plain by Medeba;

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Only unto the tribe of Levi he gave none inheritance; the sacrifices of the LORD God of Israel made by fire are their inheritance, as he said unto them.

Levi's unique position—receiving no territorial inheritance—reiterates the arrangement established in Numbers 18:20-24. The Hebrew construction emphasizes the exception: "Only" (raq, רַק) unto Levi "none" (lo, לֹא) inheritance. This double negative construction highlights the distinctiveness of Levitical calling. While other tribes received land to cultivate and pass to descendants, Levi received God Himself as their portion. The phrase "the LORD is their inheritance" appears repeatedly (13:33; 14:3-4; 18:7; cf. Numbers 18:20; Deuteronomy 10:9; 18:1-2), establishing this as fundamental to Levitical identity.

The "sacrifices of the LORD God of Israel made by fire" (ishei Yahweh Elohe Yisrael, אִשֵּׁי יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל) refers to portions of offerings allocated to priests (Leviticus 6-7). Rather than land producing crops and livestock, Levites received their sustenance from the altar—portions of grain offerings, meat from peace offerings, firstfruits, and tithes. This arrangement created mutual dependence: Levites depended on others' faithful giving; other tribes depended on Levites' faithful service. Neither could function independently—a picture of the church's interdependent body life (1 Corinthians 12:12-27).

Theologically, Levi's landlessness represents the highest calling: God Himself as inheritance. While other tribes measured wealth in acres and flocks, Levites measured wealth in relationship with God. This anticipates Jesus' teaching that those who forsake earthly possessions for the kingdom will receive "an hundredfold" (Mark 10:29-30). Reformed theology emphasizes that spiritual privileges far exceed material blessings. Levites received 48 cities throughout Israel (Joshua 21), dispersing them among the tribes rather than isolating them, ensuring every tribe had access to priestly teaching and ministry—a model for church leadership distributed throughout communities.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The practical arrangements for Levitical support involved multiple mechanisms: tithes of produce and livestock (Numbers 18:21-24), portions of sacrifices (Leviticus 6-7), cities with pastureland for their herds (Joshua 21), and redemption money from firstborn consecration (Numbers 18:15-16). This elaborate system ensured sustainable support while maintaining priestly dependence on the community's faithfulness. When Israel grew apostate and withheld tithes, Levites suffered economically (Nehemiah 13:10; Malachi 3:8-10).

The 48 Levitical cities distributed throughout Israel's territory served strategic purposes. They created networks of teaching centers where Levites could instruct communities in the law (Deuteronomy 33:10; 2 Chronicles 17:7-9). They provided refuge cities (six of the 48 were cities of refuge, Joshua 20), ensuring trained Levites administered justice in cases of accidental manslaughter. And they represented God's presence throughout the land—no tribe was distant from priestly ministry, symbolizing God's accessibility to all His people.

The Levitical model influenced New Testament church leadership patterns. Elders/pastors receive financial support from the congregation (1 Corinthians 9:13-14; Galatians 6:6; 1 Timothy 5:17-18), though Paul sometimes waived this right for missional reasons (1 Corinthians 9:12). The principle remains: those devoted to spiritual ministry should be materially supported by those receiving spiritual benefit, creating mutual dependence and accountability that builds healthy church community.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Levi's inheritance being "the LORD" rather than land challenge materialistic definitions of blessing and success?
  2. What does the mutual dependence between Levites (serving) and other tribes (supporting) teach about healthy church community?
  3. In what ways can contemporary Christians cultivate the Levitical mindset that God Himself is our greatest treasure?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
רַ֚ק1 of 15
H7535

properly, leanness, i.e., (figuratively) limitation; only adverbial, merely, or conjunctional, although

לְשֵׁ֣בֶט2 of 15

“Only unto the tribe”

H7626

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

הַלֵּוִ֔י3 of 15

“of Levi”

H3878

levi, a son of jacob

לֹ֥א4 of 15
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

נָתַ֖ן5 of 15

“he gave”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

נַֽחֲלָת֔וֹ6 of 15

“are their inheritance”

H5159

properly, something inherited, i.e., (abstractly) occupancy, or (concretely) an heirloom; generally an estate, patrimony or portion

אִשֵּׁ֨י7 of 15

“made by fire”

H801

properly, a burnt-offering; but occasionally of any sacrifice

יְהוָ֜ה8 of 15

“of the LORD”

H3068

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

אֱלֹהֵ֤י9 of 15

“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

יִשְׂרָאֵל֙10 of 15

“of Israel”

H3478

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

ה֣וּא11 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

נַֽחֲלָת֔וֹ12 of 15

“are their inheritance”

H5159

properly, something inherited, i.e., (abstractly) occupancy, or (concretely) an heirloom; generally an estate, patrimony or portion

כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֖ר13 of 15
H834

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

דִּבֶּר14 of 15

“as he said”

H1696

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

לֽוֹ׃15 of 15
H0

Study Guide

Historical Context

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

Theological Significance

Joshua 13:14 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 Joshua 13:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Numbers 18:20-24Joshua 14:3-4Deuteronomy 18:1-2Deuteronomy 12:12Deuteronomy 12:19Deuteronomy 10:9

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