King James Version

What Does Numbers 18:14 Mean?

Numbers 18:14 in the King James Version says “Every thing devoted in Israel shall be thine.” — study this verse from Numbers chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Every thing devoted in Israel shall be thine.”

Numbers 18:14 · KJV

Context

12

All the best of the oil, and all the best of the wine, and of the wheat, the firstfruits of them which they shall offer unto the LORD, them have I given thee. best: Heb. fat

13

And whatsoever is first ripe in the land, which they shall bring unto the LORD, shall be thine; every one that is clean in thine house shall eat of it.

14

Every thing devoted in Israel shall be thine.

15

Every thing that openeth the matrix in all flesh, which they bring unto the LORD, whether it be of men or beasts, shall be thine: nevertheless the firstborn of man shalt thou surely redeem, and the firstling of unclean beasts shalt thou redeem.

16

And those that are to be redeemed from a month old shalt thou redeem, according to thine estimation, for the money of five shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary, which is twenty gerahs.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Every thing devoted in Israel shall be thine. This brief but weighty verse addresses cherem (חֵרֶם, "devoted thing")—items placed under irrevocable consecration to God. The term carries both positive (dedicated) and negative (destroyed) connotations. Items cheremed could not be redeemed or sold—they became permanent holy property, either destroyed (as with Jericho) or given to priests for sanctuary use.

The root meaning of cherem is "to shut off" or "separate"—completely removed from common use. Leviticus 27:28-29 explains that devoted things belong exclusively to God, whether animals, land, or people (in cases of judgment). When applied positively to property, these items became priestly inheritance. When applied to enemies under divine judgment (as with Canaanite cities), cherem meant total destruction as holy war.

This principle taught absolute consecration—some things belong to God so completely that they cannot return to common use. Achan's violation of cherem at Jericho (Joshua 7) brought devastating consequences, demonstrating that devoted things are sacrosanct. For Christians, this parallels Paul's language of being "crucified with Christ" (Galatians 2:20)—so completely given to God that we're dead to the world and alive only to Him.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The cherem concept appears prominently in conquest narratives (Joshua 6-7) where Canaanite cities and their possessions were 'devoted' to God—either destroyed or given to the tabernacle treasury. The practice distinguished Israel's wars from mere conquest for plunder; victories were acts of divine judgment and worship. Archaeological evidence shows that unlike typical ancient Near Eastern warfare (which enriched conquerors), Israel's campaigns often involved destruction of goods that could have brought wealth. After the conquest period, cherem continued as a category for irrevocable dedication of property to God, managed by priests for sanctuary maintenance.

Reflection Questions

  1. What in your life needs to be placed under 'cherem'—irrevocably devoted to God with no possibility of taking it back?
  2. How does the concept of devoted things challenge modern attitudes of keeping options open or maintaining control?
  3. What does Achan's judgment for violating cherem teach about the seriousness of vows and consecrations to God?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 5 words
כָּל1 of 5
H3605

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

חֵ֥רֶם2 of 5

“Every thing devoted”

H2764

physical (as shutting in) a net (either literally or figuratively); usually a doomed object; abstractly extermination

בְּיִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל3 of 5

“in Israel”

H3478

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

לְךָ֥4 of 5
H0
יִֽהְיֶֽה׃5 of 5
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

Study Guide

Historical Context

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

Theological Significance

Numbers 18:14 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 Numbers 18:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Leviticus 27:28Ezekiel 44:29

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