King James Version

What Does Numbers 18:19 Mean?

Numbers 18:19 in the King James Version says “All the heave offerings of the holy things, which the children of Israel offer unto the LORD, have I given thee, and thy...” — study this verse from Numbers chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“All the heave offerings of the holy things, which the children of Israel offer unto the LORD, have I given thee, and thy sons and thy daughters with thee, by a statute for ever: it is a covenant of salt for ever before the LORD unto thee and to thy seed with thee.”

Numbers 18:19 · KJV

Context

17

But the firstling of a cow, or the firstling of a sheep, or the firstling of a goat, thou shalt not redeem; they are holy: thou shalt sprinkle their blood upon the altar, and shalt burn their fat for an offering made by fire, for a sweet savour unto the LORD.

18

And the flesh of them shall be thine, as the wave breast and as the right shoulder are thine.

19

All the heave offerings of the holy things, which the children of Israel offer unto the LORD, have I given thee, and thy sons and thy daughters with thee, by a statute for ever: it is a covenant of salt for ever before the LORD unto thee and to thy seed with thee.

20

And the LORD spake unto Aaron, Thou shalt have no inheritance in their land, neither shalt thou have any part among them: I am thy part and thine inheritance among the children of Israel.

21

And, behold, I have given the children of Levi all the tenth in Israel for an inheritance, for their service which they serve, even the service of the tabernacle of the congregation.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
All the heave offerings of the holy things, which the children of Israel offer unto the LORD, have I given thee, and thy sons and thy daughters with thee, by a statute for ever: it is a covenant of salt for ever before the LORD unto thee and to thy seed with thee. This verse summarizes verses 8-18, confirming all priestly portions as perpetual divine gift. "By a statute for ever" (lechoq olam, לְחָק־עוֹלָם) establishes permanence, but "covenant of salt" (berit melach olam, בְּרִית מֶלַח עוֹלָם) adds profound significance.

Salt symbolized preservation, incorruptibility, and permanence in ancient cultures. Salt prevented decay, making "covenant of salt" metaphorical language for an unbreakable, enduring agreement. Leviticus 2:13 required salt with every grain offering. 2 Chronicles 13:5 also describes God's covenant with David's house as a "covenant of salt." The phrase conveys absolute reliability—this arrangement won't spoil, decay, or be revoked.

God's covenant of salt with Aaron's descendants guaranteed perpetual priestly support as long as the sacrificial system functioned. While Christ's priesthood superseded the Aaronic order (Hebrews 7), the principle remains—God faithfully provides for those called to spiritual service. The "salt covenant" teaches that God's commitments are absolutely dependable; He doesn't renege on promises or abandon those who serve Him. Our covenant relationship through Christ's blood is even more secure than a covenant of salt—it's guaranteed by God's unchanging character (Hebrews 6:17-20).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Salt had immense value in the ancient world—it preserved food, purified water, and was essential for life. Roman soldiers received salt rations (origin of 'salary' from Latin salarium). In covenant-making, sharing salt symbolized permanent friendship and loyalty—you wouldn't betray someone whose salt you'd eaten. Arab Bedouin culture still honors salt covenants (dhimmat al-milh) as sacred bonds. God using this metaphor assured Aaron's descendants of unshakeable support. The covenant continued until the temple system ended. While the Aaronic priesthood has ceased sacrificial functions, the principle that God faithfully sustains His ministers remains applicable to Christian pastoral and missionary support.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the 'covenant of salt' metaphor assure you of God's faithful, unchanging commitment to His promises?
  2. What does it mean that your relationship with Christ is secured by something even more permanent than salt—the unchanging character of God?
  3. How should churches honor the 'salt covenant' principle by providing stable, reliable support for ministers across years of faithful service?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 24 words
כֹּ֣ל׀1 of 24
H3605

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

תְּרוּמֹ֣ת2 of 24

“All the heave offerings”

H8641

a present (as offered up), especially in sacrifice or as tribute

הַקֳּדָשִׁ֗ים3 of 24

“of the holy things”

H6944

a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity

אֲשֶׁ֨ר4 of 24
H834

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

יָרִ֥ימוּ5 of 24

“offer”

H7311

to be high actively, to rise or raise (in various applications, literally or figuratively)

וּלְבָנֶ֧יךָ6 of 24

“thee and thy 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

יִשְׂרָאֵל֮7 of 24

“of Israel”

H3478

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

יְהוָ֔ה8 of 24

“the LORD”

H3068

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

נָתַ֣תִּֽי9 of 24

“have I given”

H5414

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

לְךָ֗10 of 24
H0
וּלְבָנֶ֧יךָ11 of 24

“thee and thy 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

וְלִבְנֹתֶ֛יךָ12 of 24

“and thy daughters”

H1323

a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)

אִתְּךָ֖13 of 24
H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

לְחָק14 of 24

“with thee by a statute”

H2706

an enactment; hence, an appointment (of time, space, quantity, labor or usage)

עוֹלָ֥ם15 of 24

“for ever”

H5769

properly, concealed, i.e., the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e., (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial

בְּרִית֩16 of 24

“it is a covenant”

H1285

a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh)

מֶ֨לַח17 of 24

“of salt”

H4417

properly, powder, i.e., (specifically) salt (as easily pulverized and dissolved)

עוֹלָ֥ם18 of 24

“for ever”

H5769

properly, concealed, i.e., the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e., (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial

הִוא֙19 of 24
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

לִפְנֵ֣י20 of 24

“before”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

יְהוָ֔ה21 of 24

“the LORD”

H3068

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

לְךָ֖22 of 24
H0
וּֽלְזַרְעֲךָ֥23 of 24

“unto thee and to thy seed”

H2233

seed; figuratively, fruit, plant, sowing-time, posterity

אִתָּֽךְ׃24 of 24
H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

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 18:19 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 18:19 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Chronicles 13:5Leviticus 2:13Numbers 18:11Numbers 18:82 Chronicles 31:4Numbers 31:41

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