King James Version

What Does Numbers 18:20 Mean?

Numbers 18:20 in the King James Version says “And the LORD spake unto Aaron, Thou shalt have no inheritance in their land, neither shalt thou have any part among them... — study this verse from Numbers chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

Numbers 18:20 · KJV


Context

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.

22

Neither must the children of Israel henceforth come nigh the tabernacle of the congregation, lest they bear sin, and die. and die: Heb. to die


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God tells 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.' The Hebrew 'cheleq' (part/portion) and 'nachalah' (inheritance) emphasize that while other tribes received land, priests received God Himself. This principle declares that those devoted entirely to God's service have God as their supreme reward - a relationship more valuable than material wealth. David echoes this: 'The LORD is the portion of mine inheritance' (Ps 16:5). This foreshadows believers' ultimate inheritance - knowing God in Christ (Phil 3:8) - and ministers' contentment in spiritual rewards (1 Pet 5:2-4).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Priests and Levites received no tribal territory like other Israelites, instead receiving forty-eight cities scattered among tribes (Num 35:1-8) and tithes from Israel's produce (Num 18:21-32). This distribution prevented priestly power consolidation while ensuring their presence among all tribes for teaching and worship leadership. Their dependence on others' tithes required faith and reminded them that ministry is serving God, not accumulating wealth. After the exile, neglect of Levitical support caused temple service to suffer (Neh 13:10-12), showing the importance of supporting God's ministers.

Reflection Questions

  1. If you lost all material possessions, would God alone satisfy you as your inheritance?
  2. How does viewing God as your supreme portion affect your relationship with money and possessions?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 18 words
וַיֹּ֨אמֶר1 of 18

spake

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

יְהוָ֜ה2 of 18

And the LORD

H3068

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

אֶֽל3 of 18
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אַהֲרֹ֗ן4 of 18

unto Aaron

H175

aharon, the brother of moses

בְּאַרְצָם֙5 of 18

in their land

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

לֹ֣א6 of 18
H3808

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

תִנְחָ֔ל7 of 18

Thou shalt have no inheritance

H5157

to inherit (as a (figurative) mode of descent), or (generally) to occupy; causatively, to bequeath, or (generally) distribute, instate

חֶלְקְךָ֙8 of 18

neither shalt thou have any part

H2506

properly, smoothness (of the tongue)

לֹֽא9 of 18
H3808

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

יִהְיֶ֥ה10 of 18
H1961

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

לְךָ֖11 of 18
H0
בְּת֖וֹךְ12 of 18

among

H8432

a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center

אֲנִ֤י13 of 18
H589

i

חֶלְקְךָ֙14 of 18

neither shalt thou have any part

H2506

properly, smoothness (of the tongue)

וְנַחֲלָ֣תְךָ֔15 of 18

and thine inheritance

H5159

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

בְּת֖וֹךְ16 of 18

among

H8432

a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center

בְּנֵ֥י17 of 18

the children

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

יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃18 of 18

of Israel

H3478

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


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 18:20 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 18:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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