King James Version

What Does Numbers 18:24 Mean?

Numbers 18:24 in the King James Version says “But the tithes of the children of Israel, which they offer as an heave offering unto the LORD, I have given to the Levit...” — study this verse from Numbers chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“But the tithes of the children of Israel, which they offer as an heave offering unto the LORD, I have given to the Levites to inherit: therefore I have said unto them, Among the children of Israel they shall have no inheritance.”

Numbers 18:24 · KJV

Context

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

23

But the Levites shall do the service of the tabernacle of the congregation, and they shall bear their iniquity: it shall be a statute for ever throughout your generations, that among the children of Israel they have no inheritance.

24

But the tithes of the children of Israel, which they offer as an heave offering unto the LORD, I have given to the Levites to inherit: therefore I have said unto them, Among the children of Israel they shall have no inheritance.

25

And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,

26

Thus speak unto the Levites, and say unto them, When ye take of the children of Israel the tithes which I have given you from them for your inheritance, then ye shall offer up an heave offering of it for the LORD, even a tenth part of the tithe.

Read Numbers 18 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
But the tithes of the children of Israel, which they offer as an heave offering unto the LORD, I have given to the Levites to inherit: therefore I have said unto them, Among the children of Israel they shall have no inheritance. God establishes the Levites' economic support system through tithes. The Hebrew ma'aser (מַעֲשֵׂר, "tithes") means tenth part—systematic giving of 10% of agricultural produce and livestock to support ministry. "Heave offering" (terumah, תְּרוּמָה) describes an offering lifted up or set apart for sacred use, emphasizing its consecration to God.

"I have given to the Levites to inherit" (natati la-Leviyim be-nachalah, נָתַתִּי לַלְוִיִּם בְּנַחֲלָה) uses inheritance language typically applied to land distribution. While other tribes received territorial inheritance, Levites received tithes as their nachalah (portion, inheritance). This substitution was both practical (supporting full-time ministry) and theological (Yahweh Himself was their inheritance, Numbers 18:20).

"They shall have no inheritance" among other Israelites establishes Levites' unique status—separated from land ownership to dedicate themselves wholly to tabernacle/temple service, teaching Torah, and mediating between God and people. This prefigures New Testament teaching that those who preach the gospel should live by the gospel (1 Corinthians 9:13-14). The principle extends beyond economics to identity—ministers find sufficiency in God and His people's provision, not worldly wealth or status. This models dependence on God and community interdependence.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Numbers 18 occurs during Israel's wilderness period (1446-1406 BC traditional dating) after the Exodus and before Canaan conquest. Following Korah's rebellion (Numbers 16-17) which challenged priestly authority, God confirmed Aaron's priesthood and defined Levitical responsibilities and compensation. The tribe of Levi was set apart for sacred service from the golden calf incident forward (Exodus 32:25-29).

Ancient Near Eastern temples typically owned vast lands and estates, making priests wealthy landowners and political powers. Egypt's Amun priesthood controlled enormous wealth. Mesopotamian temple complexes owned fields, herds, and businesses. God's system prevented Israel's priesthood from accumulating land-based power while ensuring adequate support. Levites received 48 cities with surrounding pastureland (Numbers 35:1-8) but no tribal territory.

The tithe system functioned throughout Israel's history with varying faithfulness. Malachi later condemned withholding tithes as robbing God (Malachi 3:8-10). Nehemiah restored tithing after exile (Nehemiah 10:37-39, 13:10-13). Jesus affirmed tithing while warning against neglecting justice and mercy (Matthew 23:23). Early Christians practiced generous sharing (Acts 2:44-45, 4:32-37), and Paul taught supporting ministers (Galatians 6:6, 1 Timothy 5:17-18). The principle continues—those freed from secular employment to serve God's people full-time merit community support, allowing interdependence and mutual care within Christ's body.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the Levitical system inform Christian understanding of supporting ministers and missionaries?
  2. What does it mean for God to be our inheritance rather than material possessions?
  3. How should Christian leaders balance dependence on congregation support with avoiding financial manipulation?
  4. What principles of systematic, proportional giving apply to New Covenant believers?
  5. How does giving support God's work express worship and acknowledge His ownership of everything?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 22 words
כִּ֞י1 of 22
H3588

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

אֶת2 of 22
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

מַעְשַׂ֣ר3 of 22

“But the tithes”

H4643

a tenth; especially a tithe

בְּנֵ֣י4 of 22

“of 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

יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל5 of 22

“of Israel”

H3478

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

אֲשֶׁ֨ר6 of 22
H834

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

יָרִ֤ימוּ7 of 22

“which they offer”

H7311

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

לַֽיהוָה֙8 of 22

“unto the LORD”

H3068

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

תְּרוּמָ֔ה9 of 22

“as an heave offering”

H8641

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

נָתַ֥תִּי10 of 22

“I have given”

H5414

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

לַלְוִיִּ֖ם11 of 22

“to the Levites”

H3881

a levite or descendant of levi

נַֽחֲלָֽה׃12 of 22

“no inheritance”

H5159

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

עַל13 of 22
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

כֵּן֙14 of 22
H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

אָמַ֣רְתִּי15 of 22

“therefore I have said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

לָהֶ֔ם16 of 22
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

בְּתוֹךְ֙17 of 22

“unto them Among”

H8432

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

בְּנֵ֣י18 of 22

“of 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

יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל19 of 22

“of Israel”

H3478

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

לֹ֥א20 of 22
H3808

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

יִנְחֲל֖וּ21 of 22

“they shall have”

H5157

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

נַֽחֲלָֽה׃22 of 22

“no inheritance”

H5159

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

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 18:24 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 18:24 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Numbers 18:26Malachi 3:8-10

Test Your Knowledge

Numbers 18 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterNumbers Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Numbers 18 with CommentaryAll Numbers ChaptersComplete Numbers QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes