King James Version
What Does Numbers 18:25 Mean?
“And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,”
Numbers 18:25 · KJV
Context
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.
27
And this your heave offering shall be reckoned unto you, as though it were the corn of the threshingfloor, and as the fulness of the winepress.
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryAnd the LORD spake unto Moses, saying—This divine speech formula (וַיְדַבֵּר יְהוָה אֶל־מֹשֶׁה לֵּאמֹר vayedaber YHWH el-Moshe lemor) introduces regulations governing Levitical tithes from the tithe, establishing multi-layered stewardship in Israel's economic system. The placement after priestly portion regulations (18:8-24) shows God's concern for comprehensive provision across all ministry levels—priests, Levites, and their families.
This verse begins the principle that even those who receive tithes (Levites) must tithe from what they receive, supporting higher-order priests (Aaron's line). The pattern establishes that all believers are simultaneously recipients of God's grace and stewards obligated to pass blessing forward, anticipating New Testament teaching on generous giving (2 Corinthians 9:6-11).
This verse begins the principle that even those who receive tithes (Levites) must tithe from what they receive, supporting higher-order priests (Aaron's line). The pattern establishes that all believers are simultaneously recipients of God's grace and stewards obligated to pass blessing forward, anticipating New Testament teaching on generous giving (2 Corinthians 9:6-11).
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
Levites received tithes from Israel's other eleven tribes (18:21-24) as compensation for tabernacle service since they inherited no land. This passage (18:25-32) required Levites to tithe from their tithe-income to support Aaronic priests, ensuring the priestly line received adequate provision.
Reflection Questions
- How does the tithe-from-tithe principle challenge assumptions that ministry leaders should be exempt from generous giving?
- What does multi-layered stewardship (people tithe to Levites, Levites tithe to priests) teach about comprehensive kingdom economics?
- How can churches structure giving to ensure adequate provision for multiple ministry levels without creating privileged classes?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 5 wordsוַיְדַבֵּ֥ר1 of 5
“spake”
H1696perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
יְהוָ֖ה2 of 5
“And the LORD”
H3068(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
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 18:25 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.