King James Version

What Does Numbers 18:26 Mean?

Numbers 18:26 in the King James Version says “Thus speak unto the Levites, and say unto them, When ye take of the children of Israel the tithes which I have given you... — study this verse from Numbers chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

Numbers 18:26 · KJV


Context

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.

28

Thus ye also shall offer an heave offering unto the LORD of all your tithes, which ye receive of the children of Israel; and ye shall give thereof the LORD'S heave offering to Aaron the priest.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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—The Levitical tithe (מַעֲשֵׂר ma'aser, tenth) became their inheritance (נַחֲלָה nachalah) replacing landed property other tribes received. From this tithe-income, Levites offered a heave offering (תְּרוּמָה terumah, contribution lifted up) to God, practically given to priests.

The phrase which I have given you from them emphasizes divine sourcing—the tithe was God's gift to Levites, not merely Israelite generosity. This established that all resources ultimately come from God, even income from ministry service. Paul echoes this principle: 'What do you have that you did not receive?' (1 Corinthians 4:7).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Israel's eleven non-Levitical tribes gave 10% of agricultural and livestock produce to support Levites. Levites then gave 10% of their tithe-income (1% of Israel's total productivity) to Aaronic priests. This created economic interdependence across all tribes, binding the nation through mutual provision.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does viewing ministry income as 'inheritance from the LORD' (not earned wages) shape attitudes toward giving and stewardship?
  2. What does the heave offering 'lifted up for the LORD' symbolize about directing all resources toward divine glory?
  3. How can believers practice multi-level generosity, giving from what we've already received as gifts from God?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 24 words
וְאֶל1 of 24
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַלְוִיִּ֣ם2 of 24

unto the Levites

H3881

a levite or descendant of levi

תְּדַבֵּר֮3 of 24

Thus speak

H1696

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

וְאָֽמַרְתָּ֣4 of 24

and say

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֲלֵהֶם֒5 of 24
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

כִּֽי6 of 24
H3588

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

תִ֠קְחוּ7 of 24

unto them When ye take

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

מֵאֵ֨ת8 of 24
H853

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

בְּנֵֽי9 of 24

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

יִשְׂרָאֵ֜ל10 of 24

of Israel

H3478

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

אֶת11 of 24
H853

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

הַֽמַּעֲשֵֽׂר׃12 of 24

even a tenth

H4643

a tenth; especially a tithe

אֲשֶׁ֨ר13 of 24
H834

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

נָתַ֧תִּי14 of 24

which I have given

H5414

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

לָכֶ֛ם15 of 24
H0
מֵֽאִתָּ֖ם16 of 24
H853

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

בְּנַֽחֲלַתְכֶ֑ם17 of 24

you from them for your inheritance

H5159

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

וַהֲרֵֽמֹתֶ֤ם18 of 24

then ye shall offer

H7311

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

מִמֶּ֙נּוּ֙19 of 24
H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

תְּרוּמַ֣ת20 of 24

up an heave offering

H8641

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

יְהוָ֔ה21 of 24

of it for the LORD

H3068

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

הַֽמַּעֲשֵֽׂר׃22 of 24

even a tenth

H4643

a tenth; especially a tithe

מִן23 of 24
H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

הַֽמַּעֲשֵֽׂר׃24 of 24

even a tenth

H4643

a tenth; especially a tithe


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 18:26 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 18:26 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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