King James Version
What Does Numbers 18:27 Mean?
“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.”
Numbers 18:27 · KJV
Context
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.
29
Out of all your gifts ye shall offer every heave offering of the LORD, of all the best thereof, even the hallowed part thereof out of it. best: Heb. fat
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryAnd 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—The Levites' tithe-from-tithe was reckoned (חָשַׁב chashav, counted/credited) as equivalent to the agricultural produce (grain and wine) given by landed tribes. Though Levites owned no fields or vineyards, God credited their tithe as if they had harvested crops themselves, maintaining dignity and equality across all tribes.
The comparison to corn of the threshingfloor (דָּגָן מִגֹּרֶן dagan migoren) and fulness of the winepress (מְלֵאָה מִיֶּקֶב mele'ah miyekev) emphasizes that spiritual ministry was 'productive labor' deserving recognition equal to physical agriculture. Paul applies this principle: 'The laborer is worthy of his wages' (1 Timothy 5:18).
The comparison to corn of the threshingfloor (דָּגָן מִגֹּרֶן dagan migoren) and fulness of the winepress (מְלֵאָה מִיֶּקֶב mele'ah miyekev) emphasizes that spiritual ministry was 'productive labor' deserving recognition equal to physical agriculture. Paul applies this principle: 'The laborer is worthy of his wages' (1 Timothy 5:18).
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
Ancient Israel's economy centered on agriculture—grain, wine, and oil were standard wealth measures. By crediting Levitical tithes 'as though' they were agricultural produce, God ensured that landless ministers had equal economic dignity with landowning farmers and shepherds.
Reflection Questions
- How does God's crediting of ministry work 'as though' it were agricultural labor affirm the value of spiritual service?
- What modern church practices might inadvertently communicate that spiritual ministry is less 'productive' than secular work?
- How can believers practice economic equality that honors both material producers and spiritual servants?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 9 wordsוְנֶחְשַׁ֥ב1 of 9
“shall be reckoned”
H2803properly, to plait or interpenetrate, i.e., (literally) to weave or (generally) to fabricate; figuratively, to plot or contrive (usually in a maliciou
לָכֶ֖ם2 of 9
H0תְּרֽוּמַתְכֶ֑ם3 of 9
“And this your heave offering”
H8641a present (as offered up), especially in sacrifice or as tribute
הַגֹּ֔רֶן6 of 9
“of the threshingfloor”
H1637a threshing-floor (as made even); by analogy, any open area
הַיָּֽקֶב׃9 of 9
“of the winepress”
H3342a trough (as dug out); specifically, a wine-vat (whether the lower one, into which the juice drains; or the upper, in which the grapes are crushed)
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 18:27 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 18:27 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge