King James Version

What Does Numbers 18:28 Mean?

Numbers 18:28 in the King James Version says “Thus ye also shall offer an heave offering unto the LORD of all your tithes, which ye receive of the children of Israel;... — study this verse from Numbers chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

Numbers 18:28 · KJV


Context

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

30

Therefore thou shalt say unto them, When ye have heaved the best thereof from it, then it shall be counted unto the Levites as the increase of the threshingfloor, and as the increase of the winepress. best: Heb. fat


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Thus ye also shall offer an heave offering unto the LORD of all your tithes, which ye receive of the children of Israel—The emphatic thus ye also (כֵּן... גַּם־אַתֶּם ken... gam-atem) stresses that Levites participated in the same stewardship obligations as all Israel—receiving tithes didn't exempt them from giving. The phrase of all your tithes (מִכֹּל מַעְשְׂרֹתֵיכֶם mikol ma'asroteikhem) established comprehensive giving, not selective contributions based on personal preference.

And ye shall give thereof the LORD's heave offering to Aaron the priest—Directing the tithe-of-tithe specifically to Aaron's line maintained priesthood's distinct role and adequate support. This multi-tier system (people → Levites → priests) prevented both poverty and privilege, ensuring balanced provision across all ministry levels while maintaining clear functional distinctions.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The Levitical tithe-to-priests created a three-tier economic flow: (1) Israelites gave 10% to Levites, (2) Levites gave 10% of that (1% of Israel's production) to priests, (3) Priests served at the altar with no other income. This system sustained 23,000+ Levites and Aaron's family throughout Israel's history.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the requirement that even tithe-recipients must tithe challenge entitlement mentalities in ministry?
  2. What 'heave offering to the LORD' (giving to spiritual leaders) might God be calling you to prioritize in your budget?
  3. How can churches structure support to maintain both adequate provision and prevention of ministerial privilege?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 20 words
כֵּ֣ן1 of 20
H3651

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

תָּרִ֤ימוּ2 of 20

Thus ye also shall offer

H7311

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

גַם3 of 20
H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

אַתֶּם֙4 of 20
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

תְּרוּמַ֣ת5 of 20

an heave offering

H8641

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

יְהוָ֔ה6 of 20

thereof the LORD'S

H3068

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

מִכֹּל֙7 of 20
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

מַעְשְׂרֹ֣תֵיכֶ֔ם8 of 20

of all your tithes

H4643

a tenth; especially a tithe

אֲשֶׁ֣ר9 of 20
H834

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

תִּקְח֔וּ10 of 20

which ye receive

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

מֵאֵ֖ת11 of 20
H853

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

בְּנֵ֣י12 of 20

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

יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל13 of 20

of Israel

H3478

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

וּנְתַתֶּ֤ם14 of 20

and ye shall give

H5414

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

מִמֶּ֙נּוּ֙15 of 20
H4480

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

אֶת16 of 20
H853

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

תְּרוּמַ֣ת17 of 20

an heave offering

H8641

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

יְהוָ֔ה18 of 20

thereof the LORD'S

H3068

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

לְאַֽהֲרֹ֖ן19 of 20

to Aaron

H175

aharon, the brother of moses

הַכֹּהֵֽן׃20 of 20

the priest

H3548

literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)


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 18:28 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 18:28 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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