King James Version

What Does Numbers 18:29 Mean?

Numbers 18:29 in the King James Version says “Out of all your gifts ye shall offer every heave offering of the LORD, of all the best thereof, even the hallowed part t...” — study this verse from Numbers chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

Numbers 18:29 · KJV

Context

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

31

And ye shall eat it in every place, ye and your households: for it is your reward for your service in the tabernacle of the congregation.

Read Numbers 18 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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—The triple emphasis—all your gifts, all the best, the hallowed part—establishes that Levites must give from the choicest portions (חֵלֶב chelev, fat/best), not leftover remnants. The phrase hallowed part (מִקְדָּשׁוֹ miqdasho, its sanctified portion) indicates that selecting the best for God sanctified the entire remainder for Levitical use.

This principle of firstfruits giving (Proverbs 3:9, 'Honor the LORD with... the firstfruits of all thine increase') required faith—giving the best first, trusting God would provide for remaining needs. Jesus commended the widow's sacrificial giving from poverty (Mark 12:41-44), demonstrating that percentage matters less than priority and proportion.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Near Eastern cultures often gave inferior sacrifices (blemished animals, poorest grain) to deities while keeping the best for personal use. Israel's law reversed this pattern—God demanded the best, ensuring that worship cost something real, not merely religious tokenism.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the requirement to give 'all the best' challenge modern practices of giving God leftovers (time, money, energy)?
  2. What does 'hallowing' your giving (setting apart the best for God) teach about faith and trust in provision?
  3. How can you identify and offer the 'hallowed part' of your resources rather than convenient remainders?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
מִכֹּל֙1 of 12
H3605

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

מַתְּנֹ֣תֵיכֶ֔ם2 of 12

“Out of all your gifts”

H4979

a present; specifically (in a good sense), a sacrificial offering, (in a bad sense) a bribe

תָּרִ֕ימוּ3 of 12

“ye shall offer”

H7311

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

אֵ֖ת4 of 12
H853

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

כָּל5 of 12
H3605

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

תְּרוּמַ֣ת6 of 12

“every heave offering”

H8641

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

יְהוָ֑ה7 of 12

“of the LORD”

H3068

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

מִכָּל8 of 12
H3605

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

חֶלְבּ֔וֹ9 of 12

“of all the best”

H2459

fat, whether literally or figuratively; hence, the richest or choice part

אֶֽת10 of 12
H853

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

מִקְדְּשׁ֖וֹ11 of 12

“thereof even the hallowed part”

H4720

a consecrated thing or place, especially, a palace, sanctuary (whether of jehovah or of idols) or asylum

מִמֶּֽנּוּ׃12 of 12
H4480

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

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 18:29 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Test Your Knowledge

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