King James Version

What Does Numbers 18:32 Mean?

Numbers 18:32 in the King James Version says “And ye shall bear no sin by reason of it, when ye have heaved from it the best of it: neither shall ye pollute the holy ... — study this verse from Numbers chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And ye shall bear no sin by reason of it, when ye have heaved from it the best of it: neither shall ye pollute the holy things of the children of Israel, lest ye die.

Numbers 18:32 · KJV


Context

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.

32

And ye shall bear no sin by reason of it, when ye have heaved from it the best of it: neither shall ye pollute the holy things of the children of Israel, lest ye die.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And ye shall bear no sin by reason of it, when ye have heaved from it the best of it: neither shall ye pollute the holy things of the children of Israel, lest ye die—The phrase bear no sin (לֹא־תִשְׂאוּ עָלָיו חֵטְא lo-tis'u alav chet) promises exemption from guilt when proper firstfruits are given, while failure to give the best would constitute polluting (חָלַל chalal, profaning/desecrating) holy things. The death penalty (תָּמוּתוּ tamutu) for profaning sacred offerings underscores the seriousness of stewardship obligations.

This verse concludes the tithe regulations (18:25-32) by establishing that faithful stewardship from received blessings prevents spiritual danger, while keeping the best for self while giving God inferior portions profanes worship. The New Testament warns against similar profaning: 'You cannot serve both God and money' (Matthew 6:24).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The death penalty for profaning holy things (see Nadab and Abihu, Leviticus 10:1-2; Uzzah, 2 Samuel 6:6-7) demonstrated that casual or contemptuous treatment of sacred matters invited divine judgment. Israel learned to approach stewardship with reverent seriousness.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the warning against 'polluting holy things' through poor stewardship challenge casual attitudes toward giving?
  2. What does the death penalty for profaning offerings teach about God's seriousness regarding faithful handling of His resources?
  3. How can you examine your giving patterns to ensure you're offering God 'the best' rather than polluting worship with leftovers?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
וְלֹֽא1 of 16
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

תִשְׂא֤וּ2 of 16

And ye shall bear

H5375

to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative

עָלָיו֙3 of 16
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

חֵ֔טְא4 of 16

no sin

H2399

a crime or its penalty

בַּהֲרִֽימְכֶ֥ם5 of 16

by reason of it when ye have heaved

H7311

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

אֶת6 of 16
H853

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

חֶלְבּ֖וֹ7 of 16

from it the best

H2459

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

מִמֶּ֑נּוּ8 of 16
H4480

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

וְאֶת9 of 16
H853

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

קָדְשֵׁ֧י10 of 16

the holy things

H6944

a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity

בְנֵֽי11 of 16

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

יִשְׂרָאֵ֛ל12 of 16

of Israel

H3478

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

לֹ֥א13 of 16
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

תְחַלְּל֖וּ14 of 16

of it neither shall ye pollute

H2490

properly, to bore, i.e., (by implication) to wound, to dissolve; figuratively, to profane (a person, place or thing), to break (one's word), to begin

וְלֹ֥א15 of 16
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

תָמֽוּתוּ׃16 of 16

lest ye die

H4191

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill


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 18:32 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 18:32 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study