King James Version

What Does Numbers 18:6 Mean?

Numbers 18:6 in the King James Version says “And I, behold, I have taken your brethren the Levites from among the children of Israel: to you they are given as a gift...” — study this verse from Numbers chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And I, behold, I have taken your brethren the Levites from among the children of Israel: to you they are given as a gift for the LORD, to do the service of the tabernacle of the congregation.”

Numbers 18:6 · KJV

Context

4

And they shall be joined unto thee, and keep the charge of the tabernacle of the congregation, for all the service of the tabernacle: and a stranger shall not come nigh unto you.

5

And ye shall keep the charge of the sanctuary, and the charge of the altar: that there be no wrath any more upon the children of Israel.

6

And I, behold, I have taken your brethren the Levites from among the children of Israel: to you they are given as a gift for the LORD, to do the service of the tabernacle of the congregation.

7

Therefore thou and thy sons with thee shall keep your priest's office for every thing of the altar, and within the vail; and ye shall serve: I have given your priest's office unto you as a service of gift: and the stranger that cometh nigh shall be put to death.

8

And the LORD spake unto Aaron, Behold, I also have given thee the charge of mine heave offerings of all the hallowed things of the children of Israel; unto thee have I given them by reason of the anointing, and to thy sons, by an ordinance for ever.

Read Numbers 18 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God reiterates: 'I have taken your brethren the Levites from among the children of Israel'—emphasizing divine initiative in their selection. They were given 'as a gift' to serve the priesthood. Understanding our roles as divine gifts rather than earned positions eliminates both pride and envy. We serve not by human achievement but by God's gracious appointment.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The Levites were substitutes for Israel's firstborn (3:12), themselves a gift from God. This dual gift—God giving Levites to Israel, then giving Levites to priests—illustrated that all service ultimately flows from divine grace. Ministry is gift both in calling and in provision of those called.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does viewing your role as 'gift' rather than achievement change your attitude toward service?
  2. What gifts has God given to the church through people assigned to support your ministry?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 18 words
וַֽאֲנִ֗י1 of 18
H589

i

הִנֵּ֤ה2 of 18
H2009

lo!

לָקַ֙חְתִּי֙3 of 18

“And I behold I have taken”

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

אֶת4 of 18
H853

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

אֲחֵיכֶ֣ם5 of 18

“your brethren”

H251

a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])

הַלְוִיִּ֔ם6 of 18

“the Levites”

H3881

a levite or descendant of levi

מִתּ֖וֹךְ7 of 18

“from among”

H8432

a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center

בְּנֵ֣י8 of 18

“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

יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל9 of 18

“of Israel”

H3478

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

לָכֶ֞ם10 of 18
H0
מַתָּנָ֤ה11 of 18

“as a gift”

H4979

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

נְתֻנִים֙12 of 18

“to you they are given”

H5414

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

לַֽיהוָ֔ה13 of 18

“for the LORD”

H3068

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

לַֽעֲבֹ֕ד14 of 18

“to do”

H5647

to work (in any sense); by implication, to serve, till, (causatively) enslave, etc

אֶת15 of 18
H853

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

עֲבֹדַ֖ת16 of 18

“the service”

H5656

work of any kind

אֹ֥הֶל17 of 18

“of the tabernacle”

H168

a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)

מוֹעֵֽד׃18 of 18

“of the congregation”

H4150

properly, an appointment, i.e., a fixed time or season; specifically, a festival; conventionally a year; by implication, an assembly (as convened for

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 18:6 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 18:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Numbers 3:9Numbers 3:45Numbers 3:12Ezekiel 34:11Exodus 31:6Exodus 14:17

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