Deuteronomy 14:27
And the Levite that is within thy gates; thou shalt not forsake him; for he hath no part nor inheritance with thee.
Original Language Analysis
אֲשֶׁר
H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
2 of 11
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
בִּשְׁעָרֶ֖יךָ
that is within thy gates
H8179
בִּשְׁעָרֶ֖יךָ
that is within thy gates
Strong's:
H8179
Word #:
3 of 11
an opening, i.e., door or gate
לֹ֣א
H3808
לֹ֣א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
4 of 11
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
תַֽעַזְבֶ֑נּוּ
thou shalt not forsake
H5800
תַֽעַזְבֶ֑נּוּ
thou shalt not forsake
Strong's:
H5800
Word #:
5 of 11
to loosen, i.e., relinquish, permit, etc
כִּ֣י
H3588
כִּ֣י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
6 of 11
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
Cross References
Deuteronomy 14:29And the Levite, (because he hath no part nor inheritance with thee,) and the stranger, and the fatherless, and the widow, which are within thy gates, shall come, and shall eat and be satisfied; that the LORD thy God may bless thee in all the work of thine hand which thou doest.Numbers 18:20And the LORD spake unto Aaron, Thou shalt have no inheritance in their land, neither shalt thou have any part among them: I am thy part and thine inheritance among the children of Israel.Deuteronomy 12:12And ye shall rejoice before the LORD your God, ye, and your sons, and your daughters, and your menservants, and your maidservants, and the Levite that is within your gates; forasmuch as he hath no part nor inheritance with you.1 Timothy 5:17Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.Galatians 6:6Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things.
Historical Context
The Levites received no tribal land allotment, depending entirely on the other tribes' tithes (Numbers 18:21-24). When Israel neglected tithing, Levites abandoned temple service for subsistence farming (Nehemiah 13:10), crippling corporate worship and covenant instruction.
Questions for Reflection
- How does your church's support of pastors/missionaries reflect (or fail to reflect) God's priority on gospel ministry?
- What modern 'Levites' (those dedicating lives to ministry) might you be tempted to 'forsake' through financial neglect?
- In what ways does supporting gospel workers constitute worship rather than mere obligation?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And the Levite that is within thy gates; thou shalt not forsake him—The festival joy must include the tribe with no part nor inheritance in land. The Levites' 'portion' was the LORD Himself (Numbers 18:20), requiring others' support. Worship integrity includes economic justice.
Paul applies this principle: They which preach the gospel should live of the gospel (1 Corinthians 9:14). The labourer is worthy of his reward (1 Timothy 5:18). Yet Israel repeatedly 'forsook' Levites (Nehemiah 13:10), causing temple service collapse. Modern parallel: underfunding pastors while spending lavishly on personal comforts demonstrates disordered priorities. Supporting gospel workers is worship, not charity.