Deuteronomy Chapter 18 · Verse 1
The priests the Levites, and all the tribe of Levi, shall have no part nor inheritance with Israel: they shall eat the offerings of the LORD made by fire, and his inheritance.
Original Language Analysis
לֹֽא
H3808
לֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
1 of 15
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יִ֠הְיֶה
H1961
יִ֠הְיֶה
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
2 of 15
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
לַכֹּֽהֲנִ֨ים
The priests
H3548
לַכֹּֽהֲנִ֨ים
The priests
Strong's:
H3548
Word #:
3 of 15
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
5 of 15
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
שֵׁ֧בֶט
and all the tribe
H7626
שֵׁ֧בֶט
and all the tribe
Strong's:
H7626
Word #:
6 of 15
a scion, i.e., (literally) a stick (for punishing, writing, fighting, ruling, walking, etc.) or (figuratively) a clan
וְנַֽחֲלָת֖וֹ
and his inheritance
H5159
וְנַֽחֲלָת֖וֹ
and his inheritance
Strong's:
H5159
Word #:
9 of 15
properly, something inherited, i.e., (abstractly) occupancy, or (concretely) an heirloom; generally an estate, patrimony or portion
עִם
H5973
עִם
Strong's:
H5973
Word #:
10 of 15
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
with Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
with Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
11 of 15
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
אִשֵּׁ֧י
made by fire
H801
אִשֵּׁ֧י
made by fire
Strong's:
H801
Word #:
12 of 15
properly, a burnt-offering; but occasionally of any sacrifice
יְהוָ֛ה
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֛ה
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
13 of 15
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
Cross References
Deuteronomy 10:9Wherefore Levi hath no part nor inheritance with his brethren; the LORD is his inheritance, according as the LORD thy God promised him.Deuteronomy 12:19Take heed to thyself that thou forsake not the Levite as long as thou livest upon the earth.Joshua 13:14Only unto the tribe of Levi he gave none inheritance; the sacrifices of the LORD God of Israel made by fire are their inheritance, as he said unto them.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.
Historical Context
This law was given on the plains of Moab (circa 1406 BC) just before Israel entered Canaan, where land distribution would occur. The tribe of Levi descended from Jacob's third son but was set apart for priesthood after the golden calf incident (Exodus 32:26-29). Instead of territorial inheritance, the Levites received 48 cities scattered throughout Israel's tribal territories (Numbers 35:1-8, Joshua 21), allowing them to teach the law and serve in worship centers while depending on tithes and offerings for sustenance.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the Levitical model of God as inheritance challenge modern materialism and security-seeking?
- What does it mean practically for believers today to say 'God is my portion' when we still need food, shelter, and income?
Analysis & Commentary
The priests the Levites, and all the tribe of Levi, shall have no part nor inheritance with Israel (לֹא־יִהְיֶה לַכֹּהֲנִים הַלְוִיִּם כָּל־שֵׁבֶט לֵוִי חֵלֶק וְנַחֲלָה עִם־יִשְׂרָאֵל)—God Himself is their nachalah (inheritance). Unlike the other tribes who received land territories, the Levites' portion was sacred service and divine provision through the offerings of the LORD made by fire (isheh YHWH).
The phrase isheh refers specifically to burnt offerings consumed on the altar, while his inheritance (nachalato) means God's own portion. The Levites ate what was offered to God—a profound intimacy. This establishes a radical principle: those devoted to God's service depend entirely on His provision through His people's obedience. Numbers 18:20 makes this explicit: "I am thy part and thine inheritance among the children of Israel."
Paul applies this principle in 1 Corinthians 9:13-14—"they which minister about holy things live of the things of the temple"—establishing that gospel ministers deserve material support. The Levitical model foreshadows the New Covenant reality that God Himself is the believer's true inheritance (Psalm 16:5, Ephesians 1:18).