Deuteronomy 18:8
They shall have like portions to eat, beside that which cometh of the sale of his patrimony.
Original Language Analysis
כְּחֵ֖לֶק
They shall have like portions
H2506
כְּחֵ֖לֶק
They shall have like portions
Strong's:
H2506
Word #:
1 of 7
properly, smoothness (of the tongue)
כְּחֵ֖לֶק
They shall have like portions
H2506
כְּחֵ֖לֶק
They shall have like portions
Strong's:
H2506
Word #:
2 of 7
properly, smoothness (of the tongue)
לְבַ֥ד
H905
לְבַ֥ד
Strong's:
H905
Word #:
4 of 7
properly, separation; by implication, a part of the body, branch of a tree, bar for carrying; figuratively, chief of a city; especially (with preposit
מִמְכָּרָ֖יו
beside that which cometh of the sale
H4465
מִמְכָּרָ֖יו
beside that which cometh of the sale
Strong's:
H4465
Word #:
5 of 7
merchandise; abstractly, a selling
Cross References
Nehemiah 12:44And at that time were some appointed over the chambers for the treasures, for the offerings, for the firstfruits, and for the tithes, to gather into them out of the fields of the cities the portions of the law for the priests and Levites: for Judah rejoiced for the priests and for the Levites that waited.Nehemiah 12:47And all Israel in the days of Zerubbabel, and in the days of Nehemiah, gave the portions of the singers and the porters, every day his portion: and they sanctified holy things unto the Levites; and the Levites sanctified them unto the children of Aaron.Luke 10:7And in the same house remain, eating and drinking such things as they give: for the labourer is worthy of his hire. Go not from house to house.2 Chronicles 31:4Moreover he commanded the people that dwelt in Jerusalem to give the portion of the priests and the Levites, that they might be encouraged in the law of the LORD.
Historical Context
This provision governed temple service from Moses through the second temple period (AD 70). Josephus (Jewish historian, 1st century AD) describes the complex system of priestly courses and portion distribution in Herod's temple. The law's inclusion of 'sale of patrimony' suggests Levites did own property despite lacking territorial inheritance—likely houses, movable goods, and business interests (Acts 4:36-37 shows Barnabas, a Levite, owning land in Cyprus).
Questions for Reflection
- How does this law challenge modern tendencies to means-test pastoral salaries or exclude 'wealthy' pastors from fair compensation?
- What does equal treatment of all ministers teach about the sacredness of calling versus worldly measures of need or merit?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
They shall have like portions to eat (חֵלֶק כְּחֵלֶק יֹאכֵלוּ)—chelek kechelek, "portion like portion," emphasizes exact equality. Visiting Levites received the same shares from sacrificial portions as resident priests. Beside that which cometh of the sale of his patrimony (levad mimkarav al-ha'avot) protects personal inheritance rights.
Though Levites had no territorial inheritance, they could own personal property and sell family assets. Such private wealth didn't disqualify them from receiving their sacred due from offerings. This prevents means-testing ministry support—a wealthy Levite still deserved his share because it represented God's ordained provision, not welfare.
The principle: ministerial support isn't charity but sacred obligation. Whether a pastor has independent wealth or not, the church owes him provision (1 Timothy 5:17-18: "double honour" for those who labor in word and doctrine). Paul voluntarily waived this right strategically (1 Corinthians 9:12,15-18) but affirmed the principle itself. This law prevented exploitation—rich Levites couldn't be excluded from portions rightfully theirs.