Joshua 18:7
But the Levites have no part among you; for the priesthood of the LORD is their inheritance: and Gad, and Reuben, and half the tribe of Manasseh, have received their inheritance beyond Jordan on the east, which Moses the servant of the LORD gave them.
Original Language Analysis
כִּ֠י
H3588
כִּ֠י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 25
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
בְּקִרְבְּכֶ֔ם
among
H7130
בְּקִרְבְּכֶ֔ם
among
Strong's:
H7130
Word #:
5 of 25
properly, the nearest part, i.e., the center, whether literal, figurative or adverbial (especially with preposition)
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
6 of 25
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
יְהוָֽה׃
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָֽה׃
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
8 of 25
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
נַֽחֲלָתָ֗ם
is their inheritance
H5159
נַֽחֲלָתָ֗ם
is their inheritance
Strong's:
H5159
Word #:
9 of 25
properly, something inherited, i.e., (abstractly) occupancy, or (concretely) an heirloom; generally an estate, patrimony or portion
וְגָ֡ד
and Gad
H1410
וְגָ֡ד
and Gad
Strong's:
H1410
Word #:
10 of 25
gad, a son of jacob, including his tribe and its territory; also a prophet
שֵׁ֨בֶט
the tribe
H7626
שֵׁ֨בֶט
the tribe
Strong's:
H7626
Word #:
13 of 25
a scion, i.e., (literally) a stick (for punishing, writing, fighting, ruling, walking, etc.) or (figuratively) a clan
הַֽמְנַשֶּׁ֜ה
of Manasseh
H4519
הַֽמְנַשֶּׁ֜ה
of Manasseh
Strong's:
H4519
Word #:
14 of 25
menashsheh, a grandson of jacob, also the tribe descended from him, and its territory
לָֽקְח֣וּ
have received
H3947
לָֽקְח֣וּ
have received
Strong's:
H3947
Word #:
15 of 25
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
נַֽחֲלָתָ֗ם
is their inheritance
H5159
נַֽחֲלָתָ֗ם
is their inheritance
Strong's:
H5159
Word #:
16 of 25
properly, something inherited, i.e., (abstractly) occupancy, or (concretely) an heirloom; generally an estate, patrimony or portion
מֵעֵ֤בֶר
beyond
H5676
מֵעֵ֤בֶר
beyond
Strong's:
H5676
Word #:
17 of 25
properly, a region across; but used only adverbially (with or without a preposition) on the opposite side (especially of the jordan; ususally meaning
אֲשֶׁר֙
H834
אֲשֶׁר֙
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
20 of 25
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
נָתַ֣ן
gave
H5414
נָתַ֣ן
gave
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
21 of 25
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
Cross References
Joshua 13:33But unto the tribe of Levi Moses gave not any inheritance: the LORD God of Israel was 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
Levites received 48 cities scattered throughout Israel (Joshua 21) but no contiguous tribal territory. Their dispersion enabled nationwide priestly ministry. The eastern tribes' settlement across the Jordan preceded Joshua's leadership, fulfilling Moses' allocation.
Questions for Reflection
- What does it mean for God Himself to be your inheritance rather than material possessions?
- How does the Levitical model challenge or affirm vocational ministry today?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
But the Levites have no part among you; for the priesthood of the LORD is their inheritance—Levi's 'portion' is God Himself (Numbers 18:20). The Hebrew kehunnat YHWH nachalatam (כְּהֻנַּת יְהוָה נַחֲלָתָם) literally reads 'the priesthood of Yahweh [is] their inheritance.' This paradox: they possess nothing geographically yet possess everything spiritually.
Gad, Reuben, and half-Manasseh already received Transjordan territory under Moses (Numbers 32). This verse clarifies the eastern tribes' exclusion from the western land division while affirming Levi's unique calling. Ministers' true reward is serving God, not earthly wealth (1 Corinthians 9:13-14).