Numbers 18:21

Authorized King James Version

And, behold, I have given the children of Levi all the tenth in Israel for an inheritance, for their service which they serve, even the service of the tabernacle of the congregation.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְלִבְנֵ֣י
the children
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#2
לֵוִ֔י
of Levi
levi, a son of jacob
#3
הִנֵּ֥ה
lo!
#4
נָתַ֛תִּי
And behold I have given
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#5
כָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#6
מַֽעֲשֵׂ֥ר
all the tenth
a tenth; especially a tithe
#7
בְּיִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל
in Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
#8
לְנַֽחֲלָ֑ה
for an inheritance
properly, something inherited, i.e., (abstractly) occupancy, or (concretely) an heirloom; generally an estate, patrimony or portion
#9
חֵ֤לֶף
for
properly, exchange; hence (as preposition) instead of
#10
עֲבֹדַ֖ת
even the service
work of any kind
#11
אֲשֶׁר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#12
הֵ֣ם
they (only used when emphatic)
#13
עֹֽבְדִ֔ים
which they serve
to work (in any sense); by implication, to serve, till, (causatively) enslave, etc
#14
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#15
עֲבֹדַ֖ת
even the service
work of any kind
#16
אֹ֥הֶל
of the tabernacle
a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)
#17
מוֹעֵֽד׃
of the congregation
properly, an appointment, i.e., a fixed time or season; specifically, a festival; conventionally a year; by implication, an assembly (as convened for

Analysis

Within the broader context of Numbers, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Numbers.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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