Numbers 18:24

Authorized King James Version

But the tithes of the children of Israel, which they offer as an heave offering unto the LORD, I have given to the Levites to inherit: therefore I have said unto them, Among the children of Israel they shall have no inheritance.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
כִּ֞י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#2
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#3
מַעְשַׂ֣ר
But the tithes
a tenth; especially a tithe
#4
בְּנֵ֣י
of 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
#5
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
of Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
#6
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#7
יָרִ֤ימוּ
which they offer
to be high actively, to rise or raise (in various applications, literally or figuratively)
#8
לַֽיהוָה֙
unto the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#9
תְּרוּמָ֔ה
as an heave offering
a present (as offered up), especially in sacrifice or as tribute
#10
נָתַ֥תִּי
I have given
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#11
לַלְוִיִּ֖ם
to the Levites
a levite or descendant of levi
#12
נַֽחֲלָֽה׃
no inheritance
properly, something inherited, i.e., (abstractly) occupancy, or (concretely) an heirloom; generally an estate, patrimony or portion
#13
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#14
כֵּן֙
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
#15
אָמַ֣רְתִּי
therefore I have said
to say (used with great latitude)
#16
לָהֶ֔ם
they (only used when emphatic)
#17
בְּתוֹךְ֙
unto them Among
a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center
#18
בְּנֵ֣י
of 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
#19
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
of Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
#20
לֹ֥א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#21
יִנְחֲל֖וּ
they shall have
to inherit (as a (figurative) mode of descent), or (generally) to occupy; causatively, to bequeath, or (generally) distribute, instate
#22
נַֽחֲלָֽה׃
no inheritance
properly, something inherited, i.e., (abstractly) occupancy, or (concretely) an heirloom; generally an estate, patrimony or portion

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine sovereignty contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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