Numbers 18:26
Thus speak unto the Levites, and say unto them, When ye take of the children of Israel the tithes which I have given you from them for your inheritance, then ye shall offer up an heave offering of it for the LORD, even a tenth part of the tithe.
Original Language Analysis
תְּדַבֵּר֮
Thus speak
H1696
תְּדַבֵּר֮
Thus speak
Strong's:
H1696
Word #:
3 of 24
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
6 of 24
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
תִ֠קְחוּ
unto them When ye take
H3947
תִ֠קְחוּ
unto them When ye take
Strong's:
H3947
Word #:
7 of 24
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
מֵאֵ֨ת
H853
מֵאֵ֨ת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
8 of 24
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
בְּנֵֽי
of the children
H1121
בְּנֵֽי
of the children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
9 of 24
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
יִשְׂרָאֵ֜ל
of Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֜ל
of Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
10 of 24
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
11 of 24
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
13 of 24
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
נָתַ֧תִּי
which I have given
H5414
נָתַ֧תִּי
which I have given
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
14 of 24
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
מֵֽאִתָּ֖ם
H853
מֵֽאִתָּ֖ם
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
16 of 24
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
בְּנַֽחֲלַתְכֶ֑ם
you from them for your inheritance
H5159
בְּנַֽחֲלַתְכֶ֑ם
you from them for your inheritance
Strong's:
H5159
Word #:
17 of 24
properly, something inherited, i.e., (abstractly) occupancy, or (concretely) an heirloom; generally an estate, patrimony or portion
וַהֲרֵֽמֹתֶ֤ם
then ye shall offer
H7311
וַהֲרֵֽמֹתֶ֤ם
then ye shall offer
Strong's:
H7311
Word #:
18 of 24
to be high actively, to rise or raise (in various applications, literally or figuratively)
מִמֶּ֙נּוּ֙
H4480
מִמֶּ֙נּוּ֙
Strong's:
H4480
Word #:
19 of 24
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
תְּרוּמַ֣ת
up an heave offering
H8641
תְּרוּמַ֣ת
up an heave offering
Strong's:
H8641
Word #:
20 of 24
a present (as offered up), especially in sacrifice or as tribute
יְהוָ֔ה
of it for the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֔ה
of it for the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
21 of 24
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
Cross References
Nehemiah 10:38And the priest the son of Aaron shall be with the Levites, when the Levites take tithes: and the Levites shall bring up the tithe of the tithes unto the house of our God, to the chambers, into the treasure house.Numbers 18:21And, 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.
Historical Context
Israel's eleven non-Levitical tribes gave 10% of agricultural and livestock produce to support Levites. Levites then gave 10% of their tithe-income (1% of Israel's total productivity) to Aaronic priests. This created economic interdependence across all tribes, binding the nation through mutual provision.
Questions for Reflection
- How does viewing ministry income as 'inheritance from the LORD' (not earned wages) shape attitudes toward giving and stewardship?
- What does the heave offering 'lifted up for the LORD' symbolize about directing all resources toward divine glory?
- How can believers practice multi-level generosity, giving from what we've already received as gifts from God?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Speak unto the Levites, and say unto them, When ye take of the children of Israel the tithes which I have given you from them for your inheritance, then ye shall offer up an heave offering of it for the LORD—The Levitical tithe (מַעֲשֵׂר ma'aser, tenth) became their inheritance (נַחֲלָה nachalah) replacing landed property other tribes received. From this tithe-income, Levites offered a heave offering (תְּרוּמָה terumah, contribution lifted up) to God, practically given to priests.
The phrase which I have given you from them emphasizes divine sourcing—the tithe was God's gift to Levites, not merely Israelite generosity. This established that all resources ultimately come from God, even income from ministry service. Paul echoes this principle: 'What do you have that you did not receive?' (1 Corinthians 4:7).