Numbers 18:28
Thus ye also shall offer an heave offering unto the LORD of all your tithes, which ye receive of the children of Israel; and ye shall give thereof the LORD'S heave offering to Aaron the priest.
Original Language Analysis
כֵּ֣ן
H3651
כֵּ֣ן
Strong's:
H3651
Word #:
1 of 20
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
תָּרִ֤ימוּ
Thus ye also shall offer
H7311
תָּרִ֤ימוּ
Thus ye also shall offer
Strong's:
H7311
Word #:
2 of 20
to be high actively, to rise or raise (in various applications, literally or figuratively)
גַם
H1571
גַם
Strong's:
H1571
Word #:
3 of 20
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
תְּרוּמַ֣ת
an heave offering
H8641
תְּרוּמַ֣ת
an heave offering
Strong's:
H8641
Word #:
5 of 20
a present (as offered up), especially in sacrifice or as tribute
יְהוָ֔ה
thereof the LORD'S
H3068
יְהוָ֔ה
thereof the LORD'S
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
6 of 20
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
מִכֹּל֙
H3605
מִכֹּל֙
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
7 of 20
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
9 of 20
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
תִּקְח֔וּ
which ye receive
H3947
תִּקְח֔וּ
which ye receive
Strong's:
H3947
Word #:
10 of 20
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
מֵאֵ֖ת
H853
מֵאֵ֖ת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
11 of 20
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
בְּנֵ֣י
of the children
H1121
בְּנֵ֣י
of the children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
12 of 20
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
of Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
of Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
13 of 20
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
וּנְתַתֶּ֤ם
and ye shall give
H5414
וּנְתַתֶּ֤ם
and ye shall give
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
14 of 20
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
מִמֶּ֙נּוּ֙
H4480
מִמֶּ֙נּוּ֙
Strong's:
H4480
Word #:
15 of 20
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
16 of 20
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
תְּרוּמַ֣ת
an heave offering
H8641
תְּרוּמַ֣ת
an heave offering
Strong's:
H8641
Word #:
17 of 20
a present (as offered up), especially in sacrifice or as tribute
יְהוָ֔ה
thereof the LORD'S
H3068
יְהוָ֔ה
thereof the LORD'S
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
18 of 20
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
Historical Context
The Levitical tithe-to-priests created a three-tier economic flow:
- Israelites gave 10% to Levites
- Levites gave 10% of that (1% of Israel's production) to priests
- Priests served at the altar with no other income.
This system sustained 23,000+ Levites and Aaron's family throughout Israel's history.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the requirement that even tithe-recipients must tithe challenge entitlement mentalities in ministry?
- What 'heave offering to the LORD' (giving to spiritual leaders) might God be calling you to prioritize in your budget?
- How can churches structure support to maintain both adequate provision and prevention of ministerial privilege?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Thus ye also shall offer an heave offering unto the LORD of all your tithes, which ye receive of the children of Israel—The emphatic thus ye also (כֵּן... גַּם־אַתֶּם ken... gam-atem) stresses that Levites participated in the same stewardship obligations as all Israel—receiving tithes didn't exempt them from giving. The phrase of all your tithes (מִכֹּל מַעְשְׂרֹתֵיכֶם mikol ma'asroteikhem) established comprehensive giving, not selective contributions based on personal preference.
And ye shall give thereof the LORD's heave offering to Aaron the priest—Directing the tithe-of-tithe specifically to Aaron's line maintained priesthood's distinct role and adequate support. This multi-tier system (people → Levites → priests) prevented both poverty and privilege, ensuring balanced provision across all ministry levels while maintaining clear functional distinctions.