Numbers 18:29
Out of all your gifts ye shall offer every heave offering of the LORD, of all the best thereof, even the hallowed part thereof out of it.
Original Language Analysis
מִכֹּל֙
H3605
מִכֹּל֙
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
1 of 12
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
מַתְּנֹ֣תֵיכֶ֔ם
Out of all your gifts
H4979
מַתְּנֹ֣תֵיכֶ֔ם
Out of all your gifts
Strong's:
H4979
Word #:
2 of 12
a present; specifically (in a good sense), a sacrificial offering, (in a bad sense) a bribe
תָּרִ֕ימוּ
ye shall offer
H7311
תָּרִ֕ימוּ
ye shall offer
Strong's:
H7311
Word #:
3 of 12
to be high actively, to rise or raise (in various applications, literally or figuratively)
אֵ֖ת
H853
אֵ֖ת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
4 of 12
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
5 of 12
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
תְּרוּמַ֣ת
every heave offering
H8641
תְּרוּמַ֣ת
every heave offering
Strong's:
H8641
Word #:
6 of 12
a present (as offered up), especially in sacrifice or as tribute
יְהוָ֑ה
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֑ה
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
7 of 12
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
מִכָּל
H3605
מִכָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
8 of 12
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
חֶלְבּ֔וֹ
of all the best
H2459
חֶלְבּ֔וֹ
of all the best
Strong's:
H2459
Word #:
9 of 12
fat, whether literally or figuratively; hence, the richest or choice part
אֶֽת
H853
אֶֽת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
10 of 12
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern cultures often gave inferior sacrifices (blemished animals, poorest grain) to deities while keeping the best for personal use. Israel's law reversed this pattern—God demanded the best, ensuring that worship cost something real, not merely religious tokenism.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the requirement to give 'all the best' challenge modern practices of giving God leftovers (time, money, energy)?
- What does 'hallowing' your giving (setting apart the best for God) teach about faith and trust in provision?
- How can you identify and offer the 'hallowed part' of your resources rather than convenient remainders?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Out of all your gifts ye shall offer every heave offering of the LORD, of all the best thereof, even the hallowed part thereof out of it—The triple emphasis—all your gifts, all the best, the hallowed part—establishes that Levites must give from the choicest portions (חֵלֶב chelev, fat/best), not leftover remnants. The phrase hallowed part (מִקְדָּשׁוֹ miqdasho, its sanctified portion) indicates that selecting the best for God sanctified the entire remainder for Levitical use.
This principle of firstfruits giving (Proverbs 3:9, 'Honor the LORD with... the firstfruits of all thine increase') required faith—giving the best first, trusting God would provide for remaining needs. Jesus commended the widow's sacrificial giving from poverty (Mark 12:41-44), demonstrating that percentage matters less than priority and proportion.