Numbers 18:31
And ye shall eat it in every place, ye and your households: for it is your reward for your service in the tabernacle of the congregation.
Original Language Analysis
אֹתוֹ֙
H853
אֹתוֹ֙
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
2 of 14
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
בְּכָל
H3605
בְּכָל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
3 of 14
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
מָק֔וֹם
it in every place
H4725
מָק֔וֹם
it in every place
Strong's:
H4725
Word #:
4 of 14
properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)
וּבֵֽיתְכֶ֑ם
ye and your households
H1004
וּבֵֽיתְכֶ֑ם
ye and your households
Strong's:
H1004
Word #:
6 of 14
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
7 of 14
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
שָׂכָ֥ר
for it is your reward
H7939
שָׂכָ֥ר
for it is your reward
Strong's:
H7939
Word #:
8 of 14
payment of contract; concretely, salary, fare, maintenance; by implication, compensation, benefit
הוּא֙
H1931
הוּא֙
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
9 of 14
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
Historical Context
Unlike priests who ate portions within the holy place, Levites could consume tithe-income anywhere in Israel, treating it as regular food rather than sacred offerings. This distinction reflected Levites' support role (dismantling/transporting tabernacle) versus priests' mediatorial altar functions.
Questions for Reflection
- How does designating tithes as 'reward for your service' affirm the dignity of compensated ministry work?
- What does provision for ministers' entire 'households' teach about comprehensive care for ministry families?
- How can churches balance honoring ministers' right to fair compensation while preventing ministry from becoming purely transactional?
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Analysis & Commentary
And ye shall eat it in every place, ye and your households: for it is your reward for your service in the tabernacle of the congregation—The permission to eat tithe-income in every place (בְּכָל־מָקוֹם bekhol-makom) contrasts with priestly portions requiring consumption within the tabernacle precincts. The phrase ye and your households (אַתֶּם וּבֵיתְכֶם atem uveteikhem) extended provision to Levitical families, not just individual ministers.
The word reward (שָׂכָר sakhar, wages/compensation) characterizes tithes as earned payment for tabernacle service, not charity or optional support. This establishes that ministry work deserves fair compensation, anticipating Jesus' instruction that workers deserve their wages (Luke 10:7) and Paul's defense of apostolic support rights (1 Corinthians 9:7-14).