Numbers 18:32
And ye shall bear no sin by reason of it, when ye have heaved from it the best of it: neither shall ye pollute the holy things of the children of Israel, lest ye die.
Original Language Analysis
וְלֹֽא
H3808
וְלֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
1 of 16
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
תִשְׂא֤וּ
And ye shall bear
H5375
תִשְׂא֤וּ
And ye shall bear
Strong's:
H5375
Word #:
2 of 16
to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative
עָלָיו֙
H5921
עָלָיו֙
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
3 of 16
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
בַּהֲרִֽימְכֶ֥ם
by reason of it when ye have heaved
H7311
בַּהֲרִֽימְכֶ֥ם
by reason of it when ye have heaved
Strong's:
H7311
Word #:
5 of 16
to be high actively, to rise or raise (in various applications, literally or figuratively)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
6 of 16
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
חֶלְבּ֖וֹ
from it the best
H2459
חֶלְבּ֖וֹ
from it the best
Strong's:
H2459
Word #:
7 of 16
fat, whether literally or figuratively; hence, the richest or choice part
מִמֶּ֑נּוּ
H4480
מִמֶּ֑נּוּ
Strong's:
H4480
Word #:
8 of 16
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
9 of 16
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
קָדְשֵׁ֧י
the holy things
H6944
קָדְשֵׁ֧י
the holy things
Strong's:
H6944
Word #:
10 of 16
a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity
בְנֵֽי
of the children
H1121
בְנֵֽי
of the children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
11 of 16
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
יִשְׂרָאֵ֛ל
of Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֛ל
of Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
12 of 16
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
לֹ֥א
H3808
לֹ֥א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
13 of 16
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
תְחַלְּל֖וּ
of it neither shall ye pollute
H2490
תְחַלְּל֖וּ
of it neither shall ye pollute
Strong's:
H2490
Word #:
14 of 16
properly, to bore, i.e., (by implication) to wound, to dissolve; figuratively, to profane (a person, place or thing), to break (one's word), to begin
Cross References
Leviticus 19:8Therefore every one that eateth it shall bear his iniquity, because he hath profaned the hallowed thing of the LORD: and that soul shall be cut off from among his people.Leviticus 22:2Speak unto Aaron and to his sons, that they separate themselves from the holy things of the children of Israel, and that they profane not my holy name in those things which they hallow unto me: I am the LORD.
Historical Context
The death penalty for profaning holy things (see Nadab and Abihu, Leviticus 10:1-2; Uzzah, 2 Samuel 6:6-7) demonstrated that casual or contemptuous treatment of sacred matters invited divine judgment. Israel learned to approach stewardship with reverent seriousness.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the warning against 'polluting holy things' through poor stewardship challenge casual attitudes toward giving?
- What does the death penalty for profaning offerings teach about God's seriousness regarding faithful handling of His resources?
- How can you examine your giving patterns to ensure you're offering God 'the best' rather than polluting worship with leftovers?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And ye shall bear no sin by reason of it, when ye have heaved from it the best of it: neither shall ye pollute the holy things of the children of Israel, lest ye die—The phrase bear no sin (לֹא־תִשְׂאוּ עָלָיו חֵטְא lo-tis'u alav chet) promises exemption from guilt when proper firstfruits are given, while failure to give the best would constitute polluting (חָלַל chalal, profaning/desecrating) holy things. The death penalty (תָּמוּתוּ tamutu) for profaning sacred offerings underscores the seriousness of stewardship obligations.
This verse concludes the tithe regulations (18:25-32) by establishing that faithful stewardship from received blessings prevents spiritual danger, while keeping the best for self while giving God inferior portions profanes worship. The New Testament warns against similar profaning: 'You cannot serve both God and money' (Matthew 6:24).