Numbers 18:6
And I, behold, I have taken your brethren the Levites from among the children of Israel: to you they are given as a gift for the LORD, to do the service of the tabernacle of the congregation.
Original Language Analysis
לָקַ֙חְתִּי֙
And I behold I have taken
H3947
לָקַ֙חְתִּי֙
And I behold I have taken
Strong's:
H3947
Word #:
3 of 18
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
4 of 18
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
אֲחֵיכֶ֣ם
your brethren
H251
אֲחֵיכֶ֣ם
your brethren
Strong's:
H251
Word #:
5 of 18
a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])
בְּנֵ֣י
the children
H1121
בְּנֵ֣י
the children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
8 of 18
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 #:
9 of 18
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
מַתָּנָ֤ה
as a gift
H4979
מַתָּנָ֤ה
as a gift
Strong's:
H4979
Word #:
11 of 18
a present; specifically (in a good sense), a sacrificial offering, (in a bad sense) a bribe
נְתֻנִים֙
to you they are given
H5414
נְתֻנִים֙
to you they are given
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
12 of 18
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
לַֽיהוָ֔ה
for the LORD
H3068
לַֽיהוָ֔ה
for the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
13 of 18
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
לַֽעֲבֹ֕ד
to do
H5647
לַֽעֲבֹ֕ד
to do
Strong's:
H5647
Word #:
14 of 18
to work (in any sense); by implication, to serve, till, (causatively) enslave, etc
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
15 of 18
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
Cross References
Numbers 3:9And thou shalt give the Levites unto Aaron and to his sons: they are wholly given unto him out of the children of Israel.Numbers 3:12And I, behold, I have taken the Levites from among the children of Israel instead of all the firstborn that openeth the matrix among the children of Israel: therefore the Levites shall be mine;Numbers 3:45Take the Levites instead of all the firstborn among the children of Israel, and the cattle of the Levites instead of their cattle; and the Levites shall be mine: I am the LORD.
Historical Context
The Levites were substitutes for Israel's firstborn (3:12), themselves a gift from God. This dual gift—God giving Levites to Israel, then giving Levites to priests—illustrated that all service ultimately flows from divine grace. Ministry is gift both in calling and in provision of those called.
Questions for Reflection
- How does viewing your role as 'gift' rather than achievement change your attitude toward service?
- What gifts has God given to the church through people assigned to support your ministry?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
God reiterates: 'I have taken your brethren the Levites from among the children of Israel'—emphasizing divine initiative in their selection. They were given 'as a gift' to serve the priesthood. Understanding our roles as divine gifts rather than earned positions eliminates both pride and envy. We serve not by human achievement but by God's gracious appointment.