Numbers 18:8
And the LORD spake unto Aaron, Behold, I also have given thee the charge of mine heave offerings of all the hallowed things of the children of Israel; unto thee have I given them by reason of the anointing, and to thy sons, by an ordinance for ever.
Original Language Analysis
וַיְדַבֵּ֣ר
spake
H1696
וַיְדַבֵּ֣ר
spake
Strong's:
H1696
Word #:
1 of 21
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
יְהוָה֮
And the LORD
H3068
יְהוָה֮
And the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
2 of 21
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
נְתַתִּ֧ים
Behold I also have given
H5414
נְתַתִּ֧ים
Behold I also have given
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
7 of 21
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
9 of 21
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
מִשְׁמֶ֖רֶת
thee the charge
H4931
מִשְׁמֶ֖רֶת
thee the charge
Strong's:
H4931
Word #:
10 of 21
watch, i.e., the act (custody), or (concretely) the sentry, the post; objectively preservation, or (concretely) safe; figuratively observance, i.e., (
תְּרֽוּמֹתָ֑י
of mine heave offerings
H8641
תְּרֽוּמֹתָ֑י
of mine heave offerings
Strong's:
H8641
Word #:
11 of 21
a present (as offered up), especially in sacrifice or as tribute
לְכָל
H3605
לְכָל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
12 of 21
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
קָדְשֵׁ֣י
of all the hallowed things
H6944
קָדְשֵׁ֣י
of all the hallowed things
Strong's:
H6944
Word #:
13 of 21
a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity
וּלְבָנֶ֖יךָ
and to thy sons
H1121
וּלְבָנֶ֖יךָ
and to thy sons
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
14 of 21
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
יִ֠שְׂרָאֵל
of Israel
H3478
יִ֠שְׂרָאֵל
of Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
15 of 21
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
נְתַתִּ֧ים
Behold I also have given
H5414
נְתַתִּ֧ים
Behold I also have given
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
17 of 21
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
לְמָשְׁחָ֛ה
them by reason of the anointing
H4888
לְמָשְׁחָ֛ה
them by reason of the anointing
Strong's:
H4888
Word #:
18 of 21
unction (the act); by implication, a consecratory gift
וּלְבָנֶ֖יךָ
and to thy sons
H1121
וּלְבָנֶ֖יךָ
and to thy sons
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
19 of 21
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
Cross References
Leviticus 6:16And the remainder thereof shall Aaron and his sons eat: with unleavened bread shall it be eaten in the holy place; in the court of the tabernacle of the congregation they shall eat it.Exodus 29:29And the holy garments of Aaron shall be his sons' after him, to be anointed therein, and to be consecrated in them.Exodus 40:15And thou shalt anoint them, as thou didst anoint their father, that they may minister unto me in the priest's office: for their anointing shall surely be an everlasting priesthood throughout their generations.Exodus 40:13And thou shalt put upon Aaron the holy garments, and anoint him, and sanctify him; that he may minister unto me in the priest's office.Leviticus 6:18All the males among the children of Aaron shall eat of it. It shall be a statute for ever in your generations concerning the offerings of the LORD made by fire: every one that toucheth them shall be holy.Leviticus 7:6Every male among the priests shall eat thereof: it shall be eaten in the holy place: it is most holy.
Historical Context
The priests' portions included parts of sacrifices, firstfruits, and offerings (detailed in verses 9-19). Having no land inheritance, they depended entirely on these provisions. This arrangement required faith in God's provision through the people's obedience and reinforced the community's responsibility to support spiritual leadership.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you support those in spiritual ministry as God has prospered you?
- What does it mean to honor spiritual leaders through material provision?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
God gave priests portions of offerings 'for an anointing'—priestly compensation came from holy things. This established principle of supporting ministers through God's people's gifts. Those who serve the altar share in the altar's provisions (1 Corinthians 9:13-14). God's design includes material support for those devoted to spiritual service.