Numbers 5:10
And every man's hallowed things shall be his: whatsoever any man giveth the priest, it shall be his.
Original Language Analysis
אִ֛ישׁ
And every man's
H376
אִ֛ישׁ
And every man's
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
1 of 11
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
2 of 11
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
קֳדָשָׁ֖יו
hallowed things
H6944
קֳדָשָׁ֖יו
hallowed things
Strong's:
H6944
Word #:
3 of 11
a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity
יִֽהְי֑וּ
H1961
יִֽהְי֑וּ
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
5 of 11
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
אִ֛ישׁ
And every man's
H376
אִ֛ישׁ
And every man's
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
6 of 11
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
אֲשֶׁר
H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
7 of 11
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
יִתֵּ֥ן
giveth
H5414
יִתֵּ֥ן
giveth
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
8 of 11
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
Historical Context
This law protected against priestly abuse where religious leaders might claim anything they desired as sanctified to God. Jesus later condemned Pharisees who used the 'Corban' principle to avoid supporting parents (Mark 7:11-13), showing that dedication to God must not violate other scriptural obligations. True hallowing serves God's purposes, not human manipulation.
Questions for Reflection
- How can religious language be misused to avoid legitimate obligations?
- What does it mean to truly consecrate something to God versus using dedication as a pretext?
- How do we maintain voluntary, joyful giving while supporting ministry needs?
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Analysis & Commentary
The phrase 'every man's hallowed things shall be his' clarifies ownership rights within the sacrificial system. What a worshiper sanctified (set apart as holy) belonged to him to offer, though it ultimately went to the priest or altar. The Hebrew kodesh (hallowed/holy) indicates separation unto God. This teaches that dedication to God does not erase stewardship responsibility—we remain accountable for how we use what we have consecrated. It also establishes that priests could not coerce offerings; gifts must be voluntary.