New International Version“I give to the Levites all the tithes in Israel as their inheritance in return for the work they do while serving at the tent of meeting.
New Living TranslationAs for the tribe of Levi, your relatives, I will compensate them for their service in the Tabernacle. Instead of an allotment of land, I will give them the tithes from the entire land of Israel.
English Standard Version“To the Levites I have given every tithe in Israel for an inheritance, in return for their service that they do, their service in the tent of meeting,
Berean Standard BibleBehold, I have given to the Levites all the tithes in Israel as an inheritance in return for the work they do, the service of the Tent of Meeting.
King James BibleAnd, behold, I have given the children of Levi all the tenth in Israel for an inheritance, for their service which they serve, even the service of the tabernacle of the congregation.
New King James Version“Behold, I have given the children of Levi all the tithes in Israel as an inheritance in return for the work which they perform, the work of the tabernacle of meeting.
New American Standard Bible“To the sons of Levi, behold, I have given all the tithe in Israel as an inheritance, in return for their service which they perform, the service of the tent of meeting.
NASB 1995“To the sons of Levi, behold, I have given all the tithe in Israel for an inheritance, in return for their service which they perform, the service of the tent of meeting.
NASB 1977“And to the sons of Levi, behold, I have given all the tithe in Israel for an inheritance, in return for their service which they perform, the service of the tent of meeting.
Legacy Standard Bible“Now to the sons of Levi, behold, I have given all the tithe in Israel for an inheritance, in return for their service which they perform, the service of the tent of meeting.
Amplified Bible“Behold, I have given the Levites all the tithe in Israel as an inheritance, in return for their service which they perform, the service of the Tent of Meeting (tabernacle).
Christian Standard Bible“Look, I have given the Levites every tenth in Israel as an inheritance in return for the work they do, the work of the tent of meeting.
Holman Christian Standard BibleLook, I have given the Levites every tenth in Israel as an inheritance in return for the work they do, the work of the tent of meeting.
American Standard VersionAnd unto the children of Levi, behold, I have given all the tithe in Israel for an inheritance, in return for their service which they serve, even the service of the tent of meeting.
Contemporary English VersionTen percent of the Israelites' crops and one out of every ten of their newborn animals belong to me. But I am giving all this to the Levites as their pay for the work they do at the sacred tent.
English Revised VersionAnd unto the children of Levi, behold, I have given all the tithe in Israel for an inheritance, in return for their service which they serve, even the service of the tent of meeting.
GOD'S WORD® Translation"I am giving the Levites one-tenth of every Israelite's income. This is in return for the work they do at the tent of meeting.
Good News TranslationThe LORD said, "I have given to the Levites every tithe that the people of Israel present to me. This is in payment for their service in taking care of the Tent of my presence.
International Standard VersionAs to the descendants of Levi, certainly I've given all the tithes in Israel as their inheritance in return for their services that they perform at the Tent of Meeting.
NET BibleSee, I have given the Levites all the tithes in Israel for an inheritance, for their service which they perform--the service of the tent of meeting.
New Heart English Bible"To the descendants of Levi, look, I have given all the tithe in Israel for an inheritance, in return for their service which they serve, even the service of the Tent of Meeting.
Webster's Bible TranslationAnd behold, I have given the children of Levi all the tenth in Israel for an inheritance, for their service which they serve, even the service of the tabernacle of the congregation. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleBehold, I have given to the Levites all the tithes in Israel as an inheritance in return for the work they do, the service of the Tent of Meeting.
World English Bible“To the children of Levi, behold, I have given all the tithe in Israel for an inheritance, in return for their service which they serve, even the service of the Tent of Meeting. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand to the sons of Levi, behold, have given all the tenth in Israel for inheritance in exchange for their service which they are serving—the service of the Tent of Meeting.
Young's Literal Translation and to the sons of Levi, lo, I have given all the tenth in Israel for inheritance in exchange for their service which they are serving -- the service of the tent of meeting.
Smith's Literal TranslationAnd to the sons of Levi, behold, I gave all the tenth in Israel for an inheritance for their services which they served, the service of the tent of appointment. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd I have given to the sons of Levi all the tithes of Israel for a possession for the ministry wherewith they serve me in the tabernacle of the covenant:
Catholic Public Domain VersionBut I have given, to the sons of Levi, all the tithes of Israel as a possession, for the ministry by which they serve me in the tabernacle of the covenant,
New American BibleTo the Levites, however, I hereby assign all tithes in Israel as their heritage in recompense for the labor they perform, the labor pertaining to the tent of meeting.
New Revised Standard VersionTo the Levites I have given every tithe in Israel for a possession in return for the service that they perform, the service in the tent of meeting. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd, behold, I have given to the children of Levi all the tithes of the children of Israel for an inheritance, for their service which they serve, even the service of the tabernacle of the congregation.
Peshitta Holy Bible TranslatedAnd to the sons of Levi, behold, you have given all of them a tenth of the children of Israel for an inheritance in the place of the work of those working the work in the Time Tabernacle. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And unto the children of Levi, behold, I have given all the tithe in Israel for an inheritance, in return for their service which they serve, even the service of the tent of meeting.
Brenton Septuagint TranslationAnd, behold, I have given to the sons of Levi every tithe in Israel for an inheritance for their services, whereinsoever they perform ministry in the tabernacle of witness.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context Offerings for Priests and Levites… 20Then the LORD said to Aaron, “You will have no inheritance in their land, nor will you have any portion among them. I am your portion and your inheritance among the Israelites. 21Behold,I have givento the Levitesallthe tithesin Israelas an inheritancein return forthe worktheydo,the serviceof the Tentof Meeting.22No longer may the Israelites come near to the Tent of Meeting, or they will incur guilt and die.…
Cross References Leviticus 27:30-33Thus any tithe from the land, whether from the seed of the land or the fruit of the trees, belongs to the LORD; it is holy to the LORD. / If a man wishes to redeem part of his tithe, he must add a fifth to its value. / Every tenth animal from the herd or flock that passes under the shepherd’s rod will be holy to the LORD. ...
Deuteronomy 14:22-29You must be sure to set aside a tenth of all the produce brought forth each year from your fields. / And you are to eat a tenth of your grain, new wine, and oil, and the firstborn of your herds and flocks, in the presence of the LORD your God at the place He will choose as a dwelling for His Name, so that you may learn to fear the LORD your God always. / But if the distance is too great for you to carry that with which the LORD your God has blessed you, because the place where the LORD your God will choose to put His Name is too far away, ...
Nehemiah 10:37-39Moreover, we will bring to the priests at the storerooms of the house of our God the firstfruits of our dough, of our grain offerings, of the fruit of all our trees, and of our new wine and oil. A tenth of our produce belongs to the Levites, so that they shall receive tithes in all the towns where we labor. / A priest of Aaron’s line is to accompany the Levites when they collect the tenth, and the Levites are to bring a tenth of these tithes to the storerooms of the treasury in the house of our God. / For the Israelites and the Levites are to bring the contributions of grain, new wine, and oil to the storerooms where the articles of the sanctuary are kept and where the ministering priests, the gatekeepers, and the singers stay. Thus we will not neglect the house of our God.”
Malachi 3:8-10Will a man rob God? Yet you are robbing Me! But you ask, ‘How do we rob You?’ In tithes and offerings. / You are cursed with a curse, yet you—the whole nation—are still robbing Me. / Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, so that there may be food in My house. Test Me in this,” says the LORD of Hosts. “See if I will not open the windows of heaven and pour out for you blessing without measure.
Hebrews 7:5Now the law commands the sons of Levi who become priests to collect a tenth from the people—that is, from their brothers—though they too are descended from Abraham.
2 Chronicles 31:4-6Moreover, he commanded the people living in Jerusalem to make a contribution for the priests and Levites so that they could devote themselves to the Law of the LORD. / As soon as the order went out, the Israelites generously provided the firstfruits of the grain, new wine, oil, and honey, and of all the produce of the field, and they brought in an abundance—a tithe of everything. / And the Israelites and Judahites who lived in the cities of Judah also brought a tithe of their herds and flocks and a tithe of the holy things consecrated to the LORD their God, and they laid them in large heaps.
Nehemiah 12:44-47And on that same day men were appointed over the rooms that housed the supplies, contributions, firstfruits, and tithes. The portions specified by the Law for the priests and Levites were gathered into these storerooms from the fields of the villages, because Judah rejoiced over the priests and Levites who were serving. / They performed the service of their God and the service of purification, along with the singers and gatekeepers, as David and his son Solomon had prescribed. / For long ago, in the days of David and Asaph, there were directors for the singers and for the songs of praise and thanksgiving to God. ...
2 Corinthians 9:7-14Each one should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not out of regret or compulsion. For God loves a cheerful giver. / And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things, at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. / As it is written: “He has scattered abroad His gifts to the poor; His righteousness endures forever.” ...
Genesis 14:20and blessed be God Most High, who has delivered your enemies into your hand.” Then Abram gave Melchizedek a tenth of everything.
Deuteronomy 12:17-19Within your gates you must not eat the tithe of your grain or new wine or oil, the firstborn of your herds or flocks, any of the offerings that you have vowed to give, or your freewill offerings or special gifts. / Instead, you must eat them in the presence of the LORD your God at the place the LORD your God will choose—you, your sons and daughters, your menservants and maidservants, and the Levite within your gates. Rejoice before the LORD your God in all you do, / and be careful not to neglect the Levites as long as you live in your land.
Matthew 23:23Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You pay tithes of mint, dill, and cumin. But you have disregarded the weightier matters of the law: justice, mercy, and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former.
Luke 11:42Woe to you Pharisees! For you pay tithes of mint, rue, and every herb, but you disregard justice and the love of God. You should have practiced the latter without neglecting the former.
1 Corinthians 9:13-14Do you not know that those who work in the temple eat of its food, and those who serve at the altar partake of its offerings? / In the same way, the Lord has prescribed that those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel.
Galatians 6:6Nevertheless, the one who receives instruction in the word must share in all good things with his instructor.
1 Timothy 5:17-18Elders who lead effectively are worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching. / For the Scripture says, “Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain,” and, “The worker is worthy of his wages.”
Treasury of Scripture And, behold, I have given the children of Levi all the tenth in Israel for an inheritance, for their service which they serve, even the service of the tabernacle of the congregation. the tenth Numbers 18:24-26 But the tithes of the children of Israel, which they offeras an heave offering unto the LORD, I have given to the Levites to inherit: therefore I have said unto them, Among the children of Israel they shall have no inheritance… Leviticus 27:30-32 And all the tithe of the land,whether of the seed of the land,or of the fruit of the tree,is the LORD'S:it is holy unto the LORD… Deuteronomy 12:17-19 Thou mayest not eat within thy gates the tithe of thy corn, or of thy wine, or of thy oil, or the firstlings of thy herds or of thy flock, nor any of thy vows which thou vowest, nor thy freewill offerings, or heave offering of thine hand: … even the service Numbers 18:6 And I, behold, I have taken your brethren the Levites from among the children of Israel: to youthey are givenas a gift for the LORD, to do the service of the tabernacle of the congregation. Numbers 3:7,8 And they shall keep his charge, and the charge of the whole congregation before the tabernacle of the congregation, to do the service of the tabernacle… 1 Corinthians 9:13,14 Do ye not know that they which minister about holy things liveof the things of the temple? and they which wait at the altar are partakers with the altar? … Jump to Previous CongregationHeritageInheritanceIsraelLeviMeetingOfferedPerformServeServiceServingTabernacleTentTenthTenthsTitheTithesWorkJump to Next CongregationHeritageInheritanceIsraelLeviMeetingOfferedPerformServeServiceServingTabernacleTentTenthTenthsTitheTithesWorkNumbers 18 1.The charge of the priests and Levites8.The priests, portion21.The Levites,25.The heave offering to the priests out of the Levites' portionBehold, I have given to the Levites all the tithes in IsraelThis phrase indicates a divine allocation of resources. The Levites, one of the twelve tribes of Israel, were set apart for religious duties and did not receive a land inheritance like the other tribes. Instead, God provided for them through the tithes, which were a tenth of the produce and livestock of the Israelites. This system ensured that the Levites could focus on their spiritual responsibilities without the burden of agricultural labor. The concept of tithing is rooted in earlier biblical traditions, such as Abraham giving a tenth to Melchizedek ( Genesis 14:20) and Jacob's vow to give a tenth to God ( Genesis 28:22). as an inheritance
The term "inheritance" here signifies a perpetual provision for the Levites, akin to the land inheritance given to other tribes. This underscores the idea that their service to God and the community was their portion and reward. The Levites' inheritance was unique, emphasizing their special role in Israel's spiritual life. This concept is echoed in the New Testament, where believers are described as having an inheritance in Christ (Ephesians 1:11). in return for the work they do
The Levites' work was essential for the spiritual well-being of Israel. They were responsible for the maintenance of the Tabernacle, teaching the Law, and performing sacrifices. This phrase highlights the principle of labor and reward, a theme that runs throughout Scripture. The Levites' service was not just ritualistic but involved teaching and guiding the people in God's ways, similar to the role of pastors and teachers in the church today (1 Timothy 5:17-18). the service of the Tent of Meeting
The Tent of Meeting, or Tabernacle, was the central place of worship and the dwelling place of God's presence among His people. The Levites' service here was crucial for maintaining the holiness and order required for worship. This service included setting up, taking down, and transporting the Tabernacle, as well as assisting the priests in sacrifices and offerings. The Tabernacle is a type of Christ, as it foreshadows His role as the mediator between God and humanity (John 1:14,Hebrews 9:11-12). The Levites' service points to the ultimate service of Christ, who fulfilled the law and offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice. Persons / Places / Events 1. The LevitesA tribe in Israel set apart for religious duties and service in the Tent of Meeting. They did not receive a land inheritance like the other tribes but were given tithes as their portion. 2. The Tent of MeetingAlso known as the Tabernacle, it was the portable earthly dwelling place of God among the Israelites during their journey through the wilderness. 3. TithesA tenth part of something, paid as a contribution to a religious organization or compulsory tax to the government. In this context, it refers to the Israelites' contributions to support the Levites. 4. IsraelThe nation chosen by God, consisting of twelve tribes, each descending from one of the sons of Jacob. 5. InheritanceIn this context, it refers to the portion or provision given to the Levites in place of a land inheritance, signifying God's provision for those who serve Him. Teaching Points God's Provision for His ServantsGod ensures that those who serve Him are provided for, demonstrating His faithfulness and care for His people. The Principle of TithingTithing is a biblical principle that reflects trust in God's provision and supports the work of ministry. Service and SacrificeThe Levites' role highlights the importance of dedicated service to God, often requiring personal sacrifice and commitment. Spiritual InheritanceJust as the Levites received a unique inheritance, believers today have a spiritual inheritance in Christ, emphasizing the eternal over the temporal. Community ResponsibilityThe support of the Levites through tithes underscores the communal responsibility of believers to support those in ministry and the work of the church. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of Numbers 18:21?
2.How does Numbers 18:21 emphasize the importance of tithing in supporting ministry work?
3.What responsibilities do Levites have in exchange for receiving tithes, according to Numbers 18:21?
4.How can we apply the principle of tithing today in our church communities?
5.What New Testament passages connect with the concept of tithing found in Numbers 18:21?
6.How does Numbers 18:21 encourage us to support those dedicated to God's service?
7.What is the significance of tithes in Numbers 18:21 for the Levites' role in Israelite society?
8.How does Numbers 18:21 reflect God's provision for religious leaders?
9.Why were the Levites chosen to receive tithes according to Numbers 18:21?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Numbers 18?
11.What does the Bible say about tithes and offerings?
12.Should tithes be calculated on gross or net income?
13.What are common questions about tithing practices?
14.Deuteronomy 14:22–27 says tithes can be exchanged for money if travel is too far. Does this contradict other biblical teachings on tithing?What Does Numbers 18:21 Mean Behold,The word “Behold” invites us to stop and take notice of an important divine decree. God is personally speaking, just as He does inIsaiah 43:19—“Behold, I am doing a new thing.” Whenever Scripture uses this term, it signals that the reader should pay close attention because something weighty is being revealed.
I have givenGod is the Giver. Everything originates with Him (James 1:17). His sovereign right to distribute resources is underscored inDeuteronomy 8:18, where He reminds Israel that He gives the power to gain wealth. Here, the gift is not a suggestion but a settled grant of provision.
to the LevitesThe Levites were set apart for sacred service (Numbers 3:5–10). Unlike the other tribes, they received no territorial allotment (Joshua 13:14). God Himself was their portion (Deuteronomy 10:9). This unique calling required a unique means of sustenance.
all the tithes in IsraelA tithe—one-tenth of income or produce—belonged to the Lord (Leviticus 27:30). God assigns those tithes specifically to the Levites. This echoesGenesis 28:22, where Jacob vowed to give a tenth to God, prefiguring this established practice.Malachi 3:10 later affirms that bringing the full tithe opens the windows of heaven.
as an inheritanceSince the Levites received no land inheritance, the tithes functioned as their livelihood (Numbers 18:24).Psalm 16:5 paints the picture: “The LORD is my portion and my cup.” Their inheritance was both practical (food and provision) and spiritual (God Himself).
in return for the work they doGod ties provision to faithful service. Paul echoes this principle in1 Corinthians 9:13–14, noting that those who serve at the altar share in the offerings. The Levites’ labor justified their support; they were not idle recipients but diligent ministers.
the service of the Tent of Meeting.The Tent of Meeting was the center of worship (Exodus 29:42–43). Caring for it meant handling sacrifices (Numbers 4:15), leading music (1 Chronicles 23:30), guarding holiness (Numbers 1:53), and teaching the law (2 Chronicles 17:8–9). Proper worship depended on their faithful attention.
summaryNumbers 18:21 shows God’s orderly design: He supplies dedicated servants through the faithful giving of His people. The Levites, lacking territorial wealth, received tithes as a concrete inheritance so they could focus on the vital, continuous ministry at the Tent of Meeting. God’s provision matched their calling, illustrating His fairness, faithfulness, and priority that worship and ministry be well supported. (21) All the tenth in Israel.--The reference here is to the first tithe, or tenth of the whole of the produce of the land. Verse 21. - Allthe tenth. The tithe of all fruits and flocks had been already claimed absolutely by the Lord ( Leviticus 27:30, 32). It is probable indeed that the giving of tithes had been more or less a matter of obligation from time immemorial. Abraham had paid them on one memorable occasion ( Genesis 14:20), and Jacob had vowed them on another ( Genesis 28:22). From this time forth, however, the tithes were formally assigned to the maintenance of the Levites, in return for their service.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew Behold,הִנֵּ֥ה(hin·nêh)Interjection
Strong's 2009:Lo! behold!I have givenנָתַ֛תִּי(nā·ṯat·tî)Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular
Strong's 5414:To give, put, setto the Levitesוְלִבְנֵ֣י(wə·liḇ·nê)Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1121:A sonallכָּל־(kāl-)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605:The whole, all, any, everythe tithesמַֽעֲשֵׂ֥ר(ma·‘ă·śêr)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4643:Tenth part, tithein Israelבְּיִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל(bə·yiś·rā·’êl)Preposition-b | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3478:Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his descas an inheritanceלְנַחֲלָ֑ה(lə·na·ḥă·lāh)Preposition-l | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 5159:Something inherited, occupancy, an heirloom, an estate, patrimony, portionin return forחֵ֤לֶף(ḥê·lep̄)Preposition
Strong's 2500:Exchange, instead ofthe workעֲבֹֽדָתָם֙(‘ă·ḇō·ḏā·ṯām)Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 5656:Work of any kindtheyהֵ֣ם(hêm)Pronoun - third person masculine plural
Strong's 1992:Theydo,עֹֽבְדִ֔ים(‘ō·ḇə·ḏîm)Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural
Strong's 5647:To work, to serve, till, enslavethe serviceעֲבֹדַ֖ת(‘ă·ḇō·ḏaṯ)Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 5656:Work of any kindof the Tentאֹ֥הֶל(’ō·hel)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 168:A tentof Meeting.מוֹעֵֽד׃(mō·w·‘êḏ)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4150:Appointed time, place, or meeting
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OT Law: Numbers 18:21 To the children of Levi behold (Nu Num.) |
