Bible Strands
Deuteronomy 18:8
They shall eat equal portions, even though he has received money from the sale of his father’s estate.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Moses addresses the assembled Israelites on the plains of Moab, establishing regulations for the tribe of Levi before they cross into Canaan. The verse dictates that Levites who inherit land must still receive the same communal food allocations as those without property.
The words — The text employs יֹאכֵ֑לוּ (yo.Khe.lu, "they will eat") and חֵ֥לֶק (Che.lek, "a portion") to mandate equal distribution among Levites. It contrasts this with מִמְכָּרָ֖י/ו עַל־ הָ/אָבֽוֹת (mi.ka.Ra/v 'al ha./'a.Vot, "from the sale of his fathers’ estate"), clarifying that personal land revenue does not reduce their entitled share.
The thread — This mandate for Levite sustenance recurs in Nehemiah 12:44 and Nehemiah 12:47, where officials oversee contributions and daily portions for temple workers. 2 Chronicles 31:4 similarly records a royal decree requiring the people to supply priests and Levites with their appointed provisions.
Why it lands — The text states that communal support for Levites remains fixed regardless of individual inheritance or private income. Readers must apply this by ensuring that personal economic advantage never replaces the obligation to sustain those dedicated to standing before the LORD.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
They shall have like portions to eat, beside that which cometh of the sale of his patrimony.
Cross-references
- Nehemiah 12:44 And 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.
- Nehemiah 12:47 So in the days of Zerubbabel and Nehemiah, all Israel contributed the daily portions for the singers and gatekeepers. They also set aside daily portions for the Levites, and the Levites set aside daily portions for the descendants of Aaron.
- 2 Chronicles 31:4 Moreover, 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.
- Luke 10:7 Stay at the same house, eating and drinking whatever you are offered. For the worker is worthy of his wages. Do not move around from house to house.
- Leviticus 7:8 As for the priest who presents a burnt offering for anyone, the hide of that offering belongs to him.
- Leviticus 7:14 From the cakes he must present one portion of each offering as a contribution to the LORD. It belongs to the priest who sprinkles the blood of the peace offering.
- 1 Corinthians 9:7 Who serves as a soldier at his own expense? Who plants a vineyard and does not eat of its fruit? Who tends a flock and does not drink of its milk?
- 1 Timothy 5:17 Elders who lead effectively are worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching.