Bible Strands
Numbers 18:21
Behold, 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.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — The LORD addresses Aaron, continuing a direct decree regarding priestly and Levitical provisions. The statement occurs within a covenantal framework establishing the Levites' exclusive role at the Tent of Meeting.
The words — נָתַ֛תִּי (na.Ta.ti) translates literally as "I give," and לְ/נַחֲלָ֑ה (le./na.cha.Lah) means "for an inheritance." These terms frame the tithes as a permanent, divinely granted portion rather than a temporary grant.
The thread — The tithe system reappears in Deuteronomy 14:22 as a required annual tenth of field produce. Nehemiah 12:44 later records officials appointed to manage these stored tithes and contributions.
Why it lands — The text demands recognition that the Levites receive no territorial land, substituting the community's agricultural tenth for their livelihood. Readers must accept this provision as the direct compensation for their exclusive service at the Tent of Meeting.
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
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.
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.
- Numbers 18:6 Behold, I Myself have selected your fellow Levites from the Israelites as a gift to you, dedicated to the LORD to perform the service for the Tent of Meeting.
- Deuteronomy 14:22 You must be sure to set aside a tenth of all the produce brought forth each year from your fields.
- Nehemiah 10:37 Moreover, 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.
- 2 Chronicles 31:12 And they faithfully brought in the contributions, tithes, and dedicated gifts. Conaniah the Levite was the officer in charge of them, and his brother Shimei was second.
- Nehemiah 10:29 hereby join with their noble brothers and commit themselves with a sworn oath to follow the Law of God given through His servant Moses and to obey carefully all the commandments, ordinances, and statutes of the LORD our Lord.
- Nehemiah 13:12 and all Judah brought a tenth of the grain, new wine, and oil into the storerooms.
- Hebrews 7:5 Now 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.
- Genesis 14:20 and blessed be God Most High, who has delivered your enemies into your hand.” Then Abram gave Melchizedek a tenth of everything.
- Leviticus 27:30 Thus 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.