Deuteronomy 18 8

Deuteronomy 18:8 kjv

They shall have like portions to eat, beside that which cometh of the sale of his patrimony.

Deuteronomy 18:8 nkjv

They shall have equal portions to eat, besides what comes from the sale of his inheritance.

Deuteronomy 18:8 niv

He is to share equally in their benefits, even though he has received money from the sale of family possessions.

Deuteronomy 18:8 esv

then he may have equal portions to eat, besides what he receives from the sale of his patrimony.

Deuteronomy 18:8 nlt

He may eat his share of the sacrifices and offerings, even if he also receives support from his family.

Deuteronomy 18 verses

Deuteronomy 18 8 Meaning

Deuteronomy 18:8 means that a Levite who comes from any of their designated towns throughout Israel to serve the Lord at the central sanctuary (where the Lord chooses to place His Name, which later became Jerusalem), shall receive an equal portion of the sacred offerings from the people as any other Levite already serving there. This entitlement to a share in the holy provisions is separate from, and in addition to, any personal family inheritance or private property that Levite might possess from their ancestry, even if that property was sold.

Deuteronomy 18 8 Context

Deuteronomy 18:8 falls within a chapter detailing the regulations for priests, Levites, and prophets, ensuring their unique place and provision within Israel. The immediate context of verses 1-8 outlines the priests' and Levites' portions from sacrifices and offerings, as they do not receive a territorial inheritance among the tribes of Israel, unlike the other eleven tribes. The Levites are spread across various cities throughout the land (Num 35), and this verse specifically addresses a Levite who chooses to move from their designated city to the central sanctuary (where God chose to establish His name, ultimately Jerusalem) to actively perform service there. The broader context of Deuteronomy (chapters 12-26) details the laws given by God through Moses, intended to structure the nation of Israel as a holy people set apart, contrasting their practices with the pagan rituals and social structures of the surrounding Canaanite nations. The provision for the Levites ensures that the religious service can be properly maintained without them needing to secure a livelihood through farming or other secular means. This system implicitly stands against the corrupt priestly systems of pagan religions where priests might enrich themselves without divine regulation, or where priestly duties were not distinct professions.

Deuteronomy 18 8 Word analysis

• They shall have: This refers to the Levites described in the preceding verse, specifically any Levite from a "town in all Israel" who "comes with the full desire of his heart to the place that the LORD will choose."
• like portions to eat: The Hebrew word is חֵלֶק (cheleq), meaning "share" or "allotment." This emphasizes equality among those actively serving at the central sanctuary. All serving Levites were entitled to the same basic sustenance from the sanctuary offerings, regardless of their family background, previous wealth, or specific lineage within Levi. This ensures fairness and prevents a hierarchy based on personal property.
• beside: The Hebrew word is לְבַד (levad), meaning "apart from," "alone," "except," or "in addition to." It explicitly states that what follows is separate from or additional to their portion from the communal offerings.
• that which cometh of the sale: The Hebrew for "sale" is מִמְכָּר (mimkar), referring to something sold. This directly addresses the revenue obtained from liquidating assets.
• his patrimony: The Hebrew phrase is עַל־הָאָב֜וֹת (al-ha'avot) or sometimes interpreted as referring to "fathers' possessions." This signifies inherited family property or possessions, distinct from the tribal land inheritance (which the Levites did not receive, Num 18:20). It confirms that Levites could and did possess private, ancestral property. This particular Levite, even if they had sold ancestral land or goods before or upon relocating to the sanctuary, was still fully entitled to an equal share of the temple provisions. This highlights that private assets did not disqualify them from public sustenance in service.

• like portions to eat, beside: This phrase strongly communicates the concept of equal communal support being a baseline, regardless of a Levite's personal wealth or assets. Their service merited a standard provision.
• beside that which cometh of the sale of his patrimony: This crucial clause makes a clear distinction between communal, temple-provided support for service and any private, ancestral wealth. It ensures that a Levite is not penalized or excluded from their earned provision merely because they possess or have liquidated family property. It clarifies that such personal wealth (even if sold) does not diminish their right to the sacred offerings for their active service at the sanctuary. This provision guards against both pauperization and unfair exclusion based on a Levite's pre-existing financial status.

Deuteronomy 18 8 Bonus section

The distinction between the Levites' lack of tribal land inheritance and their ability to possess personal ancestral property (patrimony) is critical for understanding this verse. While their tribal identity meant no inherited land share like Judah or Ephraim, families within Levi could still own goods, animals, or even property from specific family lines, separate from tribal land division. This highlights a nuanced approach to inheritance and provision, where general divine law does not negate personal historical circumstances entirely. This verse also serves as an encouragement for any Levite scattered in various towns to dedicate themselves fully to the spiritual service at the chosen central place, knowing their livelihood would be guaranteed equally among their serving brethren. It illustrates the idea of common ministry resulting in common provision.

Deuteronomy 18 8 Commentary

Deuteronomy 18:8 provides a crucial clarification regarding the provision for Levites who actively serve at the central sanctuary. While the tribe of Levi famously received no land inheritance (their "inheritance" was the Lord Himself), this verse acknowledges that individual Levites could possess and even sell personal, ancestral property or family possessions ("patrimony"). The core principle here is fairness and equity: any Levite, upon coming to the central place of worship to commit fully to sacred service, was guaranteed an equal share of the priests'/Levites' portion of the offerings, without that share being reduced by their personal wealth or past property sales. This ensures that their decision to dedicate themselves to God's service did not leave them destitute, and simultaneously prevented any kind of elitism based on private riches, fostering unity and a shared dependence on God's provision through the community. This regulation underscores God's meticulous care for His ministers and the responsibility of the community to sustain them, reflecting a divine commitment to justice and dignity for those who faithfully serve Him. It lays down a foundational principle that those who minister should be adequately supported by the community for their work, a concept later echoed and applied in the New Testament concerning those who serve in the Gospel ministry.