Numbers 18 20

Numbers 18:20 kjv

And the LORD spake unto Aaron, Thou shalt have no inheritance in their land, neither shalt thou have any part among them: I am thy part and thine inheritance among the children of Israel.

Numbers 18:20 nkjv

Then the LORD said to Aaron: "You shall have no inheritance in their land, nor shall you have any portion among them; I am your portion and your inheritance among the children of Israel.

Numbers 18:20 niv

The LORD said to Aaron, "You will have no inheritance in their land, nor will you have any share among them; I am your share and your inheritance among the Israelites.

Numbers 18:20 esv

And the LORD said to Aaron, "You shall have no inheritance in their land, neither shall you have any portion among them. I am your portion and your inheritance among the people of Israel.

Numbers 18:20 nlt

And the LORD said to Aaron, "You priests will receive no allotment of land or share of property among the people of Israel. I am your share and your allotment.

Numbers 18 verses

Numbers 18 20 Meaning

Numbers 18:20 declares that Aaron and his priestly descendants, representing the tribe of Levi set apart for divine service, would not receive a territorial land inheritance among the other tribes of Israel. Instead, the LORD Himself explicitly states that He is their "part" and their "inheritance." This means their provision, security, and true belonging were directly from God through the tithes and offerings of the Israelites, not from a land allotment like the other tribes. It signifies a radical dependence on God's divine provision and a unique relationship where God is their ultimate possession.

Numbers 18 20 Context

Numbers chapter 18 defines the specific duties, responsibilities, and provisions for the Levitical priests (the Aaronic line) and the other Levites, following Korah's rebellion and God's clear vindication of Aaron's priesthood in Chapters 16 and 17. The rebellion questioned Moses and Aaron's divinely appointed authority and the unique sacred role of the priesthood. In response, Chapter 18 delineates the boundaries of priestly service and their exclusive support mechanism. The entire chapter emphasizes the sacredness of the tabernacle and its rituals, requiring a designated class to serve. This verse (18:20) is central to establishing how this consecrated class would be sustained – not by earthly land grants like the other eleven tribes of Israel, who were about to inherit the promised land of Canaan, but by a direct covenantal provision from the LORD through the offerings and tithes of the people. This arrangement ensures their complete devotion to their sanctuary duties, freeing them from agricultural labor and territorial concerns.

Numbers 18 20 Word analysis

• And the LORD spake unto Aaron:

  • And: Connects this declaration directly to the previous detailed instructions regarding priestly duties and provisions, emphasizing it as a foundational principle.
  • LORD (YHWH - יְהוָה): The covenant name of God, emphasizing His personal, faithful relationship with Aaron and Israel. This is a direct divine pronouncement, carrying ultimate authority and establishing an irrevocable covenant.
  • spake unto Aaron: Indicates a direct, authoritative revelation to the head of the priestly line. It is not a suggestion but a divine decree, binding on all subsequent priests.

• Thou shalt have no inheritance in their land:

  • Thou: Specifically addresses Aaron as the representative head of the Aaronic priesthood. The instruction applies to all priests.
  • shalt have no inheritance (nachalah - נַחֲלָה): Nachalah refers to a hereditary possession, typically land that passes from father to son. The explicit negation "no" (lo) signifies a deliberate, divine exclusion from the typical form of tribal prosperity in Israel. This immediately distinguishes the priesthood's socio-economic status.
  • in their land: Refers to the promised land of Canaan, which was about to be distributed by tribal allotments. The Levites were physically present among the other tribes, but not in terms of territorial ownership.

• neither shalt thou have any part among them:

  • neither (w'lo'): Reinforces the preceding negation.
  • part (cheleq - חֵלֶק): Signifies a share, portion, or division of something. Here, it broadens the exclusion from mere land inheritance to any direct share in the division of property or spoils among the other tribes. Their dependence would not be on their share of earthly resources.
  • among them: Refers to the other tribes of Israel who would each receive distinct land portions. This phrase further emphasizes the distinctness of the priesthood's existence.

• I am thy part and thine inheritance among the children of Israel:

  • I am (Ani - אֲנִי): A powerful self-designation by God. This direct, first-person statement asserts divine identity as the source of their provision and status. It underscores a covenantal bond.
  • thy part (chelqecha - חֶלְקֶךָ) and thine inheritance (nachlatecha - נַחֲלָתֶךָ): The very terms previously negated regarding land are now applied directly to God Himself. This is a theological inversion, teaching that their ultimate security and portion come from a relationship with the Divine, not material possessions. It points to a profound spiritual provision that supersedes any earthly estate.
  • among the children of Israel: Confirms their position and identity within the larger Israelite community, yet their relationship with God differentiates their means of sustenance and foundation. They live among the people, but sustained by God through the people.

Words-group analysis:

• "no inheritance in their land, neither any part among them": This phrase clearly and emphatically sets apart the Levites. It's not merely a practical arrangement but a theological statement about their distinction. Their identity and livelihood would not be tied to the very thing (land) that defined the other tribes' identity and wealth. This created a radical dependence, forcing them to rely entirely on God and His instructions for their provision.

• "I am thy part and thine inheritance": This declaration is the absolute core and spiritual climax of the verse. It elevates God Himself as the ultimate source of worth, security, and belonging for the priestly tribe. It signifies that direct divine relationship and provision are of greater value and security than any earthly estate. It embodies the truth that God's presence and covenant promises are more enriching and sustaining than any physical possession or material wealth.

Numbers 18 20 Bonus section

The lack of a land inheritance for the Levites also functioned as a divinely instituted mechanism for their availability and mobility. Not tied to specific parcels of land, they could disperse throughout the tribes of Israel (as outlined in Josh 21 with the Levitical cities), serving as teachers of the Law and arbiters of religious purity, thereby decentralizing religious instruction and promoting uniformity of worship across Israel. This unique arrangement set the Levitical tribe apart, designating them as entirely consecrated to the sacred work of the Tabernacle/Temple, freeing them from the earthly cares that occupied the other tribes and thus enhancing their ability to serve as God's representatives. It subtly countered the pagan belief that deities were tied to specific land, asserting God's universal sovereignty as the ultimate provider, wherever His servants might be.

Numbers 18 20 Commentary

Numbers 18:20 serves as a pivotal theological declaration, revealing God's unique provision for the Aaronic priesthood. By stating, "I am thy part and thine inheritance," the LORD establishes a principle that transcends mere financial arrangement; it defines the essence of the priestly vocation. Their lack of land ownership was not a disadvantage but a privilege, directing their entire focus and dependence directly onto God. This principle demanded profound faith, as their daily sustenance was reliant on the fidelity of both God's promises and the Israelites' obedience in bringing tithes and offerings. It distinguished them from a secular pursuit of wealth or territory, compelling them to live consecrated lives devoted solely to the worship and service of the LORD. This concept finds profound echo in the New Testament, where believers are called to prioritize God and His Kingdom above worldly possessions, understanding that their true inheritance is found in Christ. It teaches that the greatest treasure is not what one possesses, but who possesses them.

• Example 1: A believer, faced with career choices, opts for a path that aligns with kingdom work despite lower earthly compensation, trusting God to be their provision.
• Example 2: A Christian, living in a materialistically driven society, finds contentment and security in their relationship with Christ, rather than accumulating possessions, echoing the Levites' reliance on God's provision.