Numbers 18 32

Numbers 18:32 kjv

And ye shall bear no sin by reason of it, when ye have heaved from it the best of it: neither shall ye pollute the holy things of the children of Israel, lest ye die.

Numbers 18:32 nkjv

And you shall bear no sin because of it, when you have lifted up the best of it. But you shall not profane the holy gifts of the children of Israel, lest you die.' "

Numbers 18:32 niv

By presenting the best part of it you will not be guilty in this matter; then you will not defile the holy offerings of the Israelites, and you will not die.'?"

Numbers 18:32 esv

And you shall bear no sin by reason of it, when you have contributed the best of it. But you shall not profane the holy things of the people of Israel, lest you die.'"

Numbers 18:32 nlt

You will not be considered guilty for accepting the LORD's tithes if you give the best portion to the priests. But be careful not to treat the holy gifts of the people of Israel as though they were common. If you do, you will die."

Numbers 18 verses

Numbers 18 32 Meaning

Numbers 18:32 emphasizes the necessity for the Levites to offer the designated "best" portion of their received tithes (the tithe of the tithe) to the priests for the Lord. By faithfully performing this duty, they would not incur sin or guilt related to the handling of sacred things. Conversely, failing to offer the appropriate portion, or otherwise treating the holy provisions of Israel as common, would be an act of profanation leading to divine judgment, even death. This verse underscores the extreme importance of reverence, precise obedience, and distinction between the holy and the common in dealing with God's appointed provisions and laws.

Numbers 18 32 Context

Numbers chapter 18 details God's clear regulations regarding the roles, responsibilities, and provisions for the Levitical priesthood and the Levites. Following the rebellion of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram (Numbers 16-17), God reiterates the sacredness of the priestly office and warns against unauthorized intrusion, establishing a covenant of salt with Aaron for him and his descendants, assuring their lasting priesthood and their provisions. The chapter outlines what offerings, tithes, and firstfruits belong to the priests and Levites as their perpetual inheritance, specifically mentioning the tithe from the people's produce (vv. 21-24) to the Levites. Numbers 18:25-32 then describes the terumat ha-ma'aser, the Levites' duty to give a tithe of their own received tithe to the priests as a "heave offering" to the Lord. Verse 32 functions as a stern warning and promise within this context: the Levites avoid sin by obeying, but face dire consequences for disobedience or for treating sacred portions casually. Historically, these detailed regulations were crucial for maintaining the sanctity of the tabernacle, supporting those who served God, and instilling proper reverence for divine things among the nascent Israelite nation.

Word Analysis

• "You shall bear no sin": The Hebrew phrase is lo' tise'u chet (לא תשאו חטא). Tise'u comes from nasa', meaning "to lift, carry, bear." Chet means "sin, guilt, offense." Thus, "to bear sin" means to incur guilt or punishment for an offense. The statement is a divine assurance: by adhering to the instruction, they would not be held culpable by God. This indicates a release from the consequence of profanation.
• "by reason of it": Refers to the handling of the holy tithe they received. It's the condition upon which their sinlessness depends.
• "when you have lifted up": birimchem (בהרימכם). From the root rum, meaning "to be high, to raise, to lift up." This term refers to the act of setting apart and offering the "heave offering" (terumah), which is lifted up as an offering to God. It signifies the formal dedication of the choicest portion.
• "the best of it": chelbo (חלבו). Literally "its fat." In biblical contexts, fat is often used metaphorically for the finest, richest, or choicest part, even when referring to grains or other produce, not just animals. God consistently demands the best, not merely what is convenient or leftover.
• "and you shall not profane": u'lo' techalləlu (ולא תחללו). From the root chalal, meaning "to desecrate, pollute, defile, profane." This is the opposite of sanctifying or holding sacred. To profane something holy means to treat it as common, unclean, or disrespect it. This act undermines the very nature of God's holiness and His rightful distinction.
• "the holy things": et-kodshey (את קדשי). Refers to anything set apart for God's exclusive use or worship, whether persons, places, or possessions (like offerings). These things embody God's sanctity and are distinct from the common.
• "of the children of Israel": Clarifies that these holy things originate from and represent the entire community of Israel, but they are ultimately God's property and for His service.
• "lest you die": u'lo' tamutu (ולא תמותו). A strong and severe warning of capital punishment, executed directly by God or through His established means. It underscores the gravity of disrespecting divine holiness and unauthorized handling of sacred objects or provisions. This consequence highlights God's absolute sovereignty and the seriousness with which He guards His sanctity.

Words-group analysis

• "You shall bear no sin by reason of it, when you have lifted up the best of it": This phrase forms a conditional promise. It directly links the avoidance of guilt (bearing no sin) to the specific, obedient action of presenting the "best" portion as a designated offering. This establishes a covenantal relationship where righteous conduct secures divine approval and protection from penalty.
• "and you shall not profane the holy things... lest you die": This imperative warning delineates a clear boundary and consequence. It forbids any action that would cheapen or desecrate what God has designated as holy. The potential for death serves as a stark deterrent, emphasizing God's inviolable holiness and the life-or-death implications of respecting or violating His commands regarding sacred matters. It reveals the severity of God's response to treating His divine economy or sacred provisions with contempt or casualness.

Numbers 18 32 Bonus section

The concept of the "tithe of the tithe" (terumat ha-ma'aser) is a unique command within the Mosaic Law, emphasizing that no one, not even the Levites who received sacred provision, was exempt from contributing back to the Lord. It establishes a multi-tiered system of holy giving and responsibility, affirming God's ultimate ownership over all provisions. This perpetuates the principle that those who handle the Lord's dedicated resources must themselves demonstrate holiness and fidelity in their stewardship. The divine death penalty for profanation highlights that violations against God's holiness are not merely minor infractions but directly attack His divine nature and authority. This severe consequence aimed to cultivate profound reverence and holy fear within the community regarding anything connected to the Lord and His sanctuary.

Numbers 18 32 Commentary

Numbers 18:32 is a critical statement of divine accountability and reverence within the Israelite priestly system. It explicitly addresses the Levites' handling of their provision, stipulating that their receiving of the nation's tithes came with the solemn responsibility to offer a "tithe of the tithe"—the very "best"—to the priests. By faithfully doing so, they would avoid bearing sin, meaning they would not incur divine displeasure or judgment. This underscores that even those consecrated to serve God must themselves scrupulously adhere to His requirements for offerings and stewardship. The gravest warning follows: to "profane the holy things" is to treat what God has declared sacred as common or unclean, and this act, a direct assault on God's holiness, carries the penalty of death. This command serves to reinforce the absolute distinction between the sacred and the common, reminding all, especially those closest to the tabernacle, that God's holy character cannot be trifled with. It’s not about legalism, but about upholding the integrity of God’s commands, His provisions, and the system He put in place for covenant relationship, purity, and blessing. Practically, this principle extends to how believers today are called to steward spiritual gifts, time, talents, and resources, understanding that what is dedicated to God must be handled with utmost respect and in accordance with His divine will, not treated casually or for personal gain.