Numbers 5:10 kjv
And every man's hallowed things shall be his: whatsoever any man giveth the priest, it shall be his.
Numbers 5:10 nkjv
And every man's holy things shall be his; whatever any man gives the priest shall be his.' "
Numbers 5:10 niv
Sacred things belong to their owners, but what they give to the priest will belong to the priest.'?"
Numbers 5:10 esv
Each one shall keep his holy donations: whatever anyone gives to the priest shall be his."
Numbers 5:10 nlt
Each priest may keep all the sacred donations that he receives."
Numbers 5 10 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Lev 6:26 | "The priest who offers it for sin shall eat it; in a holy place..." | Priest's portion of sin offering |
| Lev 7:6-7 | "Every male among the priests may eat of it..." | Priests eat the holy offerings |
| Lev 7:31-36 | "And the priest shall burn the fat...but the breast shall be Aaron's and his sons'..." | Portions of fellowship offerings for priests |
| Lev 10:12-15 | "Moses said to Aaron and to Eleazar and Ithamar, his surviving sons, 'Take the grain offering...'" | Specific priestly portions (grain, peace) |
| Num 18:8 | "Then the Lord spoke to Aaron, 'Behold, I have given you charge of my contribution...'" | Priests given control of contributions |
| Num 18:11 | "This also is yours: the contribution of their gift, all the wave offerings..." | Specific gifts and wave offerings to priests |
| Num 18:14 | "Every devoted thing in Israel shall be yours." | Devoted things for priests (herem) |
| Num 18:21 | "To the sons of Levi I have given every tithe in Israel for an inheritance..." | Levites (and priests) live from tithes |
| Deut 18:3-5 | "And this shall be the priests' due from the people..." | Due portions of sacrifices for priests |
| Neh 10:37-39 | "...we would bring the first of our dough, and our contributions, and the fruit of every tree..." | Practical application of giving priestly portion |
| Eze 44:29-30 | "They shall eat the grain offering, the sin offering, and the guilt offering, and every devoted thing..." | Priestly portion in prophetic vision |
| 1 Cor 9:13-14 | "Do you not know that those who are employed in the temple service get their food...?" | NT principle of supporting ministers |
| Matt 10:9-10 | "Acquire no gold or silver or copper...for the laborer deserves his food." | Laborers in God's service are to be supported |
| Luke 10:7 | "And remain in the same house, eating and drinking what they provide, for the laborer deserves his wages." | Minister's support from those served |
| Gal 6:6 | "Let the one who is taught the word share all good things with the one who teaches." | Reciprocal sharing with teachers |
| 1 Tim 5:17-18 | "Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor..." | Supporting those who lead and teach in the church |
| Mal 3:10 | "Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house..." | Blessing connected to proper giving to the Lord |
| Phil 4:18-19 | "I have received full payment, and more...And my God will supply every need of yours..." | God's provision through generosity |
| Heb 7:5 | "And those among the sons of Levi who receive the priestly office have a commandment to take tithes..." | Priests' right to tithes affirmed |
| Num 5:8 | "...if there is no next of kin to whom restitution may be made, the restitution for the wrong shall go to the Lord..." | Immediate context: Restitution due given to priest |
| Exod 28:38 | "It shall be on Aaron's forehead continually, that they may be accepted before the Lord." | Priests handle holy things on behalf of Israel |
Numbers 5 verses
Numbers 5 10 Meaning
Numbers 5:10 establishes a divine mandate concerning the provision for the Levitical priesthood. It clarifies that all "holy things" (consecrated gifts or offerings) brought by any Israelite, especially those given to the priest, definitively become the priest's personal possession. This principle ensures the sustenance of the priests, who had no territorial inheritance among the tribes, empowering them to fulfill their sacred duties in the Tabernacle.
Numbers 5 10 Context
Numbers chapter 5 initiates a series of laws primarily aimed at establishing and maintaining the ritual purity of the Israelite camp. Verses 1-4 deal with the removal of ritually unclean individuals to protect the sanctity of God's dwelling. Verses 5-10 then shift focus to laws regarding trespass, specifically restitution for wrongs committed. Verse 8 stipulates that if a wrong is committed and the wronged person has no close kin to receive restitution, the restitution (plus a fifth) is to be given to the Lord, which implies it goes to the priest. Numbers 5:10 then acts as a summary and clear affirmation: these "holy things," particularly those derived from such restitutions and other consecrated offerings, are unequivocally the property of the officiating priest. Historically, this law, given shortly after Israel's encampment at Sinai, formed part of the foundational legal structure ensuring the sacred operation of the Tabernacle and the practical livelihood of its ministers.
Numbers 5 10 Word analysis
- And every man's (וְאִישׁ - ve'ish): This introductory conjunction ("And") links back to preceding verses about offerings. Ish (man/individual) signifies the broad applicability of this principle to any Israelite bringing a consecrated gift. It emphasizes universality within the community.
- holy gifts / holy things (קָדָשִׁים - qadashim): The plural of qodesh, meaning "set apart," "consecrated," or "holy." This term encompasses a wide range of sacred offerings, including parts of sacrifices, firstfruits, devoted things (herem), and other offerings designated for the Lord and consequently for the priests. These items are holy not in their intrinsic nature but because they have been separated from common use and dedicated to God's purposes, thus becoming legitimate sustenance for His chosen servants.
- shall be his (יִהְיֶה-לּוֹ - yihyeh-lo): An emphatic declaration of legal transfer of ownership. Yihyeh is the future tense of "to be," and lo means "to him." It decisively states that the dedicated item becomes the exclusive property of the priest to whom it is given, not merely something held in trust or to be managed. This highlights a full and legitimate right of consumption and disposal within the parameters set by the law.
- whatsoever any man gives to the priest (כָל־אִישׁ אֲשֶׁר יִתֵּן לַכֹּהֵן - kol-ish asher yitten lakkohen): This phrase clarifies the mechanism by which the "holy things" become the priest's. Kol-ish means "every man/whoever," asher yitten "that he gives," and lakkohen "to the priest." It reiterates the specific recipient and the active giving on the part of the Israelite. This emphasizes the intentional act of the donor and the specific destination of the gift, making the priest's claim legitimate and non-disputable.
Words-group by words-group analysis:
- "And every man's holy gifts shall be his": This establishes a fundamental divine principle that consecrated offerings, meant for the Lord, become the rightful possession of His chosen ministers, the priests. It underscores God's method of providing for His servants through the freewill and mandatory offerings of His people, solidifying the economic base of the Levitical system. This formulation emphasizes that once an offering is properly made and consecrated, it has a designated purpose and destination—the priest's provision.
- "whatsoever any man gives to the priest, it shall be his": This part clarifies the mechanism of transfer and reinforces the principle of ownership. It focuses on the direct act of giving to the priest as the means by which the transfer of "holy things" is formalized and made effective. This statement provides clarity and protection against potential disputes or challenges regarding the priest's right to these consecrated items, firmly declaring their entitlement.
Numbers 5 10 Bonus section
- The emphasis on "his" (the priest's) personal ownership distinguishes these Mosaic laws from contemporary pagan practices where temple priests might amass temple wealth that was considered property of the deity rather than individual. Here, while consecrated to the Lord, the direct personal sustenance of the priest is guaranteed.
- This verse contributes to understanding the complete system of "dues" that supported the priesthood and Levites, without whom the Tabernacle/Temple worship system could not function. It underlines a foundational principle: "Those who serve the altar should live by the altar."
- The integrity of the "holy things" and their proper allocation to the priests was a significant aspect of fidelity to the covenant. Disregard for these laws (as seen in later biblical periods, e.g., Malachi's rebuke) reflected spiritual decline.
Numbers 5 10 Commentary
Numbers 5:10 succinctly states a crucial aspect of the Old Testament economy for the Aaronic priesthood. Having no tribal land inheritance, the priests were sustained through designated portions of Israel's offerings and tithes. This verse, following the directives for trespass restitution (which, without a living next of kin, defaulted to the priest), clearly states that such "holy things"—whether designated offerings or gifts explicitly made to the priest—were to become the priest's rightful and personal property. It underscores the sanctity of the contributions and God's provision for His ministers, enabling them to be free from secular toil and fully dedicated to Tabernacle service. This divine regulation prevents challenges to priestly livelihood, ensuring their sustained ministry to God and Israel. It teaches us God’s principle of providing for those who serve Him faithfully, reflecting a timeless divine economy that spans from the Old Covenant priests to New Covenant ministers of the gospel.