Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version That is why the Levites have no share or inheritance among their fellow Israelites; the LORD is their inheritance, as the LORD your God told them.) New Living Translation That is why the Levites have no share of property or possession of land among the other Israelite tribes. The LORD himself is their special possession, as the LORD your God told them.) English Standard Version Therefore Levi has no portion or inheritance with his brothers. The LORD is his inheritance, as the LORD your God said to him.) Berean Standard Bible That is why Levi has no portion or inheritance among his brothers; the LORD is his inheritance, as the LORD your God promised him. King James Bible Wherefore Levi hath no part nor inheritance with his brethren; the LORD is his inheritance, according as the LORD thy God promised him. New King James Version Therefore Levi has no portion nor inheritance with his brethren; the LORD is his inheritance, just as the LORD your God promised him.) New American Standard Bible Therefore, Levi does not have a portion or inheritance with his brothers; the LORD is his inheritance, just as the LORD your God spoke to him.) NASB 1995 Therefore, Levi does not have a portion or inheritance with his brothers; the LORD is his inheritance, just as the LORD your God spoke to him.) NASB 1977 Therefore, Levi does not have a portion or inheritance with his brothers; the LORD is his inheritance, just as the LORD your God spoke to him.) Legacy Standard Bible Therefore, Levi does not have a portion or inheritance with his brothers; Yahweh is his inheritance, just as Yahweh your God spoke to him.) Amplified Bible Therefore, Levi does not have a portion or inheritance [of tribal land] with his brothers; the LORD is his inheritance, as the LORD your God has promised him.) Christian Standard Bible For this reason, Levi does not have a portion or inheritance like his brothers; the LORD is his inheritance, as the LORD your God told him. Holman Christian Standard Bible For this reason, Levi does not have a portion or inheritance like his brothers; the LORD is his inheritance, as the LORD your God told him.” American Standard Version Wherefore Levi hath no portion nor inheritance with his brethren; Jehovah is his inheritance, according as Jehovah thy God spake unto him.) Contemporary English Version The LORD promised that he would always provide for the tribe of Levi, and that's why he won't give them any land, when he divides it among the other tribes. English Revised Version Wherefore Levi hath no portion nor inheritance with his brethren; the LORD is his inheritance, according as the LORD thy God spake unto him.) GOD'S WORD® Translation This is why the tribe of Levi has no land of their own as the other tribes have. The LORD your God is their only possession, as he promised them. Good News Translation That is why the tribe of Levi received no land as the other tribes did; what they received was the privilege of being the LORD's priests, as the LORD your God promised.) International Standard Version That is why the descendants of Levi do not have a portion and an inheritance among their relatives. As for the LORD, he is their inheritance, just as the LORD your God told them. NET Bible Therefore Levi has no allotment or inheritance among his brothers; the LORD is his inheritance just as the LORD your God told him. New Heart English Bible Therefore Levi has no portion nor inheritance with his brothers; the LORD is his inheritance, according as the LORD your God spoke to him.) Webster's Bible Translation Wherefore Levi hath no part nor inheritance with his brethren; the LORD is his inheritance, according as the LORD thy God promised him. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleThat is why Levi has no portion or inheritance among his brothers; the LORD is his inheritance, as the LORD your God promised him. World English Bible Therefore Levi has no portion nor inheritance with his brothers; Yahweh is his inheritance, according as Yahweh your God spoke to him.) Literal Translations Literal Standard Versiontherefore there has not been a portion and inheritance for Levi with his brothers; YHWH Himself [is] his inheritance, as your God YHWH has spoken to him. Young's Literal Translation therefore there hath not been to Levi a portion and inheritance with his brethren; Jehovah Himself is his inheritance, as Jehovah thy God hath spoken to him. Smith's Literal Translation For this, there was not to Levi a portion and an inheritance with his brethren; Jehovah, he is his inheritance, as Jehovah thy God spake to him. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleWherefore Levi hath no part nor possession with his brethren: because the Lord himself is his possession, as the Lord thy God promised him. Catholic Public Domain Version As a result, Levi has no portion or possession with his brothers. For the Lord himself is his possession, just as the Lord your God promised him. New American Bible For this reason, Levi has no hereditary portion with his relatives; the LORD himself is his portion, as the LORD, your God, promised him. New Revised Standard Version Therefore Levi has no allotment or inheritance with his kindred; the LORD is his inheritance, as the LORD your God promised him.) Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleTherefore Levi has no portion nor inheritance with his brethren; because the LORD is his inheritance, according as the LORD your God promised him. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated Because of this there was no division or inheritance for Levi with his brothers, for LORD JEHOVAH is his inheritance, as LORD JEHOVAH your God said to him. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Wherefore Levi hath no portion nor inheritance with his brethren; the LORD is his inheritance, according as the LORD thy God spoke unto him.-- Brenton Septuagint Translation Therefore the Levites have no part nor inheritance among their brethren; the Lord himself is their inheritance, as he said to them. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The New Tablets of Stone…8At that time the LORD set apart the tribe of Levi to carry the ark of the covenant of the LORD, to stand before the LORD to serve Him, and to pronounce blessings in His name, as they do to this day. 9That is why Levi has no portion or inheritance among his brothers; the LORD is his inheritance, as the LORD your God promised him. 10I stayed on the mountain forty days and forty nights, like the first time, and that time the LORD again listened to me and agreed not to destroy you.… Cross References Numbers 18:20 Then the LORD said to Aaron, “You will have no inheritance in their land, nor will you have any portion among them. I am your portion and your inheritance among the Israelites. Joshua 13:14 To the tribe of Levi, however, Moses had given no inheritance. The food offerings to the LORD, the God of Israel, are their inheritance, just as He had promised them. Joshua 13:33 To the tribe of Levi, however, Moses had given no inheritance. The LORD, the God of Israel, is their inheritance, just as He had promised them. Ezekiel 44:28 In regard to their inheritance, I am their inheritance. You are to give them no possession in Israel, for I am their possession. Numbers 18:23-24 The Levites are to perform the work of the Tent of Meeting, and they must bear their iniquity. This is a permanent statute for the generations to come. The Levites will not receive an inheritance among the Israelites. / For I have given to the Levites as their inheritance the tithe that the Israelites present to the LORD as a contribution. That is why I told them that they would not receive an inheritance among the Israelites.” 1 Peter 2:9 But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, to proclaim the virtues of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. 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. 1 Corinthians 9:13-14 Do you not know that those who work in the temple eat of its food, and those who serve at the altar partake of its offerings? / In the same way, the Lord has prescribed that those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel. Hebrews 7:13-14 He of whom these things are said belonged to a different tribe, from which no one has ever served at the altar. / For it is clear that our Lord descended from Judah, a tribe as to which Moses said nothing about priests. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; / you were bought at a price. Therefore glorify God with your body. Malachi 3:8-10 Will a man rob God? Yet you are robbing Me! But you ask, ‘How do we rob You?’ In tithes and offerings. / You are cursed with a curse, yet you—the whole nation—are still robbing Me. / Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, so that there may be food in My house. Test Me in this,” says the LORD of Hosts. “See if I will not open the windows of heaven and pour out for you blessing without measure. Nehemiah 13:10-11 I also learned that because the portions for the Levites had not been given to them, all the Levites and singers responsible for performing the service had gone back to their own fields. / So I rebuked the officials and asked, “Why has the house of God been neglected?” Then I gathered the Levites and singers together and stationed them at their posts, 2 Chronicles 31:4-5 Moreover, he commanded the people living in Jerusalem to make a contribution for the priests and Levites so that they could devote themselves to the Law of the LORD. / As soon as the order went out, the Israelites generously provided the firstfruits of the grain, new wine, oil, and honey, and of all the produce of the field, and they brought in an abundance—a tithe of everything. 2 Chronicles 31:19 As for the priests, the descendants of Aaron, who lived on the farmlands around each of their cities or in any other city, men were designated by name to distribute a portion to every male among the priests and to every Levite listed by the genealogies. Deuteronomy 18:1-2 The Levitical priests—indeed the whole tribe of Levi—shall have no portion or inheritance with Israel. They are to eat the food offerings to the LORD; that is their inheritance. / Although they have no inheritance among their brothers, the LORD is their inheritance, as He promised them. Treasury of Scripture Why Levi has no part nor inheritance with his brothers; the LORD is his inheritance, according as the LORD your God promised him. Deuteronomy 18:1,2 The priests the Levites, and all the tribe of Levi, shall have no part nor inheritance with Israel: they shall eat the offerings of the LORD made by fire, and his inheritance… Numbers 18:20-24 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 26:62 And those that were numbered of them were twenty and three thousand, all males from a month old and upward: for they were not numbered among the children of Israel, because there was no inheritance given them among the children of Israel. Jump to Previous Heritage Inheritance Levi Part Portion Promised Share WhereforeJump to Next Heritage Inheritance Levi Part Portion Promised Share WhereforeDeuteronomy 10 1. God's mercy in restoring the two tablets6. in continuing the priesthood 8. in separating the tribe of Levi 10. in hearkening unto Moses' plea for his people 12. An exhortation to obedience That is why Levi has no portion or inheritance among his brothers; The tribe of Levi was set apart for priestly duties and service to God, which is why they did not receive a territorial inheritance like the other tribes of Israel. This distinction is rooted in their role as spiritual leaders and mediators between God and the people. Historically, the Levites were responsible for the tabernacle and later the temple services, which required them to be dispersed among the other tribes rather than concentrated in one area. This arrangement ensured that they could minister to all of Israel. The absence of a land inheritance underscores their unique calling and dependence on God for provision, as they were supported by the tithes and offerings of the other tribes. the LORD is his inheritance, as the LORD your God promised him. Persons / Places / Events 1. LeviThe third son of Jacob and Leah, whose descendants became the tribe of Levi. The Levites were set apart for religious duties and service to God. 2. The LORD (Yahweh) The covenant name of God, emphasizing His eternal, self-existent nature and His relationship with Israel. 3. Inheritance In the context of ancient Israel, inheritance typically referred to the land allotted to each tribe. The Levites were unique in that they did not receive a land inheritance. 4. Moses The leader of the Israelites who delivered God's laws and instructions, including the allocation of land and duties among the tribes. 5. Promised Land The land of Canaan, which God promised to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Teaching Points God as Our InheritanceJust as the Levites found their inheritance in God, believers today are called to find their ultimate satisfaction and identity in their relationship with God rather than in material possessions. Service Over Possession The Levites' role emphasizes the importance of service to God and others over the accumulation of wealth or land. Christians are encouraged to prioritize serving God and His kingdom. Trust in God's Provision The Levites relied on God's provision through the tithes of the other tribes. This teaches us to trust in God's provision and faithfulness, even when we lack material security. Spiritual Inheritance Believers are reminded that their true inheritance is spiritual, found in Christ and the eternal life He offers, rather than in earthly possessions. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Deuteronomy 10:9?2. How does Deuteronomy 10:9 illustrate the Levites' unique role among Israel's tribes? 3. What spiritual inheritance do Christians receive, paralleling the Levites' inheritance in Deuteronomy 10:9? 4. How can we prioritize God as our inheritance, like the Levites did? 5. Compare the Levites' inheritance to New Testament teachings on spiritual blessings. 6. How does Deuteronomy 10:9 encourage reliance on God rather than material possessions? 7. Why did the Levites receive no inheritance according to Deuteronomy 10:9? 8. How does Deuteronomy 10:9 reflect God's provision for the Levites? 9. What is the significance of the Levites' role in Deuteronomy 10:9? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Deuteronomy 10? 11. What does the Bible say about inheritance? 12. How does Deuteronomy 10:8’s statement that Levi had no land inheritance align with inherited lands described in other biblical texts? 13. Leviticus 27:21: How could God’s law ordain that consecrated lands revert to the priests, potentially creating a power imbalance? 14. Joshua 18:7 – Why does the text claim the Levites received no land allotment here, yet other passages (e.g., Numbers 35) suggest they inhabited specific cities? What Does Deuteronomy 10:9 Mean That is why Levi has no portion or inheritance among his brothers;- From the start, God marked the tribe of Levi for priestly service instead of agricultural settlement (Numbers 18:20; Deuteronomy 18:1–2). - “Portion or inheritance” in Israel normally meant a fixed tract of land (Joshua 14–19). Levi’s absence from that allotment map highlights a distinct calling. - Their material needs were met through tithes and offerings brought by the other tribes (Numbers 18:21-24; Deuteronomy 14:27-29). - Being free from farm and field, Levites could focus wholly on teaching God’s Law and ministering at the sanctuary (Deuteronomy 33:8-10; 2 Chronicles 35:3). the LORD is his inheritance, - Instead of fields, Levi received personal fellowship, protection, and provision from God Himself—“I am your portion” (Numbers 18:20). - This elevated relationship models ultimate fulfillment found not in possessions but in the Presence: “You are my portion, O LORD” (Psalm 119:57; see also Psalm 16:5; 73:26). - God supplied practical needs through the people’s worship gifts, but the true inheritance was spiritual intimacy and purpose (Hebrews 7:25-26; 1 Peter 2:9). - The Levites illustrate the believer’s calling today: set apart, relying on God rather than worldly security (Matthew 6:31-33; Philippians 4:19). as the LORD your God promised him. - God had pledged this arrangement from Sinai forward (Exodus 29:44-45; Numbers 3:11-13). - He never forgets His word; generations later the promise still stood (Joshua 21:45; 1 Kings 8:56). - The certainty of divine promise undergirds obedience: Israel could trust God’s system for supporting His ministers, and Levites could trust God to sustain them. - The verse therefore underscores covenant faithfulness—both God’s to His servants and His servants’ to God (Malachi 2:4-7). summary Deuteronomy 10:9 declares that the tribe of Levi exchanged land for the incomparable privilege of belonging wholly to the LORD. God’s promise ensured their provision, freed them for constant ministry, and showcased His reliability. For believers today, the passage invites us to treasure God Himself above earthly portions and to trust His faithful care as we serve Him. (9) The Lord is his inheritance.--As He was the inheritance of Aaron, Moses' brother, whom he had recently taken to Himself, and to whose death Moses had just referred.Verse 9. - (Cf. Numbers 18:20-24.)Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew That is whyעַל־ (‘al-) Preposition Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against Levi לְלֵוִ֛י (lə·lê·wî) Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3881: Levites -- descendant of Levi has הָיָ֧ה (hā·yāh) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be no לֹֽא־ (lō-) Adverb - Negative particle Strong's 3808: Not, no portion חֵ֥לֶק (ḥê·leq) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 2506: Portion, tract, territory or inheritance וְנַחֲלָ֖ה (wə·na·ḥă·lāh) Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 5159: Something inherited, occupancy, an heirloom, an estate, patrimony, portion among עִם־ (‘im-) Preposition Strong's 5973: With, equally with his brothers; אֶחָ֑יו (’e·ḥāw) Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 251: A brother, ) the LORD יְהוָה֙ (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel is his inheritance, נַחֲלָת֔וֹ (na·ḥă·lā·ṯōw) Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 5159: Something inherited, occupancy, an heirloom, an estate, patrimony, portion as כַּאֲשֶׁ֥ר (ka·’ă·šer) Preposition-k | Pronoun - relative Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that the LORD יְהוָ֥ה (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel your God אֱלֹהֶ֖יךָ (’ĕ·lō·he·ḵā) Noun - masculine plural construct | second person masculine singular Strong's 430: gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative promised him. דִּבֶּ֛ר (dib·ber) Verb - Piel - Perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 1696: To arrange, to speak, to subdue Links Deuteronomy 10:9 NIVDeuteronomy 10:9 NLT Deuteronomy 10:9 ESV Deuteronomy 10:9 NASB Deuteronomy 10:9 KJV Deuteronomy 10:9 BibleApps.com Deuteronomy 10:9 Biblia Paralela Deuteronomy 10:9 Chinese Bible Deuteronomy 10:9 French Bible Deuteronomy 10:9 Catholic Bible OT Law: Deuteronomy 10:9 Therefore Levi has no portion nor inheritance (Deut. 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