Lexical Summary cheleph: Exchange, change Original Word: חֵלֶף Strong's Exhaustive Concordance for From chalaph; properly, exchange; hence (as preposition) instead of -- X for. see HEBREW chalaph NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom chalaph Definition an exchange NASB Translation return (2). Brown-Driver-Briggs I. חֵ֫לֶף noun [masculine] exchange, only construct, as preposition in return for (so הֲלַף,  , common in Aramaic e.g. Genesis 4:23 ᵑ7 ᵑ6 for Hebrew תַּחַת) — עֲבֹדָתָם ׳ח (עֲבֹדַתְכֶם) Numbers 18:21,31 (both P). Topical Lexicon Meaning and Semantic Nuances חֵלֶף (chelef) conveys the idea of an exchange, substitute, or compensation. In its two occurrences it describes something given “in return for” or “as wages for” another action. The word therefore frames a transaction in which one party labors and another party supplies a corresponding benefit. Usage in the Torah Both occurrences appear in the legislation regulating the support of the tribe of Levi: Here chelef defines the tithe as a divinely mandated compensation for priestly ministry. The Levites surrender any territorial inheritance (18:23) and, in exchange, receive the tithes brought by Israel. Thus the word highlights a balanced economy established by God Himself. Historical Background of Levitical Support The Levites were set apart after the sin of the golden calf (Exodus 32:26-29; Numbers 3:12-13). Because they belonged wholly to the service of the sanctuary, they forfeited agricultural land that would have provided normal income. Chelef assures them a stable livelihood, integrating their material needs with Israel’s worship life. This arrangement prevented priests from commercializing their ministry while protecting them from poverty, thereby preserving purity of worship and justice for the worker. Principles of Divine Exchange 1. Work-wage correspondence: Labor carried out in God’s name warrants tangible support (Deuteronomy 25:4; 1 Corinthians 9:13-14). Theology of Substitution and Atonement Chelef’s notion of exchange echoes larger redemptive patterns—substitutionary sacrifices (Leviticus 17:11) and ultimately the atoning work of Jesus Christ, “who gave Himself as a ransom for all” (1 Timothy 2:6). While Numbers employs the term economically, it foreshadows the Gospel principle that God supplies what His servants cannot earn and accepts a substitute on behalf of His people. Continuity in Later Revelation The New Testament maintains the chelef principle: These texts show God’s consistent concern that those engaged in full-time ministry receive an appropriate exchange for their service. Practical Lessons for Today 1. Congregational care for ministers is not optional generosity but covenant responsibility. Summary חֵלֶף emphasizes a divinely instituted exchange: the people’s tithes for the Levites’ service. It secures just compensation, safeguards sanctity in worship, and prefigures the substitutionary themes that culminate in Christ. Recognizing this word’s role deepens appreciation for God’s orderly provision and calls the contemporary church to uphold the same pattern of faithful support for those who labor in the ministry of the Word. Forms and Transliterations חֵ֤לֶף חֵ֥לֶף חלף Chelef ḥê·lep̄ ḥêlep̄Links Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Numbers 18:21 HEB: בְּיִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל לְנַחֲלָ֑ה חֵ֤לֶף עֲבֹֽדָתָם֙ אֲשֶׁר־ NAS: for an inheritance, in return for their service KJV: for an inheritance, for their service INT: Israel an inheritance return their service which Numbers 18:31 2 Occurrences |
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