Numbers 18:24 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."

◄ Numbers 18:24 ►

New International Version
Instead, I give to the Levites as their inheritance the tithes that the Israelites present as an offering to the LORD. That is why I said concerning them: ‘They will have no inheritance among the Israelites.’”

New Living Translation
because I have given them the Israelites’ tithes, which have been presented as sacred offerings to the LORD. This will be the Levites’ share. That is why I said they would receive no allotment of land among the Israelites.”

English Standard Version
For the tithe of the people of Israel, which they present as a contribution to the LORD, I have given to the Levites for an inheritance. Therefore I have said of them that they shall have no inheritance among the people of Israel.”

Berean Standard Bible
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.”

King James Bible
But the tithes of the children of Israel, which they offer as an heave offering unto the LORD, I have given to the Levites to inherit: therefore I have said unto them, Among the children of Israel they shall have no inheritance.

New King James Version
For the tithes of the children of Israel, which they offer up as a heave offering to the LORD, I have given to the Levites as an inheritance; therefore I have said to them, ‘Among the children of Israel they shall have no inheritance.’ ”

New American Standard Bible
For the tithe of the sons of Israel, which they offer as an offering to the LORD, I have given to the Levites as an inheritance; therefore I have said concerning them, ‘They shall have no inheritance among the sons of Israel.’”

NASB 1995
“For the tithe of the sons of Israel, which they offer as an offering to the LORD, I have given to the Levites for an inheritance; therefore I have said concerning them, ‘They shall have no inheritance among the sons of Israel.’”

NASB 1977
“For the tithe of the sons of Israel, which they offer as an offering to the LORD, I have given to the Levites for an inheritance; therefore I have said concerning them, ‘They shall have no inheritance among the sons of Israel.’”

Legacy Standard Bible
For the tithe of the sons of Israel, which they raise up as a contribution offering to Yahweh, I have given to the Levites for an inheritance; therefore I have said concerning them, ‘They shall have no inheritance among the sons of Israel.’”

Amplified Bible
But the tithe of the Israelites, which they present as an offering to the LORD, I have given to the Levites as an inheritance; therefore I have said to them, ‘They shall have no inheritance among the children of Israel.’”

Christian Standard Bible
For I have given them the tenth that the Israelites present to the LORD as a contribution for their inheritance. That is why I told them that they would not receive an inheritance among the Israelites.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
For I have given them the tenth that the Israelites present to the LORD as a contribution for their inheritance. That is why I told them that they would not receive an inheritance among the Israelites.”

American Standard Version
For the tithe of the children of Israel, which they offer as a heave-offering unto Jehovah, I have given to the Levites for an inheritance: therefore I have said unto them, Among the children of Israel they shall have no inheritance.

Contemporary English Version
they will be given the crops and newborn animals that the Israelites offer to me.

English Revised Version
For the tithe of the children of Israel, which they offer as an heave offering unto the LORD, I have given to the Levites for an inheritance: therefore I have said unto them, Among the children of Israel they shall have no inheritance.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Instead, I will give the Levites what the Israelites contribute to the LORD-one-tenth of the Israelites' income. This is why I said about them, 'They will own no property as the other Israelites do.'"

Good News Translation
because I have given to them as their possession the tithe which the Israelites present to me as a special contribution. That is why I told them that they would have no permanent property in Israel."

International Standard Version
because I've given to the descendants of Levi the tithes that the Israelis bring to the LORD as raised offering. Therefore I told them that, unlike the Israelis, they won't receive an inheritance."

Majority Standard Bible
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.?

NET Bible
But I have given to the Levites for an inheritance the tithes of the Israelites that are offered to the LORD as a raised offering. That is why I said to them that among the Israelites they are to have no inheritance."

New Heart English Bible
For the tithe of the children of Israel, which they offer as a wave offering to the LORD, I have given to the Levites for an inheritance: therefore I have said to them, 'Among the children of Israel they shall have no inheritance.'"

Webster's Bible Translation
But the tithes of the children of Israel, which they offer as a heave-offering to the LORD, I have given to the Levites to inherit: therefore I have said to them, Among the children of Israel they shall have no inheritance.

World English Bible
For the tithe of the children of Israel, which they offer as a wave offering to Yahweh, I have given to the Levites for an inheritance. Therefore I have said to them, ‘Among the children of Israel they shall have no inheritance.’”

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
but the tithe of the sons of Israel which they lift up to YHWH, a raised-offering, I have given to the Levites for inheritance; therefore I have said of them, They have no inheritance in the midst of the sons of Israel.”

Young's Literal Translation
but the tithe of the sons of Israel which they lift up to Jehovah, a heave-offering, I have given to the Levites for inheritance; therefore I have said of them, In the midst of the sons of Israel they have no inheritance.'

Smith's Literal Translation
For the tenth of the sons of Israel which they shall lift up to Jehovah, an offering I gave to the Levites to inherit: for this I said to them, In the midst of the sons of Israel they shall not inherit an inheritance.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
But be content with the oblation or tithes, which I have separated for their uses and necessities.

Catholic Public Domain Version
being content with the oblation of tithes, which I have separated for their uses and necessities.”

New American Bible
for I have assigned to the Levites as their heritage the tithes which the Israelites put aside as a contribution to the LORD. That is why I have said, they will not have any heritage among the Israelites.

New Revised Standard Version
because I have given to the Levites as their portion the tithe of the Israelites, which they set apart as an offering to the LORD. Therefore I have said of them that they shall have no allotment among the Israelites.

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
For the tithes of the children of Israel which they offer to the LORD I have given to the Levites for an inheritance; therefore I have said to them, Among the children of Israel they shall have no inheritance.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
Because the tithes that the children of Israel offer to LORD JEHOVAH I have given to the Levites as an inheritance; because of this I have said to them that among the children of Israel they shall not inherit an inheritance.”

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
For the tithe of the children of Israel, which they set apart as a gift unto the LORD, I have given to the Levites for an inheritance; therefore I have said unto them: Among the children of Israel they shall have no inheritance.'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
Because I have given as a distinct portion to the Levites for an inheritance the tithes of the children of Israel, whatsoever they shall offer to the Lord; therefore I said to them, In the midst of the children of Israel they shall have no inheritance.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

Offerings for Priests and Levites
…23The 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. 24For 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.” 25And the LORD instructed Moses,…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

Leviticus 27:30-33
Thus any tithe from the land, whether from the seed of the land or the fruit of the trees, belongs to the LORD; it is holy to the LORD. / If a man wishes to redeem part of his tithe, he must add a fifth to its value. / Every tenth animal from the herd or flock that passes under the shepherd’s rod will be holy to the LORD. ...

Deuteronomy 14:22-29
You must be sure to set aside a tenth of all the produce brought forth each year from your fields. / And you are to eat a tenth of your grain, new wine, and oil, and the firstborn of your herds and flocks, in the presence of the LORD your God at the place He will choose as a dwelling for His Name, so that you may learn to fear the LORD your God always. / But if the distance is too great for you to carry that with which the LORD your God has blessed you, because the place where the LORD your God will choose to put His Name is too far away, ...

Nehemiah 10:37-39
Moreover, we will bring to the priests at the storerooms of the house of our God the firstfruits of our dough, of our grain offerings, of the fruit of all our trees, and of our new wine and oil. A tenth of our produce belongs to the Levites, so that they shall receive tithes in all the towns where we labor. / A priest of Aaron’s line is to accompany the Levites when they collect the tenth, and the Levites are to bring a tenth of these tithes to the storerooms of the treasury in the house of our God. / For the Israelites and the Levites are to bring the contributions of grain, new wine, and oil to the storerooms where the articles of the sanctuary are kept and where the ministering priests, the gatekeepers, and the singers stay. Thus we will not neglect the house of our God.”

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.

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.

2 Chronicles 31:4-6
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. / And the Israelites and Judahites who lived in the cities of Judah also brought a tithe of their herds and flocks and a tithe of the holy things consecrated to the LORD their God, and they laid them in large heaps.

Nehemiah 12:44
And on that same day men were appointed over the rooms that housed the supplies, contributions, firstfruits, and tithes. The portions specified by the Law for the priests and Levites were gathered into these storerooms from the fields of the villages, because Judah rejoiced over the priests and Levites who were serving.

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.

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.

2 Corinthians 9:7-14
Each one should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not out of regret or compulsion. For God loves a cheerful giver. / And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things, at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. / As it is written: “He has scattered abroad His gifts to the poor; His righteousness endures forever.” ...

Leviticus 6:16-18
Aaron and his sons are to eat the remainder. It must be eaten without leaven in a holy place; they are to eat it in the courtyard of the Tent of Meeting. / It must not be baked with leaven; I have assigned it as their portion of My food offerings. It is most holy, like the sin offering and the guilt offering. / Any male among the sons of Aaron may eat it. This is a permanent portion from the food offerings to the LORD for the generations to come. Anything that touches them will become holy.”

Galatians 6:6
Nevertheless, the one who receives instruction in the word must share in all good things with his instructor.

1 Timothy 5:17-18
Elders who lead effectively are worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching. / For the Scripture says, “Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain,” and, “The worker is worthy of his wages.”

Numbers 18:8-20
Then the LORD said to Aaron, “Behold, I have put you in charge of My offerings. As for all the sacred offerings of the Israelites, I have given them to you and your sons as a portion and a permanent statute. / A portion of the most holy offerings reserved from the fire will be yours. From all the offerings they render to Me as most holy offerings, whether grain offerings or sin offerings or guilt offerings, that part belongs to you and your sons. / You are to eat it as a most holy offering, and every male may eat it. You shall regard it as holy. ...

Matthew 23:23
Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You pay tithes of mint, dill, and cumin. But you have disregarded the weightier matters of the law: justice, mercy, and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former.

Treasury of Scripture

But the tithes of the children of Israel, which they offer as an heave offering to the LORD, I have given to the Levites to inherit: therefore I have said to them, Among the children of Israel they shall have no inheritance.

Malachi 3:8-10
Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings…

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Numbers 18

1. The charge of the priests and Levites
8. The priests, portion
21. The Levites,
25. The heave offering to the priests out of the Levites' portion

Berean Study Bible

For the tithe of the Israelites
The word "tithe" comes from the Hebrew word "ma'aser," which means a tenth part. In ancient Israel, the tithe was a sacred offering, a portion of the Israelites' produce and livestock dedicated to God. This practice was not merely a financial transaction but a spiritual act of worship and obedience, acknowledging God's provision and sovereignty. The tithe served as a reminder that everything belonged to God, and the Israelites were stewards of His blessings. Historically, this practice set Israel apart from surrounding nations, emphasizing their unique covenant relationship with Yahweh.

which they present as a contribution to the LORD
The phrase "present as a contribution" indicates an act of giving that is both voluntary and sacred. The Hebrew word for "contribution" is "terumah," which signifies an offering lifted up to God. This act of presenting the tithe was a form of worship, symbolizing the Israelites' devotion and gratitude. It was a tangible expression of their faith and trust in God's provision. The tithe was not just a duty but a privilege, allowing the Israelites to participate in God's work and support the Levitical priesthood.

I have given to the Levites as an inheritance
The Levites, descendants of Levi, were set apart for religious duties and service in the Tabernacle. Unlike the other tribes, they did not receive a territorial inheritance in the Promised Land. Instead, God Himself was their inheritance, and the tithe was His provision for their sustenance. This arrangement underscored the Levites' unique role as mediators between God and the people, dedicated to spiritual service. The tithe supported their ministry, enabling them to focus on their sacred duties without the distraction of agricultural labor.

therefore I have told them that they have no inheritance among the Israelites
This statement highlights the distinct calling of the Levites. Their lack of a territorial inheritance was not a deprivation but a divine appointment. God was their portion, and their inheritance was spiritual rather than material. This arrangement emphasized the principle that spiritual service and devotion to God were of higher value than earthly possessions. The Levites' reliance on the tithe from the other tribes fostered a sense of community and interdependence, reminding the Israelites of their collective responsibility to support those who ministered on their behalf.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(24) But the tithes . . . --Better, for the tithes . . . This verse assigns the reason why the Levites were to have no inheritance among the children of Israel.

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 24. - As an heave offering. This means nothing more than an "offering" apparently. It is not to be supposed that any ritual was observed in the giving of tithes.

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

For
כִּ֞י (kî)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

I have given
נָתַ֥תִּי (nā·ṯat·tî)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular
Strong's 5414: To give, put, set

the Levites
לַלְוִיִּ֖ם (lal·wî·yim)
Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine plural
Strong's 3881: Levites -- descendant of Levi

as their inheritance
לְנַחֲלָ֑ה (lə·na·ḥă·lāh)
Preposition-l | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 5159: Something inherited, occupancy, an heirloom, an estate, patrimony, portion

the tenth
מַעְשַׂ֣ר (ma‘·śar)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 4643: Tenth part, tithe

that
אֲשֶׁ֨ר (’ă·šer)
Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that

the Israelites
בְּנֵֽי־ (bə·nê-)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1121: A son

present
יָרִ֤ימוּ (yā·rî·mū)
Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 7311: To be high actively, to rise, raise

to the LORD
לַֽיהוָה֙ (Yah·weh)
Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

as a contribution.
תְּרוּמָ֔ה (tə·rū·māh)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 8641: Contribution, offering (for sacred uses)

That is why
עַל־ (‘al-)
Preposition
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

I told
אָמַ֣רְתִּי (’ā·mar·tî)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say

them that they would not
לֹ֥א (lō)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

receive an inheritance
יִנְחֲל֖וּ (yin·ḥă·lū)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 5157: To inherit, to occupy, to bequeath, distribute, instate

among
בְּתוֹךְ֙ (bə·ṯō·wḵ)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 8432: A bisection, the centre

the Israelites.”
בְּנֵ֣י (bə·nê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1121: A son

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OT Law: Numbers 18:24 For the tithe of the children (Nu Num.)