Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version 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.’” New Living Translation 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.” English Standard Version 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.’” Berean Standard Bible Once you have presented the best part of it, you will not incur guilt because of it. But you must not defile the sacred offerings of the Israelites, or else you will die.’” King James Bible 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. New King James Version 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.’ ” New American Standard Bible And you will bring on yourselves no sin by reason of it when you have offered the best of it. But you shall not profane the sacred gifts of the sons of Israel, so that you do not die.’” NASB 1995 ‘You will bear no sin by reason of it when you have offered the best of it. But you shall not profane the sacred gifts of the sons of Israel, or you will die.’” NASB 1977 ‘And you shall bear no sin by reason of it, when you have offered the best of it. But you shall not profane the sacred gifts of the sons of Israel, lest you die.’” Legacy Standard Bible And you will bear no sin by reason of it when you have raised up the best of it. But you shall not profane the sacred gifts of the sons of Israel, so that you will not die.’” Amplified Bible You will bear no sin because of it when you have offered the best of it; but you shall not profane the sacred gifts of the children of Israel, or you will die [because of it].’” Christian Standard Bible You will not incur guilt because of it once you have presented the best part of it, but you must not defile the Israelites’ holy offerings, so that you will not die.” Holman Christian Standard Bible You will not incur guilt because of it once you have presented the best part of it, but you must not defile the Israelites’ holy offerings, so that you will not die.” American Standard Version And ye shall bear no sin by reason of it, when ye have heaved from it the best thereof: and ye shall not profane the holy things of the children of Israel, that ye die not. Contemporary English Version You won't be punished for eating it, as long as you have already offered the best parts to me. The gifts and sacrifices brought by the people must remain sacred, and if you eat any part of them before they are offered to me, you will be put to death. English Revised Version And ye shall bear no sin by reason of it, when ye have heaved from it the best thereof: and ye shall not profane the holy things of the children of Israel, that ye die not. GOD'S WORD® Translation When you contribute the best part, you won't suffer the consequences of any sin. You won't be dishonoring the holy offerings given by the Israelites, and you won't die." Good News Translation You will not become guilty when you eat it, as long as you have presented the best of it to the LORD. But be sure not to profane the sacred gifts of the Israelites by eating any of the gifts before the best part is offered; if you do, you will be put to death." International Standard Version You won't sin by offering the best of it, and you are not to profane the sacred things of the Israelis, so that you won't die." NET Bible And you will bear no sin concerning it when you offer up the best of it. And you must not profane the holy things of the Israelites, or else you will die.'" New Heart English Bible You shall bear no sin by reason of it, when you have heaved from it its best: and you shall not profane the holy things of the children of Israel, that you not die.'" Webster's Bible Translation 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. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleOnce you have presented the best part of it, you will not incur guilt because of it. But you must not defile the sacred offerings of the Israelites, or else you will die.’” World English Bible You shall bear no sin by reason of it, when you have heaved from it its best. You shall not profane the holy things of the children of Israel, that you not die.’” Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand you bear no sin for it in your lifting up its fat out of it, but you do not defile the holy things of the sons of Israel, and you do not die.” Young's Literal Translation and ye bear no sin for it, in your lifting up its fat out of it, and the holy things of the sons of Israel ye do not pollute, and ye die not.' Smith's Literal Translation And ye shall not bear sin for it in your lifting up its fat from it: and the holy things of the sons of Israel ye shall not defile, and ye shall not die. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd you shall not sin in this point, by reserving the choicest and fat things to yourselves, lest you profane the oblations of the children of Israel, and die. Catholic Public Domain Version And you shall not sin in this way: by reserving the excellent and fat things for yourselves, lest you pollute the oblations of the sons of Israel, and lest you die.” New American Bible You will incur no punishment when you contribute the best part of it. But do not profane the holy offerings of the Israelites or else you shall die. New Revised Standard Version You shall incur no guilt by reason of it, when you have offered the best of it. But you shall not profane the holy gifts of the Israelites, on pain of death. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd you shall bear no sin by reason of it, when you have offered the best of it; neither shall you pollute the holy things of the children of Israel, lest you die. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And you shall not receive sin for it when you offer the best part of it, and you shall not defile the holiness of the children of Israel, lest you die.’” OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And ye shall bear no sin by reason of it, seeing that ye have set apart from it the best thereof; and ye shall not profane the holy things of the children of Israel, that ye die not.' Brenton Septuagint Translation And ye shall not bear sin by reason of it, for ye shall have offered an offering of first-fruits from it, and ye shall not profane the holy things of the children of Israel, that ye die not. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Offerings for Priests and Levites…31And you and your households may eat the rest of it anywhere; it is the compensation for your work at the Tent of Meeting. 32Once you have presented the best part of it, you will not incur guilt because of it. But you must not defile the sacred offerings of the Israelites, or else you will die.’” Cross References Leviticus 22:9 The priests must keep My charge, lest they bear the guilt and die because they profane it. I am the LORD who sanctifies them. Deuteronomy 12:17 Within your gates you must not eat the tithe of your grain or new wine or oil, the firstborn of your herds or flocks, any of the offerings that you have vowed to give, or your freewill offerings or special gifts. 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. 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. 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.” 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. Deuteronomy 14:27-29 And do not neglect the Levite within your gates, since he has no portion or inheritance among you. / At the end of every three years, bring a tenth of all your produce for that year and lay it up within your gates. / Then the Levite (because he has no portion or inheritance among you), the foreigner, the fatherless, and the widow within your gates may come and eat and be satisfied. And the LORD your God will bless you in all the work of your hands. Galatians 6:6 Nevertheless, the one who receives instruction in the word must share in all good things with his instructor. 2 Corinthians 9:7-8 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. Leviticus 10:17-18 “Why didn’t you eat the sin offering in the holy place? For it is most holy; it was given to you to take away the guilt of the congregation by making atonement for them before the LORD. / Since its blood was not brought inside the holy place, you should have eaten it in the sanctuary area, as I commanded.” Ezekiel 44:28-30 In regard to their inheritance, I am their inheritance. You are to give them no possession in Israel, for I am their possession. / They shall eat the grain offerings, the sin offerings, and the guilt offerings. Everything in Israel devoted to the LORD will belong to them. / The best of all the firstfruits and of every contribution from all your offerings will belong to the priests. You are to give your first batch of dough to the priest, so that a blessing may rest upon your homes. 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. Romans 15:27 They were pleased to do it, and indeed they owe it to them. For if the Gentiles have shared in their spiritual blessings, they are obligated to minister to them with material blessings. 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.” Treasury of Scripture And you shall bear no sin by reason of it, when you have heaved from it the best of it: neither shall you pollute the holy things of the children of Israel, lest you die. bear Numbers 18:22 Neither must the children of Israel henceforth come nigh the tabernacle of the congregation, lest they bear sin, and die. Leviticus 19:8 Therefore every one that eateth it shall bear his iniquity, because he hath profaned the hallowed thing of the LORD: and that soul shall be cut off from among his people. pollute Leviticus 22:2,15 Speak unto Aaron and to his sons, that they separate themselves from the holy things of the children of Israel, and that they profane not my holy name in those things which they hallow unto me: I am the LORD… Malachi 1:7 Ye offer polluted bread upon mine altar; and ye say, Wherein have we polluted thee? In that ye say, The table of the LORD is contemptible. 1 Corinthians 11:27,29 Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord… Jump to Previous Account Apart Best Children Death Defile Die Heave Heaved High Holy Israel Israelites Lifting Matter Offered Offerings Overtake Part Pollute Presenting Profane Reason Sacred Sin Thereof Use WrongJump to Next Account Apart Best Children Death Defile Die Heave Heaved High Holy Israel Israelites Lifting Matter Offered Offerings Overtake Part Pollute Presenting Profane Reason Sacred Sin Thereof Use WrongNumbers 18 1. The charge of the priests and Levites8. The priests, portion 21. The Levites, 25. The heave offering to the priests out of the Levites' portion Once you have presented the best part of it, This phrase refers to the requirement for the Levites to offer a portion of the tithes they receive from the Israelites as an offering to the Lord. The "best part" signifies the firstfruits or the choicest portion, which is a recurring theme in the Old Testament, emphasizing giving God the first and best of what one has (Proverbs 3:9). This practice underscores the principle of honoring God with one's substance and acknowledges His provision. you will not incur guilt because of it. But you must not defile the sacred offerings of the Israelites, or else you will die.’” Persons / Places / Events 1. The IsraelitesThe chosen people of God, who were given specific laws and instructions to follow, including offerings and sacrifices. 2. The Priests and Levites The tribe of Levi was set apart for religious duties, and the priests, descendants of Aaron, were responsible for offering sacrifices and maintaining the sanctity of the tabernacle. 3. The Tabernacle The portable dwelling place for the divine presence of God among the Israelites, where offerings and sacrifices were made. 4. Offerings Specific portions of the Israelites' produce and livestock were dedicated to God, symbolizing their devotion and obedience. 5. Sin and Defilement The concept of sin in this context refers to failing to follow God's commands, which could lead to defilement and death. Teaching Points The Importance of Giving Our Best to GodJust as the Israelites were commanded to present the best part of their offerings, we are called to give our best in our service and devotion to God. Holiness and Reverence in Worship The instructions to avoid defilement remind us of the need for holiness and reverence in our worship practices today. Consequences of Disobedience The warning of death for defiling holy offerings underscores the seriousness of disobedience and the need for repentance. The Role of Spiritual Leaders The responsibilities of the priests and Levites highlight the importance of spiritual leaders in guiding and maintaining the spiritual health of the community. Christ as Our Perfect Offering Reflect on how Jesus, as our High Priest, offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice, fulfilling the requirements of the law and offering us eternal life. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Numbers 18:32?2. How does Numbers 18:32 emphasize the importance of not profaning sacred offerings? 3. What responsibilities do we have when handling God's provisions, according to Numbers 18:32? 4. How can Numbers 18:32 guide us in maintaining purity in our worship? 5. In what ways does Numbers 18:32 connect with New Testament teachings on stewardship? 6. How can we apply the principles of Numbers 18:32 in our daily lives? 7. What does Numbers 18:32 imply about the responsibility of offerings and sin? 8. How does Numbers 18:32 relate to the concept of guilt in religious duties? 9. Why is the command in Numbers 18:32 significant for the priests' conduct? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Numbers 18? 11. Is God capable of experiencing anger? 12. If the Levites replaced all Israel's firstborn in worship (Numbers 8:16-18), how does this reconcile with earlier promises safeguarding the special status of firstborns? 13. If the Levites had no land inheritance (Joshua 21:2), how could they sustainably live in the granted cities without farmland? 14. If Numbers 18:30-32 implies divine favor for faithful tithers, is there historical or archaeological evidence of widespread calamities resulting from neglected tithes? What Does Numbers 18:32 Mean Once you have presented the best part of it• The context is the tithe the Levites received from Israel (Numbers 18:24). God required them to lift “a tithe of the tithe” as a heave offering to Him (Numbers 18:26–29). • “The best and holiest part” (Numbers 18:29) shows the Lord’s unchanging priority: He gets the first and finest, never the leftovers (Exodus 23:19; Proverbs 3:9; Malachi 1:7-8). • By giving the choicest portion back to God, the Levites acknowledged that everything they held actually belonged to Him (Psalm 24:1). You will not incur guilt because of it • Obedience removed any accusation of misusing holy things. When the Levites offered the required portion, their handling of the remaining tithe was blameless (Leviticus 10:17; 2 Chronicles 31:12-13). • The principle still speaks: when we honor God’s stated boundaries, guilt is lifted (Romans 8:1; 1 John 1:7). • Practical takeaway: give faithfully, keep clear accounts, and rest in the freedom that comes from doing things God’s way. But you must not defile the sacred offerings of the Israelites • “Defile” points to treating what is holy as common (Leviticus 22:2-3). Mishandling could include carelessness, withholding, or using offerings for personal gain (1 Samuel 2:12-17). • Sacred offerings were set apart to maintain Israel’s covenant worship; any corruption endangered both worship and witness (Deuteronomy 12:4-6; Ezekiel 44:15-16). • For believers today, this cautions us to handle God-given resources—money, time, ministry responsibilities—with reverence (1 Corinthians 4:2; 1 Peter 4:10). Or else you will die • The penalty underscores the holiness of God and the weight of priestly duty (Numbers 4:15, 19-20; 2 Samuel 6:6-7). • Judgment for profaning sacred things was immediate under the Law, foreshadowing the eternal seriousness of sin (Hebrews 10:28-31; Acts 5:1-11). • This severity magnifies the grace provided through Christ, our High Priest, who bore the death we deserved and now empowers us to serve in purity (Hebrews 9:11-14). summary Numbers 18:32 assures the Levites that careful obedience—presenting the best part of Israel’s tithe back to God—frees them from guilt. At the same time, it warns that treating holy gifts casually brings deadly consequences. The verse calls every generation to honor God with the first and finest, steward His resources reverently, and rejoice in the freedom that follows faithful obedience. (32) And ye shall bear no sin . . . --i.e., shall not incur any guilt, or become liable to any punishment. (See Note on Numbers 18:22.)Verse 32. - Ye shall bear no sin. עָלָיו לֹא־תִשְׂאוּ. They would not incur any guilty responsibility by enjoying it as and where they pleased. Neither shall ye pollute the holy things of the children of Israel, lest ye die. This seems to be the tree translation, and it conveyed a final warning. See Leviticus 22:2 for one very obvious way in which the Levites might pollute "holy things." |
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