King James Version:
(The Lord speaking is red text)
They shall have like portions to eat, beside that which cometh of the sale of his patrimony.
Complete Jewish Bible:
Such a Levi will receive the same share as they do, in addition to what he may receive from selling his inherited ancestral property.
Berean Standard Bible:
They shall eat equal portions, even though he has received money from the sale of his father’s estate.
American Standard Version:
They shall have like portions to eat, besides that which cometh of the sale of his patrimony.
KJV with Strong’s Numbers:
They shall have like portions{H2506} to eat{H398}, beside that which cometh of the sale{H4465} of his patrimony{H1}.
Cross-References (KJV):
Nehemiah 12:44
- ¶ And at that time were some appointed over the chambers for the treasures, for the offerings, for the firstfruits, and for the tithes, to gather into them out of the fields of the cities the portions of the law for the priests and Levites: for Judah rejoiced for the priests and for the Levites that waited.
Nehemiah 12:47
- And all Israel in the days of Zerubbabel, and in the days of Nehemiah, gave the portions of the singers and the porters, every day his portion: and they sanctified [holy things] unto the Levites; and the Levites sanctified [them] unto the children of Aaron.
Luke 10:7
- And in the same house remain, eating and drinking such things as they give: for the labourer is worthy of his hire. Go not from house to house.
2 Chronicles 31:4
- Moreover he commanded the people that dwelt in Jerusalem to give the portion of the priests and the Levites, that they might be encouraged in the law of the LORD.
Leviticus 7:14
- And of it he shall offer one out of the whole oblation [for] an heave offering unto the LORD, [and] it shall be the priest's that sprinkleth the blood of the peace offerings.
1 Timothy 5:17
- ¶ Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.
1 Timothy 5:18
- For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer [is] worthy of his reward.
Explore This Verse Across Other Resources:
Commentary for Deuteronomy 18:8
Deuteronomy 18:8 is part of a larger passage in the book of Deuteronomy that deals with the regulations for the Levites, who were the tribe of Israel charged with religious duties and the care of the Tabernacle (and later the Temple). The verse falls within the context of laws given by Moses to the Israelites as they prepare to enter the Promised Land.
**Themes:**
1. **Support for the Levites:** The verse reflects the theme of provision for the Levites, who did not receive a land inheritance like the other tribes. Instead, they were to be supported by the offerings and tithes of the Israelites. This was to ensure that they could dedicate themselves fully to their religious service without the distraction of secular work.
2. **Equality Among Levites:** The mention of "like portions" suggests a theme of equality and fairness within the priestly class. All Levites were to be treated equally in terms of their share of the offerings, regardless of their individual circumstances or wealth.
3. **Patrimony and Inheritance:** The verse also touches on the theme of inheritance, as it refers to the "sale of his patrimony." The Levites were to have a share in the offerings in addition to any personal property they might have, which could include land outside the regular tribal allotments or property that could be sold.
**Historical Context:**
The historical context of Deuteronomy 18:8 is the period of the Israelites' wandering in the wilderness, just before they enter the land of Canaan. Moses is giving his final addresses to the people, reviewing the law and instructing them on how to live in the land they are about to possess. The laws concerning the Levites were particularly important because, without a territorial inheritance, their livelihood depended on the generosity and obedience of the other tribes.
This verse is part of the broader legal, social, and religious framework established by God through Moses to govern the life of the Israelite community. It reflects the unique status of the Levites and the importance of their role in maintaining the religious and cultic life of ancient Israel. The verse also underscores the communal responsibility to care for those who served in religious capacities.
*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model
Strong's Numbers and Definitions:
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)
- Strong's Number: H2506
There are 63 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: חֵלֶק
Transliteration: chêleq
Pronunciation: khay'lek
Description: from חָלַק; properly, smoothness (of the tongue); also an allotment; flattery, inheritance, part, [idiom] partake, portion. - Strong's Number: H398
There are 825 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: אָכַל
Transliteration: ʼâkal
Pronunciation: aw-kal'
Description: a primitive root; to eat (literally or figuratively); [idiom] at all, burn up, consume, devour(-er, up), dine, eat(-er, up), feed (with), food, [idiom] freely, [idiom] in...wise(-deed, plenty), (lay) meat, [idiom] quite. - Strong's Number: H4465
There are 10 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: מִמְכָּר
Transliteration: mimkâr
Pronunciation: mim-kawr'
Description: from מָכַר; merchandise; abstractly, a selling; [idiom] ought, (that which cometh of) sale, that which...sold, ware. - Strong's Number: H1
There are 15773 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: אָב
Transliteration: ʼâb
Pronunciation: awb
Description: a primitive word; father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application; chief, (fore-) father(-less), [idiom] patrimony, principal. Compare names in 'Abi-'.