Numbers 18:12

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

All the best of the oil, and all the best of the wine, and of the wheat, the firstfruits of them which they shall offer unto the LORD, them have I given thee.

Complete Jewish Bible:

All the best of the olive oil, wine and grain, the first portion of what they give to ADONAI, I have given to you.

Berean Standard Bible:

I give you all the freshest olive oil and all the finest new wine and grain that the Israelites give to the LORD as their firstfruits.

American Standard Version:

All the best of the oil, and all the best of the vintage, and of the grain, the first-fruits of them which they give unto Jehovah, to thee have I given them.

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

All the best^{H2459} of the oil^{H3323}, and all the best^{H2459} of the wine^{H8492}, and of the wheat^{H1715}, the firstfruits^{H7225} of them which they shall offer^{H5414} unto the LORD^{H3068}, them have I given^{H5414} thee.

Cross-References (KJV):

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Commentary for Numbers 18:12

**Numbers 18:12 Summary:**

**Themes:**
- **Divine Provision:** The verse emphasizes God's provision for the Levites, who were responsible for the priestly duties but did not receive a tribal inheritance of land like the other Israelite tribes. God ensures their sustenance through the offerings of the people.
- **Sacrifice and Worship:** It reflects the practice of offering the first and best of produce to God, acknowledging God's sovereignty and expressing gratitude for His blessings.
- **Priestly Support:** The verse is part of a larger passage outlining the responsibilities and entitlements of the Levites and priests, ensuring they are supported by the community for their religious services.

**Historical Context:**
- **Time Period:** The Book of Numbers is set during the wilderness wanderings of the Israelites after their exodus from Egypt and before their entry into the Promised Land.
- **Cultural Practices:** The agricultural offerings mentioned were typical of ancient Near Eastern societies, where the firstfruits were considered sacred and dedicated to deities as an act of worship and thanksgiving.
- **Levitical Priesthood:** The Levites, as the priestly tribe, had specific roles in the tabernacle (and later the temple) worship. Since they did not have land holdings, they relied on these offerings as their main source of livelihood.
- **Mosaic Law:** This verse is part of the legislation given by Moses, which includes detailed instructions on religious practices, social conduct, and the roles of various groups within Israelite society.

In essence, Numbers 18:12 underscores the importance of supporting religious leaders and acknowledges the central role of worship in maintaining the spiritual and social fabric of the Israelite community.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

1. Strong's Number: H2459
   There are 69 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: חֶלֶב
   Transliteration: cheleb
   Pronunciation: kheh'-leb
   Description: or חֵלֶב; from an unused root meaning to be fat; fat, whether literally or figuratively; hence, the richest or choice part; [idiom] best, fat(-ness), [idiom] finest, grease, marrow.
   
2. Strong's Number: H3323
   There are 23 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: יִצְהָר
   Transliteration: yitshâr
   Pronunciation: yits-hawr'
   Description: from צָהַר; oil (as producing light); figuratively, anointing; [phrase] anointed oil.
   
3. Strong's Number: H8492
   There are 38 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: תִּירוֹשׁ
   Transliteration: tîyrôwsh
   Pronunciation: tee-roshe'
   Description: or תִּירֹשׁ; from יָרַשׁ in the sense of expulsion; must or fresh grape-juice (as just squeezed out); by implication (rarely) fermented wine; (new, sweet) wine.
   
4. Strong's Number: H1715
   There are 40 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: דָּגָן
   Transliteration: dâgân
   Pronunciation: daw-gawn'
   Description: from דָּגָה; properly, increase, i.e. grain; corn (floor), wheat.
   
5. Strong's Number: H7225
   There are 49 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: רֵאשִׁית
   Transliteration: rêʼshîyth
   Pronunciation: ray-sheeth'
   Description: from the same as רֹאשׁ; the first, in place, time, order or rank (specifically, a firstfruit); beginning, chief(-est), first(-fruits, part, time), principal thing.
   
6. Strong's Number: H5414
   There are 1816 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: נָתַן
   Transliteration: nâthan
   Pronunciation: naw-than'
   Description: a primitive root; to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.); add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield.
   
7. Strong's Number: H3068
   There are 5521 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: יְהֹוָה
   Transliteration: Yᵉhôvâh
   Pronunciation: yeh-ho-vaw'
   Description: from הָיָה; (the) self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God; Jehovah, the Lord. Compare יָהּ, יְהֹוִה.