Deuteronomy 14:27

KJV

And the Levite that [is] within thy gates; thou shalt not forsake him; for he hath no part nor inheritance with thee.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the Levite {H3881} that is within thy gates {H8179}; thou shalt not forsake {H5800} him; for he hath no part {H2506} nor inheritance {H5159} with thee.

Complete Jewish Bible

"But don't neglect the Levi staying with you, because he has no share or inheritance like yours.

Berean Standard Bible

And do not neglect the Levite within your gates, since he has no portion or inheritance among you.

American Standard Version

And the Levite that is within thy gates, thou shalt not forsake him; for he hath no portion nor inheritance with thee.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 14:27 is a specific command within the broader legal framework concerning tithes and offerings, instructing the Israelites not to neglect the Levite residing within their towns. This directive underscores the unique economic vulnerability of the Levites, who, unlike the other tribes, received no territorial inheritance in the Promised Land. Their livelihood was divinely ordained to be sustained by the communal support of the other tribes, highlighting God's concern for those dedicated to His service and His expectation that His people would embody justice, generosity, and mutual responsibility within their covenant community.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 14 is situated within Moses' second major discourse to the Israelites on the plains of Moab, delivered just before their entry into Canaan. This chapter outlines specific laws related to the distinct identity and practices of God's chosen people, including dietary laws (verses 3-21) and regulations concerning tithes and offerings (verses 22-29). Verse 27 specifically falls within the instructions for the annual tithe (verses 22-27) and the triennial tithe (verses 28-29). The annual tithe was to be brought to a central sanctuary for communal feasting, including the Levite, while the triennial tithe was stored locally and designated for the Levite, the sojourner, the fatherless, and the widow. Thus, the command not to forsake the Levite is embedded in a context emphasizing communal worship, shared blessings, and social welfare, ensuring that those without traditional means of support were included and cared for. This echoes the broader Deuteronomic theme of covenant faithfulness expressed through ethical living and justice, as seen in the call to remember the [poor and needy](/deuteronomy/15-7 "Deuteronomy 15:7 - Lending to the Poor").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, land ownership was the primary source of wealth, status, and sustenance. The tribal allotments, meticulously detailed in books like [Numbers](/numbers/34 "Numbers 34 - Boundaries of the Land") and [Joshua](/joshua/13 "Joshua 13 - Land Allotments"), formed the economic backbone of each family and clan. However, the tribe of Levi was uniquely set apart for sacred service to Yahweh, performing duties in the Tabernacle and later the Temple. Consequently, they were explicitly denied a territorial inheritance among the other tribes (cf. [Numbers 18:20](/numbers/18-20 "Numbers 18:20 - The Levites' Inheritance")). Their "inheritance" was the Lord Himself, and their material provision came from the tithes and offerings of the other tribes. This divine arrangement made the Levites economically dependent on the faithfulness of the rest of Israel. The command in Deuteronomy 14:27, therefore, was not merely a suggestion but a crucial legal and ethical imperative to ensure the functioning of the religious system and the welfare of those dedicated to it, reflecting a societal structure where religious service was integral to national life and supported communally.
* **Key Themes:** Deuteronomy 14:27 contributes significantly to several key themes prevalent in Deuteronomy and the Pentateuch. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Provision and Stewardship**, demonstrating God's meticulous plan for sustaining His chosen servants through the generosity of His people. The Levites' lack of land underscored that their true inheritance was God, and their physical needs were met through the community's obedience to God's commands regarding tithes and offerings (cf. [Deuteronomy 10:9](/deuteronomy/10-9 "Deuteronomy 10:9 - The Levites' Portion")). Secondly, it emphasizes **Communal Responsibility and Social Justice**. By explicitly including the Levite alongside the sojourner, the fatherless, and the widow in the triennial tithe (as mentioned in [Deuteronomy 14:29](/deuteronomy/14-29 "Deuteronomy 14:29 - The Triennial Tithe")), the law establishes a clear mandate for the community to care for its vulnerable members. This reflects God's own character of compassion and justice, which He expected His people to emulate. Thirdly, the verse reinforces the **Holiness and Set-Apartness of Israel**, demonstrating how their internal societal structures, including economic provisions, were to reflect their unique covenant relationship with God and their distinct identity among the nations.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **forsake (Hebrew, _'azav'_):** This verb means "to abandon," "to leave," "to neglect," or "to desert." In a covenantal context, it often implies a breach of loyalty or a failure to uphold a responsibility. Here, it carries the strong connotation of a deliberate act of neglect or abandonment, emphasizing the moral imperative for Israel not to fail in their duty to provide for the Levites. It's a command against indifference or active withdrawal of support.
* **part (Hebrew, _cheleq'_):** Refers to a "portion," "share," or "allotment." It typically denotes a division of land or spoils. In this context, it emphasizes that the Levites do not have a designated parcel of land as part of the tribal inheritance system. Their share is not in the physical territory of Canaan.
* **inheritance (Hebrew, _nachalah'_):** This term specifically refers to an "inherited possession," often land, which is passed down through generations. The combination with _cheleq_ ("part") emphatically states that the Levites possess no landed estate. Their lack of _nachalah_ highlights their unique status and complete dependence on the tithes and offerings of the other tribes, whose _nachalah_ was indeed the land.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the Levite that [is] within thy gates":** This phrase specifies the recipient of the command: any Levite residing within the towns or settlements of the Israelite tribes. It indicates that the responsibility was not just for the Levites serving at the central sanctuary, but for all Levites scattered throughout the land, who served as teachers, judges, and administrators of the law. "Within thy gates" signifies their presence as integral members of the local community, making their care a local responsibility.
* **"thou shalt not forsake him":** This is the direct command, a negative imperative. It prohibits any act of neglect, abandonment, or failure to provide for the Levite. It implies an active responsibility to ensure their well-being, reflecting the covenantal obligation of the community to support those dedicated to spiritual service, whose livelihood depended entirely on the faithfulness of the people.
* **"for he hath no part nor inheritance with thee":** This clause provides the divine rationale for the command. It explains *why* the Levite must not be forsaken: because they do not possess land or a portion of the tribal inheritance like the other Israelites. This unique economic vulnerability, divinely ordained, necessitated a communal system of support, making the other tribes' provision for them not an act of charity but an act of obedience and justice.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 14:27 employs several literary devices to convey its message effectively. The most prominent is **Legal Code**, as it is presented as a direct, imperative command within a larger body of Mosaic law. This structure emphasizes its binding nature and divine authority. There is also clear **Emphasis** through the repeated assertion of the Levite's lack of "part nor inheritance," which serves as the foundational justification for the command. This repetition underscores their unique economic vulnerability and dependence. Furthermore, the verse uses **Inclusion**, by explicitly mentioning the Levite "within thy gates," it highlights their integration into the local community and the shared responsibility for their welfare, rather than seeing them as solely connected to the central sanctuary. This fosters a sense of **Communal Solidarity** as a core principle of Israelite society.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 14:27 profoundly illustrates God's design for a just and compassionate society, where the spiritual and material well-being of all members, especially those dedicated to His service, is upheld. It reveals a theology of divine provision, where God, who is the ultimate provider, orchestrates a system of communal generosity to sustain those who serve Him, ensuring that their lack of earthly inheritance is compensated by the faithfulness of His people. This command underscores the reciprocal relationship within the covenant: as the Levites ministered spiritually, the other tribes were obligated to provide materially, reflecting God's own character of care for the vulnerable. It sets a precedent for supporting those in ministry and for the broader principle of caring for the economically disadvantaged within the community of faith.

* [Numbers 18:20](/numbers/18-20 "Numbers 18:20 - The Levites' Inheritance is the Lord")
* [Deuteronomy 10:9](/deuteronomy/10-9 "Deuteronomy 10:9 - The Lord is the Levites' Inheritance")
* [Deuteronomy 14:29](/deuteronomy/14-29 "Deuteronomy 14:29 - The Triennial Tithe for the Vulnerable")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 14:27 offers enduring principles for believers today, transcending its ancient Israelite context to speak to the heart of Christian community and stewardship. It serves as a powerful reminder that those who dedicate their lives to spiritual ministry—pastors, missionaries, teachers, and other full-time workers—often forgo conventional means of financial security. Just as the ancient Israelites were commanded not to "forsake" the Levites, so too are believers called to actively and generously support those who serve the church and spread the Gospel. This support is not merely charity but an act of obedience, recognizing their unique calling and often distinct financial situation. Beyond supporting formal ministry, the verse broadens our understanding of biblical charity, encouraging us to look out for and generously assist anyone within our community who is vulnerable or in need, ensuring that no one is neglected or left to suffer. It challenges us to cultivate a spirit of communal solidarity, where the blessings we receive are shared to uplift and sustain all members of the body of Christ, reflecting God's own compassion and justice in a tangible way.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what practical ways can I actively support those who dedicate their lives to ministry in my community or beyond?**
* **How does my personal generosity reflect God's heart for the vulnerable and those who serve Him?**
* **Are there individuals within my sphere of influence who, like the Levites, might be economically vulnerable or dependent on communal support, and how can I ensure they are not "forsaken"?**
* **What does "having no part nor inheritance" mean for those in ministry today, and how does that inform my responsibility to them?**

### FAQ

**Why were the Levites singled out for this specific command, and what does it mean for their role in Israelite society?**

Answer: The Levites were singled out because, unlike the other eleven tribes of Israel, they did not receive a territorial land inheritance when the Promised Land was divided (as explicitly stated in [Numbers 18:20](/numbers/18-20 "Numbers 18:20 - The Levites' Inheritance")). This divine arrangement was because the Lord Himself was their inheritance, and they were set apart for exclusive service in the Tabernacle and later the Temple. Their duties included priestly service, teaching the law, and administering justice throughout the land. Because they had no land to cultivate or inherit, their livelihood depended entirely on the tithes and offerings provided by the other tribes. Therefore, the command in [Deuteronomy 14:27](/deuteronomy/14-27 "Deuteronomy 14:27 - Care for the Levite") was crucial to ensure their sustenance and enable them to fulfill their sacred duties without economic distraction. It meant they were integral to the spiritual and social fabric of Israel, but their well-being was a direct communal responsibility, reflecting God's provision for His servants through His people.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 14:27, with its emphasis on communal care for the Levites who had no earthly inheritance, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in several ways. Firstly, the Levites, as those set apart for sacred service and dependent on the people's offerings, foreshadow the ultimate High Priest, Jesus Christ. He is the one who truly has "no part nor inheritance" in the earthly sense, for His kingdom is not of this world ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - Jesus' Kingdom is Not of This World")). Yet, through His perfect sacrifice, He became the ultimate provision for His people, fulfilling the Levitical system's shadows ([Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice")). Secondly, the concept of the Levite's inheritance being the Lord Himself ([Deuteronomy 10:9](/deuteronomy/10-9 "Deuteronomy 10:9 - The Lord is the Levites' Inheritance")) points to Christ as the true and eternal inheritance for all believers. Through faith in Him, we receive an "inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you" ([1 Peter 1:4](/1_peter/1-4 "1 Peter 1:4 - Our Heavenly Inheritance")), far surpassing any earthly portion. Finally, the command not to forsake the Levite prefigures the New Covenant community's responsibility to care for its ministers and, more broadly, for one another, especially the vulnerable. Just as the Levites were sustained by the tithes, the New Testament church is called to support those who preach the Gospel ([1 Corinthians 9:14](/1_corinthians/9-14 "1 Corinthians 9:14 - Support for Gospel Preachers")) and to live in a spirit of generous mutual care, reflecting the self-giving love of Christ who "though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich" ([2 Corinthians 8:9](/2_corinthians/8-9 "2 Corinthians 8:9 - Christ's Poverty for Our Riches")). Thus, Christ is both the ultimate Levite, the perfect sacrifice, and the model for a community that embraces radical generosity and care.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Numbers 18:20

¶ And the LORD spake unto Aaron, Thou shalt have no inheritance in their land, neither shalt thou have any part among them: I [am] thy part and thine inheritance among the children of Israel.

Deuteronomy 14:29

And the Levite, (because he hath no part nor inheritance with thee,) and the stranger, and the fatherless, and the widow, which [are] within thy gates, shall come, and shall eat and be satisfied; that the LORD thy God may bless thee in all the work of thine hand which thou doest.

Deuteronomy 12:12

And ye shall rejoice before the LORD your God, ye, and your sons, and your daughters, and your menservants, and your maidservants, and the Levite that [is] within your gates; forasmuch as he hath no part nor inheritance with you.

Deuteronomy 18:1

¶ The priests the Levites, [and] all the tribe of Levi, shall have no part nor inheritance with Israel: they shall eat the offerings of the LORD made by fire, and his inheritance.

Deuteronomy 18:2

Therefore shall they have no inheritance among their brethren: the LORD [is] their inheritance, as he hath said unto them.

Deuteronomy 12:18

But thou must eat them before the LORD thy God in the place which the LORD thy God shall choose, thou, and thy son, and thy daughter, and thy manservant, and thy maidservant, and the Levite that [is] within thy gates: and thou shalt rejoice before the LORD thy God in all that thou puttest thine hands unto.

Deuteronomy 12:19

Take heed to thyself that thou forsake not the Levite as long as thou livest upon the earth.