Deuteronomy 14:27

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

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.

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

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

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

Context of Deuteronomy 14:27

Deuteronomy 14 is part of Moses' second major discourse to the Israelites as they prepare to enter the Promised Land. This chapter outlines specific laws concerning clean and unclean foods, tithing, and offerings, emphasizing the unique relationship between God and His people, Israel. Verse 27, specifically, is nestled within instructions about the annual tithe and the triennial tithe, which were designated for communal celebration and support of the less fortunate. It highlights a core principle of Israelite society: mutual responsibility and care for all members, especially those who were economically dependent.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Support for Spiritual Ministry: The Levites were the priestly tribe, set apart for service to God in the tabernacle and later the Temple. Unlike the other tribes, they received no territorial inheritance in Canaan (Numbers 18:20). Their livelihood depended entirely on the tithes and offerings of the other tribes. This verse commands the Israelites not to "forsake" them, underscoring the divine mandate for the community to provide for those dedicated to spiritual service.
  • Care for the Vulnerable: This command places the Levite in a similar category to the sojourner, the fatherless, and the widow, all of whom were dependent on the generosity of others (as seen in Deuteronomy 14:29). It reflects God's deep concern for the economically disadvantaged and His expectation that His people would reflect His compassion.
  • Communal Solidarity and Justice: The instruction fosters a strong sense of communal responsibility and solidarity. By ensuring the Levites were provided for, the law promoted a just society where no one, regardless of their lack of land, was left to suffer or be neglected. It reinforces the idea that the blessings of God were to be shared among all.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "no part nor inheritance" translates the Hebrew words cheleq v'nachalah (חֵלֶק וְנַחֲלָה). Cheleq refers to a portion or share, and nachalah signifies an inheritance, typically land. This combination emphatically states that the Levites did not possess land as the other tribes did. Their "inheritance" was the Lord Himself, and the offerings of the people (as detailed in Deuteronomy 10:9), making the other tribes' obedience to this command crucial for their sustenance.

Practical Application

Deuteronomy 14:27 provides enduring principles for believers today. It serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of supporting those who dedicate their lives to ministry and spiritual service. Just as the ancient Israelites were to provide for the Levites, Christians are called to contribute to the financial well-being of pastors, missionaries, and others who serve God's people, recognizing their unique calling and often distinct financial situation (1 Corinthians 9:14). Furthermore, the verse broadens our understanding of biblical charity, encouraging us to look out for and generously assist anyone within our community who is vulnerable, ensuring that no one is "forsaken" or left in need.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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.
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