Leviticus 27:30

And all the tithe of the land, [whether] of the seed of the land, [or] of the fruit of the tree, [is] the LORD'S: [it is] holy unto the LORD.

And all the tithe {H4643} of the land {H776}, whether of the seed {H2233} of the land {H776}, or of the fruit {H6529} of the tree {H6086}, is the LORD'S {H3068}: it is holy {H6944} unto the LORD {H3068}.

"'All the tenth given from the land, whether from planted seed or fruit from trees, belongs to ADONAI; it is holy to ADONAI.

Thus any tithe from the land, whether from the seed of the land or the fruit of the trees, belongs to the LORD; it is holy to the LORD.

And all the tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land, or of the fruit of the tree, is Jehovah’s: it is holy unto Jehovah.

Leviticus 27:30 declares a fundamental principle of Old Covenant worship and economy: the tithe belongs to the LORD. This verse specifically defines the tithe as a tenth of the agricultural produce—whether from crops ("seed of the land") or orchards ("fruit of the tree")—and unequivocally states its sacred nature, emphasizing that it is "holy unto the LORD."

Context

This verse appears at the very end of the Book of Leviticus, which primarily details the laws, rituals, and ordinances given by God to the Israelites at Mount Sinai. Chapter 27 specifically addresses the redemption of dedicated things and the laws concerning vows, concluding with regulations on the tithe. The tithe was a crucial component of Israelite society and their covenant relationship with God, serving multiple purposes:

  • Divine Ownership: It served as a constant reminder that all land, all produce, and indeed all life belonged to God, the ultimate Provider.
  • Support for the Levites: The tithe was the primary means of support for the tribe of Levi, who had no land inheritance among the other tribes. Their exclusive role was to serve in the Tabernacle and later the Temple, ministering to the LORD and teaching His laws to the people. You can read more about this provision in Numbers 18:21-24.
  • Worship and Remembrance: Tithing was an act of worship, demonstrating obedience and gratitude for God's blessings. It was also a practical way to ensure the continuity of religious service in Israel.

Key Themes

  • Divine Sovereignty and Ownership: The phrase "is the LORD'S" highlights God's ultimate claim over all creation and all blessings. The tithe was not merely a tax but a recognition of His proprietorship.
  • Holiness and Consecration: The declaration "it is holy unto the LORD" signifies that the tithe was set apart for sacred purposes. It was not to be used for common consumption but dedicated exclusively to God's service. This concept of holiness pervades the entire book of Leviticus, emphasizing separation for divine use.
  • Obedience and Trust: Giving a tenth, especially of vital agricultural produce, required faith and obedience, trusting that God would continue to provide for the remaining nine-tenths.
  • Stewardship: This verse establishes a foundational principle of biblical stewardship, where believers are entrusted with God's resources and are called to manage them in a way that honors Him.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "tithe" is ma'aser (מַעֲשֵׂר), which literally means "a tenth part." This emphasizes the precise, quantifiable nature of the command. The word "holy" is qodesh (קֹדֶשׁ), meaning "set apart," "consecrated," or "sacred." When something is declared qodesh to the LORD, it implies it has been removed from common use and dedicated exclusively to Him, making it inviolable.

Cross-References & Connections

The principle of tithing is reiterated and expanded upon throughout the Old Testament:

  • Deuteronomy 14:22-29 provides further details about the annual tithe and the tithe for feasts and the poor.
  • The prophet Malachi strongly rebukes Israel for neglecting their tithes and offerings, calling it "robbing God" in Malachi 3:8-10, and promising blessings for faithfulness.
  • While the New Testament does not command a legalistic tithe for believers, it upholds the principles of generosity, stewardship, and supporting ministry. Believers are encouraged to give cheerfully, proportionately, and sacrificially, as seen in 2 Corinthians 9:7.

Practical Application

For believers today, Leviticus 27:30 offers profound insights into our relationship with God and our resources:

  • God's Ownership: It reminds us that everything we possess—our time, talents, and treasure—ultimately belongs to God. We are merely stewards of His blessings.
  • Priority and Worship: Setting aside a portion of our income or resources for God's work, whether through tithing or other forms of generous giving, is an act of worship and a tangible expression of our trust in His provision.
  • Supporting the Gospel: Just as the tithe supported the Levitical ministry, our giving today contributes to the spread of the Gospel, the maintenance of the church, and various ministries that serve God's purposes in the world.
  • A Heart of Generosity: Beyond a fixed percentage, the verse encourages a heart that recognizes God's holiness and His rightful claim on a portion of our increase, fostering a spirit of generosity and gratitude.
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.

  • Genesis 28:22

    And this stone, which I have set [for] a pillar, shall be God's house: and of all that thou shalt give me I will surely give the tenth unto thee.

  • Matthew 23:23

    Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier [matters] of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.

  • Nehemiah 13:12

    Then brought all Judah the tithe of the corn and the new wine and the oil unto the treasuries.

  • Nehemiah 10:37

    And [that] we should bring the firstfruits of our dough, and our offerings, and the fruit of all manner of trees, of wine and of oil, unto the priests, to the chambers of the house of our God; and the tithes of our ground unto the Levites, that the same Levites might have the tithes in all the cities of our tillage.

  • Nehemiah 10:38

    And the priest the son of Aaron shall be with the Levites, when the Levites take tithes: and the Levites shall bring up the tithe of the tithes unto the house of our God, to the chambers, into the treasure house.

  • 2 Chronicles 31:5

    And as soon as the commandment came abroad, the children of Israel brought in abundance the firstfruits of corn, wine, and oil, and honey, and of all the increase of the field; and the tithe of all [things] brought they in abundantly.

  • 2 Chronicles 31:6

    And [concerning] the children of Israel and Judah, that dwelt in the cities of Judah, they also brought in the tithe of oxen and sheep, and the tithe of holy things which were consecrated unto the LORD their God, and laid [them] by heaps.
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