Numbers 18:29

KJV

Out of all your gifts ye shall offer every heave offering of the LORD, of all the best thereof, [even] the hallowed part thereof out of it.

KJV (with Strong's)

Out of all your gifts {H4979} ye shall offer {H7311} every heave offering {H8641} of the LORD {H3068}, of all the best {H2459} thereof, even the hallowed part {H4720} thereof out of it.

Complete Jewish Bible

From everything given to you, you are to set aside all that is due ADONAI, the best part of it, its holy portion.'

Berean Standard Bible

You must present the offering due the LORD from all the best of every gift, the holiest part of it.’

American Standard Version

Out of all your gifts ye shall offer every heave-offering of Jehovah, of all the best thereof, even the hallowed part thereof out of it.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 18:29 provides a crucial directive within the Levitical system, mandating that the Levites, who received tithes from the other Israelite tribes, were in turn required to offer a "heave offering" from their portion to the Aaronic priests. This "tithe of the tithe" was to be the "best thereof" and the "hallowed part," underscoring the divine principle of giving God the choicest and consecrated portion of all provisions, ensuring the proper support of the priesthood and acknowledging God's ultimate ownership and holiness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 18:29 is situated within a lengthy passage (Numbers 18:1-32) that meticulously details the distinct roles, responsibilities, and provisions for the Aaronic priests and the Levites. The preceding verses (Numbers 18:20-24) establish that the Levites would receive no tribal land inheritance in Canaan; instead, their inheritance would be the tithes from the other Israelite tribes, given "for their service which they serve, even the service of the tabernacle of the congregation." This arrangement ensured their full dedication to sacred duties. Following this, verses 25-32 then outline the Levites' reciprocal obligation: they were not exempt from giving. Numbers 18:29 specifically commands them to present a "heave offering" from the tithes they received, which was then to be given to the priests. This verse, therefore, serves as the culmination of the divine instruction regarding the circulation of sacred resources, ensuring that every level of God's appointed servants participated in the act of giving back to Him.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, the tribal allocation of land was foundational to identity, livelihood, and social structure. The Levites' unique status as a landless tribe, dedicated solely to the service of the Tabernacle (and later, the Temple), necessitated a divinely ordained system of support. The tithe (ma'aser) was a well-established practice, common in the ancient Near East, signifying a portion of agricultural produce or livestock given as tribute or offering. However, Israel's system was distinct in its theological grounding: it was an acknowledgment of Yahweh's ultimate ownership of the land and its bounty. The "tithe of the tithe" (Numbers 18:26) for the priests was a further refinement, ensuring that even those who received sacred provisions were themselves participants in the cycle of giving, reinforcing the idea that all resources ultimately belonged to God. This system provided for the sustenance of the priestly class, allowing them to focus entirely on their sacred duties without needing to engage in farming or other secular labor.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the Book of Numbers and the Pentateuch. It highlights the **principle of divine provision**, demonstrating God's meticulous care for those dedicated to His service, as seen in the Levites' inheritance being the tithes from the people (compare with [Numbers 18:20](/numbers/18-20 "Numbers 18:20 - The Lord is the Levites' Inheritance")). It deeply emphasizes the **call to holiness and consecration**, particularly through the phrase "the hallowed part," reinforcing that what is set apart for God must be distinct and pure, reflecting His own holy nature. Furthermore, the command to offer "of all the best thereof" underscores the **principle of giving God the choicest portion**, not merely leftovers, a theme echoed throughout Scripture, such as in [Proverbs 3:9](/proverbs/3-9 "Proverbs 3:9 - Honor the Lord with your wealth"). Finally, it illustrates the **universal obligation to give**, showing that even those who are recipients of God's provision (the Levites) are still called to be givers, demonstrating dependence and gratitude, a concept that finds resonance in the New Testament's teachings on stewardship and generosity (e.g., [2 Corinthians 9](/2_corinthians/9 "2 Corinthians 9 - Principles of Generous Giving")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Gifts (Hebrew, _terumah'_):** While the KJV translates "gifts" in the initial phrase, the core term for the offering itself is *terumah* (תְּרוּמָה), often translated as "heave offering" or "contribution." It literally means "that which is lifted up" or "separated." This term signifies a portion of something (like grain, oil, or tithes) that is set apart from the common mass and presented to God, often by being "lifted" or "heaved" as a gesture of presentation. It emphasizes the act of separation and dedication.
* **Best (Hebrew, _yeter'_):** The word *yeter* (יֶתֶר) refers to the "remainder," "excellence," or "superfluity." In this context, it denotes the choicest, most excellent, or superior part of the tithe. It is not merely a leftover or a convenient portion, but the prime, highest quality, reflecting the honor due to God. This concept is distinct from *chelev* (חֵלֶב), which refers specifically to the fat, considered the best part of an animal sacrifice. Here, *yeter* applies to the best of the produce/tithe.
* **Hallowed (Hebrew, _qodesh'_):** The term *qodesh* (קֹדֶשׁ) means "holy," "sanctified," or "set apart." When something is designated as *qodesh*, it is removed from common use and dedicated exclusively for God's purposes. It signifies a sacred status, implying purity, reverence, and distinction. The "hallowed part" is not just any portion, but one that has been consecrated and made holy for the Lord.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Out of all your gifts ye shall offer every heave offering of the LORD":** This clause establishes the universal obligation for the Levites to give from *all* the tithes they receive from the Israelites. The "gifts" refer to the tithes (ma'aser) given to them. From this total, they are to "offer" a "heave offering" (*terumah*), which is specifically designated "of the LORD," indicating its divine claim and sacred purpose.
* **"of all the best thereof":** This specifies the quality of the offering. It is not just any portion, but the *yeter*, the choicest, most excellent part of the tithes they have received. This emphasizes the principle that God deserves the highest quality and value, reflecting a heart of true honor and worship.
* **"[even] the hallowed part thereof out of it":** This further defines the nature of the offering. The "best" portion is also the "hallowed part" (*qodesh*), meaning it is consecrated and set apart for sacred use. This reinforces the idea of dedication and holiness, distinguishing this portion as exclusively belonging to God and intended for His priests.

#### Literary Devices
Numbers 18:29 primarily employs **Legal Language** and an **Instructional Tone**, characteristic of the Mosaic Law. The verse is a direct command, using imperative phrasing ("ye shall offer") to convey divine authority and expectation. There is clear **Emphasis** through repetition and specification: the phrase "of all the best thereof, [even] the hallowed part thereof out of it" uses a form of **Parallelism** or **Apposition** to underscore the required quality and sacred nature of the offering. The "best" is equated with the "hallowed part," highlighting that what is most excellent is also what is consecrated. This precise and prescriptive language leaves no ambiguity regarding the nature and quality of the offering required from the Levites.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 18:29 intricately weaves together several profound theological principles that transcend its specific Old Covenant context. It underscores God's meticulous ordering of His covenant community, ensuring both the provision for His servants and the universal participation in worship through giving. The command for the "best" and "hallowed part" reveals God's intrinsic holiness and His demand for a response of pure devotion, not mere obligation. It teaches that true worship involves giving from our substance, acknowledging God's ultimate ownership of all things, and recognizing that even those who serve God full-time are not exempt from the act of giving back to Him. This system of giving and receiving within the Levitical framework prefigures the New Testament principles of supporting ministry and generous stewardship, all rooted in God's grace and provision.

* [Proverbs 3:9](/proverbs/3-9 "Proverbs 3:9 - Honor the Lord with your wealth")
* [1 Chronicles 29:14](/1_chronicles/29-14 "1 Chronicles 29:14 - All things come from You")
* [1 Corinthians 9:14](/1_corinthians/9-14 "1 Corinthians 9:14 - Those who preach the gospel should live from the gospel")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the specific ceremonial laws of the Old Covenant are fulfilled in Christ, the enduring principles embedded in Numbers 18:29 remain profoundly relevant for believers today. This verse challenges us to consider the quality of our giving in all aspects of life—not just financially, but also in our time, talents, and efforts. Are we offering God our "best" and our "hallowed part," or merely our leftovers and conveniences? It calls us to cultivate a heart of worship that recognizes God's absolute ownership over everything we possess and to respond with generous stewardship, understanding that true giving is an act of devotion and gratitude. Furthermore, it reminds us of the biblical mandate to support those who minister the Word and serve the church, ensuring that they can dedicate themselves fully to their calling without being burdened by worldly concerns, echoing the divine provision for the Levites and priests.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life (time, talent, treasure) are you truly offering God your "best" and "hallowed part," rather than just what is convenient or leftover?**
* **How does the principle of God's ultimate ownership of all resources (as seen in the Levites giving a tithe of their tithe) shape your perspective on personal stewardship?**
* **What practical steps can you take to ensure your giving—whether financial, relational, or vocational—is an act of worship and not merely an obligation?**

### FAQ
**What is a "heave offering" and how does it differ from other offerings?**

Answer: A "heave offering" (Hebrew: *terumah*) refers to a portion of an offering that was "lifted up" or "separated" from the rest and presented to the Lord, often by being physically "heaved" or waved before the altar or priest. It was a common term for contributions or gifts, particularly those designated for the priests. Unlike burnt offerings (which were entirely consumed by fire) or sin/guilt offerings (which dealt with specific transgressions), the heave offering was typically a portion of produce, dough, or tithes that was given to the priests for their sustenance. In Numbers 18:29, it specifically refers to the Levites' contribution from their tithes to the priests, emphasizing that even those who received sacred provisions were required to give a consecrated portion back to God's appointed ministers. Other offerings, like the wave offering (*tenuphah*), also involved a lifting or waving motion, but *terumah* more broadly denotes a sacred contribution or gift for the priests.

**Why were the Levites, who received tithes, also required to give a tithe of their tithe?**

Answer: The requirement for the Levites to give a "tithe of the tithe" (Numbers 18:26-29) served several crucial theological and practical purposes. Firstly, it reinforced the universal principle that all blessing and provision ultimately come from God, and therefore, all are obligated to acknowledge His sovereignty through giving, even those consecrated to His service. It prevented any sense of entitlement or exemption among the Levites. Secondly, it ensured the direct support of the Aaronic priesthood, who had even more specific and sacred duties than the general Levites and also received no land inheritance. This system provided for their sustenance. Thirdly, it underscored the holiness of the Levites' own portion; by giving the "best" and "hallowed part" of their tithes, they sanctified their entire income, acknowledging that their livelihood, though from the people, was ultimately from the Lord and for His purposes. This demonstrated their own faith and obedience within the covenant structure.

**Does the concept of giving the "best" from Numbers 18:29 apply to Christians today?**

Answer: Absolutely. While the specific Old Testament ceremonial laws regarding tithes and heave offerings are fulfilled in Christ and the New Covenant, the underlying principle of giving God our "best" remains profoundly relevant and foundational for Christian living. The New Testament emphasizes generous, cheerful, and sacrificial giving (e.g., [2 Corinthians 9:7](/2_corinthians/9-7 "2 Corinthians 9:7 - God loves a cheerful giver")). This "best" is not limited to financial contributions but extends to all areas of our lives: our time, talents, energy, and affections. We are called to offer our bodies as "living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God" ([Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Living Sacrifices")), which implies giving our utmost in devotion, service, and worship. Just as the Levites' "best" was also their "hallowed part," Christians are called to consecrate their entire lives to God, offering Him the choicest and most excellent aspects of who they are and what they possess, in response to His ultimate gift of salvation through Christ.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 18:29, with its emphasis on the "best" and "hallowed part" of the offering, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is not merely a portion of the "best," but the very [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), the perfect and ultimate sacrifice, the "hallowed part" par excellence. While the Levites offered a tithe of their earthly inheritance, Jesus, our great High Priest, offered Himself—a [single sacrifice for sins forever](/hebrews/10-12 "Hebrews 10:12 - Christ's single sacrifice"). His life was the "best" in its perfect obedience to the Father ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Obedience to death on a cross")), and His death was the "hallowed part," consecrated by divine will for the redemption of humanity. Furthermore, just as the Levites had no earthly inheritance but the Lord was their portion ([Numbers 18:20](/numbers/18-20 "Numbers 18:20 - The Lord is the Levites' Inheritance")), believers in Christ find their true and eternal inheritance in Him ([Ephesians 1:11](/ephesians/1-11 "Ephesians 1:11 - Our inheritance in Christ")). We are now called to present our lives as living sacrifices, our "spiritual worship" ([Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Living Sacrifices")), offering the "sacrifice of praise" ([Hebrews 13:15](/hebrews/13-15 "Hebrews 13:15 - The sacrifice of praise")) and the "good deeds" that are pleasing to God ([Hebrews 13:16](/hebrews/13-16 "Hebrews 13:16 - Doing good and sharing")), all made acceptable through the perfect and ultimate "heave offering" of Christ Himself.

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.