Numbers 18:30

KJV

Therefore thou shalt say unto them, When ye have heaved the best thereof from it, then it shall be counted unto the Levites as the increase of the threshingfloor, and as the increase of the winepress.

KJV (with Strong's)

Therefore thou shalt say {H559} unto them, When ye have heaved {H7311} the best {H2459} thereof from it, then it shall be counted {H2803} unto the Levites {H3881} as the increase {H8393} of the threshingfloor {H1637}, and as the increase {H8393} of the winepress {H3342}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"Therefore you are to tell them, 'When you set aside from it its best part, it will be accounted to the L'vi'im as if it were grain from the threshing-floor and grape juice from the wine vat.

Berean Standard Bible

Therefore say to the Levites, ‘When you have presented the best part, it will be reckoned to you as the produce of the threshing floor or winepress.

American Standard Version

Therefore thou shalt say unto them, When ye heave the best thereof from it, then it shall be reckoned unto the Levites as the increase of the threshing-floor, and as the increase of the winepress.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 18:30 serves as a crucial clarification within God's detailed instructions regarding the support and responsibilities of the Levites, who were set apart for service in the Tabernacle. This verse specifies that when the Levites offer a portion of the tithes they receive from the Israelites—specifically "the best thereof"—this offering is to be considered by God as equally valid and acceptable as the primary agricultural produce (grain from the threshingfloor and wine from the winepress) offered directly by the common Israelites. It underscores the principle that even those who receive divine provision are themselves called to be givers, acknowledging God's ultimate ownership and demonstrating faithful stewardship.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 18:30 concludes a significant section (Numbers 18:20-32) that meticulously outlines the provisions and responsibilities of the Levites and the Aaronic priesthood. The chapter begins by delineating the duties and privileges of the priests and Levites, emphasizing their unique role in maintaining the sanctity of the Tabernacle and bearing the iniquity of the sanctuary. Verses 21-24 establish that the Levites would receive the tithes from all Israel as their inheritance, in exchange for their service. Following this, verses 26-29 introduce the concept of the "tithe of the tithe," commanding the Levites to give a tenth of what *they* received to Aaron, the high priest. Verse 30, therefore, acts as a theological affirmation, validating the spiritual equivalence and acceptability of this secondary offering, ensuring the Levites understood their offering was not merely a tax but a holy contribution, just like the initial tithes from the land. The chapter concludes with a warning against profaning the holy things of the Lord.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Book of Numbers chronicles Israel's journey through the wilderness, a period foundational to their identity as God's covenant people. In this nomadic setting, a structured system for supporting the priestly and Levitical tribes was essential, as they were not allotted a tribal inheritance of land like the other tribes (Numbers 18:20, 23-24). Instead, their inheritance was the Lord Himself, and their sustenance came from the offerings and tithes of the other tribes. This system was vital for the functioning of the Tabernacle worship, which was the epicenter of Israelite life and their relationship with God. The concepts of "threshingfloor" and "winepress" were deeply ingrained in Israelite agricultural society, representing the primary means of sustenance and prosperity. By equating the Levites' offering to these, the text grounds the theological principle in the tangible realities of their daily lives and economy, emphasizing that all forms of income, even those derived from sacred sources, are subject to God's claim.

* **Key Themes:** Numbers 18:30 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book and broader Pentateuch. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Provision and Stewardship**, demonstrating God's meticulous care for those dedicated to His service, while simultaneously calling them to faithful management of what they receive. The Levites, though recipients, were not exempt from giving, underscoring that all blessings come from God and require a response of gratitude and obedience (Deuteronomy 8:18). Secondly, it emphasizes **Holiness and Acceptable Worship**. The instruction to give "the best thereof" and the affirmation that it would be "counted... as the increase of the threshingfloor, and as the increase of the winepress" reinforces the idea that God desires quality, not just quantity, in offerings, and that offerings, even indirect ones, can be holy and pleasing to Him. This aligns with principles found in [Exodus 23:19](/exodus/23-19 "Exodus 23:19 - Offering Firstfruits") and [Proverbs 3:9](/proverbs/3-9 "Proverbs 3:9 - Honoring God with Firstfruits"). Thirdly, the verse subtly reinforces the theme of **Order and Structure in Worship and Community**, as it is part of a comprehensive legal framework designed to maintain the purity and functionality of Israel's covenant relationship with God. The intricate system of offerings ensured that every aspect of Israelite life, including their economic activities, was integrated into their worship and obedience to God.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Heaved (Hebrew, _rum_):** While the KJV uses "heaved" as a verb, the underlying concept is often associated with the noun "heave offering" (תְּרוּמָה, _terumah_). The verb _rum_ means "to lift up," "to raise," or "to exalt." In the context of offerings, it signifies the act of lifting a portion of produce or goods as a sacred offering to God, thereby setting it apart as holy. This act was a physical demonstration of dedication and separation for divine use, acknowledging God's sovereignty over all possessions.
* **Threshingfloor (Hebrew, גֹּרֶן, _goren_):** This refers to the hard, flat area where grain was threshed to separate the kernels from the chaff. It was a place of hard labor but also a symbol of abundance and harvest. The "increase of the threshingfloor" specifically denotes the grain, the staple food, representing the primary agricultural yield.
* **Winepress (Hebrew, יֶקֶב, _yeqev_):** This was a vat or series of vats where grapes were trodden to extract their juice for wine. Like the threshingfloor, it symbolized agricultural bounty and prosperity, specifically referring to the wine, another crucial element of the Israelite diet and economy. By equating the Levites' offering to the "increase of the threshingfloor, and as the increase of the winepress," the text elevates its status to that of the most fundamental and valuable agricultural offerings.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Therefore thou shalt say unto them, When ye have heaved the best thereof from it":** This opening phrase indicates a direct divine command delivered through Moses to the Levites. The instruction to "heave" (lift up) "the best thereof" is critical. It emphasizes the quality of the offering – not just any portion, but the choicest part of the tithes they received. This signifies a heart of reverence and generosity, prioritizing God with the finest, rather than merely giving a token or what is leftover. It underscores that even from what is received as a blessing, the principle of giving the best back to God remains paramount.
* **"then it shall be counted unto the Levites":** This clause highlights the divine recognition and acceptance of the Levites' offering. "Counted" implies that God formally acknowledges and validates their contribution. It's not merely a practical transaction but a divinely sanctioned act of worship, demonstrating that their stewardship is seen and approved by God. This legal and theological declaration assures the Levites that their obedience in giving is truly valued.
* **"as the increase of the threshingfloor, and as the increase of the winepress":** This is the core of the verse's theological statement. It establishes a direct spiritual equivalence. The Levites' offering, derived from the tithes, is deemed by God to be as holy, legitimate, and acceptable as the direct agricultural produce (grain and wine) offered by the other Israelites. This means their "tithe of the tithe" carried the same spiritual weight and significance as the firstfruits and tithes from the land, affirming its full value in God's sight and reinforcing the universal principle of giving from one's increase.

#### Literary Devices
Numbers 18:30 primarily employs **Simile** and **Legal Language**. The use of "as" (כְּ, _ke_) explicitly draws a comparison, functioning as a **Simile**, equating the Levites' offering to the "increase of the threshingfloor, and as the increase of the winepress." This simile is powerful because it connects an abstract, secondary offering (tithe of a tithe) to the most tangible and foundational forms of agricultural produce, thereby validating its spiritual worth and emphasizing its equivalent holiness. This is a form of **Equivalence**, where God declares that the Levites' offering, though derived from a different source, holds the same sacred value as the direct offerings from the land. The verse also functions as **Legal Language** or **Divine Decree**, being a direct command ("thou shalt say unto them") and a declaration of how things "shall be counted." This authoritative tone underscores the binding nature of the instruction and its integral place within the covenant laws governing Israel's worship and economic life.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 18:30 profoundly illustrates God's comprehensive design for His people's worship and communal life, emphasizing that the principle of giving is universal and applies to all, regardless of their role or the source of their income. It teaches that true stewardship involves not just receiving, but also faithfully returning a portion of what God has provided, with the "best" signifying a heart of genuine devotion. The divine acceptance of the Levites' "tithe of the tithe" as equivalent to the primary agricultural offerings underscores that God values the intention and obedience behind the gift, recognizing it as a legitimate act of worship. This system ensured the sustainability of the Tabernacle service while fostering a culture of gratitude and dependence on God's provision for all.

* [Deuteronomy 14:28-29](/deuteronomy/14-28-29 "Deuteronomy 14:28-29 - The Triennial Tithe for Levites, Sojourners, Orphans, and Widows")
* [Malachi 3:10](/malachi/3-10 "Malachi 3:10 - Bring the Whole Tithe")
* [2 Corinthians 9:7](/2_corinthians/9-7 "2 Corinthians 9:7 - God Loves a Cheerful Giver")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Numbers 18:30 offers enduring principles for believers today, transcending its specific Old Testament context to speak to the heart of Christian stewardship and worship. It reminds us that no one is exempt from the call to give back to God from what they have received, regardless of their position or the source of their blessings. Whether our income is directly earned or received as support, the principle remains: we are stewards, not owners, and a portion of our "increase" is due back to the Lord. The emphasis on giving "the best thereof" challenges us to examine the quality of our offerings—not just financially, but in our time, talents, and affections. Are we giving God our firstfruits, or merely our leftovers? When we faithfully manage and return a portion of our blessings to God, He counts it as true and acceptable worship, just as He did for the Levites' "tithe of the tithe." This act of giving, rooted in gratitude and obedience, becomes a tangible expression of our trust in His ongoing provision and our acknowledgment of His ultimate ownership over all things.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways do I currently practice stewardship of the resources God has entrusted to me?**
* **Am I consistently giving God "the best thereof" in all areas of my life—my time, talents, and treasures—or do I tend to offer Him what is convenient or leftover?**
* **How does the principle of the Levites' "tithe of the tithe" challenge my understanding of generosity and accountability, especially if I am involved in ministry or receive support from others?**
* **What does it mean for my offerings to be "counted" by God, and how does this affect my motivation for giving?**

### FAQ

**What is the "tithe of the tithe" mentioned in Numbers 18:30?**

Answer: The "tithe of the tithe" refers to the specific instruction given to the Levites in Numbers 18. According to [Numbers 18:21](/numbers/18-21 "Numbers 18:21 - Levites Receive Tithes"), the Levites received a tenth (a tithe) of all the produce and livestock from the other eleven tribes of Israel as their inheritance, since they were not allotted land. Numbers 18:26 then commands the Levites themselves to offer a tenth of *this* tithe they received to the high priest, Aaron, and his descendants. This secondary offering, a tithe taken *from* a tithe, is what is commonly known as the "tithe of the tithe." Numbers 18:30 specifically affirms that this offering from the Levites was considered holy and acceptable to God, just like the original tithes from the land.

**Why was it important for the Levites, who received tithes, to also give an offering?**

Answer: It was crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it reinforced the universal principle that all blessings come from God, and therefore, everyone, regardless of their role or source of income, is called to acknowledge God's ultimate ownership through giving. Even those dedicated to sacred service were not exempt from this act of worship and submission. Secondly, it demonstrated the Levites' own faith and dependence on God, showing that they too trusted in His provision rather than solely relying on the tithes from Israel. Thirdly, this "tithe of the tithe" provided for the direct support of the Aaronic priesthood, who had even more specialized duties within the Tabernacle and even fewer means of self-support. This layered system ensured that all who served in the sanctuary were adequately sustained through God's divinely ordained system of offerings and tithes, as detailed in [Numbers 18](/numbers/18 "Numbers 18 - Duties and Provisions for Priests and Levites").

**Does the principle of Numbers 18:30 apply to Christians today?**

Answer: While the specific Mosaic Law regarding the "tithe of the tithe" for Levites is part of the Old Covenant and not directly binding on New Covenant believers, the underlying principles are highly applicable. The verse teaches us about **stewardship**, reminding us that everything we have is from God, and we are called to manage it faithfully and return a portion to Him. It emphasizes **generosity** and giving our "best," not just leftovers, reflecting a heart of worship. Furthermore, it highlights the principle of **supporting those who minister the gospel**, as the Levites and priests were supported by the community's offerings. New Testament passages like [1 Corinthians 9:14](/1_corinthians/9-14 "1 Corinthians 9:14 - Supporting Gospel Ministers") affirm that "the Lord commanded that those who proclaim the gospel should get their living by the gospel." Therefore, while the mechanism differs, the spirit of giving to God from our increase and supporting those in ministry remains a vital Christian practice, rooted in gratitude, faith, and obedience.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 18:30, with its intricate system of offerings and the Levites' "tithe of the tithe," finds its ultimate fulfillment and transformation in Jesus Christ. The Old Testament system, including the Levitical priesthood and its support, was a shadow pointing to the perfect reality of Christ. Jesus is our ultimate High Priest, not of the order of Aaron, but of Melchizedek (Hebrews 7:11-17), who offered Himself as the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice, rendering all subsequent animal sacrifices and their associated tithes obsolete (Hebrews 10:1-14). The principle of giving "the best thereof" is supremely fulfilled in Christ, who, being God, "emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant" and giving His very life as the ultimate offering for sin (Philippians 2:7-8). His sacrifice was the "best" beyond all comprehension, taking away the sin of the world (John 1:29). Furthermore, the concept of divine provision for those set apart for service is now realized in the New Covenant through the Holy Spirit's empowerment of believers for ministry and the Church's joyful and voluntary support of those who proclaim the gospel (2 Corinthians 9:7-11). We, as believers, are now a "royal priesthood" (1 Peter 2:9), called to offer spiritual sacrifices of praise and good deeds (Hebrews 13:15-16), giving of our "increase" not under compulsion of law, but out of grateful response to the immeasurable gift of Christ. Thus, the meticulous care for the Tabernacle's servants in Numbers 18:30 foreshadows God's even greater provision for His new covenant people through the perfect and all-sufficient work of Christ.

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

Proverbs 3:9

Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase:

Proverbs 3:10

So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.

Matthew 6:33

But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

Numbers 18:27

And [this] your heave offering shall be reckoned unto you, as though [it were] the corn of the threshingfloor, and as the fulness of the winepress.

Numbers 18:28

Thus ye also shall offer an heave offering unto the LORD of all your tithes, which ye receive of the children of Israel; and ye shall give thereof the LORD'S heave offering to Aaron the priest.

Philippians 3:8

Yea doubtless, and I count all things [but] loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them [but] dung, that I may win Christ,

Philippians 3:9

¶ And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: