Numbers 18:31

KJV

And ye shall eat it in every place, ye and your households: for it [is] your reward for your service in the tabernacle of the congregation.

KJV (with Strong's)

And ye shall eat {H398} it in every place {H4725}, ye and your households {H1004}: for it is your reward {H7939} for {H2500} your service {H5656} in the tabernacle {H168} of the congregation {H4150}.

Complete Jewish Bible

You may eat it anywhere, you and your households; because it is your payment in return for your service in the tent of meeting.

Berean Standard Bible

And you and your households may eat the rest of it anywhere; it is the compensation for your work at the Tent of Meeting.

American Standard Version

And ye shall eat it in every place, ye and your households: for it is your reward in return for your service in the tent of meeting.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 18:31 concludes a passage detailing God's meticulous provision for the Levites and priests, who, unlike the other tribes of Israel, received no territorial inheritance. This verse specifically grants them and their households permission to consume the holy portions they received as their rightful compensation for their dedicated, full-time service within the Tabernacle of the congregation, emphasizing that this sustenance was for their daily lives and could be eaten anywhere.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers chapter 18 is a crucial text that meticulously delineates the distinct roles, responsibilities, and, most importantly, the divinely ordained support system for the Aaronic priesthood and the Levites. This chapter follows directly after the rebellion of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram (Numbers 16) and the miraculous budding of Aaron's rod (Numbers 17), events that unequivocally affirmed God's exclusive choice of Aaron's lineage for the priesthood and the Levites for sanctuary service. Having established their unique consecrated status and duties—which included guarding the sanctuary, carrying its components, and assisting the priests—the text then addresses their means of livelihood. Since they were set apart from agricultural and land-based pursuits, God ordained that their sustenance would come directly from the offerings and tithes of the other Israelite tribes. Numbers 18:31 specifically refers to the portion of the tithes that the Levites received from the people (Numbers 18:21) and then, in turn, tithed to the priests (Numbers 18:26-28). The permission to eat this portion "in every place" is significant, as it distinguishes this provision from other highly sacred offerings that were restricted to consumption within the Tabernacle precincts, underscoring its nature as common, daily sustenance for the priestly and Levitical families.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israelite society, land inheritance was fundamental to tribal identity, economic stability, and social standing. Each of the twelve tribes, with the exception of Levi, received a designated portion of the Promised Land as their perpetual inheritance. The Levites, however, were uniquely consecrated to the Lord, serving as intermediaries between God and the people, performing the sacred duties associated with the Tabernacle. This divine separation meant they would not engage in farming or other land-based economic activities. Therefore, God established an alternative, divinely mandated economic model for their support, ensuring that their full-time dedication to spiritual service would not be hindered by worldly concerns. Their sustenance came from the tithes and offerings of the people, which were considered God's portion. This system underscored God's meticulous care for His servants and the community's responsibility to uphold those dedicated to spiritual leadership and worship, a concept deeply embedded in the covenant relationship between God and Israel.
* **Key Themes:** Numbers 18:31 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Numbers and the Pentateuch. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Provision for Ministry**, demonstrating God's unwavering commitment to sustain those He calls into full-time service. It establishes a foundational principle that those consecrated to sacred duties should be supported by the community they serve, enabling them to focus entirely on their divine calling without distraction. This verse also highlights the theme of **Holiness and Separation**, as the Levites' unique economic model underscores their distinct status and separation for God's purposes. Their lack of land inheritance and reliance on offerings emphasized their complete dependence on the Lord. Furthermore, the verse touches upon **Covenant Loyalty and Reciprocity**, illustrating that as the people fulfilled their covenant obligations by bringing their tithes and offerings, God, in turn, ensured the well-being of His ministers. This reciprocal relationship maintained the spiritual health of the nation, as the Levites' service facilitated the people's access to God. The concept of "reward" for service also foreshadows the New Testament principle that those who preach the gospel should live from the gospel, as seen in [1 Corinthians 9:14](/1_corinthians/9-14 "1 Corinthians 9:14 - Support for Gospel Preachers").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Reward (Hebrew, _śākār_):** This term signifies more than just a gift or charity; it denotes a rightful compensation, wages, or recompense for labor. In this context, it emphasizes that the provision for the Levites and priests was not an act of benevolence but a divinely ordained right, a just return for their exclusive and dedicated service in the Tabernacle. It underscores the value God places on their work.
* **Service (Hebrew, _‘ăḇōḏâ_):** This word encompasses the full scope of their duties, including the laborious and often dangerous work of guarding the sanctuary, transporting its components, and assisting the priests in their sacred rituals. It highlights the demanding nature of their consecrated work, for which this provision was given.
* **Tabernacle of the congregation (Hebrew, _’ōhel mō‘ēd_):** Literally "tent of meeting," this phrase emphasizes the central role of the Tabernacle as the divinely appointed place where God met with His people. It was the focal point of Israelite worship and the specific location where the Levites and priests performed their sacred duties, directly linking their provision to the sanctity and importance of their work in this holy place.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And ye shall eat it in every place":** This clause refers to the holy portions, specifically the tithes and offerings designated for the Levites and priests. The phrase "in every place" is crucial, indicating that, unlike some other highly sanctified offerings that could only be consumed within the Tabernacle courts, this particular provision could be eaten in their homes, villages, or wherever they resided. This signifies its nature as daily, common sustenance for their livelihood.
* **"ye and your households":** This explicitly extends the permission to consume these holy portions beyond the individual Levite or priest to include their entire families—wives, children, and servants. This highlights God's comprehensive provision, acknowledging the practical needs of the minister's entire domestic unit and ensuring their well-being as they served.
* **"for it [is] your reward for your service":** This part of the verse establishes the theological and legal basis for their provision. It is not a charitable handout but a divinely mandated "reward" or compensation for their dedicated, full-time "service" to the Lord. This underscores the principle that those who minister should be sustained by their ministry.
* **"in the tabernacle of the congregation":** This final phrase specifies the location and nature of the service for which the reward is granted. It directly links their sustenance to their unique, consecrated role in maintaining the sanctity and functionality of the Tabernacle, the central place of worship and divine encounter for Israel.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs **Legal Language/Stipulation**, functioning as a divine decree that outlines the rights and provisions for the Levites and priests. It is a clear, unambiguous statement of entitlement. The use of "ye shall eat" is a direct command and permission, typical of covenantal stipulations. There is also an element of **Causal Connection** ("for it is your reward"), clearly linking the provision to the service. This establishes a divine economy where faithful labor is met with faithful sustenance. Furthermore, the phrase "Tabernacle of the congregation" acts as a form of **Metonymy**, where the physical structure represents the entire system of worship, priestly duties, and the covenant relationship between God and Israel that was centered there.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 18:31 is foundational for understanding the biblical principle of supporting those dedicated to full-time spiritual ministry. It reveals God's meticulous care for His servants, ensuring that their devotion to sacred duties is not hampered by worldly anxieties concerning sustenance. This divine economic model for the Israelite priesthood underscores the immense value God places on consecrated service and establishes a reciprocal relationship: as the people faithfully provide for the ministers through their offerings, the ministers are enabled to faithfully serve God on behalf of the people. This principle transcends the Old Covenant, finding echoes and re-affirmation in the New Testament, where the spiritual laborer is deemed worthy of his hire, and the community of faith is called to sustain those who minister the Word and serve the church.

* [Deuteronomy 14:27](/deuteronomy/14-27 "Deuteronomy 14:27 - Care for the Levite")
* [1 Corinthians 9:13-14](/1_corinthians/9-13 "1 Corinthians 9:13-14 - Support for Gospel Preachers")
* [Galatians 6:6](/galatians/6-6 "Galatians 6:6 - Sharing with Instructors")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Numbers 18:31 offers profound insights for contemporary believers regarding the support of those in full-time ministry. It reminds us that God Himself instituted a system for the sustenance of those who dedicate their lives to spiritual service, emphasizing that this provision is a "reward" for their labor, not mere charity. For the church today, this translates into a clear responsibility to financially and practically support pastors, missionaries, evangelists, and other full-time Christian workers. Such support enables them to devote themselves fully to prayer, the study of the Word, and the care of souls, without being unduly burdened by the need to secure worldly income. For those in ministry, this verse serves as a powerful reminder of God's faithfulness to provide for their needs and the needs of their families as they faithfully serve Him, fostering trust and reliance on His divine care. It also elevates the spiritual work of ministry, affirming its immense value in God's eyes and its essential role in the life of the community of faith.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does this verse challenge our modern understanding of "full-time ministry" and the responsibility of the church to support it?**
* **In what practical ways can we apply the principle of "reward for service" to those who minister among us today?**
* **What does this passage teach us about God's character and His faithfulness to provide for those who dedicate their lives to Him?**

### FAQ

**Why didn't the Levites receive a land inheritance like the other tribes?**

Answer: The Levites did not receive a territorial land inheritance because God Himself was declared to be their inheritance. They were uniquely set apart by God for full-time, exclusive service in the Tabernacle (and later the Temple), performing sacred duties that mediated between God and the people of Israel. Their role was to minister to the Lord and teach His laws to the people, a task that required their undivided attention. Therefore, instead of land, God ordained that their sustenance would come directly from His portion—the tithes and offerings brought by the other tribes—ensuring their provision without the distraction of agricultural labor or land management. This arrangement underscored their consecrated status and their complete dependence on God's provision through the faithfulness of His people, as detailed in [Numbers 18:20-24](/numbers/18-20 "Numbers 18:20-24 - God is the Levites' Inheritance").

**What is the significance of eating it "in every place" with their "households"?**

Answer: The phrase "in every place" is significant because it distinguishes this particular provision from other holy offerings that were highly restricted and could only be consumed within the sacred precincts of the Tabernacle court (e.g., portions of the sin offering or guilt offering). By permitting the Levites and priests to eat this portion "in every place," the verse emphasizes that it was intended for their daily, common sustenance, allowing them to consume it in their homes, villages, or wherever they resided. This highlights its nature as practical, everyday food for their livelihood, rather than a ritualistic meal. The inclusion of "your households" further underscores God's comprehensive care, ensuring that the entire family unit of the minister—wives, children, and servants—was provided for, acknowledging the practical needs of their domestic lives as they served the Lord. This broad permission contrasts with the stricter regulations for other holy things, demonstrating God's practical concern for the well-being of His dedicated servants and their families.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 18:31, with its emphasis on divine provision for consecrated service, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The Levitical priesthood, sustained by the offerings of the people, served as a shadow of the perfect, eternal High Priesthood of Christ, who did not require earthly sustenance from tithes but was sustained by doing the will of His Father ([John 4:34](/john/4-34 "John 4:34 - Jesus' Food")). Jesus' "service" was not in a physical tabernacle, but in His perfect obedience, His sinless life, and His once-for-all sacrifice on the cross, which perfected those who are being sanctified ([Hebrews 10:14](/hebrews/10-14 "Hebrews 10:14 - Christ's Perfect Sacrifice")). His "reward" for this ultimate service is not perishable food but the salvation of humanity, His exaltation to the right hand of God, and the establishment of His eternal kingdom ([Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Christ's Exaltation")). Through Christ, believers are constituted as a "royal priesthood" ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Royal Priesthood")), called to spiritual service—offering spiritual sacrifices of praise and good works ([Hebrews 13:15-16](/hebrews/13-15 "Hebrews 13:15-16 - Sacrifices of Praise and Good Works")). Our provision is no longer from earthly tithes for temple service, but from the spiritual riches in Christ Jesus, who promises to meet all our needs according to His glorious riches ([Philippians 4:19](/philippians/4-19 "Philippians 4:19 - God Will Supply All Your Needs")). The earthly provision for the Levites foreshadowed the spiritual abundance and eternal sustenance found in Christ, who is our ultimate reward and the source of all true life and blessing.

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

Matthew 10:10

Nor scrip for [your] journey, neither two coats, neither shoes, nor yet staves: for the workman is worthy of his meat.

1 Timothy 5:17

¶ Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.

1 Timothy 5:18

For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer [is] worthy of his reward.

Luke 10:7

And in the same house remain, eating and drinking such things as they give: for the labourer is worthy of his hire. Go not from house to house.

1 Corinthians 9:10

Or saith he [it] altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, [this] is written: that he that ploweth should plow in hope; and that he that thresheth in hope should be partaker of his hope.

1 Corinthians 9:14

Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel.

Galatians 6:6

Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things.