Numbers 18:32

KJV

And ye shall bear no sin by reason of it, when ye have heaved from it the best of it: neither shall ye pollute the holy things of the children of Israel, lest ye die.

KJV (with Strong's)

And ye shall bear {H5375} no sin {H2399} by reason of it, when ye have heaved {H7311} from it the best {H2459} of it: neither shall ye pollute {H2490} the holy things {H6944} of the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478}, lest ye die {H4191}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Moreover, because you will have set aside from it its best parts, you will not be committing any sin because of it; for you are not to profane the holy things of the people of Isra'el, or you will die.'" 21; Y'hudah (Jude) 1-25

Berean Standard Bible

Once you have presented the best part of it, you will not incur guilt because of it. But you must not defile the sacred offerings of the Israelites, or else you will die.’”

American Standard Version

And ye shall bear no sin by reason of it, when ye have heaved from it the best thereof: and ye shall not profane the holy things of the children of Israel, that ye die not.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 18:32 serves as a crucial concluding instruction within the divine directives concerning the Levites' portion of the tithes, emphasizing the non-negotiable importance of faithful stewardship and profound reverence for all things consecrated to God. This verse assures the Levites that by diligently offering the choicest portion of their received tithe to the priests, they would avoid incurring sin and prevent the defilement of holy things, thereby escaping severe divine judgment and maintaining ritual purity within the sacred economy established by God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed at the culmination of Numbers chapter 18, which meticulously delineates the distinct roles, responsibilities, and provisions for the Aaronic priesthood and the Levites. The preceding verses [Numbers 18:20-24](/numbers/18-20-24 "Numbers 18:20-24 - Levites' Inheritance and Provision") establish that the Levites, uniquely among the tribes of Israel, would receive no territorial inheritance in Canaan. Instead, their sustenance would derive from the tithes collected from the other tribes. Following this, [Numbers 18:25-31](/numbers/18-25-31 "Numbers 18:25-31 - The Levites' Tithe to the Priests") commands the Levites, in turn, to present a "tithe of the tithe"—a heave offering—from their received portion to the priests. Verse 32 functions as the culminating summary of this intricate instruction, powerfully emphasizing the necessity of giving the "best of it" to avoid sin and the profanation of sacred offerings. This reinforces the dire consequences of disobedience and underscores the sanctity of the divine economy established by God, which was designed to support the Tabernacle service and ensure the holiness of those who ministered within it, preventing another incident like the rebellion of [Korah](/numbers/16 "Numbers 16 - Korah's Rebellion") or the unauthorized offering of [Nadab and Abihu](/leviticus/10 "Leviticus 10 - Nadab and Abihu's Unauthorized Fire").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The instructions in Numbers 18 were delivered during Israel's formative period of wilderness wanderings, immediately following the divine confirmation of Aaron's priesthood and the suppression of Korah's rebellion. This recent history profoundly underscored the absolute necessity of respecting divine appointments and holy boundaries. Israelite society was a theocracy, with God's laws governing every facet of life, especially worship and communal order. The concept of "holiness" (קֹדֶשׁ, _qôdesh_) was central, signifying separation and dedication to God. Offerings were not merely economic transactions but profound acts of worship and obedience, reflecting God's ultimate ownership of all things. The "tithe of the tithe" was a practical yet deeply theological mechanism: it supported the priests, who had no other means of sustenance, and ensured that even those who received from God (the Levites) were also givers, demonstrating their acknowledgment of God's ultimate sovereignty. The severe warning "lest ye die" was a common and potent deterrent in the Pentateuch, reinforcing the gravity of profaning what God had declared holy, as vividly illustrated by the consequences for touching the Ark of the Covenant (e.g., [Uzzah in 2 Samuel 6:6-7](/2_samuel/6-6-7 "2 Samuel 6:6-7 - Uzzah's Death")).

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Numbers and the broader Pentateuch. It profoundly emphasizes **faithful stewardship**, demonstrating that even those who receive divine provisions (the Levites) are obligated to give back, and to do so with excellence. This principle extends beyond the ancient economic system, calling all believers to manage God's blessings responsibly and generously. Secondly, the verse underscores **holiness and purity**, asserting that God's demand for sanctity permeates all aspects of worship and service. To "pollute the holy things" implies treating consecrated items or offerings with disrespect, negligence, or commonness, highlighting the absolute necessity of reverence in God's presence. Thirdly, it starkly presents the **consequences of disobedience**, with the warning "lest ye die" serving as a powerful deterrent. This reinforces God's justice and His unwavering demand for strict adherence to His ordinances concerning sacred matters. Finally, the promise "ye shall bear no sin by reason of it" reveals the theme of **sin avoidance through obedience**, offering assurance that faithful and obedient giving of the best portion would prevent guilt and divine displeasure, thus providing a clear pathway to remain in right standing with God through adherence to His commands, a concept echoed in the broader covenantal relationship described in [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **heaved (Hebrew, _rûwm'_):** From H7311, this primitive root means "to be high actively, to rise or raise." In this context, it signifies the act of "lifting up" or "setting apart" a portion from a larger quantity as an offering. It denotes a deliberate, intentional act of dedication, where a part is elevated from the common to the sacred, specifically the choicest part of the tithe received by the Levites, which was then to be given to the priests. This action underscores the sacred nature of the offering and the reverence required in its presentation.
* **best of it (Hebrew, _cheleb'_):** From H2459, literally meaning "fat" or "fat portion," this word metaphorically signifies the richest, choicest, or most excellent part. In the broader Israelite sacrificial system, the fat was often reserved for God as it was considered the most valuable and representative of the animal's vitality. Here, this principle is extended to the Levites' tithe, demanding that their offering to the priests be of superior quality, not merely a leftover or inferior portion. It emphasizes the principle of honoring God with one's highest quality and excellence.
* **pollute (Hebrew, _châlal'_):** From H2490, this strong verb means "to profane," "to defile," "to desecrate," or "to treat as common" that which is holy. It implies a deliberate or negligent act that diminishes the sacredness of something consecrated to God. The warning against polluting "the holy things" highlights the extreme gravity of treating God's provisions, ordinances, or consecrated items with irreverence or disrespect, as such actions directly violate His intrinsic holiness and the order He has established.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And ye shall bear no sin by reason of it":** This clause presents the positive consequence of obedience. By fulfilling the command, the Levites would be free from guilt, divine displeasure, or punishment. It signifies a state of ritual and moral purity, indicating that their actions would be acceptable to God and would not incur His wrath or judgment. This is a promise of divine favor and protection from the negative spiritual repercussions of disobedience.
* **"when ye have heaved from it the best of it":** This is the precise condition for bearing no sin. It specifies the required action: the Levites must "lift up" or "set apart" the choicest, most excellent portion of the tithe they received from the Israelites. This emphasizes the quality and intentionality of the offering, not just the act of giving, but giving from a heart that honors God with what is truly valuable and representative of their highest esteem.
* **"neither shall ye pollute the holy things of the children of Israel":** This is a direct negative command, warning against the defilement of sacred items or provisions. "The holy things" refer to the offerings, tithes, and consecrated items that belong to God and are set apart for His service. To "pollute" them means to treat them as common, to disrespect their sacred status, or to handle them improperly. This clause underscores the absolute necessity of reverence and careful handling of all that pertains to God's holiness and His established order.
* **"lest ye die":** This stark warning communicates the severe consequence of failing to obey the command, specifically of polluting the holy things. It indicates that such an act would incur divine judgment, potentially leading to physical death (as seen in other instances of profaning holy things) or spiritual separation and condemnation. It serves as a powerful deterrent, reinforcing God's justice and His unwavering demand for strict obedience and reverence regarding His holy ordinances.

#### Literary Devices
Numbers 18:32 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message with clarity and force. The verse is structured as a **conditional clause** ("when ye have heaved... ye shall bear no sin"), explicitly linking obedience to a positive outcome, which is immediately followed by a **negative command** ("neither shall ye pollute") that outlines the forbidden action. This dual structure emphasizes both the path to blessing and the path to judgment. The phrase "lest ye die" functions as a stark **consequence/warning**, highlighting the severe repercussions of disobedience and underscoring the gravity of profaning sacred matters. There is an inherent **contrast** presented: the purity and freedom from sin achieved through faithful giving versus the defilement and death resulting from irreverence. The language itself is highly **legal and covenantal**, reflecting the binding nature of God's commands within the Mosaic covenant and His absolute authority over His people and their worship practices.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 18:32 transcends its specific Levitical context to articulate profound theological principles applicable to all believers. It reveals God's intrinsic holiness and His demand for reverence in all interactions with Him and His consecrated things. The requirement to offer "the best of it" reflects God's worthiness of our highest quality, not merely leftovers, establishing a timeless principle of honoring God with excellence in every aspect of our lives – our time, talents, resources, and devotion. Furthermore, the verse highlights the critical link between obedience and purity: faithful adherence to God's commands leads to freedom from sin and divine judgment, while disobedience, particularly in matters of holiness, incurs severe consequences. This underscores God's justice and His expectation that those who serve Him, and indeed all His people, reflect His character in their actions and attitudes towards sacred matters.

* [Proverbs 3:9-10](/proverbs/3-9-10 "Proverbs 3:9-10 - Honor the Lord with your wealth and the firstfruits of all your produce")
* [Malachi 3:8-10](/malachi/3-8-10 "Malachi 3:8-10 - Robbing God in Tithes and Offerings")
* [1 Samuel 2:30](/1_samuel/2-30 "1 Samuel 2:30 - Those who honor me I will honor")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the specific Levitical law of tithing the tithe is part of the Old Covenant, the underlying principles of Numbers 18:32 remain profoundly relevant for believers today. This verse challenges us to critically examine our attitude towards God and His kingdom. Are we truly offering God our "best" in all areas of our lives—our finances, time, talents, and devotion—or are we giving Him our leftovers? It calls us to a spirit of excellence and sacrificial generosity, reflecting our love and reverence for Him, recognizing that everything we possess ultimately belongs to Him. Furthermore, the warning against polluting "holy things" serves as a timeless reminder to treat spiritual matters—God's Word, His church, the sacraments, our personal walk with Him, and even our own bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit—with the seriousness, respect, and reverence they deserve. Carelessness, irreverence, or a casual approach in these areas can have significant spiritual consequences, as God's holiness remains constant. Finally, the promise of "no sin" through obedience encourages us that following God's clear instructions leads to peace, freedom from guilt, and a flourishing relationship with Him, while disobedience can lead to spiritual brokenness or separation.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life am I called to offer God my "best," and am I truly doing so?**
* **How might I be inadvertently "polluting" or treating as common that which God considers holy in my daily life or spiritual practices?**
* **What specific actions can I take to cultivate a deeper sense of reverence and intentionality in my worship and service to God?**
* **How does the consequence of "lest ye die" motivate me to greater obedience and respect for God's commands today?**

### FAQ
**What was the "tithe of the tithe" and why was it so important?**

Answer: The "tithe of the tithe" was a specific divine command for the Levites. The other eleven tribes of Israel were commanded to give a tenth of their produce and livestock (the tithe) to the Levites, who had no land inheritance and served in the Tabernacle. In turn, the Levites were required to present a tenth of what *they* received as a "heave offering" to the Aaronic priests, as detailed in [Numbers 18:26-28](/numbers/18-26-28 "Numbers 18:26-28 - Levites' Tithe to Priests"). This system was crucial for several reasons: it demonstrated God's ultimate ownership of all resources, ensuring that even those who received divine provision (the Levites) acknowledged His sovereignty by giving back; it provided for the sustenance of the priests who ministered directly in the most holy places; and it maintained a chain of holiness and stewardship, ensuring that all parts of the sacred economy were handled with reverence and excellence, preventing the profanation of God's provisions.

**Does "lest ye die" refer to physical death?**

Answer: The phrase "lest ye die" in the Old Testament, particularly in contexts of profaning holy things or disobeying direct commands related to the Tabernacle/Temple, could indeed refer to physical death. We see explicit examples of this with [Nadab and Abihu](/leviticus/10-1-2 "Leviticus 10:1-2 - Nadab and Abihu's Unauthorized Fire"), who died for offering unauthorized fire, and [Uzzah](/2_samuel/6-6-7 "2 Samuel 6:6-7 - Uzzah's Death"), who died for touching the Ark of the Covenant. However, it also encompasses a broader sense of divine judgment, which could include being "cut off" from the community, spiritual separation, or incurring God's wrath and disfavor. In the context of [Numbers 18:32](/numbers/18-32 "Numbers 18:32 - Bearing No Sin Through Obedience"), it underscores the extreme seriousness of treating God's holy provisions lightly or irreverently, emphasizing that such actions carry severe, potentially life-ending, consequences in God's economy of holiness and justice. It highlights that God's holiness is not to be trifled with.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 18:32, with its profound emphasis on offering the "best" to avoid sin and pollution, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is not merely "the best of it," but the very essence of perfection—the unblemished [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")—who offered Himself as the supreme and final sacrifice. This single, perfect offering far exceeds any Old Covenant offering, for He, through the eternal Spirit, [offered himself without blemish to God](/hebrews/9-14 "Hebrews 9:14 - Christ's Perfect Sacrifice"). Unlike the Levites who offered a portion of what they received, Jesus, as our Great High Priest, offered Himself, perfectly fulfilling the demands of God's holiness and bearing the full weight of sin that we, as humanity, could not bear. Through His perfect obedience and sacrificial death, He effectively removed the curse and the threat of death that came from our pollution of God's holy standards ([Romans 5:19](/romans/5-19 "Romans 5:19 - Obedience of Christ"); [2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). His sacrifice makes us "holy things" in God's sight, enabling us to approach God without fear of bearing sin or dying ([Hebrews 10:10-14](/hebrews/10-10-14 "Hebrews 10:10-14 - Christ's One Sacrifice")). Now, as believers, we are called to present our bodies as [living sacrifices, holy and acceptable to God](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Living Sacrifice"), offering Him our "best" in worship and service, not out of fear of death, but out of profound gratitude for the life and holiness we have received through Christ. Our ability to live a life of excellence and reverence is not based on our own merit, but on the indwelling Holy Spirit, who empowers us to honor God in all things ([Philippians 2:13](/philippians/2-13 "Philippians 2:13 - God Works in You")).

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

Leviticus 19:8

Therefore [every one] that eateth it shall bear his iniquity, because he hath profaned the hallowed thing of the LORD: and that soul shall be cut off from among his people.

Leviticus 22:2

Speak unto Aaron and to his sons, that they separate themselves from the holy things of the children of Israel, and that they profane not my holy name [in those things] which they hallow unto me: I [am] the LORD.

Malachi 1:7

Ye offer polluted bread upon mine altar; and ye say, Wherein have we polluted thee? In that ye say, The table of the LORD [is] contemptible.

1 Corinthians 11:29

For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord's body.

1 Corinthians 11:27

Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink [this] cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord.

Numbers 18:22

Neither must the children of Israel henceforth come nigh the tabernacle of the congregation, lest they bear sin, and die.

Leviticus 22:15

And they shall not profane the holy things of the children of Israel, which they offer unto the LORD;