Numbers 35:8

Translation
King James Version
And the cities which ye shall give shall be of the possession of the children of Israel: from them that have many ye shall give many; but from them that have few ye shall give few: every one shall give of his cities unto the Levites according to his inheritance which he inheriteth.
Ask
KJV (with Strong's)
And the cities H5892 which ye shall give H5414 shall be of the possession H272 of the children H1121 of Israel H3478: from them that have many H7227 ye shall give many H7235; but from them that have few H4592 ye shall give few H4591: every one H376 shall give H5414 of his cities H5892 unto the Levites H3881 according H6310 to his inheritance H5159 which he inheriteth H5157.
Ask
Complete Jewish Bible
As to the cities you will give from those the people of Isra'el possess, from the many you will take many, and from the few you will take few - each tribe will contribute from its cities to the L'vi'im in accordance with the size of its inheritance."
Ask
Berean Standard Bible
The cities that you apportion from the territory of the Israelites should be given to the Levites in proportion to the inheritance of each tribe: more from a larger tribe and less from a smaller one.”
Ask
American Standard Version
And concerning the cities which ye shall give of the possession of the children of Israel, from the many ye shall take many; and from the few ye shall take few: every one according to his inheritance which he inheriteth shall give of his cities unto the Levites.
Ask
World English Bible Messianic
Concerning the cities which you shall give of the possession of the children of Israel, from the many you shall take many; and from the few you shall take few. Everyone according to his inheritance which he inherits shall give some of his cities to the Levites.”
Ask
Geneva Bible (1599)
And concerning the cities which yee shall giue, of the possession of the children of Israel: of many ye shall take more, and of few ye shall take lesse: euery one shall giue of his cities vnto the Leuites, according to his inheritance, which hee inheriteth.
Ask
Young's Literal Translation
And the cities which ye give are of the possession of the sons of Israel, from the many ye multiply, and from the few ye diminish; each, according to his inheritance which they inherit, doth give of his cities to the Levites.'
Ask
See also
Numbers 33:54Numbers 26:54Joshua 21:1Joshua 21:42Exodus 16:18Genesis 49:72 Corinthians 8:13
In the KJVVerse 4,854 of 31,102

Study This Verse

SUMMARY

Numbers 35:8 establishes a foundational principle for the equitable distribution of cities among the tribes of Israel for the Levites. As the tribe consecrated for priestly and spiritual service, the Levites were not allotted a contiguous tribal territory; instead, God commanded that they be given 48 cities, along with their surrounding pasturelands, scattered throughout the territories of the other tribes. This verse specifically dictates that the contribution of these cities must be proportionate to the size of each tribe's inherited land, ensuring that those with larger possessions contribute more, and those with smaller inheritances contribute less, thereby fostering fairness, communal responsibility, and consistent support for the Levites' vital role in the spiritual life of the nation.

CONTEXT

  • Literary Context: Numbers 35:8 is situated within a crucial legislative block (Numbers 35:1-34) that immediately follows the detailed instructions for the division of the land of Canaan by lot among the Israelite tribes (Numbers 34). This chapter outlines two distinct but related provisions essential for the nation's life in the Promised Land: first, the allocation of cities and pasturelands for the Levites (Numbers 35:1-8), and second, the establishment of the cities of refuge to administer justice for unintentional homicide (Numbers 35:9-34). Verse 8 serves as the concluding directive regarding the Levites' cities, emphasizing the divine principle of proportionate giving. This meticulous planning underscores God's foresight in structuring Israel's society, ensuring both the sustained support of its spiritual leaders and the proper administration of justice, thereby laying the groundwork for a holy and ordered nation.
  • Historical & Cultural Context: In ancient Near Eastern societies, and particularly for the Israelites, land was the paramount source of wealth, identity, and security. It represented the tangible fulfillment of God's covenant promises to Abraham and his descendants. Unlike the other tribes, the Levites were uniquely set apart for sacred service to Yahweh, meaning they did not receive a territorial land inheritance in the traditional sense. Their inheritance was explicitly stated to be the Lord Himself, as profoundly declared in Numbers 18:20. This distinct status necessitated an alternative, divinely ordained system of support. The provision of cities and their adjacent pasturelands ensured that the Levites—who functioned as priests, teachers of the Law, and administrators of justice—could reside among the people they served, fulfilling their crucial duties without the burden of agricultural labor or territorial defense. The principle of proportionate giving, "from them that have many ye shall give many; but from [them that have] few ye shall give few," was a culturally astute and economically sound method of communal support, reflecting an understanding of varying capacities and preventing undue hardship on less prosperous tribes, all while ensuring the collective responsibility for the nation's spiritual well-being.
  • Key Themes: This verse contributes significantly to several overarching theological and narrative themes woven throughout the book of Numbers and the Pentateuch. It powerfully illustrates Divine Provision, demonstrating God's meticulous care for His chosen people, especially those consecrated for His service. God orchestrates a system where the entire community participates in sustaining the Levites, reflecting His commitment to their well-being and the perpetuation of their sacred duties. Another prominent theme is Equity and Justice in Distribution. The principle of proportionate giving ensures fairness, preventing any single tribe from being overly burdened and reinforcing the theological idea that blessings, particularly the land, come with corresponding responsibilities. This also speaks to the theme of Stewardship, as the land, though inherited, ultimately belongs to God, and its use, including providing for the Levites, is an act of obedience and faithful stewardship of divine resources. Finally, the passage highlights Interdependence within the Community, illustrating that the spiritual health and functional operation of the entire nation depended on the faithful contribution of each part, fostering unity and shared responsibility. The Levites' presence throughout the land, supported by all tribes, underscored their integral role in maintaining the spiritual fabric of Israel, a principle echoed in later commands for their support in Deuteronomy 14:28-29.

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

  • Possession (Hebrew, ʼăchuzzâh', H272): This feminine passive participle refers to something seized or held, specifically denoting a permanent holding, property, or possession, often applied to land. In Numbers 35:8, it emphasizes that the cities designated for the Levites were to be drawn from the established, rightful landholdings ("possession") of the other Israelite tribes. This underscores the legitimacy and permanence of this divine directive, highlighting that the Levites' support was not temporary charity but a rightful claim upon the communal inheritance.
  • Give (Hebrew, nâthan', H5414): This primitive root is a versatile verb meaning "to give," used with a wide latitude of application. Its repeated use in this verse ("ye shall give," "shall give") underscores the imperative nature of the command. It signifies the act of bestowing, assigning, or distributing, emphasizing that the allocation of cities to the Levites was a direct, divinely mandated act of communal contribution and support, not a voluntary offering.
  • Inheritance (Hebrew, nachălâh', H5159): This term refers to something inherited, an heirloom, or an allotment, particularly land received as a divine gift or patrimony. The phrase "according to his inheritance which he inheriteth" (using the related verb H5157, nâchal) highlights that the obligation to provide for the Levites is directly tied to the blessing of the land received from God. It frames the giving not as a burden, but as a reciprocal response to and a condition of receiving one's own divinely apportioned legacy, reinforcing the covenantal nature of the land.

Verse Breakdown

  • "And the cities which ye shall give [shall be] of the possession of the children of Israel:": This opening clause establishes the source of the Levites' cities. They are not to be newly created or taken from unassigned land, but rather drawn from the existing, divinely allotted territories ("possession") of the other Israelite tribes. This foundational statement implies a communal responsibility and a redistribution of existing, blessed resources for a sacred purpose, integrating the Levites into the very fabric of the nation's life.
  • "from [them that have] many ye shall give many;": This phrase introduces the core principle of proportionate giving. Tribes that received a larger land inheritance or possessed greater resources ("many" in possession) are obligated to contribute a larger number of cities to the Levites. This ensures that the burden is shared equitably according to capacity, reflecting a divine understanding of economic justice and preventing undue strain on less prosperous tribes.
  • "but from [them that have] few ye shall give few:": This is the counterpoint to the previous clause, reinforcing and completing the principle of proportionality. Tribes with smaller land inheritances or fewer resources ("few" in possession) are required to contribute a smaller number of cities. This prevents undue hardship on less prosperous tribes and maintains fairness across the tribal divisions, demonstrating God's compassionate and just governance.
  • "every one shall give of his cities unto the Levites according to his inheritance which he inheriteth.": This concluding statement summarizes and reiterates the core principle with emphatic universality. It emphasizes that the obligation to give is binding upon "every one" among the land-owning tribes, and the quantity of their contribution is directly tied to the size and blessing of their own divinely granted "inheritance." This links responsibility directly to blessing, underscoring the reciprocal and covenantal nature of God's relationship with Israel, where receiving a blessing entails an obligation to contribute to the nation's spiritual well-being.

Literary Devices

Numbers 35:8 employs several potent literary devices to convey its divine instruction. The most prominent is Repetition, particularly evident in the contrasting parallelism of "from them that have many ye shall give many; but from [them that have] few ye shall give few." This emphatic repetition of "many...many" and "few...few" creates a clear, memorable, and legally binding instruction, driving home the principle of proportionality. The phrase "his inheritance which he inheriteth" utilizes a Cognate Accusative (or a similar construction), where a noun ("inheritance," nachălâh) and a verb from the same root ("inheriteth," nâchal) are used together. This intensifies the meaning, emphasizing the deep connection between the divinely bestowed land and the corresponding obligation. Furthermore, the entire verse functions as a piece of Legislation or Divine Command, characterized by its prescriptive language and direct instruction, outlining a specific communal responsibility. The structured progression from the general source of the cities to the specific proportional instruction demonstrates a logical and practical legislative approach, typical of the Mosaic Law.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

Numbers 35:8 articulates a profound theological principle regarding divine provision, communal responsibility, and equitable stewardship within the covenant community. It demonstrates God's meticulous care for those dedicated to His service, ensuring that the Levites, whose "inheritance" was the Lord Himself, were adequately supported by the community. This divinely ordained system fostered interdependence, reminding all tribes that their material blessings were to be shared for the common good and the advancement of God's kingdom. The principle of proportionate giving—"from them that have many ye shall give many; but from [them that have] few ye shall give few"—is a foundational concept of biblical justice and generosity, reflecting God's understanding of varying capacities and His desire for fairness in contribution. This divine mandate established a precedent for supporting spiritual leadership and ministry, not as charity, but as a just and necessary communal obligation tied directly to the blessings received from God.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

Numbers 35:8 offers enduring principles for believers today, particularly concerning stewardship, generosity, and the support of Christian ministry. Just as the ancient Israelite tribes were commanded to provide for the Levites based on their capacity, so too are contemporary believers called to contribute to the work of God's kingdom according to the blessings and resources they have received. This verse challenges us to consider our own "inheritance"—whether it be financial resources, time, talents, spiritual gifts, or even opportunities—and how we are faithfully stewarding it for the common good and the advancement of the Gospel. It underscores that giving is not merely an act of charity but an integral part of our worship, obedience, and participation in the body of Christ, fostering interdependence within the church. The principle of proportionate giving encourages cheerful generosity from those who have been blessed abundantly, while alleviating pressure from those with fewer resources, ensuring that the burden and joy of supporting ministry are shared equitably across the community of faith. Our collective responsibility ensures that those called to full-time spiritual service are sustained, allowing them to focus on equipping the saints, teaching God's Word, and proclaiming the good news without undue material distractions, thereby strengthening the entire church.

Questions for Reflection

  • In what ways do I recognize my own "inheritance" or blessings from God (material, spiritual, relational, etc.), and how am I stewarding them for His kingdom?
  • How does the principle of proportionate giving ("from them that have many ye shall give many; but from [them that have] few ye shall give few") challenge or affirm my current patterns of generosity and stewardship towards God's work?
  • How can I better support those in spiritual leadership or full-time ministry within my community, recognizing their vital role in equipping the church and advancing the Gospel?
  • What does this verse teach me about the interdependence of believers and my responsibility to contribute to the spiritual and material well-being of the broader Christian community?

FAQ

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

Answer: The Levites did not receive a contiguous tribal land inheritance because the Lord Himself was declared to be their portion and inheritance. Numbers 18:20 explicitly states, "Thou shalt have no inheritance in their land, neither shalt thou have any part among them: I am thy part and thine inheritance among the children of Israel." This unique status underscored their exclusive dedication to the service of the Tabernacle and later the Temple, performing priestly duties, teaching the Law, and administering justice. Instead of land, they were supported by the tithes and offerings of the other tribes and were given specific cities to dwell in, scattered throughout Israel, as detailed in Numbers 35:1-8. This arrangement ensured their livelihood while allowing them to fulfill their sacred calling without the demands of agricultural labor or territorial defense, thereby enabling them to fully devote themselves to God's service.

Is the principle of proportionate giving in Numbers 35:8 still relevant for Christians today?

Answer: Absolutely. The principle of proportionate giving, "from them that have many ye shall give many; but from [them that have] few ye shall give few," is a timeless biblical principle that transcends the specific context of the Levites' cities. It reflects God's desire for fairness and equity in contribution, recognizing that individuals have varying capacities and resources. This concept is powerfully echoed in the New Testament, particularly in Paul's instructions regarding financial contributions for believers. For instance, 2 Corinthians 8:12 teaches, "For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not." This principle encourages generosity that is both sacrificial and sustainable, ensuring that those who are blessed with more resources contribute more, while those with less are not unduly burdened, fostering true communal support and unity within the body of Christ.

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

Numbers 35:8, with its emphasis on providing for the Levites, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in several ways. The Levites, as the priestly tribe, served as a vital foreshadowing of the ultimate High Priest, Jesus Christ. While they mediated between God and Israel through sacrifices and rituals, Christ became the perfect and final sacrifice, fulfilling all that the Old Covenant priesthood pointed to, as powerfully articulated in Hebrews 7:11-28. Furthermore, the concept of the Levites' "inheritance" being the Lord Himself resonates deeply with the Christian understanding of our inheritance in Christ. Believers are no longer defined by earthly territories or physical inheritances, but by their spiritual union with Christ, who is our ultimate "portion" and "inheritance" (Colossians 1:12 and Ephesians 1:11). The communal responsibility to support the Levites, who were dedicated to God's service, prefigures the Church's calling to support those in ministry today, enabling them to equip the saints for the work of service, as described in Ephesians 4:11-12. The principle of proportionate giving also finds its highest expression in Christ's own self-giving; though He was rich, yet for our sakes He became poor, that we through His poverty might be rich (2 Corinthians 8:9). Thus, the ancient command in Numbers 35:8 points forward to Christ as our true inheritance, the fulfiller of the priestly office, and the model for the Church's generous and interdependent life, all empowered by His ultimate sacrifice and unending grace.

Copy as
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers . Public domain.
Copy as
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
Copy as

Continue studying Numbers 35:8 across the web’s major study libraries — every link below opens this exact verse, chapter, or book on the destination site.

Read & Compare

Commentaries

Original Language & Research

Sermons, Hymns & Audio

TrulyRandomVerse is not affiliated with these sites and doesn’t control their content. They’re linked because they’re genuinely useful.