Numbers 5:10

KJV

And every man's hallowed things shall be his: whatsoever any man giveth the priest, it shall be his.

KJV (with Strong's)

And every man's {H376} hallowed things {H6944} shall be his: whatsoever any man {H376} giveth {H5414} the priest {H3548}, it shall be his.

Complete Jewish Bible

Anything an individual consecrates will be his own [to allocate among the cohanim], but what a person gives to the cohen will belong to him.'"

Berean Standard Bible

Each man’s sacred gifts are his own, but whatever he gives to the priest will belong to the priest.”

American Standard Version

And every man’s hallowed things shall be his: whatsoever any man giveth the priest, it shall be his.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 5:10 concludes a series of laws concerning ritual purity and restitution by affirming the rightful ownership of specific consecrated items by the priests. It clarifies that while certain "hallowed things" are initially dedicated to the Lord, those portions designated for the priest's sustenance become his personal property, underscoring God's meticulous provision for the Levitical ministry and establishing a clear divine order for the support of those who serve in the Tabernacle.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 5:10 serves as a concluding statement within a chapter primarily dedicated to maintaining ritual purity and order within the Israelite camp. The preceding verses (Numbers 5:5-9) detail laws concerning confession, restitution for wrongs committed, and a unique provision where if a wronged party has no kinsman to receive compensation, the restitution goes to the priest. Verse 10 directly follows this, acting as a general principle that reinforces the priest's entitlement to certain consecrated items. It shifts from specific cases of restitution to a broader declaration about the ownership of "hallowed things" given to the priest, ensuring their livelihood and confirming the divine arrangement for their support within the covenant community.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, the tribe of Levi, from which the priests were drawn, did not receive a territorial inheritance in the Promised Land like the other tribes (cf. [Deuteronomy 18:1-2](/deuteronomy/18-1 "Deuteronomy 18:1-2 - Priests' Inheritance")). Their sustenance was divinely ordained to come directly from the offerings, tithes, and firstfruits brought by the other tribes to the Tabernacle (later, the Temple). This system ensured that those dedicated to the sacred service of God—mediating between God and the people, performing sacrifices, and teaching the Law—were fully supported, allowing them to devote themselves entirely to their spiritual duties. Numbers 5:10, therefore, is a vital clarification within this system, confirming that specific consecrated gifts, once given to the priest according to the Law (e.g., portions of grain offerings, sin offerings, guilt offerings as detailed in [Leviticus 6-7](/leviticus/6 "Leviticus 6-7 - Laws of Offerings")), became the priest's undisputed personal possession, not merely items held in trust for the sanctuary.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Hallowed things (Hebrew, _qodashim'_):** This plural noun derives from the root _qadash_, meaning "to be holy" or "to be set apart." In this context, _qodashim_ refers to items, offerings, or portions of offerings that have been consecrated or dedicated to God. These are not common items but have been separated from profane use and designated for sacred purposes, often involving the Tabernacle service. The verse clarifies that even these consecrated items, when designated as the priest's portion, transition from being generally "set apart for God" to specifically "set apart for the priest's use and ownership."
* **His (Hebrew, _lo'_):** The possessive pronoun "his" is crucial here, appearing twice in the verse. It emphasizes the transfer of ownership and the personal entitlement of the priest. The first "his" refers to the individual offerer's "hallowed things" (before they are given to the priest), while the second "his" unequivocally states that once given to the priest, these items become his personal property. This repetition underscores the legal and divine certainty of the priest's claim, ensuring that there is no ambiguity regarding the provision for his livelihood.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And every man's hallowed things shall be his:"** This initial clause establishes a general principle concerning consecrated items. It affirms that whatever an individual has consecrated or "hallowed" for God, remains under their control or designated for their intended purpose until it is explicitly transferred or consumed in a ritual. It sets the stage for the subsequent clarification regarding priestly portions.
* **"whatsoever any man giveth the priest, it shall be his."** This second clause provides the specific clarification and the core message of the verse. It declares that any "hallowed thing" that an individual gives to the priest, specifically as a designated priestly portion (as outlined in various Levitical laws), ceases to be the offerer's and becomes the priest's personal property. This ensures the priest's sustenance and validates his right to consume or utilize these offerings for his household, solidifying the divine provision for the Levitical ministry.

#### Literary Devices
Numbers 5:10 employs several literary devices to convey its message with clarity and authority. The most prominent is **Repetition**, specifically of the phrase "it shall be his." This double emphasis on ownership—first of the offerer's initial possession and then of the priest's final possession—serves to underscore the definitive transfer of property and the legal certainty of the priest's entitlement. This also functions as a **Declarative Statement**, presenting a divine decree rather than a suggestion, thereby reinforcing the absolute nature of God's provision for His ministers. The verse also exhibits **Conciseness**, packing a significant legal and theological principle into a brief, direct statement, which enhances its memorability and authoritative tone.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 5:10 is a foundational statement about God's meticulous provision for those who serve Him, particularly the Levitical priesthood. It highlights the principle that those dedicated to spiritual service should be materially supported by the community they serve. This divine arrangement ensured that the priests, who had no land inheritance, could fully devote themselves to their sacred duties without being burdened by secular concerns. It speaks to God's faithfulness in caring for His servants and establishing a clear order within His covenant people, where spiritual leadership is honored and sustained. This principle transcends the Old Covenant, finding echoes in the New Testament's teaching on supporting Christian ministry.

* [Deuteronomy 18:1-2](/deuteronomy/18-1 "Deuteronomy 18:1-2 - Priests' Inheritance")
* [1 Corinthians 9:13-14](/1_corinthians/9-13 "1 Corinthians 9:13-14 - Support for Ministers")
* [Galatians 6:6](/galatians/6-6 "Galatians 6:6 - Sharing Good Things with Instructors")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Numbers 5:10, though rooted in the Old Covenant's ceremonial laws, offers profound principles for believers today. It reminds us that God values and provides for those who dedicate their lives to spiritual service. For us, this translates into a call to generously and cheerfully support those who teach, lead, and minister within the church, enabling them to focus on their calling without undue financial strain. Furthermore, the concept of "hallowed things" prompts us to consider what we are consecrating to God in our own lives. Are our time, talents, and resources truly set apart for His purposes? This verse encourages a spirit of intentional giving and stewardship, recognizing that all we have ultimately belongs to God, and our offerings are a response to His abundant provision. It also serves as a comforting reminder of God's faithfulness: just as He meticulously provided for His ancient priests, He continues to care for and sustain those who commit their lives to Him and His kingdom work.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the principle of supporting those who minister, as seen in Numbers 5:10, apply to your local church and your personal giving?**
* **Beyond financial contributions, what "hallowed things"—your time, talents, or passions—are you called to dedicate to God's work today?**
* **In what ways does God's historical faithfulness in providing for His servants, as exemplified by this verse, offer you assurance and encouragement in your own walk of faith?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of "hallowed things" becoming the priest's personal property?**

Answer: The significance lies in two main areas: divine provision and the nature of consecration. First, it underscores God's direct and tangible provision for the Levitical priesthood. Since the priests did not receive a land inheritance, their livelihood depended entirely on the offerings of the people. This verse clarifies that specific portions of "hallowed things"—items consecrated to God—were designated for the priests, and once given, they became their personal property, ensuring their sustenance and that of their families (cf. [Leviticus 7:6-10](/leviticus/7-6 "Leviticus 7:6-10 - Priests' Portions from Offerings")). This was not merely a loan or a temporary trust, but a permanent transfer of ownership. Second, it highlights a nuanced aspect of consecration. While an item might be "hallowed" or set apart for God's purposes, its specific use or destination could vary. In this case, "hallowed things" given to the priest fulfilled their sacred purpose by sustaining God's appointed ministers, thereby becoming their rightful possession within the divine economy.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 5:10, with its emphasis on the provision for the Old Testament priesthood, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The Levitical priests, sustained by the "hallowed things" of the people, foreshadowed Christ, our eternal High Priest, who requires no earthly sustenance because His priesthood is of a different order, "not of a perishable life but of an indestructible life" ([Hebrews 7:16](/hebrews/7-16 "Hebrews 7:16 - Christ's Indestructible Priesthood")). He is not merely sustained by offerings; He *is* the ultimate "hallowed thing," the perfect and spotless sacrifice, consecrated to God once for all, whose offering takes away the sin of the world ([Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ, Our High Priest")). Furthermore, through Christ, believers are made a "royal priesthood" ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Royal Priesthood")), called to offer spiritual sacrifices. Just as God provided for His Old Covenant priests, He faithfully provides for His New Covenant people, not through material offerings for their sustenance, but through the inexhaustible spiritual riches found in Christ, who sustains us in every way, enabling us to live lives consecrated to Him. The principle of supporting those who minister also continues in the New Covenant, reflecting Christ's own teaching that "the worker deserves his food" ([Matthew 10:10](/matthew/10-10 "Matthew 10:10 - The Worker Deserves His Food")), ensuring that those who proclaim the Gospel are cared for by the body 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

Leviticus 10:13

And ye shall eat it in the holy place, because it [is] thy due, and thy sons' due, of the sacrifices of the LORD made by fire: for so I am commanded.