Provision for Levites
Deuteronomy 18:1-8
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Deu.18.1 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- לא: PART_NEG
- יהיה: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- לכהנים: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- הלוים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- כל: DET
- שבט: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לוי: PROPN,m,sg
- חלק: ADJ,m,sg,abs
- ונחלה: CONJ+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- עם: PREP
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אשי: NOUN,f,sg,cstr
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- ונחלתו: CONJ+NOUN,f,sg,abs+3,m,sg
- יאכלון: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
Parallels
- Numbers 18:20-24 (verbal): Direct parallel statement that the Levites shall have no inheritance among the Israelites and that the LORD is their portion; describes support by offerings/tithes, echoing Deut 18:1.
- Numbers 3:11-13 (thematic): Explains the Levites' unique status—God took the Levites instead of every firstborn—providing the theological basis for their lack of a land inheritance.
- Joshua 13:14 (verbal): Reiterates that the Levites received no territorial inheritance among Israel and that the LORD is their inheritance, echoing Deut 18:1.
- Ezekiel 44:28 (thematic): Speaks of priests eating the offerings and partaking of sacred food, paralleling Deut 18:1’s note that the Levites/priests eat the LORD’s offerings.
Alternative generated candidates
- To the priests the Levites—the whole tribe of Levi—there shall be no portion or inheritance with Israel; they shall eat the LORD’s offerings and his inheritance.
- To the priests, the Levites, there shall be no portion or inheritance among Israel; they shall eat the LORD's offerings, for the LORD is their inheritance.
Deu.18.2 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ונחלה: CONJ+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- לא: PART_NEG
- יהיה: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- לו: PRON,3,m,sg
- בקרב: PREP
- אחיו: NOUN,3,m,sg,abs
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- הוא: PRON,3,m,sg
- נחלתו: NOUN,f,sg,abs,suff:3,m
- כאשר: CONJ
- דבר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לו: PRON,3,m,sg
Parallels
- Deut.10:9 (verbal): Repeats the same legal formula: the Levite/servant has no inheritance among his brothers; the LORD is his inheritance (same wording and theological point).
- Numbers 18:20 (verbal): God's command to Aaron that he shall have no inheritance in the land—'I am your portion and your inheritance'—expresses the same principle establishing the priestly share in service and offerings rather than land.
- Joshua 21:3–5 (structural): Describes the practical outcome: cities and pasturelands given to the Levites because the LORD gave them no territorial inheritance among the tribes, implementing the Deuteronomic command.
- 1 Chronicles 6:32 (allusion): Restates the tradition that the Levites were not given an inheritance among their brothers and that the LORD was their inheritance, echoing the Deuteronomic wording and presupposition.
Alternative generated candidates
- They shall have no inheritance among their brothers; the LORD is their inheritance, as he has spoken to him.
- He shall have no inheritance among his brothers; the LORD is his inheritance, as the LORD has told him.
Deu.18.3 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וזה: CONJ+PRON,dem,m,sg,abs
- יהיה: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- משפט: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הכהנים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- מאת: PREP
- העם: NOUN,m,sg,def
- מאת: PREP
- זבחי: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- הזבח: NOUN,m,sg,def
- אם: CONJ
- שור: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אם: CONJ
- שה: PRON,rel
- ונתן: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- לכהן: PREP+NOUN,m,sg
- הזרע: NOUN,m,sg,def
- והלחיים: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,def
- והקבה: CONJ+NOUN,f,sg,def
Parallels
- Leviticus 7:31-34 (verbal): Gives the same prescription for the priest’s portion from peace/thank offerings—the right shoulder, cheeks (jowls) and maw/stomach as the priest’s due.
- Numbers 18:8-13 (thematic): Outlines the Levites’ and priests’ share of sacrificial and holy things (breast, shoulder, portions of offerings) and frames their lack of land inheritance—same allocation principle as Deut 18:3.
- Deuteronomy 18:1-2 (structural): Immediate context stating that priests/Levites have no land inheritance and therefore receive the offerings of the LORD to sustain them—Deut 18:3 specifies which parts.
- Ezekiel 44:29-31 (thematic): Describes priests’ entitlement to eat certain holy offerings (sin, guilt, and grain offerings) and presents the enduring principle that priests/Levites are sustained by sacrificial portions.
Alternative generated candidates
- This shall be the priest’s due from the people, from the sacrifices—whether ox or sheep: the shoulder, the cheeks, and the stomach you shall give to the priest.
- And this shall be the priest's due from the people: from the sacrifices of the sacrifice—whether ox or sheep—you shall give the priest the shoulder, the jowls, and the stomach.
Deu.18.4 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ראשית: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- דגנך: NOUN,m,sg,sfx
- תירשך: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויצהרך: NOUN,m,sg,sfx
- וראשית: CONJ+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- גז: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- צאנך: NOUN,m,pl,abs+PRON,2,m,sg
- תתן: VERB,qal,imprf,2,_,sg
- לו: PRON,3,m,sg
Parallels
- Numbers 18:12-13 (verbal): Uses similar language granting the firstfruits of grain, wine and oil to the priests/Levitical household—direct legal parallel about what belongs to the cultic servants.
- Leviticus 27:30-34 (thematic): Prescribes firstfruits and tithes as holy to the LORD and outlines their dedication/transfer—part of the same sacrificial/tithing legal tradition as Deut 18:4.
- Deuteronomy 26:2-10 (structural): Commands presentation of the firstfruits (bikkurim) to the priest with a recital of Israel’s history—closely related Deuteronomic regulation of firstfruits and cultic practice.
- 2 Chronicles 31:5-12 (thematic): Describes Hezekiah’s collection and distribution of firstfruits and tithes to the Levites and priests—an historical implementation of the law reflected in Deut 18:4.
- Nehemiah 10:37-39 (thematic): Requires bringing the firstfruits and tithes to the house of God for the Levites and priests—a postexilic covenantal application of the firstfruits obligation.
Alternative generated candidates
- You shall give him the firstfruits of your grain, of your new wine and your oil, and the first shearing of your sheep.
- You shall give him the first of your grain, your new wine, and your oil; and the first shearing of your flock you shall give him.
Deu.18.5 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- כי: CONJ
- בו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- בחר: VERB,qal,perf,3,ms
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- אלהיך: NOUN,m,sg,prsuf-2ms
- מכל: PREP
- שבטיך: NOUN,m,pl,suff
- לעמד: VERB,qal,inf
- לשרת: VERB,qal,inf
- בשם: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- הוא: PRON,3,m,sg
- ובניו: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
- כל: DET
- הימים: NOUN,m,pl,def
Parallels
- Numbers 3:12-13 (verbal): God takes the Levites from among the tribes as a substitute for the firstborn—language of selection of a tribe for service parallels Deut 18:5.
- Numbers 8:24-26 (verbal): Specifies that Levites are given to do the service of the tabernacle and that their sons succeed them—echoes Deut 18:5’s ‘him and his sons’ and lifelong service.
- Numbers 18:6-7 (thematic): Charges the Levites to serve at the tabernacle and explains their distinct status and support from the community, paralleling Deut 18:5’s assignment to minister in the name of the LORD.
- Deut 10:8 (thematic): States that the LORD separated the tribe of Levi to bear the ark and minister before the LORD—another statement of divine choice of the Levites from the tribes for priestly service.
Alternative generated candidates
- For the LORD your God has chosen him from among all your tribes to stand and minister in the name of the LORD—he and his sons—all the days.
- For the LORD your God has chosen him out of all your tribes to stand and minister in the name of the LORD—he and his sons shall serve there continually.
Deu.18.6 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וכי: CONJ
- יבא: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- הלוי: NOUN,m,sg,def
- מאחד: PREP+NUM,card,sg
- שעריך: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- מכל: PREP
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אשר: PRON,rel
- הוא: PRON,3,m,sg
- גר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שם: ADV
- ובא: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- בכל: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אות: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- נפשו: NOUN,f,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
- אל: NEG
- המקום: NOUN,m,sg,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- יבחר: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Numbers 18:6-7 (verbal): Speaks of the LORD taking the Levites from among Israel to serve at the sanctuary — language and role closely parallel the Levite ‘coming’ to serve in the chosen place.
- Deuteronomy 12:5-7 (structural): Commands worship at ‘the place the LORD will choose’ and bringing one’s offerings and heart there — shares the same centralization theme and phrasing about the chosen place.
- Deuteronomy 14:27-29 (verbal): Treats support for Levites ‘who live among you’ and instructions about bringing tithes to them — echoes the Levites’ residence in local towns and their dependence on coming to the central cult.
- Joshua 21:2-4 (structural): Describes the allotment of Levitical cities and the Levites’ residency among the people while bearing out their duty to serve at the central sanctuary — parallel situation of Levites living in towns yet coming to the chosen place.
- 1 Chronicles 23:25-32 (thematic): Organizes Levitical service and schedules for coming to the tent/temple to perform duties — parallels the practical implication of Levites leaving their towns to serve the central sanctuary.
Alternative generated candidates
- And if a Levite comes from any of your towns, from all Israel where he is dwelling, and comes with all his heart to the place that the LORD will choose,
- If a Levite comes from any of your towns, from wherever he sojourns in all Israel, and comes with all his heart to the place that the LORD will choose,
Deu.18.7 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ושרת: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- בשם: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- אלהיו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
- ככל: PREP
- אחיו: NOUN,3,m,sg,abs
- הלוים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- העמדים: VERB,qal,ptc,0,m,pl
- שם: ADV
- לפני: PREP
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Numbers 3:6-9 (verbal): God separates the Levites from the other Israelites to serve and guard the tabernacle and minister before the LORD—language and function parallel Deut 18:7’s statement that a Levite serves ‘before the LORD.’
- Numbers 18:6-7 (structural): Assigns the Levites to Aaron and his sons for sacred service at the sanctuary; echoes Deut 18:7’s concern with Levites ‘standing before the LORD’ and performing priestly/ministerial tasks.
- Deuteronomy 10:8 (thematic): States that the LORD set apart the tribe of Levi to stand before him and to minister, and that they have no territorial inheritance—directly parallels Deut 18:7’s depiction of Levites serving in the name of the LORD.
- 1 Chronicles 23:25-32 (thematic): Gives the organization and duties of the Levites—standing morning and evening to minister and assigned roles in the house of the LORD—reflecting the same ministerial identity described in Deut 18:7.
Alternative generated candidates
- he shall minister in the name of the LORD his God, like his fellow Levites who stand there before the LORD.
- he shall minister in the name of the LORD his God, like his fellow Levites who stand there before the LORD.
Deu.18.8 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- חלק: ADJ,m,sg,abs
- כחלק: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יאכלו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- לבד: PREP
- ממכריו: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
- על: PREP
- האבות: NOUN,m,pl,def
Parallels
- Numbers 18:8 (verbal): Directly parallels Deut 18:8 in regulating the Levites’ portions and language about what they shall eat as their portion from the community’s offerings.
- Numbers 18:21-24 (thematic): Develops the same theme that the Levites have no land inheritance among Israel and that the tithes/portions of the people serve as their inheritance and support.
- Deuteronomy 12:17-18 (thematic): Also instructs how tithes/offerings are to be consumed within Israel’s towns and links communal provision of food to cultic practice, echoing the idea of designated portions for service.
- 1 Chronicles 23:28-32 (structural): Prescribes the organization, duties, and provisions for Levites in a way analogous to Deut 18, specifying how Levites were supplied and supported by the community’s offerings.
Alternative generated candidates
- They shall have equal portions to eat, share for share, besides what is purchased with the money from the sale of their inheritance.
- They shall have equal portions to eat, apart from the sale of their ancestral property.
There shall be for the priests, the Levites, no portion or inheritance with Israel; the LORD is their portion, and their inheritance shall be the offerings of the LORD.
They shall have no inheritance among their brothers; the LORD is their inheritance, as he has spoken to them.
This is the due of the priests from the people, from the sacrifices of the ox and of the sheep: whoever offers an offering shall give to the priest the shoulder, the two cheeks, and the inwards.
You shall give him the firstfruits of your grain, of your wine, and of your oil, and the first shearing of your flock.
For the LORD your God has chosen him out of all your tribes to stand and minister in the name of the LORD—he and his sons—forever.
If a Levite comes from any of your towns, from wherever he resides among you, and presents himself at the place that the LORD will choose,
then he shall minister in the name of the LORD his God like his fellow Levites who stand there before the LORD.
They shall share alike in eating, each portion like the other, apart from what one may sell from his property.