Deuteronomy 18:2
Deuteronomy 18:2 in Multiple Translations
Although they have no inheritance among their brothers, the LORD is their inheritance, as He promised them.
Therefore shall they have no inheritance among their brethren: the LORD is their inheritance, as he hath said unto them.
And they shall have no inheritance among their brethren: Jehovah is their inheritance, as he hath spoken unto them.
And they will have no heritage among their countrymen: the Lord is their heritage, as he has said to them.
While they don't own land among the other tribes, the Lord takes care of them, as he promised.
Therefore shall they haue no inheritance among their brethren: for the Lord is their inheritance, as he hath sayd vnto them.
and he hath no inheritance in the midst of his brethren; Jehovah Himself [is] his inheritance, as He hath spoken to him.
They shall have no inheritance among their brothers. The LORD is their inheritance, as he has spoken to them.
Therefore shall they have no inheritance among their brethren: the LORD is their inheritance, as he hath said to them.
And they shall receive nothing else. of the possession of their brethren: for the Lord himself is their inheritance, as he hath said to them.
They will not be allotted any land like the other tribes will be. What they will receive is the work/privilege of being Yahweh’s priests, which is what he said that they should have.
Berean Amplified Bible — Deuteronomy 18:2
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Deuteronomy 18:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/נַחֲלָ֥ה
לֹא
יִֽהְיֶה
לּ֖/וֹ
בְּ/קֶ֣רֶב
אֶחָ֑י/ו
יְהוָה֙
ה֣וּא
נַחֲלָת֔/וֹ
כַּ/אֲשֶׁ֖ר
דִּבֶּר
לֽ/וֹ
וְ/נַחֲלָ֥ה
nachălâh
H5159
inheritance
Conj | N-fs
לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
יִֽהְיֶה
hâyâh
H1961
to be
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
לּ֖/וֹ
Prep | Suff
בְּ/קֶ֣רֶב
qereb
H7130
entrails
Prep | N-ms
אֶחָ֑י/ו
ʼâch
H251
brother
N-mp | Suff
יְהוָה֙
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
ה֣וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
he/she/it
Pron
נַחֲלָת֔/וֹ
nachălâh
H5159
inheritance
N-fs | Suff
כַּ/אֲשֶׁ֖ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Prep | Rel
דִּבֶּר
dâbar
H1696
to speak
V-Piel-Perf-3ms
לֽ/וֹ
Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Deuteronomy 18:2
וְ/נַחֲלָ֥ה
nachălâh
H5159
"inheritance"
Conj | N-fs
Inheritance refers to something passed down, like property or a family heirloom, as seen in the Bible's discussion of dividing land among tribes in Joshua. It represents a person's share or possession. The concept is crucial in understanding biblical ideas of family and legacy.
Definition: 1) possession, property, inheritance, heritage 1a) property 1b) portion, share 1c) inheritance, portion
Usage: Occurs in 191 OT verses. KJV: heritage, to inherit, inheritance, possession. Compare H5158 (נַחַל). See also: Genesis 31:14; Joshua 23:4; Psalms 2:8.
לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
יִֽהְיֶה
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
לּ֖/וֹ
""
Prep | Suff
בְּ/קֶ֣רֶב
qereb
H7130
"entrails"
Prep | N-ms
This Hebrew word means the inner part or midst of something, whether physical or emotional, and can refer to the entrails of an animal or the seat of thought and emotion. In 1 Kings 17:21, it describes Elijah's emotional plea to God.
Definition: : among/within 1) midst, among, inner part, middle 1a) inward part 1a1) physical sense 1a2) as seat of thought and emotion 1a3) as faculty of thought and emotion 1b) in the midst, among, from among (of a number of persons) 1c) entrails (of sacrificial animals) Also means: qe.rev (קֶ֫רֶב ": inner_parts" H7130H)
Usage: Occurs in 220 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] among, [idiom] before, bowels, [idiom] unto charge, [phrase] eat (up), [idiom] heart, [idiom] him, [idiom] in, inward ([idiom] -ly, part, -s, thought), midst, [phrase] out of, purtenance, [idiom] therein, [idiom] through, [idiom] within self. See also: Genesis 18:12; Joshua 7:12; Psalms 5:10.
אֶחָ֑י/ו
ʼâch
H251
"brother"
N-mp | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a brother or male sibling, but it can also refer to a close relative, friend, or someone with a similar relationship. It is used to describe the bond between brothers, like the relationship between Cain and Abel in Genesis.
Definition: : male-sibling 1) brother 1a) brother of same parents 1b) half-brother (same father) 1c) relative, kinship, same tribe 1d) each to the other (reciprocal relationship) 1e) (fig.) of resemblance
Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: another, brother(-ly); kindred, like, other. Compare also the proper names beginning with 'Ah-' or 'Ahi-'. See also: Genesis 4:2; Genesis 42:13; Numbers 25:6.
יְהוָה֙
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
ה֣וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
"he/she/it"
Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.
Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)
Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.
נַחֲלָת֔/וֹ
nachălâh
H5159
"inheritance"
N-fs | Suff
Inheritance refers to something passed down, like property or a family heirloom, as seen in the Bible's discussion of dividing land among tribes in Joshua. It represents a person's share or possession. The concept is crucial in understanding biblical ideas of family and legacy.
Definition: 1) possession, property, inheritance, heritage 1a) property 1b) portion, share 1c) inheritance, portion
Usage: Occurs in 191 OT verses. KJV: heritage, to inherit, inheritance, possession. Compare H5158 (נַחַל). See also: Genesis 31:14; Joshua 23:4; Psalms 2:8.
כַּ/אֲשֶׁ֖ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Prep | Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
דִּבֶּר
dâbar
H1696
"to speak"
V-Piel-Perf-3ms
To speak or communicate, like God speaking to Moses in Exodus or a king commanding his people. It can also mean to promise or warn someone.
Definition: : speak/tell/command 1) to speak, declare, converse, command, promise, warn, threaten, sing 1a) (Qal) to speak 1b) (Niphal) to speak with one another, talk 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to speak 1c2) to promise 1d) (Pual) to be spoken 1e) (Hithpael) to speak 1f) (Hiphil) to lead away, put to flight
Usage: Occurs in 1049 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, bid, command, commune, declare, destroy, give, name, promise, pronounce, rehearse, say, speak, be spokesman, subdue, talk, teach, tell, think, use (entreaties), utter, [idiom] well, [idiom] work. See also: Genesis 8:15; Exodus 12:25; Leviticus 23:9.
לֽ/וֹ
""
Prep | Suff
Study Notes — Deuteronomy 18:2
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Deuteronomy 18:2 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 18:2
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 18:2
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 18:2
- Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 18:2
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Deuteronomy 18:2
- Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 18:2
- Sermons on Deuteronomy 18:2
Context — Provision for Priests and Levites
1The Levitical priests—indeed the whole tribe of Levi—shall have no portion or inheritance with Israel. They are to eat the food offerings to the LORD; that is their inheritance.
2Although they have no inheritance among their brothers, the LORD is their inheritance, as He promised them.
3This shall be the priests’ share from the people who offer a sacrifice, whether a bull or a sheep: the priests are to be given the shoulder, the jowls, and the stomach. 4You are to give them the firstfruits of your grain, new wine, and oil, and the first wool sheared from your flock.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Revelation 1:5–6 | and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To Him who loves us and has released us from our sins by His blood, who has made us to be a kingdom, priests to His God and Father—to Him be the glory and power forever and ever! Amen. |
| 2 | Psalms 84:11 | For the LORD God is a sun and a shield; the LORD gives grace and glory; He withholds no good thing from those who walk with integrity. |
| 3 | 1 Peter 2:5 | you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. |
| 4 | Lamentations 3:24 | “The LORD is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I will hope in Him.” |
| 5 | Isaiah 61:6 | But you will be called the priests of the LORD; they will speak of you as ministers of our God; you will feed on the wealth of nations, and you will boast in their riches. |
| 6 | 1 Peter 2:9 | But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, to proclaim the virtues of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. |
| 7 | Psalms 73:24–26 | You guide me with Your counsel, and later receive me in glory. Whom have I in heaven but You? And on earth I desire no one besides You. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. |
| 8 | Psalms 16:5 | The LORD is my chosen portion and my cup; You have made my lot secure. |
| 9 | Genesis 15:1 | After these events, the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision: “Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward.” |
| 10 | Psalms 119:57 | The LORD is my portion; I have promised to keep Your words. |
Deuteronomy 18:2 Summary
[This verse means that the Levites, who were the priests of Israel, did not get a piece of land like the other tribes, but instead, they got to have God as their special possession. This is like what the Bible says in Psalm 16:5, where it says that God is our portion and our cup. It's like having the best inheritance ever, because God is the one who provides for us and takes care of us, as seen in Matthew 6:33. We can learn from the Levites' example to trust in God for our provision and to seek Him first, and He will take care of our needs.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the Levites not receive an inheritance like the other tribes of Israel?
The Levites did not receive an inheritance because the Lord was their inheritance, as He promised them, and they were to live off the offerings made to Him, as seen in Deuteronomy 18:1 and Numbers 18:24.
What does it mean that the Lord is the inheritance of the Levites?
It means that the Lord Himself is their portion and their reward, and they are to trust in Him for their provision and satisfaction, as expressed in Psalm 16:5 and Psalm 73:26.
How does this verse relate to the New Testament concept of our inheritance in Christ?
This verse foreshadows the New Testament teaching that our inheritance is not earthly wealth or possessions, but Christ Himself, as seen in Colossians 1:12 and Ephesians 1:11-14.
What can we learn from the Levites' example about trusting God for our provision?
We can learn that trusting God for our provision requires faith and obedience, and that He is always faithful to provide for those who seek Him, as seen in Matthew 6:33 and Philippians 4:19.
Reflection Questions
- What does it mean to have the Lord as my inheritance, and how can I trust in Him for my provision and satisfaction?
- How can I, like the Levites, live a life of faith and dependence on God, rather than on earthly wealth or possessions?
- In what ways can I, as a follower of Christ, be a part of the 'priesthood of all believers' and offer spiritual sacrifices to God, as seen in 1 Peter 2:5 and 9?
- What are some ways that I can practically trust in God's provision and live a life of faith, rather than relying on my own strength and resources?
Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 18:2
Therefore shall they have none inheritance among their brethren,.... Neither of the field, nor of the vineyard, as the above Targum, because provision was made for them otherwise, and especially
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 18:2
Therefore shall they have no inheritance among their brethren: the LORD is their inheritance, as he hath said unto them. No JFB commentary on this verse.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 18:2
i.e. The Lord’ s part and right, as was now said.
Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 18:2
XVIII. Deuteronomy 18:1-5. THE PBIESTS’ DUE.(1) The priests the Levites, (and) all the tribe of Levi.—The fact that there is no “and” here in the original, and the look of the sentence in English, might dispose a superficial reader to find some ground here for the theory that priest and Levite are not distinguished in Deuteronomy. No such idea occurred to Rashi. He says, “all the tribe of Levi, not only those that are perfect (who can serve), but those who have a blemish (and cannot).” The distinction between priest and Levite has already been sufficiently noted on Deuteronomy 11:6; Deuteronomy 17:9. The passage is evidently on the same lines with Numbers 18:18-21, which see. (3) The shoulder, and the two cheeks, and the maw.—This would be from the peace offering. The shoulder is assigned to them in Leviticus 7:32-33 (comp. Numbers 18:18). The “two cheeks and the maw” are not mentioned elsewhere, and the latter word is found in this place only.
They are not a valuable part of the sacrifice. An absurd reason for the gift is assigned by Rashi. We know that in the time of Eli, the priests varied their requirements at pleasure, and in the face of the law (see 1 Samuel 2:13). The “priests’ due “here, and “the priests’ custom” there, are the same word in Hebrew, which we have elsewhere translated “requirement.” (4) The flrstfruit also of thy corn.—See Numbers 18:12. The first of the wool is mentioned here only. The quantity in all these cases has been defined by the Rabbis, on grounds somewhat arbitrary. (5) To stand to minister in the name of the Lord.—This is the office of the priests. The Levites are said, “to stand before the congregation to minister unto them” (Numbers 16:9). If the writer of Deuteronomy knew no distinction between priest and Levite, it is difficult to see how the Jews could have derived the distinctive privileges of the priests from these enactments.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Deuteronomy 18:2
Verse 2. The Lord is their inheritance] He is the portion of their souls; and as to their bodies, they shall live by the offerings of the Lord made by fire, i. e., the meat-offering, the sin-offering, and the trespass-offering; and whatever was the Lord's right, in these or other offerings, he gave to the priests.
Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 18:2
2. As in Deuteronomy 10:9 : read with Heb. he, his, him for they, their, them and see introd. to this law.
Sermons on Deuteronomy 18:2
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(The Word for Today) Isaiah 11:5 - Part 2 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the preacher discusses two parables from the Bible. The first parable is about the separation of the righteous and the wicked, where Jesus tells the workers of iniq |
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Intercession in Prayer by Paris Reidhead | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of intercession and prayer in the mission of spreading the word of God. The key message is that the responsibility to pray for |
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Free Grace by C.H. Spurgeon | In this sermon, preached by Charles Haddon Spurgeon in 1859, he boldly proclaims a doctrine that goes against human merit and challenges the righteousness of moralists. He acknowle |
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Occupy Till I Come by Alan Redpath | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of Gideon from the Bible and how God used him despite his ordinary status. The speaker emphasizes that it is not our own strategies |
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The Battle of Life (The Christian's Warfare) by C.H. Spurgeon | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of starting early in the pursuit of a life dedicated to serving God. He warns young men and women that the road to spiritual v |
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(Bible Analysis of Man) Man in the Bible - Part 2 by Willie Mullan | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the concept of new creation and the transformation that takes place within individuals. He highlights the importance of love and how it can |
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(Demonology) Principalities by Willie Mullan | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the various ways that the devil can come against the body. Although he doesn't have time to cover all the ways, he provides enough informatio |