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Joshua 13:14

Joshua 13:14 in Multiple Translations

To the tribe of Levi, however, Moses had given no inheritance. The offerings made by fire to the LORD, the God of Israel, are their inheritance, just as He had promised them.

Only unto the tribe of Levi he gave none inheritance; the sacrifices of the LORD God of Israel made by fire are their inheritance, as he said unto them.

Only unto the tribe of Levi he gave no inheritance; the offerings of Jehovah, the God of Israel, made by fire are his inheritance, as he spake unto him.

Only to the tribe of Levi he gave no heritage; the offerings of the Lord, the God of Israel, made by fire are his heritage, as he said to him.

Moses did not allocate any land for the Levites to own. Instead they were allotted the offerings made by fire to the Lord, the God of Israel, as the Lord had promised them.

Onely vnto the tribe of Leui he gaue none inheritance, but the sacrifices of the Lord God of Israel are his inheritance, as he said vnto him.

Only, to the tribe of Levi he hath not given an inheritance; fire-offerings of Jehovah, God of Israel, is its inheritance, as He hath spoken to it.

Only he gave no inheritance to the tribe of Levi. The offerings of the LORD, the God of Israel, made by fire are his inheritance, as he spoke to him.

Only to the tribe of Levi he gave no inheritance; the sacrifices of the LORD God of Israel made by fire are their inheritance, as he said to them.

But to the tribe of Levi he gave no possession: but the sacrifices and victims of the Lord God of Israel, are his inheritance, as he spoke to him.

The tribe of Levi was the only tribe that did not get any land. Instead, just like Yahweh promised, they continued to receive food from the sacrifices that were given to Yahweh, the God whom the Israelis worship, the sacrifices that were burned on the sacred altar.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Joshua 13:14

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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.

Joshua 13:14 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB רַ֚ק לְ/שֵׁ֣בֶט הַ/לֵּוִ֔י לֹ֥א נָתַ֖ן נַחֲלָ֑ה אִשֵּׁ֨י יְהוָ֜ה אֱלֹהֵ֤י יִשְׂרָאֵל֙ ה֣וּא נַחֲלָת֔/וֹ כַּ/אֲשֶׁ֖ר דִּבֶּר לֽ/וֹ
רַ֚ק raq H7535 except DirObjM
לְ/שֵׁ֣בֶט shêbeṭ H7626 tribe Prep | N-ms
הַ/לֵּוִ֔י Lêvîy H3878 Levi Art | Ngmsa
לֹ֥א lôʼ H3808 not Part
נָתַ֖ן nâthan H5414 to give V-Qal-Perf-3ms
נַחֲלָ֑ה nachălâh H5159 inheritance N-fs
אִשֵּׁ֨י ʼishshâh H801 food offering N-mp
יְהוָ֜ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper
אֱלֹהֵ֤י ʼĕlôhîym H430 God N-mp
יִשְׂרָאֵל֙ Yisrâʼêl H3478 Israel 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

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Hebrew Word Reference — Joshua 13:14

רַ֚ק raq H7535 "except" DirObjM
This Hebrew word means 'except' or 'only', used to limit or emphasize something, like in Exodus 12:11 where it says to eat the Passover meal in haste, with nothing but your clothes on. It can also mean 'but' or 'nevertheless'.
Definition: 1) only, altogether, surely 1a) only 1b) only, nought but, altogether (in limitation) 1c) save, except (after a negative) 1d) only, altogether, surely (with an affirmative) 1e) if only, provided only (prefixed for emphasis) 1f) only, exclusively (for emphasis)
Usage: Occurs in 107 OT verses. KJV: but, even, except, howbeit howsoever, at the least, nevertheless, nothing but, notwithstanding, only, save, so (that), surely, yet (so), in any wise. See also: Genesis 6:5; Joshua 13:14; Psalms 32:6.
לְ/שֵׁ֣בֶט shêbeṭ H7626 "tribe" Prep | N-ms
This word means a stick or staff, but also a clan or tribe, and can refer to a symbol of authority or a tool for punishing. It is used in the Bible to describe the rods used by shepherds or the scepters of kings.
Definition: : tribe 1) rod, staff, branch, offshoot, club, sceptre, tribe 1a) rod, staff 1b) shaft (of spear, dart) 1c) club (of shepherd's implement) 1d) truncheon, sceptre (mark of authority) 1e) clan, tribe
Usage: Occurs in 178 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] correction, dart, rod, sceptre, staff, tribe. See also: Genesis 49:10; 2 Samuel 24:2; Psalms 2:9.
הַ/לֵּוִ֔י Lêvîy H3878 "Levi" Art | Ngmsa
Levi was a son of Jacob and Leah, mentioned in Genesis 29:34. He was a brother of Reuben, Simeon, and Judah, and the father of Gershon, Kohath, and Merari. Levi's name is significant in the tribe of Levi.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.29.34; son of: Israel (H3478) and Leah (H3812); brother of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Judah (H3063), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074) and Dinah (H1783); half-brother of: Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); father of: Gershon (H1648), Kohath (H6955), Merari (H4847) and Jochebed (H3115) § Levi = "joined to" the 3rd son of Jacob by Leah and progenitor of tribe of Levites
Usage: Occurs in 61 OT verses. KJV: Levi. See also H3879 (לֵוִי), H3881 (לֵוִיִּי). See also: Genesis 29:34; Deuteronomy 27:12; Psalms 135:20.
לֹ֥א 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.
נָתַ֖ן nâthan H5414 "to give" V-Qal-Perf-3ms
This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.
Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon
Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.
נַחֲלָ֑ה nachălâh H5159 "inheritance" 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.
אִשֵּׁ֨י ʼishshâh H801 "food offering" N-mp
An ishshah is a food offering or sacrifice given to God, often by fire or eaten by priests, as seen in various Bible translations.
Definition: food offering, offering given to God by fire or eaten by priests, sacrificial offering
Usage: Occurs in 64 OT verses. KJV: (offering, sacrifice), (made) by fire. See also: Exodus 29:18; Leviticus 21:6; 1 Samuel 2:28.
יְהוָ֜ה 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.
אֱלֹהֵ֤י ʼĕlôhîym H430 "God" N-mp
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
יִשְׂרָאֵל֙ Yisrâʼêl H3478 "Israel" N-proper
Israel is the symbolic name of Jacob, also referring to his descendants. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, had 12 sons who became the tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 25:26. His story is crucial to the Bible's narrative.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently § Israel = "God prevails" 1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel 2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob 2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split 2b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah 2c) the name of the nation after the return from exile
Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.
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 — Joshua 13:14

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Numbers 18:20–24 Then the LORD said to Aaron, “You will have no inheritance in their land, nor will you have any portion among them. I am your portion and your inheritance among the Israelites. Behold, I have given to the Levites all the tithes in Israel as an inheritance in return for the work they do, the service of the Tent of Meeting. No longer may the Israelites come near to the Tent of Meeting, or they will incur guilt and die. The Levites are to perform the work of the Tent of Meeting, and they must bear their iniquity. This is a permanent statute for the generations to come. The Levites will not receive an inheritance among the Israelites. For I have given to the Levites as their inheritance the tithe that the Israelites present to the LORD as a contribution. That is why I told them that they would not receive an inheritance among the Israelites.”
2 Joshua 14:3–4 For Moses had given the inheritance east of the Jordan to the other two and a half tribes. But he granted no inheritance among them to the Levites. The descendants of Joseph became two tribes, Manasseh and Ephraim. And no portion of the land was given to the Levites, except for cities in which to live, along with pasturelands for their flocks and herds.
3 Deuteronomy 18:1–2 The Levitical priests—indeed the whole tribe of Levi—shall have no portion or inheritance with Israel. They are to eat the offerings made by fire to the LORD; that is their inheritance. Although they have no inheritance among their brothers, the LORD is their inheritance, as He promised them.
4 Deuteronomy 12:19 and be careful not to neglect the Levites as long as you live in your land.
5 Deuteronomy 10:9 That is why Levi has no portion or inheritance among his brothers; the LORD is his inheritance, as the LORD your God promised him.
6 Deuteronomy 12:12 And you shall rejoice before the LORD your God—you, your sons and daughters, your menservants and maidservants, and the Levite within your gates, since he has no portion or inheritance among you.

Joshua 13:14 Summary

This verse tells us that the tribe of Levi didn't receive a portion of land like the other tribes, because God had a special plan for them. Instead, their inheritance was the offerings and sacrifices that the people made to God, which provided for their needs (as seen in Deuteronomy 18:1-2). This reminds us that when we serve God, He will take care of us and provide for our needs, just as He promised in Matthew 6:33 and Philippians 4:19. By trusting God for our provision, we can focus on serving and ministering to others, just like the Levites did.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why didn't the tribe of Levi receive an inheritance like the other tribes?

The tribe of Levi was set apart by God to serve as priests and ministers, and their inheritance was the offerings made by fire to the Lord, as promised in Deuteronomy 18:1-2 and Numbers 18:21.

What are the offerings made by fire that the Levites received as their inheritance?

The offerings made by fire refer to the various sacrifices and offerings that the Israelites were commanded to give to the Lord, such as the burnt offering, grain offering, and peace offering, as described in Leviticus 1-7.

How did the Levites support themselves if they didn't have an inheritance of land?

The Levites were supported by the tithes and offerings of the other tribes, as commanded in Numbers 18:21-24 and Deuteronomy 14:27-29, which provided for their livelihood and allowed them to focus on their priestly duties.

Is this concept of the Levites' inheritance still relevant today?

While the specific arrangement of the Levites' inheritance is unique to the Old Testament, the principle of God providing for those who serve Him remains relevant, as seen in 1 Corinthians 9:13-14 and Galatians 6:6, which teach that those who minister spiritually should be supported by those who benefit from their ministry.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does it mean for me to trust God for my provision and inheritance, just as the Levites did?
  2. How can I, like the Levites, dedicate myself to serving God and ministering to others, even if it means sacrificing material comfort or security?
  3. What are some ways that I can support and care for those who are serving God and ministering to others, just as the other tribes supported the Levites?
  4. How does this verse remind me of God's faithfulness to keep His promises, and what promises has He made to me that I can trust Him to fulfill?

Gill's Exposition on Joshua 13:14

Only unto the tribe of Levi he gave none inheritance,.... Neither the Lord, nor Moses by his order, nor did he appoint any inheritance for them, either beyond Jordan, or on this side it, for the Lord

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Joshua 13:14

Only unto the tribe of Levi he gave none inheritance; the sacrifices of the LORD God of Israel made by fire are their inheritance, as he said unto them. Only unto the tribe of Levi he gave none inheritance.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Joshua 13:14

He, i.e. Moses, as is expressed , gave none inheritance, to wit, in the land beyond Jordan, where yet a considerable part of the Levites were to have their settled abode. This is mentioned as the reason both why Moses gave all that land to the Reubenites, and Gadites, and Manassites; and why Joshua should divide the land only into nine parts and a half, as was said, , because Levi was otherwise provided for Sacrifices of the Lord made by fire; which by a synecdoche are here put for all those sacrifices and oblations, including first-fruits and tithes, which were assigned to the Levites; and this passage is so oft repeated and urged, to prevent those calumnies and injuries which God foresaw the Levites were likely to meet with from the malice, envy, and covetousness of their brethren; and to oblige all the other tribes to a cheerful and conscionable giving to the Levites their dues, to which they had as good a right and title as they had to their several possessions.

Trapp's Commentary on Joshua 13:14

Joshua 13:14 Only unto the tribe of Levi he gave none inheritance; the sacrifices of the LORD God of Israel made by fire [are] their inheritance, as he said unto them.Ver. 14. Only unto the tribe of Levi he gave none inheritance.] Because God was to be their portion: Yεοςηπροσοδος, as Lucian speaketh of his heathenish priests.

Cambridge Bible on Joshua 13:14

14. Only unto the tribe of Levi] The Levites not being destined for agriculture, but being intended to become the regular teachers of the people, received no inheritance. See Joshua 13:33, and ch. Joshua 14:3-4. the sacrifices of the Lord God] “the sacryfices, and the slayn offryngis of the Lord God of Yrael,” Wyclif. The offerings of Jehovah were to be their portion (Numbers 18:20; Deuteronomy 10:9; Deuteronomy 18:2).

Whedon's Commentary on Joshua 13:14

14. Only unto the tribe of Levi — Moses did not give any inheritance to the nine and a half tribes, not from lack of purpose, but from lack of opportunity.

Sermons on Joshua 13:14

SermonDescription
A.B. Simpson The Lord God of Israel Was Their Inheritance by A.B. Simpson A.B. Simpson emphasizes that while God granted the land to the tribes of Israel, He offered Himself as the inheritance to the Levites, illustrating a deeper spiritual truth. He con
Zac Poonen (Genesis) - Part 15 by Zac Poonen In this sermon, the preacher discusses the significance of Abraham's deep sleep and the covenant God made with him. He explains that just as God put Adam into a deep sleep and gave
Zac Poonen (Practical Discipleship) 3. Discipleship and Money Matters by Zac Poonen Zac Poonen preaches on the importance of choosing between serving God or Mammon (money and material riches), emphasizing that disciples of Jesus cannot love both. He highlights the
A.W. Tozer Everything in Jesus by A.W. Tozer A.W. Tozer emphasizes that while God bestows many gifts upon humanity, His greatest gift is Himself. He explains that our true fulfillment comes from knowing and enjoying God, as w
Octavius Winslow The Lord My Portion by Octavius Winslow Octavius Winslow emphasizes that the Lord is our true portion, contrasting the earthly possessions that can distract us from our spiritual inheritance. He reflects on the Levites,

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