Numbers 18:20

Numbers 18:20 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

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.

King James Version KJV

¶ And the LORD spake unto Aaron, 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.

American Standard Version ASV

And Jehovah said unto Aaron, Thou shalt have no inheritance in their land, neither shalt thou have any portion among them: I am thy portion and thine inheritance among the children of Israel.

Bible in Basic English BBE

And the Lord said to Aaron, You will have no heritage in their land, or any part among them; I am your part and your heritage among the children of Israel.

Free Bible Version FBV

You won't possess property in their country, and you won't have a share in their land. I am your share and your possession among the Israelites.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

And the Lord sayde vnto Aaron, Thou shalt haue none inheritance in their lande, neyther shalt thou haue any parte among them: I am thy part and thine inheritance among the children of Israel.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And Jehovah saith unto Aaron, 'In their land thou dost not inherit, and a portion thou hast not in their midst: I [am] thy portion, and thine inheritance in the midst of the sons of Israel;

World English Bible WEB

The LORD said to Aaron, “You shall have no inheritance in their land, neither shall you have any portion among them. I am your portion and your inheritance among the children of Israel.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And the LORD spoke to Aaron, Thou shalt have no inheritance in their land, neither shalt thou have any part among them: I am thy part and thy inheritance among the children of Israel.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And the Lord said to Aaron: You shall possess nothing in their land, neither shall you have a portion among them: I am thy portion and inheritance in the midst of the children of Israel.

Translation for Translators T4T

Yahweh also said to Aaron, “You priests will not receive any of the land or the property like the other Israeli people will receive. I am what you will receive.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 18:20

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.

Numbers 18:20 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר יְהוָ֜ה אֶֽל אַהֲרֹ֗ן בְּ/אַרְצָ/ם֙ לֹ֣א תִנְחָ֔ל וְ/חֵ֕לֶק לֹא יִהְיֶ֥ה לְ/ךָ֖ בְּ/תוֹכָ֑/ם אֲנִ֤י חֶלְקְ/ךָ֙ וְ/נַחֲלָ֣תְ/ךָ֔ בְּ/ת֖וֹךְ בְּנֵ֥י יִשְׂרָאֵֽל

וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר ʼâmar H559 to say Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

יְהוָ֜ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper

אֶֽל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep

אַהֲרֹ֗ן ʼAhărôwn H175 Aaron N-proper

בְּ/אַרְצָ/ם֙ ʼerets H776 land Prep | N-cs | Suff

לֹ֣א lôʼ H3808 not Part

תִנְחָ֔ל nâchal H5157 to inherit V-Qal-Imperf-2ms

וְ/חֵ֕לֶק chêleq H2506 portion Conj | N-ms

לֹא lôʼ H3808 not Part

יִהְיֶ֥ה hâyâh H1961 to be V-Qal-Imperf-3ms

לְ/ךָ֖ Prep | Suff

בְּ/תוֹכָ֑/ם tâvek H8432 midst Prep | N-ms | Suff

אֲנִ֤י ʼănîy H589 I Pron

חֶלְקְ/ךָ֙ chêleq H2506 portion N-ms | Suff

וְ/נַחֲלָ֣תְ/ךָ֔ nachălâh H5159 inheritance Conj | N-fs | Suff

בְּ/ת֖וֹךְ tâvek H8432 midst Prep | N-ms

בְּנֵ֥י bên H1121 son N-mp

יִשְׂרָאֵֽל Yisrâʼêl H3478 Israel N-proper

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Numbers 18:20

וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר ʼâmar H559 "to say" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.

Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)

Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.

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.

אֶֽל ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep

This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.

Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)

Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.

אַהֲרֹ֗ן ʼAhărôwn H175 "Aaron" N-proper

Aaron was the brother of Moses and the first high priest of the Israelites. He was a leader in the Exodus from Egypt and played a key role in the early history of the Israelites. His story is told in Exodus and Leviticus.

Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Exo.4.14; son of: Amram (H6019) and Jochebed (H3115); brother of: Moses (H4872) and Miriam (H4813); married to Elisheba (H0472); father of: Nadab (H5070), Abihu (H0030), Eleazar (H0499) and Ithamar (H0385) Also named: Aarōn (Ἀαρών "Aaron" G0002) § Aaron = "light bringer" brother of Moses, a Levite and the first high priest

Usage: Occurs in 328 OT verses. KJV: Aaron. See also: Exodus 4:14; Exodus 34:31; Numbers 3:39.

בְּ/אַרְצָ/ם֙ ʼerets H776 "land" Prep | N-cs | Suff

The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.

Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan

Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.

לֹ֣א 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.

תִנְחָ֔ל nâchal H5157 "to inherit" V-Qal-Imperf-2ms

This Hebrew verb means to inherit or to take possession of something, as seen in the story of the Israelites inheriting the Promised Land in Joshua 1:6. It can also mean to distribute or divide something among people, like the division of the land in Joshua 13-19. The word is used in various forms throughout the Bible.

Definition: 1) to get as a possession, acquire, inherit, possess 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to take possession, inherit 1a2) to have or get as a possession or property (fig.) 1a3) to divide the land for a possession 1a4) to acquire (testimonies) (fig.) 1b) (Piel) to divide for a possession 1c) (Hithpael) to possess oneself of 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to give as a possession 1d2) to cause to inherit, give as an inheritance 1e) (Hophal) to be allotted, be made to possess

Usage: Occurs in 57 OT verses. KJV: divide, have (inheritance), take as a heritage, (cause to, give to, make to) inherit, (distribute for, divide (for, for an, by), give for, have, leave for, take (for)) inheritance, (have in, cause to, be made to) possess(-ion). See also: Exodus 23:30; Joshua 17:6; Psalms 69:37.

וְ/חֵ֕לֶק chêleq H2506 "portion" Conj | N-ms

Smoothness can refer to flattering words, but also to an inheritance or a portion of something. It appears in Psalms and Proverbs, describing the smooth tongue of a deceiver.

Definition: 1) portion, share, part, territory 1a) portion, share 1b) portion, tract, parcel (of land) 1c) one's portion, one's possession 1d) (chosen) portion 1e) portion, award (from God) Aramaic equivalent: cha.laq (חֲלָק "portion" H2508)

Usage: Occurs in 63 OT verses. KJV: flattery, inheritance, part, [idiom] partake, portion. See also: Genesis 14:24; Job 27:13; Psalms 16:5.

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.

יִהְיֶ֥ה 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.

לְ/ךָ֖ "" Prep | Suff

בְּ/תוֹכָ֑/ם tâvek H8432 "midst" Prep | N-ms | Suff

This word refers to the middle or center of something, such as a group of people or a physical space. It can also mean among or between things, as seen in various Bible translations.

Definition: 1) midst, middle 1a) midst, middle 1b) into, through (after verbs of motion) 1c) among (of a number of persons) 1d) between (of things arranged by twos) 1e) from among (as to take or separate etc)

Usage: Occurs in 390 OT verses. KJV: among(-st), [idiom] between, half, [idiom] (there-, where-), in(-to), middle, mid(-night), midst (among), [idiom] out (of), [idiom] through, [idiom] with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:6; Numbers 35:5; 2 Chronicles 32:4.

אֲנִ֤י ʼănîy H589 "I" Pron

This Hebrew word is a simple way of saying 'I' or 'me', often used for emphasis. It is used by people like David in the Psalms to express their thoughts and feelings. The word is a basic part of the Hebrew language.

Definition: I (first pers. sing. -usually used for emphasis)

Usage: Occurs in 803 OT verses. KJV: I, (as for) me, mine, myself, we, [idiom] which, [idiom] who. See also: Genesis 6:17; Leviticus 19:36; 1 Samuel 25:24.

חֶלְקְ/ךָ֙ chêleq H2506 "portion" N-ms | Suff

Smoothness can refer to flattering words, but also to an inheritance or a portion of something. It appears in Psalms and Proverbs, describing the smooth tongue of a deceiver.

Usage: Occurs in 63 OT verses. KJV: flattery, inheritance, part, [idiom] partake, portion. See also: Genesis 14:24; Job 27:13; Psalms 16:5.

וְ/נַחֲלָ֣תְ/ךָ֔ nachălâh H5159 "inheritance" Conj | 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.

בְּ/ת֖וֹךְ tâvek H8432 "midst" Prep | N-ms

This word refers to the middle or center of something, such as a group of people or a physical space. It can also mean among or between things, as seen in various Bible translations.

בְּנֵ֥י bên H1121 "son" N-mp

In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.

Definition: : child/son

Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.

יִשְׂרָאֵֽל 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.

Study Notes — Numbers 18:20

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Numbers 18:20 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Numbers 18:20
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 18:20
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 18:20
Ellicott's Commentary on Numbers 18:20
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Numbers 18:20
Cambridge Bible on Numbers 18:20
Barnes' Notes on Numbers 18:20
Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 18:20
Sermons on Numbers 18:20

Context — Offerings for Priests and Levites

18And their meat belongs to you, just as the breast and right thigh of the wave offering belong to you. 19All the holy offerings that the Israelites present to the LORD I give to you and to your sons and daughters as a permanent statute. It is a permanent covenant of salt before the LORD for you and your offspring.”

20Then 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.

21Behold, 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. 22No longer may the Israelites come near to the Tent of Meeting, or they will incur guilt and die.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Ezekiel 44:28	In regard to their inheritance, I am their inheritance. You are to give them no possession in Israel, for I am their possession.
2	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.
3	Joshua 13:33	To the tribe of Levi, however, Moses had given no inheritance. The LORD, the God of Israel, is their inheritance, just as He had promised them.
4	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.
5	Lamentations 3:24	“The LORD is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I will hope in Him.”
6	Deuteronomy 14:27	And do not neglect the Levite within your gates, since he has no portion or inheritance among you.
7	Joshua 14:3	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.
8	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.
9	Psalms 16:5	The LORD is my chosen portion and my cup; You have made my lot secure.
10	Revelation 21:3	And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying: “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man, and He will dwell with them. They will be His people, and God Himself will be with them as their God.

Numbers 18:20 Summary

[This verse is saying that Aaron, as a priest, would not get a piece of land like the other tribes of Israel, but instead, God would be his special inheritance and provide for him. This reminds us that our ultimate treasure and provision come from God, not from earthly things, as seen in Matthew 6:19-21. Just like Aaron, we can trust in God's goodness and provision, and seek Him as our portion and inheritance. By doing so, we can find contentment and joy in knowing that God is our ultimate treasure and will provide for all our needs.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean for Aaron to have no inheritance in the land?

This means that Aaron and his descendants, the priests, would not receive a portion of land like the other tribes of Israel, but instead, they would receive their support and provision from the offerings and tithes given by the people, as seen in Numbers 18:19 and Deuteronomy 18:1-2.

Why did God say He is Aaron's portion and inheritance?

God said He is Aaron's portion and inheritance to emphasize that His presence, provision, and promise are more valuable and lasting than any earthly inheritance, as also seen in Psalms 16:5 and 73:26.

How does this verse relate to the role of priests in Israel?

This verse highlights the unique role and provision of the priests in Israel, who were set apart to serve the Lord and the people, and were to trust in God's provision rather than earthly wealth or possessions, as seen in Numbers 18:1-7 and Hebrews 7:1-10.

What can we learn from this verse about trusting in God's provision?

We can learn that just as God was the portion and inheritance of the priests, He can also be our portion and inheritance, providing for our needs and being our ultimate treasure, as seen in Matthew 6:33 and Philippians 4:19.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways I can trust in God's provision and presence in my life, just like Aaron was called to do?
How can I prioritize my relationship with God and seek Him as my ultimate inheritance, rather than earthly wealth or possessions?
What are some areas of my life where I need to remember that God is my portion and inheritance, and trust in His goodness and provision?
How can I, like Aaron, find contentment and joy in knowing that God is my portion and inheritance, and that He will provide for all my needs?

Gill's Exposition on Numbers 18:20

And the Lord spake unto Aaron,.... What is said, being what concerned the tribe of Levi, at the head of which Aaron was, even concerning the maintenance of the Levites: thou shalt have no inheritance

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 18:20

And the LORD spake unto Aaron, 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.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 18:20

In their land, i.e. in the land of the children of Israel, mentioned . You shall not have a distinct and separate portion of land, as the other tribes shall. The reason of this law was, partly, because God would have them wholly devoted to and employed in his service, and therefore; free from worldly encumbrances and businesses; partly, because God had abundantly provided for them otherwise by tithes and first-fruits and oblations of all sorts; partly, because God would have their worldly comfort and happiness depend singly upon him and his service, and so would; oblige them to use more zeal and diligence in the advancement of piety, even for their own interest, which was either better or worse as true religion flourished or decayed; see ,10 19:18 30:22 31:4; partly, that this might be a firm bond of hearty love and affection between the people and their teachers, the Levites, who, as they performed religious services for the people, so they received their subsistence from them; and partly, that by this means being dispersed among the several tribes, they might have the better opportunity for teaching and watching over the people, which was their duty, . I am thy part, i.e. I have appointed thee a liberal maintenance out of my oblations.

Ellicott's Commentary on Numbers 18:20

(20) Thou shalt have no inheritance . . . —Aaron is addressed in this verse as the representative of the priesthood. He himself did not enter into the land of Canaan. I am thy part and thine inheritance . . . —All that are admitted into the number of Christ’s royal priesthood have God for their portion and inheritance—in life, in death, and throughout eternity. (Comp. Psalms 73:26; Psalms 142:5.)

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Numbers 18:20

Verse 20. I am thy part and thine inheritance] The principal part of what was offered to God was the portion of the priests, therefore they had no inheritance of land in Israel; independently of that they had a very ample provision for their support. The rabbins say twenty-four gifts were given to the priests, and they are all expressed in the law. Eight of those gifts the priests ate nowhere but in the sanctuary: these eight are the following: - 1. The flesh of the SIN-OFFERING, whether of beasts or fowls, Leviticus 6:25-26. 2. The flesh of the TRESPASS-OFFERING, Leviticus 7:1; Leviticus 7:6. 3. The PEACE-OFFERINGS of the congregation, Leviticus 23:19-20. 4. The remainder of the OMER or SHEAF, Leviticus 23:10, c. 5. The remnants of the MEAT-OFFERINGS of the Israelites, Leviticus 6:16. 6. The two LOAVES, Leviticus 23:17. 7. The SHEW-BREAD, Leviticus 24:9. 8. The LOG of OIL offered by the leper, Leviticus 14:10, c. Five of those gifts they ate only in Jerusalem: - 1. The breast and shoulder of the PEACE-OFFERINGS, Leviticus 7:31 Leviticus 7:34. 2. The HEAVE-OFFERING of the sacrifice of confession, Leviticus 7:12-14. 3. The HEAVE-OFFERING of the Nazarite's ram, Leviticus 6:17-20. 4. The FIRSTLING of the clean beast, Numbers 18:15; Deuteronomy 15:19-20. 5. The FIRST-FRUITS, Numbers 18:13. FIVE gifts were not due unto them by the law, but in the land of Israel only: - 1. The heave-offering or FIRST-FRUITS, Numbers 18:12. 2. The heave-offering of the TITHE, Numbers 18:28. 3. The CAKE, Numbers 15:20. These three were holy. 4. The first-fruits of the FLEECE, Deuteronomy 18:4. 5. The FIELD of POSSESSION, Numbers 35:2 c. These two were common. FIVE gifts were due unto them both within and without the land: - 1. The gifts of the BEASTS SLAIN, Deuteronomy 18:3. 2. The redemption of the FIRST-BORN SON, Numbers 18:15. 3. The LAMB for the firstling of an ass, Exodus 4:20; Numbers 18:15-16. 4. The restitution of that taken by violence from a stranger, Numbers 5:8. 5. All DEVOTED things, Numbers 18:14. ONE gift was due unto them from the sanctuary: - 1. The skins of the burnt-offering, and all the skins of the other most holy things, Leviticus 7:8. In all 24. See Ainsworth. The gifts which the females of the priests' families had a part in were these: - 1. The heave-offering, or first-fruits. 2. The heave-offering of the tithe. 3. The cake. 4. The gifts of the beast, Deuteronomy 18:3. 5. The first of the fleece. -See Mishna, Tract. Biccurim, and Ainsworth on the Pentateuch. Besides all this the priests had the tribute money mentioned Numbers 31:28-29.

Cambridge Bible on Numbers 18:20

20. The reason why the priests are to receive all these dues is that they are to possess no landed property in Canaan. Cf. Numbers 26:62, Joshua 14:3. This ordinance, however, did not exclude the assignment of certain cities, with their surrounding land, to the priests and Levites (Numbers 35:1-8, Joshua 21:1-42).

Barnes' Notes on Numbers 18:20

I am thy part and thine inheritance - Compare the marginal references.

Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 18:20

20. I am… thine inheritance — Peter describes this inheritance by the use of three negatives. 1 Peter 1:4. No positive terms can compass its greatness.

Sermons on Numbers 18:20

	Sermon	Description
	(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
	(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
	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
	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,
	Joshua Chapter 12 Inheritance the Inheritance of the Levites, or All in God and God in All by A.B. Simpson	A.B. Simpson emphasizes the significance of the Levites' inheritance in Joshua Chapter 12, illustrating that they represent the principles of redemption, separation, dedication, an
	Inheritance the Inheritance of the Levites, or All in God and God in All by A.B. Simpson	A.B. Simpson emphasizes the significance of the Levites' inheritance, illustrating that true consecration involves redemption, separation, dedication, and service to God. He explai
	The Lord Is My Portion by Erlo Stegen	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of keeping our eyes on God and seeking His presence in all circumstances. He reminds the audience of how God's people had rej