The priests the Levites, and all the tribe of Levi, shall have no part nor inheritance with Israel: they shall eat the offerings of the LORD made by fire, and his inheritance.

DEUTERONOMY 18:1KJV
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Deuteronomy 18:1 (KJV)

What does Deuteronomy 18:1 mean?

Deuteronomy 18:1 says that the priests and Levites, who are all part of the tribe of Levi, will not receive a share of land as an inheritance like the other tribes of Israel. Instead, their portion comes from eating the offerings given to the LORD, which is considered their inheritance.

Moses is speaking to the Israelites as they prepare to enter the promised land. He explains that the tribe of Levi has a unique role, serving at the sanctuary and handling religious duties, so they will not get farmland or territory like the other tribes. Their support comes from the people’s sacrifices and offerings, which are described as “the offerings of the LORD made by fire.”

The Hebrew behind Deuteronomy 18:1

  • לֵוִי (Levi; transliteration: Levi): This word refers to the tribe set apart for religious service. Here, it emphasizes that all Levites, not just the priests, are included in this arrangement.
  • חֵלֶק (cheleq; transliteration: part): This word means a portion or share, especially of land. The verse stresses that the Levites do not receive a territorial share like the other tribes.
  • נַחֲלָה (nachalah; transliteration: inheritance): This word refers to a permanent possession, usually land passed down through generations. The Levites’ inheritance is not land but their special relationship with God and the offerings.
  • אָכַל (akal; transliteration: eat): This word means to eat, and here it highlights that the Levites’ daily provision comes from the offerings, making their sustenance directly tied to their service.

Why Deuteronomy 18:1 matters

  • Deuteronomy 18:1 clarifies that the Levites’ role is different from the other tribes, preventing confusion about why they do not receive land.
  • The verse shows that spiritual service is supported by the community’s offerings, underlining the dependence of religious leaders on the people’s faithfulness.
  • This instruction connects to the wider laws about offerings and priestly support, setting up later explanations about how the Levites are to be provided for throughout Israel’s history.

Where else these words appear

“Levi” Hebrew H3878 · used in 61 verses

  • Genesis 29:34 And she conceived again, and bare a son; and said, Now this time will my husband be joined unto me, because I have born him three sons: therefore was his name called Levi.
  • Numbers 16:10 And he hath brought thee near to him, and all thy brethren the sons of Levi with thee: and seek ye the priesthood also?
  • 1 Chronicles 6:43 The son of Jahath, the son of Gershom, the son of Levi.

“part” Hebrew H2506 · used in 63 verses

  • Genesis 14:24 Save only that which the young men have eaten, and the portion of the men which went with me, Aner, Eshcol, and Mamre; let them take their portion.
  • 1 Samuel 30:24 For who will hearken unto you in this matter? but as his part is that goeth down to the battle, so shall his part be that tarrieth by the stuff: they shall part alike.
  • Ecclesiastes 2:21 For there is a man whose labour is in wisdom, and in knowledge, and in equity; yet to a man that hath not laboured therein shall he leave it for his portion. This also is vanity and a great evil.

“offerings” Hebrew H801 · used in 64 verses

  • Exodus 29:18 And thou shalt burn the whole ram upon the altar: it is a burnt offering unto the LORD: it is a sweet savour, an offering made by fire unto the LORD.
  • Leviticus 6:17 It shall not be baken with leaven. I have given it unto them for their portion of my offerings made by fire; it is most holy, as is the sin offering, and as the trespass offering.
  • Leviticus 23:37 These are the feasts of the LORD, which ye shall proclaim to be holy convocations, to offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD, a burnt offering, and a meat offering, a sacrifice, and drink offerings, every thing upon his day: