Deuteronomy 18:7 (KJV)

What does Deuteronomy 18:7 mean?

Deuteronomy 18:7 says that a Levite who comes from another town may serve the LORD alongside the Levites already serving at the place the LORD chooses. His arrival from elsewhere does not put him in a separate class of service.

Moses is speaking to the people of Israel. After describing the Levite’s desire to come in verse 6, Moses describes what he may do there. The Levites who “stand there before the LORD” are pictured as attendants ready to serve in God’s presence.

The Hebrew behind Deuteronomy 18:7

• “minister” — שָׁרַת (sharat): The word means to serve or attend. Here it describes the work a Levite performs in the LORD’s service.
• “name” — שֵׁם (shem): The word means a name, and it can also refer to the person known by it. Serving “in the name of the LORD” connects the Levite’s work with the LORD himself.
• “before” — פָּנִים (panim): The word can mean “face” and is used here in the sense of “in the presence of.” It gives the picture of the Levites standing in the LORD’s presence as they serve.

Why Deuteronomy 18:7 matters

• The passage allows a Levite’s move to lead to active service, not merely a visit. Verse 6 describes his coming with “all the desire of his mind,” and verse 7 describes his place among the serving Levites.
• The Levite’s place includes provision as well as work. Verse 8 says that such Levites are to have equal portions to eat, with a further mention of what comes from the sale of family possessions.