Every thing devoted in Israel shall be thine.

NUMBERS 18:14KJV
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Numbers 18:14 (KJV)

What does Numbers 18:14 mean?

Numbers 18:14 states that everything in Israel that is set apart as "devoted" now belongs to the priests. This means that any item or property the people dedicate in a special way to God is given to the priests for their use.

In this chapter, God is speaking to Aaron, the high priest, and giving instructions about what belongs to the priests as their portion. The verse clarifies that anything the Israelites "devote"—meaning they set it aside as especially holy or given over to God—becomes the property of the priests, supporting them in their service.

The Hebrew behind Numbers 18:14

  • devoted (חֵרֶם, ḥērem): This word often refers to something set apart, banned, or dedicated to God, sometimes by destruction or by being given over completely. Here, it means anything the Israelites have set apart as especially belonging to God is transferred to the priests.
  • Israel (יִשְׂרָאֵל, Yiśrā’ēl): This simply refers to the people of Israel, making clear that the rule applies to anything devoted by any Israelite.

Why Numbers 18:14 matters

  • Numbers 18:14 clears up that not just sacrifices, but also any item or property specially dedicated to God by an Israelite, becomes the priests' rightful possession.
  • This verse emphasizes the special relationship between the priests and the rest of Israel, showing how the priests are supported by the community’s acts of devotion.
  • It connects to the wider passage by listing the specific rights and provisions God gives to the priests, helping the reader see how their needs were met through the people's offerings.

Where else these words appear

“devoted” Hebrew H2764 · used in 31 verses

  • Leviticus 27:21 But the field, when it goeth out in the jubile, shall be holy unto the LORD, as a field devoted; the possession thereof shall be the priest's.
  • Joshua 7:13 Up, sanctify the people, and say, Sanctify yourselves against to morrow: for thus saith the LORD God of Israel, There is an accursed thing in the midst of thee, O Israel: thou canst not stand before thine enemies, until ye take away the accursed thing from among you.
  • Ezekiel 26:14 And I will make thee like the top of a rock: thou shalt be a place to spread nets upon; thou shalt be built no more: for I the LORD have spoken it, saith the Lord GOD.