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.

NUMBERS 18:20KJV
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Numbers 18:20 (KJV)

What does Numbers 18:20 mean?

Numbers 18:20 explains that Aaron’s family would not receive a share of Israel’s land as its inheritance. Instead, the LORD says that he himself is Aaron’s “part” and “inheritance.” The surrounding passage shows how Aaron’s family would receive support through gifts brought to the LORD.

The LORD speaks directly to Aaron, the chief priest. The image of a “part” calls to mind the share of land allotted to a family, but here the LORD places himself in that position for Aaron.

The Hebrew behind Numbers 18:20

  • “part” — חֵלֶק (ḥeleq): A share or portion. The same word describes both the land share Aaron will not receive and what the LORD says he is for Aaron.
  • “inheritance” — נַחֲלָה (naḥalah): A possession received as an inheritance. The word helps connect the promise to the way land was passed on within Israel’s families.

Why Numbers 18:20 matters

  • Aaron’s family still had a way to be supported. In Numbers 18:8–19, the LORD assigns them portions of offerings brought by the Israelites.
  • The distinction also affects the wider tribe of Levi. Numbers 18:21 gives the Levites a share of Israel’s tithes—tenths of produce—as payment for their work, while Numbers 18:23–24 says they would have no land inheritance among the Israelites.

Where else these words appear

“inheritance” Hebrew H5157 · used in 59 verses

  • Exodus 23:30 By little and little I will drive them out from before thee, until thou be increased, and inherit the land.
  • Deuteronomy 19:14 Thou shalt not remove thy neighbour's landmark, which they of old time have set in thine inheritance, which thou shalt inherit in the land that the LORD thy God giveth thee to possess it.
  • Proverbs 3:35 The wise shall inherit glory: but shame shall be the promotion of fools.

“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.