And ye shall bear no sin by reason of it, when ye have heaved from it the best of it: neither shall ye pollute the holy things of the children of Israel, lest ye die.

NUMBERS 18:32KJV
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Numbers 18:32 (KJV)

What does Numbers 18:32 mean?

Numbers 18:32 means that the Levites will not be guilty of wrongdoing when they set aside the best part of the offerings for the LORD, as long as they do it properly; they must not treat the sacred gifts from the Israelites carelessly, or they risk death. The verse emphasizes the importance of handling holy things with respect and following God's instructions exactly.

In this verse, God is speaking to the Levites through Moses, explaining their responsibilities regarding the offerings brought by the Israelites. The Levites are told that after they "heave" or set aside the best portion for God, they will not "bear sin"—that is, they will not be held responsible for any offense, as long as they do not "pollute" or misuse the holy things. This instruction is part of a larger section where God outlines the duties and privileges of the Levites in caring for the tabernacle and its offerings.

The Hebrew behind Numbers 18:32

  • "bear" (נָשָׂא, nāśā’): This word often means to carry or bear responsibility. Here, it means the Levites will not be held responsible for sin if they follow the instructions.
  • "sin" (חֵטְא, ḥēt’): This refers to guilt or wrongdoing. The verse assures the Levites that proper handling of offerings removes guilt.
  • "heaved" (רוּם, rūm): This means to lift up or set aside, referring to the act of presenting the best part of the offering to God.
  • "best" (חֵלֶב, ḥēleb): Literally "fat" or "richest part," this word points to the choicest portion of the offering, which was given to God.
  • "pollute" (חָלַל, ḥālal): This means to defile or treat as common. The Levites are warned not to treat the holy things in a careless or disrespectful way.
  • "things" (קֹדֶשׁ, qōdesh): This word means "holy things" or "sacred things," referring to the offerings set apart for God.

Why Numbers 18:32 matters

  • Numbers 18:32 clarifies that the Levites' safety and innocence depend on their careful obedience to God's instructions about offerings, not on their own status or intentions.
  • The verse highlights the seriousness of handling holy things, showing that even those set apart for service (the Levites) must treat God's gifts with great respect.
  • This instruction ties into the broader chapter, which sets boundaries and privileges for the Levites, emphasizing both their special role and their accountability.

Where else these words appear

“sin” Hebrew H2399 · used in 33 verses

  • Genesis 41:9 Then spake the chief butler unto Pharaoh, saying, I do remember my faults this day:
  • Deuteronomy 21:22 And if a man have committed a sin worthy of death, and he be to be put to death, and thou hang him on a tree:
  • Psalms 103:10 He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities.

“best” Hebrew H2459 · used in 69 verses

  • Genesis 4:4 And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof. And the LORD had respect unto Abel and to his offering:
  • Leviticus 7:23 Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, Ye shall eat no manner of fat, of ox, or of sheep, or of goat.
  • 1 Samuel 2:15 Also before they burnt the fat, the priest's servant came, and said to the man that sacrificed, Give flesh to roast for the priest; for he will not have sodden flesh of thee, but raw.

“pollute” Hebrew H2490 · used in 131 verses

  • Genesis 4:26 And to Seth, to him also there was born a son; and he called his name Enos: then began men to call upon the name of the LORD.
  • Judges 20:39 And when the men of Israel retired in the battle, Benjamin began to smite and kill of the men of Israel about thirty persons: for they said, Surely they are smitten down before us, as in the first battle.
  • Jeremiah 16:18 And first I will recompense their iniquity and their sin double; because they have defiled my land, they have filled mine inheritance with the carcases of their detestable and abominable things.