And the LORD spake unto Aaron, Behold, I also have given thee the charge of mine heave offerings of all the hallowed things of the children of Israel; unto thee have I given them by reason of the anointing, and to thy sons, by an ordinance for ever.

NUMBERS 18:8KJV
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Numbers 18:8 (KJV)

What does Numbers 18:8 mean?

Numbers 18:8 describes God telling Aaron that He is giving him responsibility over the special offerings (heave offerings) that the Israelites dedicate to God. These offerings are given to Aaron and his sons as a permanent right because of their role as priests.

In this verse, the LORD is speaking directly to Aaron, not to Moses or the people. The setting is after the Israelites have left Egypt and are in the wilderness, with God establishing clear roles and privileges for the priests. The verse explains that certain holy gifts brought by the Israelites now belong to Aaron and his sons, not just as a temporary arrangement but as a lasting rule tied to their priestly service.

The Hebrew behind Numbers 18:8

  • The word "charge" (מִשְׁמֶרֶת, mishmeret) means a duty or responsibility. Here, it emphasizes that Aaron is not just receiving gifts, but is entrusted with a sacred task related to these offerings.
  • "Heave offerings" (תְּרוּמָה, terumah) refers to specific portions of offerings lifted up and set apart for God, which are then given to the priests. This shows that what is given to Aaron comes from what is first dedicated to God.
  • "Anointing" (מָשִׁיחַ, mashiach) points to Aaron’s special status as one set apart by God for priestly service. The gifts are given because of this unique calling.
  • "Ordinance" (חֹק, choq) means a fixed rule or statute. This highlights that the arrangement is not temporary but a permanent law for Aaron and his descendants.

Why Numbers 18:8 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the offerings given to the priests are not a personal reward, but a God-given right tied to their sacred duty and calling.
  • Numbers 18:8 sets up a lasting system for how the priests are provided for, showing that God cares for those serving in His sanctuary.
  • The verse connects to the wider passage by explaining how the priesthood is to function within Israel, making clear distinctions between the roles and privileges of priests and the rest of the people.

Where else these words appear

“anointing” Hebrew H4888 · used in 24 verses

  • Exodus 25:6 Oil for the light, spices for anointing oil, and for sweet incense,
  • Exodus 35:8 And oil for the light, and spices for anointing oil, and for the sweet incense,
  • Leviticus 8:2 Take Aaron and his sons with him, and the garments, and the anointing oil, and a bullock for the sin offering, and two rams, and a basket of unleavened bread;

“offerings” Hebrew H8641 · used in 63 verses

  • Exodus 25:2 Speak unto the children of Israel, that they bring me an offering: of every man that giveth it willingly with his heart ye shall take my offering.
  • Numbers 15:19 Then it shall be, that, when ye eat of the bread of the land, ye shall offer up an heave offering unto the LORD.
  • Nehemiah 10:37 And that we should bring the firstfruits of our dough, and our offerings, and the fruit of all manner of trees, of wine and of oil, unto the priests, to the chambers of the house of our God; and the tithes of our ground unto the Levites, that the same Levites might have the tithes in all the cities of our tillage.

“charge” Hebrew H4931 · used in 69 verses

  • Genesis 26:5 Because that Abraham obeyed my voice, and kept my charge, my commandments, my statutes, and my laws.
  • Numbers 8:26 But shall minister with their brethren in the tabernacle of the congregation, to keep the charge, and shall do no service. Thus shalt thou do unto the Levites touching their charge.
  • 1 Chronicles 26:12 Among these were the divisions of the porters, even among the chief men, having wards one against another, to minister in the house of the LORD.

“ordinance” Hebrew H2706 · used in 124 verses

  • Genesis 47:22 Only the land of the priests bought he not; for the priests had a portion assigned them of Pharaoh, and did eat their portion which Pharaoh gave them: wherefore they sold not their lands.
  • Deuteronomy 26:17 Thou hast avouched the LORD this day to be thy God, and to walk in his ways, and to keep his statutes, and his commandments, and his judgments, and to hearken unto his voice:
  • Psalms 119:12 Blessed art thou, O LORD: teach me thy statutes.