Numbers 5:9 (KJV)

What does Numbers 5:9 mean?

Numbers 5:9 means that every offering of holy things that the Israelites bring to the priest becomes the priest’s property. This instruction sets out that once the people of Israel bring certain dedicated gifts or offerings to the priest, those items belong to the priest.

In this part of Numbers, God is giving Moses instructions for the community of Israel while they are in the wilderness. The verse is part of a section describing how offerings and gifts dedicated to God are to be handled. It clarifies that offerings brought by the Israelites (the children of Israel) for religious purposes are given to the priests as their rightful share, supporting those who serve in the sanctuary.

The Hebrew behind Numbers 5:9

• "offering" (תְּרוּמָה, terumah): This word refers to something that is lifted up or set apart as a contribution, often for religious use. Here, it highlights that the items given are special gifts dedicated for a holy purpose.
• "things" (קֹדֶשׁ, qodesh): This word means "holy things" or items set apart for God. The verse emphasizes that these are not ordinary gifts, but things considered sacred.
• "children" (בֵּן, ben): This word means "sons" or "children," referring to the people of Israel as a whole, not just individuals.
• "Israel" (יִשְׂרָאֵל, Yisra'el): This is the name for the nation or people group, making clear that the instruction applies to all Israelites.
• "bring" (קָרַב, qarav): This verb means "to bring near" or "to present," showing that the act of giving is intentional and directed toward the priest.
• "priest" (כֹּהֵן, kohen): This word means "priest," the person who serves in the sanctuary and receives these offerings as part of his role.

Why Numbers 5:9 matters

• Numbers 5:9 clarifies that offerings given to God by the Israelites are meant to support the priests, not remain with the giver or be used for other purposes.
• The verse helps explain how the priests were provided for, since they did not have land or regular income like the other tribes.
• This instruction fits into a larger system of laws that organized the community’s worship and ensured that those serving in religious roles were cared for by the people.