Leviticus 27:30 - “‘All the tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land or of the fruit of the trees, is Yahweh’s. It is holy to Yahweh.

Generated Verse: Leviticus 27:30

What does "Leviticus 27:30" mean?


Leviticus 27:30 is a foundational verse for the concept of tithing in the Old Testament. Let's break it down to understand its meaning:

"All the tithe of the land...": The "tithe" means a tenth (1/10th) of something. "Of the land" signifies that this tithe is to be taken from the produce of the land.

"...whether of the seed of the land or of the fruit of the trees...": This clarifies that the tithe applies to both crops grown from seeds (grains, vegetables, etc.) and fruits harvested from trees (orchards, groves, etc.). It covers the entirety of the agricultural yield.

"...is Yahweh's...": This is the crucial point. The tithe does not belong to the farmer or landowner. It belongs to God, Yahweh. It's an acknowledgment that God is the ultimate owner and provider of everything.

"...It is holy to Yahweh.": Because the tithe belongs to God, it is considered "holy," meaning it is set apart for God's specific purposes. It's not to be treated as common or ordinary.

In essence, the verse means:

One-tenth of everything produced from the land, whether grains, vegetables, or fruits, belongs to God and is sacred. This tithe is a recognition of God's ownership and provision.

Significance and Purpose:

This verse established the principle of tithing as an act of worship and obedience. The tithe was likely used to:

Support the Levites: The Levites were the priestly tribe who did not inherit land like the other tribes. They were responsible for the service of the Tabernacle/Temple, and the tithe provided for their needs.
Care for the poor and needy: Some of the tithe may have been used to help the less fortunate in the community.
Maintain the Temple/Tabernacle: A portion of the tithe could have been used for upkeep, sacrifices, and other religious ceremonies.

In Summary:

Leviticus 27:30 is a straightforward declaration that a tenth of the land's produce is God's, and it's to be treated as holy. It establishes the basis for tithing in the Old Testament, signifying God's ownership and providing for religious and communal needs. It is a practical way for the Israelites to acknowledge God's blessing and provision in their lives.

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