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Numbers 18:27 - Priestly tithes elevate holiness.

Numbers 18:27 - במדבר 18:27

Hebrew Text

וְנֶחְשַׁב לָכֶם תְּרוּמַתְכֶם כַּדָּגָן מִן־הַגֹּרֶן וְכַמְלֵאָה מִן־הַיָּקֶב׃

English Translation

And this your gift shall be reckoned to you, as though it were the corn of the threshingfloor, and as the fulness of the winepress.

Transliteration

Venechshav lachem terumatchem kadagan min-hagoren vechamle'ah min-hayakev.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְנֶחְשַׁ֥ב לָכֶ֖ם תְּרוּמַתְכֶ֑ם כַּדָּגָן֙ מִן־הַגֹּ֔רֶן וְכַֽמְלֵאָ֖ה מִן־הַיָּֽקֶב׃
וְנֶחְשַׁ֥ב לָכֶ֖ם תְּרוּמַתְכֶ֑ם כַּדָּגָן֙ מִן־הַגֹּ֔רֶן וְכַֽמְלֵאָ֖ה מִן־הַיָּֽקֶב׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context in the Torah

The verse (Bamidbar 18:27) is part of Hashem's instruction to Aharon regarding the terumah (heave-offering) given to the Kohanim by the Levi'im. The Levi'im, who received ma'aser (tithes) from Bnei Yisrael, were required to separate terumat ma'aser (a tenth of the tithe) for the Kohanim.

Literal Meaning (Peshat)

Rashi explains that this verse teaches that the terumat ma'aser given by the Levi'im to the Kohanim should be considered as significant and valuable as the grain from the threshing floor (dagan) and the fully processed wine from the winepress (yayin). Even though the Levi'im are giving a portion of what they received (which was already tithed), it is regarded with the same sanctity as the original produce.

Symbolic Significance (Derash)

The Midrash Tanchuma (Korach 10) connects this to the idea that mitzvot performed with proper intention are considered precious before Hashem. Just as grain and wine are essential staples, the terumah given properly becomes spiritually "nourishing" to the Kohanim's avodah (service).

Halachic Implications

  • Rambam (Hilchot Terumot 3:1) derives from this verse that terumat ma'aser has the same level of sanctity as regular terumah gedolah given by Israelites to Kohanim.
  • Tosafot (Chullin 132a) notes that the comparison to grain and wine teaches that the terumah must be given from quality produce, just as one would select the finest grain and wine.

Spiritual Message

The Sforno emphasizes that this reckoning applies when the terumah is given with proper sincerity. The verse comes to encourage the Levi'im that their gift - though a "tithe of a tithe" - is cherished like the first and best offerings when given with pure intent.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Numbers 18:27 mean when it compares gifts to grain and wine?
A: This verse teaches that when the Levites tithe from their own portion (terumat ma'aser) to the Kohanim, it is considered as valuable and sacred as the grain from the threshing floor and the wine from the winepress. Rashi explains that just as grain and wine are primary agricultural products, so too this tithe has great spiritual significance.
Q: Why is the tithe mentioned in Numbers 18:27 important?
A: This tithe (terumat ma'aser) is important because it sustains the Kohanim, who served in the Mishkan (Tabernacle) and later the Beit Hamikdash (Temple). The Rambam (Hilchot Ma'aser 3:1) explains that this mitzvah ensures the spiritual leaders can focus on their sacred duties without worldly concerns.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Numbers 18:27 today?
A: Even though we currently lack the Temple, this verse teaches the importance of supporting Torah scholars and communal institutions. The Talmud (Ketubot 105b) derives from this that those who support Torah study share in its reward, just as the Levites' tithe was considered as sacred as grain and wine.
Q: How does the concept of 'terumat ma'aser' apply today?
A: While we cannot currently give terumat ma'aser to Kohanim, the principle applies to separating ma'aser (tithes) from produce grown in Israel and being careful with holy matters. The Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh De'ah 331) rules that certain agricultural laws still apply in Eretz Yisrael today.
Q: Why does the verse mention both grain and wine specifically?
A: The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 18:12) explains that grain represents basic sustenance while wine represents joy. This teaches that our contributions to holy causes should include both our essential resources and the extras that bring happiness - just as we give from both necessities and luxuries.