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Numbers 18:11 - Priestly portions for purity.

Numbers 18:11 - במדבר 18:11

Hebrew Text

וְזֶה־לְּךָ תְּרוּמַת מַתָּנָם לְכָל־תְּנוּפֹת בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל לְךָ נְתַתִּים וּלְבָנֶיךָ וְלִבְנֹתֶיךָ אִתְּךָ לְחָק־עוֹלָם כָּל־טָהוֹר בְּבֵיתְךָ יֹאכַל אֹתוֹ׃

English Translation

And this is thine; the heave offering of their gift, for all the wave offerings of the children of Yisra᾽el: I have given them to thee, and to thy sons and to thy daughters with thee, by a statute for ever: every one that is clean in thy house shall eat of it.

Transliteration

Vezeh lekha terumat matanam lekol-tenufot bnei Yisrael lekha netatim ulevanekha velivnoteikha itekha lekhaq-olam kol-tahor beveitekha yokhal oto.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְזֶה־לְּךָ֞ תְּרוּמַ֣ת מַתָּנָ֗ם לְכׇל־תְּנוּפֹת֮ בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵל֒ לְךָ֣ נְתַתִּ֗ים וּלְבָנֶ֧יךָ וְלִבְנֹתֶ֛יךָ אִתְּךָ֖ לְחׇק־עוֹלָ֑ם כׇּל־טָה֥וֹר בְּבֵיתְךָ֖ יֹאכַ֥ל אֹתֽוֹ׃
וְזֶה־לְּךָ֞ תְּרוּמַ֣ת מַתָּנָ֗ם לְכׇל־תְּנוּפֹת֮ בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵל֒ לְךָ֣ נְתַתִּ֗ים וּלְבָנֶ֧יךָ וְלִבְנֹתֶ֛יךָ אִתְּךָ֖ לְחׇק־עוֹלָ֑ם כׇּל־טָה֥וֹר בְּבֵיתְךָ֖ יֹאכַ֥ל אֹתֽוֹ׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Bamidbar 18:11) is part of Hashem's instruction to Aharon regarding the portions of korbanot (offerings) designated for the Kohanim and their families. It specifies the distribution of terumah (heave offerings) and tenufah (wave offerings) to Aharon and his descendants as an eternal statute.

Explanation of Key Terms

  • תְּרוּמַת מַתָּנָם (Terumat Matanam) - Rashi explains that this refers to the portion of the offerings that is elevated (terumah) and given as a gift to the Kohanim. This includes parts of the korbanot that are not burned on the Mizbe'ach (altar).
  • תְּנוּפֹת (Tenufot) - The wave offerings, such as the breast and thigh of the shelamim (peace offering), which are waved before Hashem and then given to the Kohanim (see Vayikra 7:30-34).
  • לְחָק־עוֹלָם (Lechok Olam) - Rambam (Hilchot Bikkurim 1:2) emphasizes that this is an everlasting statute, binding for all generations, even after the Beit HaMikdash is rebuilt.

Inheritance for Aharon's Descendants

The verse states that these portions are given not only to Aharon but also to his sons and daughters. The Talmud (Chullin 132a) clarifies that while sons receive a share by default, daughters may partake only if they are unmarried and living in their father's household. Once married, they are no longer eligible.

Purity Requirements

The phrase כָּל־טָהוֹר בְּבֵיתְךָ יֹאכַל אֹתוֹ ("every one that is clean in thy house shall eat of it") teaches that only those in a state of ritual purity may consume these sanctified portions. The Rambam (Hilchot Terumot 7:1) rules that this applies even to non-Kohanim who are part of the household (e.g., servants), provided they are tahor (ritually pure).

Spiritual Significance

The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 18:8) highlights that these gifts to the Kohanim symbolize the unique role of the priesthood in maintaining the spiritual connection between Bnei Yisrael and Hashem. By sustaining the Kohanim through these offerings, the people ensure the continuity of divine service.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Chullin 132b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the laws of terumah (heave offerings) and who is permitted to eat them, emphasizing the eternal statute mentioned in the verse.
📖 Yevamot 86b
Cited in a discussion about the rights of priests and their families to partake of the terumah, highlighting the inclusion of sons and daughters as per the verse.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Numbers 18:11 mean?
A: Numbers 18:11 discusses the portions of offerings (terumah and tenufah) given to the Kohanim (priests) and their families as a permanent portion. These gifts from the Israelites were designated by Hashem for the Kohanim to eat, provided they are in a state of ritual purity (tahor).
Q: Why is this verse important in Judaism?
A: This verse is important because it establishes the eternal right of the Kohanim to receive certain offerings (terumah and tenufah) from the Jewish people. This sustains the priestly class, allowing them to focus on their sacred duties in the Mishkan (Tabernacle) and later the Beit HaMikdash (Temple). Rambam discusses these laws in Hilchot Terumot.
Q: Who was allowed to eat the terumah mentioned in this verse?
A: According to this verse, the terumah could be eaten by the Kohen, his sons, daughters, and any ritually pure (tahor) members of his household. The Talmud (Yevamot 86b) elaborates on the laws of who may consume terumah.
Q: Does this law apply today without the Temple?
A: While the primary application was during Temple times, certain aspects of terumah still apply today in Eretz Yisrael (Land of Israel) for produce grown there. However, since we lack purity today, the terumah must be given to a Kohen but cannot be eaten (Rambam, Hilchot Terumot 1:26).
Q: What can we learn from this verse about supporting Torah leaders?
A: This verse teaches the importance of supporting those who dedicate their lives to spiritual service. Just as the Kohanim received portions to free them for Divine service, today we support Torah scholars and communal leaders so they can focus on teaching and guiding the Jewish people (see Talmud, Ketubot 105b).