The Church Fathers on this verse

Numbers 18:14Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Every thing that the children of Israel shall give by vow, shall be thine.

Douay-Rheims

כָּל־חֵ֥רֶם בְּיִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל לְךָ֥ יִהְיֶֽה׃

Hebrew (Masoretic text)

The Church Fathers on this verse

One Church Father comments on this verse

Cyrill of Alexandria

5th centuryChurch Father

He then allocated the remainder of the offering and instructed them to partake, but only in the sacred area and solely for males. (Refer to Leviticus 6:29 and related passages.) However, the oil, grain, wine, the redemption of the firstborn, and the burnt offerings are no longer designated exclusively for males or for consumption in the holy place; instead, they are to be consumed within the priest's household and are available for daughters and every household member. This differentiation must be adhered to: the remnants of the sacrificial offerings are reserved for the consecrated and should not be treated like ordinary food; the appropriate location for these is indeed a sacred space.

Read more (106 words)

On the other hand, the remaining items offered as gifts are considered secondary and may be enjoyed by the entire household of the consecrated, provided that the consumer is pure, meaning not defiled: according to the law, this means being circumcised, not a foreigner, not afflicted with leprosy, and not experiencing issues related to seminal emissions. In accordance with the New Testament teachings and the Church’s doctrine, this also implies being holy and faithful, rather than unclean and untrustworthy; for it is most appropriate for those called to the divine ministry to associate with those of good character and a heart filled with love for God.

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Passages read together with this verse.