In the Bible, “appertain” refers to something that belongs to or is associated with a particular person, group, or matter. It often denotes a relationship of ownership or a relevant connection to spiritual or moral obligations, as seen in passages that discuss responsibilities and inheritances.
Scripture
1 Now Korah the son of Izhar, son of Kohath, son of Levi, and Dathan and Abiram the sons of Eliab, and On the son of Peleth, sons of Reuben, took men.
2 And they rose up before Moses, with a number of the people of Israel, 250 chiefs of the congregation, chosen from the assembly, well-known men.
3 They assembled themselves together against Moses and against Aaron and said to them, “You have gone too far! For all in the congregation are holy, every one of them, and the Lord is among them. Why then do you exalt yourselves above the assembly of the Lord?”
4 When Moses heard it, he fell on his face,
5 And he said to Korah and all his company, “In the morning the Lord will show who is his, and who is holy, and will bring him near to him. The one whom he chooses he will bring near to him.
6 And Moses said to Korah, “Hear now, you sons of Levi:
7 and put fire in them and put incense on them before the Lord tomorrow. And the man whom the Lord chooses shall be the holy one. You have gone too far, sons of Levi!
8 And Moses said to Korah, “Hear now, you sons of Levi:
9 is it too small a thing for you that the God of Israel has separated you from the congregation of Israel, to bring you near to himself, to do service in the tabernacle of the Lord and to stand before the congregation to minister to them,
10 and that he has brought you near him, and all your brothers the sons of Levi with you? And would you seek the priesthood also?
11 Therefore it is against the Lord that you and all your company have gathered together. What is Aaron that you grumble against him?”
12 And Moses sent to call Dathan and Abiram, the sons of Eliab, and they said, “We will not come up.
13 Is it a small thing that you have brought us up out of a land flowing with milk and honey, to kill us in the wilderness, that you must also make yourself a prince over us?
14 Moreover, you have not brought us into a land flowing with milk and honey, nor given us inheritance of fields and vineyards. Will you put out the eyes of these men? We will not come up.”
15 Then Moses was very angry and said to the Lord, “Do not respect their offering. I have not taken one donkey from them, and I have not harmed one of them.”
16 And Moses said to Korah, “Be present, you and all your company, before the Lord, you and they, and Aaron, tomorrow.
17 And let every one of you take his censer and put incense on it, and every one of you bring before the Lord his censer, 250 censers; you also, and Aaron, each his censer.”
18 So they took every man his censer and put fire in them and laid incense on them and stood at the entrance of the tent of meeting with Moses and Aaron.
19 Then Korah assembled all the congregation against them at the entrance of the tent of meeting.
20 And the Lord spoke to Moses and to Aaron, saying,
21 “Separate yourselves from among this congregation, that I may consume them in a moment.”
22 And they fell on their faces and said, “O God, the God of the spirits of all flesh, shall one man sin, and will you be angry with all the congregation?”
23 And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying,
24 “Say to the congregation, ‘Get away from the dwelling of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram.’”
25 And Moses rose and went to Dathan and Abiram, and the elders of Israel followed him.
26 And he spoke to the congregation, saying, “Depart, please, from the tents of these wicked men, and touch nothing of theirs, lest you be swept away with all their sins.”
27 So they got away from the dwelling of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram. And Dathan and Abiram came out and stood at the door of their tents, together with their wives, their sons, and their little ones.
28 And Moses said, “By this you shall know that the Lord has sent me to do all these works, and that it has not been of my own accord.
29 If these men die as all men die, or if they are visited by the fate of all mankind, then the Lord has not sent me.
30 But if the Lord creates something new, and the ground opens its mouth and swallows them up with all that belongs to them, and they go down alive into Sheol, then you shall know that these men have despised the Lord.”
31 And as soon as he had finished speaking all these words, the ground under them split apart.
32 And the earth opened its mouth and swallowed them up, with their households and all the people who belonged to Korah and all their goods.
33 So they and all that belonged to them went down alive into Sheol, and the earth closed over them, and they perished from the midst of the assembly.
34 All Israel who were around them fled at their cry, for they said, “Lest the earth swallow us up!”
35 And fire came out from the Lord and consumed the 250 men offering the incense.
36 Then the Lord spoke to Moses, saying,
37 “Tell Eleazar the son of Aaron the priest to take up the censers out of the blaze. Then scatter the fire far and wide, for they have become holy.
38 The censers of these men who have sinned at the cost of their lives shall be made into hammered plates as a covering for the altar, for they offered them before the Lord, and they became holy. Thus they shall be a sign to the people of Israel.”
39 So Eleazar the priest took the bronze censers, which those who were burned had offered, and they were hammered out as a covering for the altar,
40 to be a reminder to the people of Israel, so that no outsider, who is not of the descendants of Aaron, should draw near to burn incense before the Lord, lest he become like Korah and his company—as the Lord said to him through Moses.
Meaning of “Appertain” in the Bible
In biblical contexts, the term “appertain” connotes ownership, affiliation, or inherent connection to a certain role or responsibility, often in relation to God’s covenant with His people. For instance, in Romans 9:4, Paul speaks of the Israelites, stating that “to them belong the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the worship, and the promises.” Here, “appertain” underscores both the privileges and responsibilities that belong to the chosen people of God. This richness of meaning emphasizes the idea that with the gifts of God come certain expectations for behavior and worship, making the relationship dynamic rather than static.
Moreover, in the context of spiritual inheritance, the concept can be expanded to show how believers appertain to the body of Christ. In 1 Corinthians 12:27, the Apostle Paul writes, “Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it,” implying a deep, intrinsic connection among believers. Each individual has a role or function that belongs to their identity as part of the Church. This communal sense of belonging suggests that each individual’s gifts and responsibilities are interwoven with the overall purpose of the body, thus reflecting a holistic vision of Christian life where personal identity appertains to a greater divine narrative. In exploring these passages, we see that “appertain” is not merely about possession but points to a divine partnership characterized by duty, identity, and purpose within the community of faith.
In Scripture, the notion of “appertain” extends beyond mere ownership to encompass the complexities of relationship between God, His people, and the roles they fulfill within the covenant community. The concept can be seen in the way the Israelites are set apart as a chosen people, called to embody God’s laws and purposes in the world. Throughout the Old Testament, various leaders and the faithful are identified not just by their lineage, but by their responsibilities to uphold God’s commandments and to demonstrate His justice and mercy in their actions. This connection to divine expectations illustrates how the idea of belonging—of appertaining—can shape a community’s identity and mission.
Additionally, the theme of belonging and its attendant responsibilities emerges in the teachings of Jesus, particularly regarding His followers’ roles in spreading the Gospel. When He commissions His disciples, He underscores that their actions, teachings, and lives are intrinsically tied to His mission on earth. They appertain not only to Him as their teacher but also to the work of building the kingdom of God. This idea is woven throughout the New Testament, emphasizing that with the new covenant established through Christ, believers take on a shared identity and mission that is both empowering and demanding. Thus, to “appertain” in a biblical sense requires a recognition of one’s role as part of a larger tapestry of divine purpose, reinforcing that identity in Christ is met with the call to actively participate in the transformation of the world around them.
Relationship to Belonging and Identity
In the biblical context, “appertain” often signifies a sense of belonging or association with a particular group or covenant. This concept emphasizes the idea that certain rights, privileges, or responsibilities are inherently linked to one’s identity within the community of faith. For instance, the people of Israel are described as having specific promises and laws that appertain to them as God’s chosen people, highlighting their unique relationship with Him.
Connection to Spiritual Gifts and Functions
The term “appertain” can also relate to the distribution of spiritual gifts and roles within the body of Christ. Each member of the church is said to have gifts that appertain to their function within the community, suggesting that these gifts are not arbitrary but are divinely appointed for the edification of the church. This understanding fosters a sense of purpose and belonging among believers, as they recognize their contributions as essential to the overall health and mission of the body of Christ.
Implications for Covenant Relationships
Additionally, “appertain” can be understood in the context of covenant relationships, where certain obligations and blessings are tied to the commitments made between God and His people. The concept implies that there are specific aspects of life, worship, and community that are designated for those who are in covenant with God. This underscores the seriousness of the covenant and the responsibilities that come with it, as well as the blessings that appertain to those who remain faithful to their commitments.
How to Deepen Your Faith and Community Connection
Deepening your faith and connection to your community is a beautiful journey that requires intentionality and openness. Start by immersing yourself in Scripture, allowing the Word to guide your thoughts and actions; consider setting aside time each day for prayer and reflection, inviting God into your daily life. Engage with your local church or faith group, as fellowship with others can provide support, encouragement, and accountability. Volunteer your time and talents to serve those in need, as acts of kindness not only strengthen your faith but also weave you into the fabric of your community. Remember, faith is not just a personal endeavor; it flourishes in relationships. So, reach out, share your struggles and joys, and be willing to listen and learn from others. In doing so, you’ll find that your faith deepens and your sense of belonging grows, creating a vibrant tapestry of love and support that reflects Christ’s teachings.
Bible References to the Meaning of “Appertain”:
Deuteronomy 10:8-9: 8 At that time the Lord set apart the tribe of Levi to carry the ark of the covenant of the Lord, to stand before the Lord to minister to him and to bless in his name, to this day.
9 Therefore Levi has no portion or inheritance with his brothers. The Lord is his inheritance, as the Lord your God said to him.
Joshua 17:1-6: 1 Then allotment was made to the people of Manasseh, for he was the firstborn of Joseph. To Machir the firstborn of Manasseh, the father of Gilead, were allotted Gilead and Bashan, because he was a man of war.
2 allotment was for the rest of the people of Manasseh by their clans, for the people of Abiezer, Helek, Asriel, Shechem, Hepher, and Shemida. These were the male descendants of Manasseh the son of Joseph, by their clans.
3 Now Zelophehad the son of Hepher, son of Gilead, son of Machir, son of Manasseh, had no sons, but only daughters, and these are the names of his daughters: Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah.
4 They approached Eleazar the priest and Joshua the son of Nun and the leaders and said, “The Lord commanded Moses to give us an inheritance along with our brothers.” So according to the mouth of the Lord he gave them an inheritance among the brothers of their father.
5 Thus there fell to Manasseh ten portions, besides the land of Gilead and Bashan, which is on the other side of the Jordan,
6 because the daughters of Manasseh received an inheritance along with his sons. The land of Gilead was allotted to the rest of the people of Manasseh.
1 Chronicles 6:54-81: 54 These are the dwelling places according to their settlements within their borders for the sons of Aaron of the families of the Kohathites, for theirs was the first lot.
55 till he came to the hill country of Ephraim, and found a place for themselves to live in.
56 but the fields of the city and its villages they gave to Caleb the son of Jephunneh.
57 To the sons of Aaron they gave the cities of refuge: Hebron, Libnah with its pasturelands, Jattir, Eshtemoa with its pasturelands,
58 Hilen with its pasturelands, Debir with its pasturelands,
59 and Ashan with its pasturelands, and Beth-shemesh with its pasturelands;
60 And out of the tribe of Benjamin: Geba with its pasturelands, Alemeth with its pasturelands, and Anathoth with its pasturelands. All their cities throughout their families were thirteen.
61 To the rest of the Kohathites were given by lot out of the clan of the tribe, out of the half-tribe, the half of Manasseh, ten cities.
62 And to the rest of the Kohathites were given by lot out of the clan of the tribe, out of the half-tribe, the half of Manasseh, ten cities.
63 To the sons of Merari were given by lot out of the tribe of Reuben, the tribe of Gad, and the tribe of Zebulun twelve cities.
64 They gave by lot out of the tribes of Judah, Simeon, and Benjamin these cities that are mentioned by name.
65 They gave by lot out of the tribes of Judah, Simeon, and Benjamin these cities that are mentioned by name.
66 The rest of the Kohathites received by lot from the clans of the tribe of Ephraim, from the tribe of Dan and the half-tribe of Manasseh, ten cities.
67 They were given by lot to the sons of Aaron, of the Kohathite clans of the Levites, who were descendants of Aaron, for the first lot.
68 But their dwelling place and their pasturelands were Bethel and its towns, and to the east Naaran, and to the west Gezer and its towns, Shechem and its towns, and Ayyah and its towns.
69 Aijalon with its pasturelands, Gath-rimmon with its pasturelands,
70 and out of the half-tribe of Manasseh, Aner with its pasturelands, and Bileam with its pasturelands, for the rest of the clans of the Kohathites.
71 To the sons of Gershom were given out of the clan of the half-tribe of Manasseh: Golan in Bashan with its pasturelands and Ashtaroth with its pasturelands;
72 And from the tribe of Issachar, Kedesh with its pasturelands, Daberath with its pasturelands,
73 So they gave by lot out of the tribes of Judah, Simeon, and Benjamin these cities that are mentioned by name.
74 to the rest of the people of the land.
75 The sons of Elkanah: Amasai and Ahimoth,
76 The sons of Merari: Mahli, Libni his son, Shimei his son, Uzzah his son,
77 to the rest of the Kohathites were given by lot out of the clan of the tribe, out of the half-tribe, the half of Manasseh, ten cities.
78 And beyond the Jordan east of Jericho, they were given cities from Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh.
79 But the fields of the city and its villages they gave to Caleb the son of Jephunneh.
80 They gave by lot out of the tribes of Judah, Simeon, and Benjamin these cities that are mentioned by name.
81 but Heshbon with its pasturelands, Jazer with its pasturelands,
1 Chronicles 9:22-34: 22 All these, who were chosen as gatekeepers at the thresholds, were 212. They were enrolled by genealogies in their villages. David and Samuel the seer established them in their office of trust.
23 So they and their sons were in charge of the gates of the house of the Lord, that is, the house of the tent, as guards.
24 The gatekeepers were on the four sides, east, west, north, and south.
25 And their kinsmen who were in their villages were obligated to come in every seven days, in turn, to be with these,
26 for the four chief gatekeepers, who were Levites, were entrusted to be over the chambers and the treasures of the house of God.
27 They lodged around the house of God, for on them lay the duty of watching, and they had charge of opening it every morning.
28 Some of them had charge of the utensils of service, for they were required to count them when they were brought in and taken out.
29 Some of them had charge of the utensils of service, for they were required to count them when they were brought in and taken out.
30 Others of their brothers, of the sons of the Kohathites, were over the showbread, to prepare it every Sabbath.
31 And Mattithiah, one of the Levites, the firstborn of Shallum the Korahite, was entrusted with making the flat cakes.
32 And some of their kinsmen of the Kohathites had charge of the showbread, to prepare it every Sabbath.
33 Now these, the singers, the heads of fathers’ houses of the Levites, were in the chambers of the temple free from other service, for they were on duty day and night.
34 These were heads of fathers’ houses of their generations, chief men. These lived in Jerusalem.
1 Chronicles 26:20-28: 20 And of the Levites, Ahijah had charge of the treasuries of the house of God and the treasuries of the dedicated gifts.
21 The sons of Ladan, the sons of the Gershonites belonging to Ladan, the heads of the fathers’ houses belonging to Ladan the Gershonite: Jehieli.
22 The sons of Jehieli, Zetham, and Joel his brother, were in charge of the treasuries of the house of the Lord.
23 As for the Amramites, the Izharites, the Hebronites, and the Uzzielites,
24 and Shebuel the son of Gershom, son of Moses, was chief officer in charge of the treasuries.
25 his brothers, Eliezer for his son Rehabiah, and Jeshaiah for his son Joram, and Jachin for Shimei,
26 This Shelomoth and his brothers were in charge of all the treasuries of the dedicated gifts that David the king and the heads of the fathers’ houses and the officers of the thousands and the hundreds and the commanders of the army had dedicated.
27 They dedicated part of the spoil won in battles to repair the house of the Lord.
28 Also all that Samuel the seer and Saul the son of Kish and Abner the son of Ner and Joab the son of Zeruiah had dedicated—all dedicated things were in the care of Shelomoth and his brothers.
2 Chronicles 31:11-19: 11 Then Hezekiah commanded them to prepare chambers in the house of the Lord, and they prepared them.
12 And they faithfully brought in the contributions, the tithes, and the dedicated things. The chief officer in charge of them was Conaniah the Levite, with Shimei his brother as second,
13 And Jehiel, Azaziah, Nahath, Asahel, Jerimoth, Jozabad, Eliel, Ismachiah, Mahath, and Benaiah were overseers assisting Conaniah and Shimei his brother, by the appointment of Hezekiah the king and Azariah the chief officer of the house of God.
14 And Kore the son of Imnah the Levite, keeper of the east gate, was over the freewill offerings to God, to apportion the contribution reserved for the Lord and the most holy offerings.
15 And his contribution was for the showbread, the regular burnt offering, the Sabbaths, the new moons, and the appointed feasts, as it is written in the Law of the Lord.
16 Except those enrolled by genealogy, males from three years old and upward—all who entered the house of the Lord as the duty of each day required—for their service according to their offices, by their divisions.
17 And the priests enrolled themselves in order of their divisions, and the Levites in their divisions for the service of God at Jerusalem, as it is written in the Book of Moses.
18 And to the genealogy of all their little ones, their wives, and their sons, and their daughters, the whole assembly, for in their faithfulness they sanctified themselves in holiness.
19 And for the sons of Aaron, the priests, who were in the fields of common land belonging to their cities, there were men in the several cities who were designated by name to distribute portions to every male among the priests and to everyone among the Levites who was enrolled.
Nehemiah 12:44-47: 44 On that day men were appointed over the storerooms, the contributions, the firstfruits, and the tithes, to gather into them the portions required by the Law for the priests and for the Levites according to the fields of the towns, for Judah rejoiced over the priests and the Levites who ministered.
45 And they performed the service of their God and the service of purification, as did the singers and the gatekeepers, according to the command of David and his son Solomon.
46 For long ago in the days of David and Asaph there were directors of the singers, and there were songs of praise and thanksgiving to God.
47 And all Israel in the days of Zerubbabel and in the days of Nehemiah gave the daily portions for the singers and the gatekeepers; and they set apart that which was for the Levites; and the Levites set apart that which was for the sons of Aaron.
Ezekiel 45:1-8: 1 “When you allot the land as an inheritance, you shall set apart for the Lord a portion of the land as a holy district, 25,000 cubits long and 20,000 cubits broad. It shall be holy throughout its whole extent.”
2 Of this there shall be for the holy place, the sanctuary of the temple, a square five hundred by five hundred, with fifty cubits for an open space around it.
3 And of this measure you shall measure the length of five and twenty thousand, and the breadth of ten thousand, and in it shall be the sanctuary, the Most Holy Place.
4 The holy portion of the land shall be for the priests. It shall be 25,000 cubits long and 20,000 cubits wide. In it shall be the sanctuary, the most holy place.
5 The dry measure shall be a sixth of a homer, and a tenth of an ephah shall be the liquid measure;
6 “You shall have the cities of Israel, and the territory of the cities shall extend from the one side to the other.”
7 And to the prince shall belong the land on both sides of the holy district and the property of the city, alongside the holy district and the property of the city, on the west and on the east, corresponding in length to one of the tribal portions, and extending from the western to the eastern boundary
8 They shall have the land as a possession in Israel, and my princes shall no more oppress my people, but they shall let the house of Israel have the land according to their tribes.
Ezekiel 48:1-29: 1 These are the names of the tribes: Beginning at the northern extreme, beside the way of Hethlon to Lebo-hamath, as far as Hazar-enan (which is on the northern border of Damascus over against Hamath), and extending from the east side to the west, Dan, one portion.
2 And by the border of Dan, from the east side to the west, Asher, one portion.
3 “On the east side, the boundary shall run between Hauran and Damascus; along the Jordan between Gilead and the land of Israel; to the eastern sea and as far as Tamar. This is the east side.”
4 And by the border of Naphtali, from the east side to the west, Manasseh, one portion.
5 “Adjoining the territory of Manasseh, from the east side to the west, Ephraim, one portion.
6 “And alongside the portion set apart as the holy district, you shall assign for the property of the city an area five thousand cubits broad and twenty-five thousand cubits long. It shall belong to the whole house of Israel.
7 And alongside the territory of the priests, the Levites shall have an allotment 25,000 cubits in length and 10,000 in breadth. The whole length shall be 25,000 cubits and the breadth 20,000.
8 “Adjoining the territory of Judah, from the east side to the west, shall be the portion which you shall set apart, 25,000 cubits in breadth, and in length equal to one of the tribal portions, from the east side to the west, with the sanctuary in the midst of it.
9 “The offering that you shall give to the Lord shall be 25,000 cubits in length, and 10,000 in breadth.
10 And these shall be the measurements of the altar by cubits (the cubit being a cubit and a handbreadth): its base shall be one cubit high and one cubit broad, with a rim of one span around its edge. And this shall be the height of the altar:
11 It shall be for the priests who are sanctified of the sons of Zadok, who kept my charge, who did not go astray when the people of Israel went astray, as the Levites did.
12 These shall be its measurements: the north side four thousand five hundred cubits, the south side four thousand five hundred, the east side four thousand five hundred, and the west side four thousand five hundred.
13 And alongside the territory of the priests, the Levites shall have an allotment 25,000 cubits in length and 10,000 in breadth. The whole length shall be 25,000 cubits and the breadth 20,000.
14 They shall not sell or exchange any of it.
15 The remainder, 5,000 cubits in breadth and 25,000 in length, shall be for common use for the city, for dwellings and for open country. In the midst of it shall be the city,
16 These shall be its measurements: the north side four thousand five hundred cubits, the south side four thousand five hundred, the east side four thousand five hundred, and the west side four thousand five hundred.
17 And the city shall have open land: on the north side 2500 cubits, on the south side 2500 cubits, on the east side 2500 cubits, and on the west side 2500 cubits.
18 And the remainder of the length alongside the holy portion shall be 10,000 cubits to the east, and 10,000 to the west, and it shall be alongside the holy portion. Its produce shall be food for the workers of the city.
19 And those who serve the city shall serve it out of all the tribes of Israel.
20 “All the offering shall be 25,000 by 25,000 cubits; you shall set apart the holy portion, the land belonging to the city, for its property.
21 “The rest shall be for the prince, on one side and on the other of the holy district and of the property of the city, in front of the twenty-five thousand cubits of the property as far as the eastern border, and westward in front of the twenty-five thousand, the western border, parallel to the tribal portions. It shall belong to the prince. The holy district and the sanctuary of the temple shall be in the midst of it.
22 The remainder of the length alongside the holy portion shall be 10,000 cubits to the east, and 10,000 to the west, and it shall be alongside the holy portion. Its produce shall be food for the workers of the city.
23 As for the rest of the tribes: from the east side to the west, Benjamin, one portion.
24 “Beside the portion for the prince, the land allotted for the sanctuary, and the land allotted for the city shall be on the west side and on the east side parallel to the tribal portions. It shall be for the whole house of Israel, with the city in the midst of it.
25 “The gates of the city shall be named after the tribes of Israel, three gates to the north: the gate of Reuben, the gate of Judah, and the gate of Levi.
26 On the west side, the Great Sea shall be the boundary to a point opposite Lebo-hamath. This is the west side.
27 “And on the east side, 4,500 cubits, three gates, the gate of Joseph, the gate of Benjamin, the gate of Dan.”
28 And by the border of Gad, at the south side, the boundary shall run from Tamar to the waters of Meribah-kadesh, from there along the Brook of Egypt to the Great Sea.
29 This is the land that you shall allot as an inheritance among the tribes of Israel, and these are their portions, declares the Lord God.
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.