The Levite who spends some time at the sanctuary is to receive the same as his fellow Levites.

Besides what he receives from the sale of his patrimony: the exact meaning of this clause is not altogether clear. Most translations agree with Revised Standard Version, and Revised English Bible phrases it nicely: “besides what he may inherit from his father’s family.” New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh “without regard to personal gifts or patrimonies” is a bit technical; New International Version is more natural: “received money from the sale of family possessions” (similarly Contemporary English Version). What is involved here is not land, that is, real estate, since the Levites had no land, but houses and other belongings.

An alternative translation model for this verse is:

• He is to receive the same amount of food as the other priests and may keep whatever money his family sends him from the sale of their possessions.

Quoted with permission from Bratcher, Robert G. and Hatton, Howard A. A Handbook on Deuteronomy. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2000. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .