King James Version:
(The Lord speaking is red text)
And if he will not redeem the field, or if he have sold the field to another man, it shall not be redeemed any more.
Complete Jewish Bible:
If the seller does not wish to redeem the field, or if [the treasurer for the cohanim] has already sold the field to someone else, it can no longer be redeemed.
Berean Standard Bible:
If, however, he does not redeem the field, or if he has sold it to another man, it may no longer be redeemed.
American Standard Version:
And if he will not redeem the field, or if he have sold the field to another man, it shall not be redeemed any more:
KJV with Strong’s Numbers:
And if he will not redeem{H1350} the field{H7704}, or if he have sold{H4376} the field{H7704} to another{H312} man{H376}, it shall not be redeemed{H1350} any more.
Cross-References (KJV):
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Commentary for Leviticus 27:20
Leviticus 27:20 is part of a larger section in the book of Leviticus that deals with vows and dedicating things to the Lord, specifically the redemption of consecrated things (Leviticus 27:14-33). The broader context of this chapter is the Holiness Code (Leviticus 17-26), which outlines various laws and rituals that the Israelites were to follow in order to live set-apart lives as a holy nation before God.
Themes:
1. **Redemption and Consecration**: The theme revolves around the principle that items dedicated to God could be redeemed (bought back) by the owner under certain conditions. However, once a field was sold to another person, the original owner lost the right to redeem it.
2. **Property Rights and Responsibility**: The verse reflects the importance of property rights and the finality of transactions in ancient Israelite society. It emphasizes the need for careful consideration before making vows or selling property.
3. **Permanence of Dedication**: If the field was not redeemed before it was sold or if it was sold with the understanding that it was dedicated to the Lord, it became the permanent property of the sanctuary.
Historical Context:
- **Agrarian Society**: Ancient Israel was primarily an agrarian society where land was a significant asset. The laws concerning land reflected the economic and social realities of the time.
- **Covenantal Relationship**: The laws in Leviticus were part of the covenant between God and Israel. They were designed to maintain the purity of the land and the people, ensuring that both remained dedicated to the Lord.
- **Priestly Code**: Leviticus is often associated with priestly literature, which contains detailed instructions for worship, sacrifices, and moral conduct. These laws would have been administered by the priests, who played a crucial role in maintaining the religious and social order.
In summary, Leviticus 27:20 deals with the regulations for redeeming land that had been dedicated to God. It underscores the sanctity of vows and the permanence of dedications, reflecting the values of an agrarian society bound by a covenantal relationship with God, as well as the priestly codes that governed Israelite religious life.
*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model
Strong's Numbers and Definitions:
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)
- Strong's Number: H1350
There are 84 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: גָּאַל
Transliteration: gâʼal
Pronunciation: gaw-al'
Description: a primitive root, to redeem (according to the Oriental law of kinship), i.e.; to be the next of kin (and as such to buy back a relative's property, marry his widow, etc.); [idiom] in any wise, [idiom] at all, avenger, deliver, (do, perform the part of near, next) kinsfolk(-man), purchase, ransom, redeem(-er), revenger. - Strong's Number: H7704
There are 309 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: שָׂדֶה
Transliteration: sâdeh
Pronunciation: saw-deh'
Description: or שָׂדַי; from an unused root meaning to spread out; a field (as flat); country, field, ground, land, soil, [idiom] wild. - Strong's Number: H4376
There are 74 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: מָכַר
Transliteration: mâkar
Pronunciation: maw-kar'
Description: a primitive root; to sell, literally (as merchandise, a daughter in marriage, into slavery), or figuratively (to surrender); [idiom] at all, sell (away, -er, self). - Strong's Number: H312
There are 271 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: אַחֵר
Transliteration: ʼachêr
Pronunciation: akh-air'
Description: from אָחַר; properly, hinder; generally, next, other, etc.; (an-) other man, following, next, strange. - Strong's Number: H376
There are 1507 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: אִישׁ
Transliteration: ʼîysh
Pronunciation: eesh
Description: contracted for אֱנוֹשׁ (or perhaps rather from an unused root meaning to be extant); a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation); also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare אִשָּׁה.