Leviticus 27:31

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

And if a man will at all redeem [ought] of his tithes, he shall add thereto the fifth [part] thereof.

Complete Jewish Bible:

If someone wants to redeem any of his tenth, he must add to it one-fifth.

Berean Standard Bible:

If a man wishes to redeem part of his tithe, he must add a fifth to its value.

American Standard Version:

And if a man will redeem aught of his tithe, he shall add unto it the fifth part thereof.

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

And if a man{H376} will at all{H1350} redeem{H1350} ought of his tithes{H4643}, he shall add{H3254} thereto the fifth{H2549} part thereof.

Cross-References (KJV):


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Commentary for Leviticus 27:31

1. **Themes**:
- **Redemption**: The verse discusses the option for an individual to redeem or buy back items that have been designated as tithes, which are a tenth of one's produce or income set aside for sacred purposes.
- **Sanctity of Vows**: It reflects the broader theme in Leviticus concerning the sanctity of vows and offerings made to God. Once something is dedicated to the Lord, it is considered holy, and there are specific instructions for handling such items.
- **Valuation and Offerings**: The requirement to add a fifth part to the value of the tithe when redeeming it underscores the importance of making a proper and generous offering beyond the initial commitment.

2. **Historical Context**:
- **Leviticus**: This book is part of the Pentateuch, the first five books of the Hebrew Bible, traditionally attributed to Moses. It contains laws and regulations given to the Israelites after their exodus from Egypt, focusing on how to live in a way that is pleasing to God.
- **Tithes**: In ancient Israel, tithes were a mandatory contribution of 10% of one's crops or livestock to the Levites and priests, who did not inherit tribal land and therefore depended on these tithes for their livelihood.
- **Covenantal Economics**: The economic system of ancient Israel was based on a covenantal relationship with God. The laws in Leviticus, including those on tithing and redemption, were designed to reinforce the Israelites' commitment to God and to maintain social and economic order within the community.
- **Agrarian Society**: The context of Leviticus is an agrarian society, where the economy was based on agriculture. Thus, the laws often revolve around agricultural produce, festivals, and the support of the religious class.

In summary, Leviticus 27:31 reflects the themes of redemption and the sanctity of religious offerings within the context of the covenantal and agrarian society of ancient Israel, providing regulations for those who wish to redeem their tithes while still honoring their commitment to God.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Strong's Number: H4643
    There are 27 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: מַעֲשֵׂר
    Transliteration: maʻăsêr
    Pronunciation: mah-as-ayr'
    Description: or מַעֲשַׂר; and (in plural) feminine מַעַשְׂרָה; from עָשָׂר; a tenth; especially a tithe; tenth (part), tithe(-ing).
  4. Strong's Number: H3254
    There are 207 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: יָסַף
    Transliteration: yâçaph
    Pronunciation: yaw-saf'
    Description: a primitive root; to add or augment (often adverbial, to continue to do a thing); add, [idiom] again, [idiom] any more, [idiom] cease, [idiom] come more, [phrase] conceive again, continue, exceed, [idiom] further, [idiom] gather together, get more, give more-over, [idiom] henceforth, increase (more and more), join, [idiom] longer (bring, do, make, much, put), [idiom] (the, much, yet) more (and more), proceed (further), prolong, put, be (strong-) er, [idiom] yet, yield.
  5. Strong's Number: H2549
    There are 44 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: חֲמִישִׁי
    Transliteration: chămîyshîy
    Pronunciation: kham-ee-shee'
    Description: or חֲמִשִּׁי; ordinal from חָמֵשׁ; fifth; also a fifth; fifth (part).