Leviticus 27:1

¶ And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,

And the LORD {H3068} spake {H1696} unto Moses {H4872}, saying {H559},

ADONAI said to Moshe,

Then the LORD said to Moses,

And Jehovah spake unto Moses, saying,

Commentary

Context

Leviticus 27:1 serves as the introductory verse to the final chapter of the Book of Leviticus. This familiar phrase, "And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying," signals a new and distinct set of divine instructions from God to Moses. Coming directly after the profound blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience outlined in Leviticus 26, and the concluding summary of God's covenant with Israel, Chapter 27 shifts focus to laws concerning vows, dedications, and tithes. While distinct from the preceding ritual and purity laws, these final regulations underscore the Israelites' ongoing responsibility to honor their commitments to God.

Key Themes

  • Divine Revelation: The most prominent theme is the direct and authoritative divine communication from God (YHWH) to Moses. This phrase emphasizes that the laws and instructions given to Israel were not human inventions but originated directly from the Creator.
  • Mosaic Authority: Moses' role as God's chosen mediator is continually affirmed. He is the recipient of God's words, tasked with transmitting them faithfully to the people of Israel. This establishes the divine authority behind the Mosaic Law.
  • Transition to New Laws: This introductory formula, common throughout the Pentateuch (e.g., Leviticus 1:1, Numbers 1:1), marks a clear division in the text, indicating the commencement of a new section of legislation or instruction.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew phrase "וַיְדַבֵּר יְהוָה אֶל־מֹשֶׁה לֵּאמֹר" (Vaydabber YHWH el-Moshe lemor), translated as "And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying," is a foundational formula in the Pentateuch.

  • YHWH (LORD): The use of God's personal covenant name, YHWH (often rendered "LORD" in all capitals in KJV), highlights the personal and relational nature of God's interaction with Israel. It emphasizes His eternal, self-existent being and His fidelity to His covenant.
  • Vaydabber (spake): This verb implies a direct, deliberate, and authoritative communication, often signifying a detailed instruction or command rather than a mere utterance.
  • Lemor (saying): This infinitive reinforces that the following text contains the direct content of God's speech, emphasizing its divine origin and authority.

Practical Application

While a simple introductory verse, Leviticus 27:1 reminds us of the divine origin of all biblical truth. It underscores that God actively communicates His will to humanity, providing guidance for living a life pleasing to Him. For believers today, this verse serves as a foundational reminder that:

  • God is a Communicating God: He desires to reveal Himself and His purposes to us.
  • His Word is Authoritative: The laws and principles found in Scripture are not mere suggestions but divine commands designed for our good and His glory.
  • The Importance of Listening: Just as Moses listened attentively, we are called to pay careful attention to God's revealed word, seeking to understand and obey it.
This verse sets the stage for understanding the subsequent laws on vows, emphasizing that even seemingly minor aspects of our lives, like promises and dedications, are under God's purview and should be treated with utmost seriousness because they originate from His command.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

No cross-references found.