Leviticus 27:10

KJV

He shall not alter it, nor change it, a good for a bad, or a bad for a good: and if he shall at all change beast for beast, then it and the exchange thereof shall be holy.

KJV (with Strong's)

He shall not alter {H2498} it, nor change {H4171} it, a good {H2896} for a bad {H7451}, or a bad {H7451} for a good {H2896}: and if he shall at all {H4171} change {H4171} beast {H929} for beast {H929}, then it and the exchange {H8545} thereof shall be holy {H6944}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He is not to exchange or replace it by substituting a good animal for a bad one or vice versa; if he does make such a substitution, both the original animal and the one replacing it will be holy.

Berean Standard Bible

He must not replace it or exchange it, either good for bad or bad for good. But if he does substitute one animal for another, both that animal and its substitute will be holy.

American Standard Version

He shall not alter it, nor change it, a good for a bad, or a bad for a good: and if he shall at all change beast for beast, then both it and that for which it is changed shall be holy.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 27:10 presents a stringent prohibition against altering or exchanging an animal that has been dedicated or vowed to the Lord. This verse underscores the inviolability of vows and the sanctity of consecrated items, emphasizing that once something is set apart for God, it becomes His exclusive property and cannot be substituted, regardless of whether the proposed exchange is for an animal of better or worse quality. The consequence of any such unauthorized exchange is that both the original dedicated animal and the attempted substitute are deemed holy, reinforcing God's absolute claim over what is consecrated to Him and highlighting the seriousness with which He regards human commitments.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 27 serves as the concluding chapter of the book of Leviticus, providing a detailed appendix to the laws concerning offerings, feasts, and the priesthood. Unlike the preceding chapters, which often deal with mandatory sacrifices and rituals, chapter 27 focuses on voluntary vows and dedications made by individuals to the Lord. These regulations cover a range of items, including persons, animals, houses, and fields, outlining the specific conditions under which they could be dedicated or redeemed. Verse 10 specifically addresses the rules pertaining to animals that have been consecrated, emphasizing the permanence and immutability of such dedications. It is part of a broader section (Leviticus 27:9-13) dealing with the dedication and redemption of clean and unclean animals, establishing a principle of unalterable commitment once a vow is made.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, making vows to God was a significant spiritual practice, often undertaken in times of distress, gratitude, or specific devotion. These vows were considered extremely serious, binding the individual to their commitment before God. The dedication of animals was a common form of offering, signifying devotion and worship. The strict prohibition against exchanging dedicated animals in [Leviticus 27:10](/leviticus/27-10 "Leviticus 27:10 - Prohibition Against Exchanging Vowed Animals") was crucial to prevent fraud, manipulation, or a casual attitude toward divine commitments. It ensured the integrity of the sacrificial system and upheld the sanctity of God's ownership. This rule prevented individuals from attempting to substitute a less valuable animal for a more valuable one they had initially vowed, or vice versa, which might arise from a change of heart or an attempt to gain an advantage. Such practices would undermine the very essence of sincere worship and the holiness of dedicated offerings. The concept of "holy" (Hebrew: _qōdeš_) was central to Israelite understanding, signifying something set apart exclusively for God, and thus inviolable.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Alter/Change (Hebrew, מִיר, _mûr'_):** This verb appears twice in the verse ("He shall not alter it, nor change it"), emphasizing the absolute prohibition against substitution or exchange. _Mûr'_ signifies replacing one thing with another, swapping, or bartering. Its repetition underscores the non-negotiable nature of a vow once made. It implies a deliberate act of attempting to circumvent or modify a prior commitment, which is strictly forbidden in the context of items dedicated to God.
* **Holy (Hebrew, קֹדֶשׁ, _qōdeš'_):** This term is fundamental to the entire book of Leviticus, meaning "set apart," "consecrated," or "sacred." When something is declared _qōdeš_, it transitions from common use to exclusive divine ownership and purpose. In this verse, the declaration that both the original animal and any attempted exchange "shall be holy" highlights God's unwavering claim. It means that even an illicit exchange cannot undo the holiness of the original dedication; instead, the very act of attempting to manipulate the vow results in the secondary animal also being consecrated, further binding the individual to their commitment and God's ownership.
* **Good/Bad (Hebrew, טוֹב, _ṭôḇ_ / רַע, _raʿ_):** These terms refer to the quality or value of the animal. The prohibition against exchanging "a good for a bad, or a bad for a good" explicitly closes any loophole for manipulation. It prevents someone from trying to replace a superior animal they vowed with an inferior one (a common temptation) or, conversely, from attempting to "upgrade" an inferior vowed animal with a superior one, perhaps to gain favor or manipulate the system. This demonstrates God's demand for sincerity and integrity in vows, valuing the commitment itself over attempts to adjust the offering's perceived worth.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He shall not alter it, nor change it":** This opening phrase establishes a firm, unequivocal command. The repetition of similar verbs, "alter" and "change," creates a strong rhetorical emphasis on the absolute prohibition against any form of substitution or modification of a consecrated animal. Once dedicated, the animal's status is fixed and cannot be undone or reconfigured by human will.
* **"a good for a bad, or a bad for a good":** This clause clarifies the scope of the prohibition, explicitly addressing the quality of the animals involved in any potential exchange. It negates any attempt to substitute a high-quality animal with a low-quality one, or vice-versa. This prevents deception and ensures that the integrity of the original vow, and the quality of the intended offering, are maintained in the eyes of God. It underscores that the value of the offering is in the act of dedication itself, not in subsequent attempts to re-evaluate or manipulate its worth.
* **"and if he shall at all change beast for beast":** This conditional clause acknowledges the possibility that, despite the clear prohibition, someone might still attempt an exchange. The phrase "at all change" (a strong Hebrew construction) emphasizes the illicit nature of such an act. It sets up the consequence for violating the command, making it clear that even an attempted, forbidden exchange has legal and spiritual ramifications.
* **"then it and the exchange thereof shall be holy":** This is the critical consequence. If an unauthorized exchange is attempted, both the original dedicated animal and the animal offered in exchange become holy. This means both are now irrevocably consecrated to God. This serves as a severe penalty, doubling the obligation and reinforcing God's ultimate ownership and the inviolability of the initial dedication. It prevents any benefit from the attempted manipulation and underscores the seriousness of breaking a vow to the Lord.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 27:10 employs several literary devices to convey its message with clarity and force. **Repetition** is prominent, particularly with the verbs "alter" and "change" (Hebrew: _mûr'_), which are used twice at the beginning of the verse. This emphatic repetition underscores the absolute nature of the prohibition, leaving no room for ambiguity or negotiation once an animal has been dedicated. The phrase "a good for a bad, or a bad for a good" utilizes **antithesis** to cover all possible scenarios of substitution, highlighting that no exchange, regardless of the quality differential, is permissible. This creates a comprehensive legal framework. Furthermore, the verse functions as a **legalistic pronouncement**, characteristic of the Mosaic Law, using clear, declarative statements ("He shall not alter it") and precise conditional clauses ("and if he shall at all change") to establish a binding legal principle with explicit consequences. The declaration that both animals "shall be holy" serves as a form of **divine judgment** and **irony**, where the attempt to circumvent a vow results in an even greater, inescapable dedication to God, reinforcing His ultimate authority and the sanctity of what is consecrated to Him.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 27:10 profoundly illustrates the sanctity of vows and the seriousness with which God regards human commitments. It teaches that once something is consecrated to the Lord, it is irrevocably set apart for Him, becoming His exclusive property. This principle extends beyond mere animal sacrifices to encompass the broader concept of integrity in our spiritual promises and offerings. God demands sincerity and unwavering faithfulness in all that is dedicated to Him, rejecting any attempt to manipulate or diminish the value of a commitment once it has been made. This foundational truth underscores divine ownership and the holiness inherent in anything devoted to God, reminding believers that true worship involves honoring our word and giving our best without reservation or deceit.

* [Ecclesiastes 5:4](/ecclesiastes/5-4 "Ecclesiastes 5:4 - Do Not Delay to Pay Your Vow")
* [Malachi 1:8](/malachi/1-8 "Malachi 1:8 - Offering Blemished Sacrifices")
* [Deuteronomy 23:21](/deuteronomy/23-21 "Deuteronomy 23:21 - Fulfilling Vows to the Lord")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The ancient law of Leviticus 27:10, while specific to animal dedications, offers timeless principles for contemporary believers regarding the integrity of our commitments to God. It challenges us to consider the seriousness with which we make promises, whether explicit vows or implicit dedications of our time, talents, or resources. This verse calls us to cultivate a heart of unwavering faithfulness, recognizing that what we commit to the Lord is sacred and should not be treated casually or subject to renegotiation based on convenience or changing desires. It encourages us to give our "firstfruits" and our "best" not just materially, but in every area of our lives, reflecting a genuine desire to honor God above all else, rather than seeking loopholes or attempting to offer less than what was initially purposed. Our dedication to Christ, our service in His kingdom, and our promises to Him should be marked by an unshakeable resolve, mirroring the inviolable nature of the vows in the Old Covenant.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What commitments, explicit or implicit, have I made to God in my life (e.g., in baptism, service, giving, personal devotion)?**
* **In what ways might I be tempted to "alter" or "change" these commitments, perhaps by offering less than my best or seeking an easier path?**
* **How does the principle of "holiness" in Leviticus 27:10 inform my understanding of what it means for something (or someone, like myself) to be set apart for God today?**
* **What practical steps can I take to ensure greater integrity and faithfulness in my walk with God, honoring all my commitments to Him?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of "it and the exchange thereof shall be holy" if an exchange is forbidden?**

Answer: This phrase highlights the severe consequence of violating the prohibition. The significance is twofold: First, it underscores God's absolute claim over anything dedicated to Him. Even an illicit attempt to alter a vow cannot undo the original dedication. The original animal remains holy. Second, it acts as a penalty: the animal offered as an illegal exchange also becomes holy, meaning it too is consecrated to God and cannot be used for common purposes or redeemed. This effectively doubles the individual's obligation, preventing any benefit from the attempted manipulation and reinforcing the inviolability of the initial vow. It demonstrates that God's holiness and His ownership are not to be trifled with, and attempts to deceive or circumvent His laws result in greater, not lesser, obligation. This principle is a strong deterrent against dishonesty in vows.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 27:10, with its stern prohibition against altering or exchanging a dedicated animal, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Old Covenant system of vows and sacrifices, though pointing to the need for holiness and integrity, ultimately revealed humanity's inability to perfectly fulfill God's righteous demands. Jesus, however, is the [perfect Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), the one who perfectly fulfilled every requirement of the Law, including the ultimate vow of obedience to the Father. His sacrifice on the cross was a singular, unalterable, and eternally sufficient offering, made "once for all" (as seen in [Hebrews 7:27](/hebrews/7-27 "Hebrews 7:27 - Christ's Single Sacrifice") and [Hebrews 10:10](/hebrews/10-10 "Hebrews 10:10 - Sanctified Through Christ's Offering")). There is no need, nor possibility, to "alter" or "change" His sacrifice, for it was "good for a good" – a perfect, blemish-free offering that fully satisfied divine justice. Furthermore, just as dedicated animals became holy, believers in Christ are declared holy and set apart through His sanctifying work (see [Hebrews 10:14](/hebrews/10-14 "Hebrews 10:14 - Perfected Forever")). We are no longer bound by the shadows of Old Covenant vows but are called to a new covenant of grace, where our lives are a "living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God" ([Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - A Living Sacrifice")). Our dedication to Him is not based on our flawed vows, but on His perfect and unchangeable commitment to us, enabling us to live lives of integrity and faithfulness, empowered by His Spirit, as those who are truly His.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

James 1:8

A double minded man [is] unstable in all his ways.

Leviticus 27:15

And if he that sanctified it will redeem his house, then he shall add the fifth [part] of the money of thy estimation unto it, and it shall be his.

Leviticus 27:33

He shall not search whether it be good or bad, neither shall he change it: and if he change it at all, then both it and the change thereof shall be holy; it shall not be redeemed.