TRV
Study This Verse
Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Leviticus 27:1–13. His two-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
This is part of the law concerning singular vows, extraordinary ones, which though God did not expressly insist on, yet, if they were consistent with and conformable to the general precepts, he would be well pleased with. Note, We should not only ask, What must we do, but, What may we do, for the glory and honour of God? As the liberal devises liberal things (Isa 32:8), so the pious devises pious things, and the enlarged heart would willingly do something extraordinary in the service of so good a Master as God is. When we receive or expect some singular mercy it is good to honour God with some singular vow.
I.The case is here put of persons vowed to God by a singular vow, Lev 27:2.
If a man consecrated himself, or a child, to the service of the tabernacle, to be employed there in some inferior office, as sweeping the floor, carrying out ashes, running of errands, or the like, the person so consecrated shall be for the Lord, that is, "God will graciously accept the good-will." Thou didst well that it was in thy heart, Ch2 6:8. But forasmuch as he had no occasion to use their service about the tabernacle, a whole tribe being appropriated to the use of it, those that were thus vowed were to be redeemed, and the money paid for their redemption was employed for the repair of the sanctuary, or other uses of it, as appears by Kg2 12:14, where it is called, in the margin, the money of the souls of his estimation. A book of rates is accordingly provided, by which the priests were to go in their estimation. Here is,
1.The rate of the middle-aged, between twenty and threescore, these were valued highest, because most serviceable; a male fifty shekels, and a female thirty, Lev 27:3, Lev 27:4. The females were then less esteemed, but not so in Christ; for in Christ Jesus there is neither male nor female, Gal 3:28. Note, Those that are in the prime of their time must look upon themselves as obliged to do more in the service of God and their generation than can be expected either from minors, that have not yet arrived to their usefulness, or from the aged, that have survived it.
2.The rate of the youth between five years old and twenty was less, because they were then less capable of doing service, Lev 27:5.
3.Infants under five years old were capable of being vowed to God by their parents, even before they were born, as Samuel was, but not to be presented and redeemed till a month old, that, as one sabbath passed over them before they were circumcised, so one new moon might pass over them before they were estimated; and their valuation was but small, Lev 27:6. Samuel, who was thus vowed to God, was not redeemed, because he was a Levite, and a particular favourite, and therefore was employed in his childhood in the service of the tabernacle.
4.The aged are valued less than youth, but more than children, Lev 27:7. And the Hebrews observe that the rate of an aged woman is two parts of three to that of an aged man, so that in that age the female came nearest to the value of the male, which occasioned (as bishop Patrick quotes it here) this saying among them, That an old woman in a house is a treasure in a house. Paul sets a great value upon the aged women, when he makes them teachers of good things, Tit 2:3.
5.The poor shall be valued according to their ability, Lev 27:8. Something they must pay, that they might learn not to be rash in vowing to God, for he hath no pleasure in fools, Ecc 5:4. Yet not more than their ability, but secundum tenementum - according to their possessions, that they might not ruin themselves and their families by their zeal. Note, God expects and requires from men according to what they have, and not according to what they have not, Luk 21:4.
II.The case is put of beasts vowed to God,
1.If it was a clean beast, such as was offered in sacrifice, it must not be redeemed, nor any equivalent given for it: It shall be holy, Lev 27:9, Lev 27:10. After it was vowed, it was not to be put to any common use, nor changed upon second thoughts; but it must be either offered upon the altar, or, if through any blemish it was not meet to be offered, he that vowed it should not take advantage of that, but the priests should have it for their own use (for they were God's receivers), or it should be sold for the service of the sanctuary. This teaches caution in making vows and constancy in keeping them when they are made; for it is a snare to a man to devour that which is holy, and after vows to make enquiry, Pro 20:25. And to this that rule of charity seems to allude (Co2 9:7), Every man, according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give.
2.If it was an unclean beast, it should go to the use of the priest at such a value; but he that vowed it, upon paying that value in money, and adding a fifth part more to it, might redeem it if he pleased, Lev 27:11-13. It was fit that men should smart for their inconstancy. God has let us know his mind concerning his service, and he is not pleased if we do not know our own. God expects that those that deal with him should be at a point, and way what they will stand to.
Continue studying Leviticus 27:12 across the web’s major study libraries — every link below opens this exact verse, chapter, or book on the destination site.
Read & Compare
BibleGatewayThis verse in more than 200 translations and 70 languages.
Bible.comThe YouVersion reader — hundreds of translations, reading plans, and highlights.
ESV.orgCrossway's official English Standard Version reader.
NET BibleThe NET translation with 60,000+ translators' notes on every rendering decision.
STEP BibleTyndale House's free study tool — original text, vocabulary, and scholarly resources.
BibliaLogos Bible Software's free web reader.
USCCBThe New American Bible (Revised Edition) with the U.S. bishops' study notes.
Commentaries
BibleHub CommentariesDozens of classic commentaries on this verse, gathered on one page.
StudyLightMore than 100 commentary sets — the largest collection on the web.
BibleRefPlain-English commentary on what this verse means, verse by verse.
Enduring WordDavid Guzik's free commentary on this chapter, widely used by Bible teachers.
Bible Study ToolsVerse commentary alongside Greek and Hebrew study aids.
Original Language & Research
- BibleHub InterlinearThe verse word by word — original language, transliteration, and English.
- BibleHub LexiconEvery word's original-language definition and Strong's entry.
Blue Letter BibleDeep-study tools — Strong's numbers, concordance, and word studies.
SefariaThe Hebrew text with Rashi and centuries of Jewish commentary.
Sermons, Hymns & Audio
TrulyRandomVerse is not affiliated with these sites and doesn’t control their content. They’re linked because they’re genuinely useful.
Summary
Leviticus 27:12 delineates the authoritative role of the priest in assessing the monetary value of items or individuals dedicated to the Lord through a vow. This verse underscores the priest's impartial judgment in determining the worth of consecrated property, whether its inherent quality is high or low, thereby ensuring that any redemption or assessment aligns precisely with divine standards and upholds the sacred integrity of commitments made within the Israelite covenant community.
Context
Literary Context
Leviticus 27 functions as a concluding appendix to the comprehensive legal and ritual instructions detailed throughout the book of Leviticus. Following the elaborate regulations for sacrifices, offerings, and the consecration of the priesthood, this chapter shifts focus to voluntary vows and dedications made by individuals. Verses 1-8 establish the redemption values for persons dedicated to the Lord, while verses 9-13 specifically address the dedication and redemption of animals. Our verse, Leviticus 27:12, precisely defines the priest's essential function in valuing these dedicated animals, particularly those that might be redeemed or were not suitable for direct sacrifice. The subsequent sections, such as the valuation of houses and fields in Leviticus 27:14-25, demonstrate a consistent theme of priestly oversight across all forms of sacred property and vows. This chapter collectively emphasizes the profound seriousness of vows made to God and the meticulous care required in their administration to maintain the holiness of the covenant.
Historical & Cultural Context
In ancient Israelite society, vows (נדר, neder) were deeply solemn commitments made to Yahweh, often in response to divine deliverance, as expressions of gratitude, or in times of supplication. These vows could involve dedicating a person, animal, or property, which then became "holy to the Lord" (Leviticus 27:2). However, not every dedicated item was intended for permanent sanctuary service; many could be redeemed by paying an assessed value. The priest, as God's divinely appointed representative and the custodian of the sanctuary's holiness, played an indispensable role in this "sacred economy." Their authority to "value it, whether it be good or bad" was paramount for ensuring fairness, preventing exploitation or fraud, and upholding the divine standards of holiness and justice. This system ensured that even voluntary acts of devotion were brought under the careful, impartial scrutiny of God's designated minister, reflecting a broader cultural emphasis on order, integrity, and meticulous adherence to covenant obligations, as further elaborated in texts like Numbers 30. The priest's judgment was considered final and binding, signifying divine approval and preventing disputes.
Key Themes
Leviticus 27:12 significantly contributes to several overarching themes within Leviticus and the broader Pentateuch. Firstly, it highlights the theme of Holiness and Separation, emphasizing that anything dedicated to God enters a sacred sphere and must be handled with utmost care and precision. The priest's role ensures that this holiness is maintained even in economic transactions. Secondly, it reinforces the theme of Divine Order and Justice, demonstrating God's meticulous concern for fairness and equity in all dealings, especially those pertaining to Him. The priest's impartial valuation prevents arbitrary decisions and ensures that the value assigned is just. Thirdly, the verse underscores the Seriousness of Vows and Commitments, illustrating that promises made to God are not to be taken lightly but require careful administration and fulfillment. This theme resonates throughout the Old Testament, as seen in passages like Deuteronomy 23:21-23 and Ecclesiastes 5:4-5. The priest acts as the guardian of these sacred obligations, ensuring their proper execution according to divine will.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This primitive root signifies "to set in a row," "arrange," or "put in order." In the context of Leviticus 27:12, it specifically means "to estimate," "appraise," or "tax." This implies a careful, structured, and deliberate assessment, not a subjective opinion. The priest's valuation was an official, binding determination of monetary worth for dedicated items, based on established principles to ensure order and equity in sacred transactions.
This adjective means "good" in the widest sense, encompassing "beautiful," "best," "pleasant," or "of high quality." In this verse, it refers to the inherent quality or sound condition of the dedicated item. If an animal was healthy, strong, and unblemished, it would be considered "good," thus meriting a higher valuation. This highlights the priest's responsibility to discern the actual, objective state of the item.
This adjective means "bad" or "evil," also implying "poor," "defective," or "of low quality." Conversely, "bad" here refers to an item that is diseased, blemished, or in an inferior condition. The priest's duty was to accurately assess such imperfections, which would naturally lead to a lower valuation. This demonstrates the system's commitment to fair assessment based on objective criteria, ensuring that even items of lesser quality could be redeemed at an appropriate price.
Verse Breakdown
"And the priest shall value it,"
This opening clause establishes the central and authoritative role of the priest (כֹּהֵן, kôhên) in the process of assessing items or persons dedicated to the Lord. The priest is not merely an observer but the divinely appointed arbiter whose judgment is sanctioned and legally binding. This highlights the sacred nature of the transaction and the necessity for an impartial, expert assessment that reflects God's standards.
"whether it be good or bad:"
This phrase underscores the priest's responsibility to conduct a thorough, objective, and comprehensive appraisal of the dedicated item's actual condition or quality. It mandates a detailed examination to determine if the item is sound, valuable, and unblemished ("good") or if it possesses defects, infirmities, or is of lesser quality ("bad"). This ensures that the valuation is fair, preventing both overvaluation and undervaluation, and accurately reflects the item's true state.
"as thou valuest it, [who art] the priest, so shall it be."
This concluding declaration powerfully reiterates and reinforces the absolute finality and binding nature of the priest's valuation. The emphatic repetition of "priest" and the phrase "as thou valuest it... so shall it be" signify that the priest's judgment is definitive and unappealable. It emphasizes the profound divine trust placed in the priest to execute this duty with integrity and according to God's established standards, making their assessment the definitive and binding price for redemption or dedication.
Literary Devices
Leviticus 27:12 employs several literary devices that enhance its clarity, authority, and impact. Legal Language is paramount, characterized by its precise, prescriptive phrasing that outlines a specific procedure and unequivocally assigns authority. The repeated use of the verb "value" (ערך, ʻârakh) functions as a form of Repetition, emphasizing the central action and the priest's singular, critical responsibility in this process. The phrase "as thou valuest it... so shall it be" serves as an Authoritative Declaration, lending immense gravitas and finality to the priest's judgment, effectively sealing the outcome. Furthermore, the Antithesis presented by "good or bad" (טוֹב אוֹ רַע, ṭôwb ʾô raʿ) highlights the comprehensive scope of the priest's assessment, indicating that all possible conditions of the dedicated item are covered and subject to impartial evaluation.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Leviticus 27:12 profoundly illustrates God's meticulous concern for order, justice, and the sanctity of vows within the covenant community. It reveals that even voluntary acts of devotion were subject to precise divine regulation, administered through the priest, to ensure absolute integrity and fairness. This principle extends far beyond mere monetary valuation, teaching us that all our commitments to God, whether formal vows or daily acts of obedience and stewardship, are to be treated with utmost seriousness and assessed with integrity before Him. God desires that our offerings, whether of material possessions, our time, or our very selves, be genuine, rightly appraised, and presented with a sincere heart, reflecting His own character of truth, righteousness, and order. The priest's role as an impartial arbiter foreshadows the ongoing need for objective spiritual discernment and accountability in all matters of faith and practice.
Reflection and Application
While the specific ritual of priestly valuation of dedicated items no longer applies in the New Covenant, the underlying principles of integrity, seriousness of commitment, and seeking wise counsel remain profoundly relevant for believers today. We are called to be faithful stewards of all that God has entrusted to us—our time, talents, spiritual gifts, material resources, and relationships. This verse challenges us to honestly assess the "value" and sincerity of our own offerings and commitments to God. Are we giving our "good" (our best, our wholehearted effort) or our "bad" (half-hearted efforts, neglected duties)? Are our promises to God and to others made lightly, or are they solemn declarations that we intend to honor with unwavering integrity? Just as the ancient Israelite sought the priest's impartial judgment, we are encouraged to seek spiritual wisdom and accountability from trusted, mature believers or spiritual leaders when making significant decisions or assessing the quality of our spiritual walk. This ensures that our service and devotion are genuinely pleasing to God, reflecting His desire for order, truth, and excellence in our lives.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
How does Leviticus 27:12 apply to Christians today, given that we don't have a Levitical priesthood or animal sacrifices?
While the literal practice of priestly valuation for dedicated items is no longer applicable, the theological principles embedded in Leviticus 27:12 offer timeless insights for Christians. Firstly, it emphasizes the seriousness of vows and commitments made to God. Though we don't make vows of dedication in the same way, our baptismal vows, church membership covenants, and personal promises to God (e.g., to serve, to give, to follow Christ) are equally solemn and should be honored. Secondly, the priest's role highlights the importance of integrity and impartial assessment. We are called to be honest stewards of all God has given us, evaluating our resources, time, and talents with wisdom and integrity, as if under God's own scrutiny. Thirdly, it underscores the value of spiritual accountability and discernment. Just as the Israelites relied on the priest's authoritative judgment, Christians today benefit from the wisdom of mature spiritual leaders and the guidance of the Holy Spirit in discerning God's will and evaluating their spiritual walk, ensuring that their devotion is genuine and pleasing to God. The principle of fair valuation reminds us that God desires genuine, quality offerings from our lives, not merely ritualistic acts.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Leviticus 27:12, with its emphasis on the priest's authoritative valuation of dedicated items, finds its ultimate fulfillment and profound transformation in the person and work of Jesus Christ. As our Great High Priest, Jesus not only perfectly fulfills the Levitical priestly office but also embodies the ultimate "valuation" and "dedication." Unlike the Levitical priests who assessed the worth of imperfect human or animal offerings, Christ, in His perfect life and atoning death, offered Himself as the "Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" (John 1:29). His sacrifice was of infinite and unblemished value, a "good" offering beyond measure, perfectly pleasing to God the Father (Ephesians 5:2). Through His once-for-all self-dedication on the cross, He not only redeemed us from the "bad" of our sin and its curse but also consecrated us, making us holy and acceptable to God (Hebrews 10:10). Now, through faith in Him, we are "bought with a price" (1 Corinthians 6:20), a value determined by the precious blood of Christ Himself, not by human assessment of our inherent worth. We are no longer valued by our inherent "good" or "bad" but by our union with Him, who is perfectly good and righteous. Our dedication to God is now a grateful response to His perfect self-dedication, as we offer our "bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God" (Romans 12:1), a spiritual act of worship made possible and acceptable through our High Priest, Jesus Christ.