Leviticus 27:13

KJV

But if he will at all redeem it, then he shall add a fifth [part] thereof unto thy estimation.

KJV (with Strong's)

But if he will at all {H1350} redeem {H1350} it, then he shall add {H3254} a fifth {H2549} part thereof unto thy estimation {H6187}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But if the person making the vow wishes to redeem the animal, he must add one-fifth to your valuation.

Berean Standard Bible

If, however, the owner decides to redeem the animal, he must add a fifth to its value.

American Standard Version

But if he will indeed redeem it, then he shall add the fifth part thereof unto thy estimation.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 27:13 details a specific provision within the laws governing vows and dedications to the Lord, outlining the terms for redeeming an item or person previously consecrated. If an individual desires to repurchase something that has been dedicated and subsequently valued by the priest, an additional twenty percent (a fifth part) of that estimated value must be added to the redemption price. This regulation profoundly underscores the solemnity of vows made to God, the inherent sanctity of dedicated items, and the tangible cost associated with retracting a commitment made to the divine.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 27 functions as the concluding chapter of the book of Leviticus, serving as a comprehensive appendix to the preceding laws concerning holiness, sacrifices, and the priestly system. While much of Leviticus focuses on mandatory offerings, ritual purity, and the covenant obligations of Israel, chapter 27 shifts its focus to voluntary acts of devotion, specifically vows and dedications. These acts allowed Israelites to consecrate persons, animals, houses, or fields to the Lord, demonstrating their devotion beyond the required sacrifices. The chapter meticulously details how these vows were to be assessed by a priest and, crucially, how they could be redeemed. Verse 13 specifically falls within the section addressing the redemption of dedicated items, following the general rules for valuation (see [Leviticus 27:1-12](/leviticus/27-1-12 "Leviticus 27:1-12 - Valuation of Vows")) and preceding rules for tithes and firstborns (see [Leviticus 27:30-34](/leviticus/27-30-34 "Leviticus 27:30-34 - Laws Concerning Tithes and Firstborns")). The inclusion of this redemption penalty reinforces the binding nature of such vows, ensuring they were not made lightly or broken without significant consequence.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, vows were solemn promises made to God, often in exchange for divine favor, as an expression of gratitude, or as a spontaneous act of devotion. They were considered extremely serious and legally binding, reflecting the high value placed on integrity, faithfulness, and the sanctity of one's word within the covenant community. The Mosaic Law, as seen in passages like [Deuteronomy 23:21-23](/deuteronomy/23-21-23 "Deuteronomy 23:21-23 - The Seriousness of Vows"), emphasized the imperative to fulfill vows without delay. The concept of "redemption" (גָּאַל, _ga'al_) was deeply embedded in Israelite society, encompassing the buying back of property, slaves, or even family members, often involving a kinsman-redeemer. In the context of dedicated items, the priest acted as the impartial arbiter, setting the "estimation" or value according to prescribed criteria. The requirement to add a "fifth part" (20%) was not unique to this law; it appears elsewhere in the Pentateuch as a consistent penalty for various transgressions, such as unintentional trespasses against the Lord's holy things (see [Leviticus 5:16](/leviticus/5-16 "Leviticus 5:16 - Restitution for Trespass")) or fraud (see [Numbers 5:7](/numbers/5-7 "Numbers 5:7 - Restitution for Unfaithfulness")). This consistent penalty underscores a fundamental legal and theological principle: changing one's mind or failing to uphold a sacred obligation incurred a financial consequence, reinforcing the sanctity of the vow and the Lord's absolute ownership.
* **Key Themes:** Leviticus 27:13 contributes significantly to several key themes prevalent throughout the book of Leviticus and the broader Pentateuch. Firstly, it highlights the **Sanctity and Binding Nature of Vows** made to God. While vows were voluntary, once made, they became a sacred obligation, reflecting the seriousness with which God regards human promises, especially those directed toward Him. This theme is echoed in [Ecclesiastes 5:4-5](/ecclesiastes/5-4-5 "Ecclesiastes 5:4-5 - Do Not Be Hasty in Vows"), which warns against rash promises. Secondly, the verse underscores **God's Ultimate Ownership and Holiness**. Even items voluntarily dedicated to the Lord were understood to become His property, and reclaiming them required a payment that acknowledged His prior claim and the sacredness of what was consecrated. This aligns with the broader theme of God's sovereignty over all creation, as seen in [Psalm 24:1](/psalm/24-1 "Psalm 24:1 - The Earth is the Lord's"). Thirdly, the "fifth part" penalty reinforces the theme of **Restitution and Consequences for Covenant Unfaithfulness**. It teaches that there is a tangible cost for altering or reversing a commitment made to God, serving as a deterrent against treating sacred obligations lightly, a principle also seen in laws regarding trespasses against holy things in [Leviticus 5:16](/leviticus/5-16 "Leviticus 5:16 - Restitution for Trespass").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Redeem (Hebrew, _gâʼal_):** H1350 is a primitive root meaning "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." In the context of Leviticus 27, it refers specifically to the act of repurchasing something that has been consecrated or dedicated to the Lord. The use of _gâʼal_ here highlights a transactional process where a price is paid to revert the dedicated item to private ownership, implying that the item, once dedicated, legally belonged to God. The act of redemption is not merely a cancellation of the vow but a formal, costly process to retrieve what was given.
* **Estimation (Hebrew, _ʻêrek_):** H6187 is from עָרַךְ; meaning "a pile, equipment, estimate; equal, estimation, (things that are set in) order, price, proportion, [idiom] set at, suit, taxation, [idiom] valuest." This noun refers to the monetary value or assessment placed upon the dedicated item by the priest. The priest's role was crucial as an impartial arbiter, ensuring a fair and consistent valuation according to the established criteria outlined in the preceding verses of Leviticus 27. This "estimation" formed the base price for redemption, to which the additional fifth part would be added.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But if he will at all redeem it":** This opening conditional clause establishes the possibility of redemption, acknowledging that while dedication was a serious commitment, the law provided a mechanism for an individual (either the original dedicator or another party) to reclaim the consecrated item. The emphatic phrase "at all redeem" (using an infinitive absolute for emphasis) underscores the deliberate and intentional desire to reverse the dedication, implying a strong will to do so despite the sacred nature of the initial vow. It highlights that this is not a casual decision but a weighty one.
* **"then he shall add a fifth [part] thereof unto thy estimation":** This specifies the mandatory surcharge or penalty for redemption. "A fifth part" translates to 20% of the priest's original "estimation" (valuation). This additional cost served multiple purposes: it acted as a deterrent against making hasty or insincere vows, reinforced the seriousness of breaking or altering a sacred commitment, and compensated for the "loss" to the sanctuary that would have accrued from the dedicated item. It also underscored that dedicated items, once given to God, were not to be treated as casually as common property, and that God's claim on them was paramount, even in their return to secular use.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 27:13 primarily employs **Legal Language**, characterized by its precise, prescriptive, and conditional structure ("But if... then..."). This unambiguous phrasing is typical of the Mosaic Law, designed to provide clear guidelines for Israelite conduct and religious practice. The verse functions as a specific **Statute** within the broader legal framework concerning vows and dedications, outlining a particular scenario and its prescribed consequence. The consistent application of the "fifth part" penalty across various laws (e.g., for trespasses or fraud) demonstrates **Repetition** of a legal principle, emphasizing the concept of restitution and penalty for failing to uphold one's obligations, whether to God or to fellow Israelites. Furthermore, the act of redemption itself, with its added cost, carries rich **Symbolism**: it represents the tangible cost of changing one's mind regarding a sacred commitment and reinforces the idea that what is given to God is not easily reclaimed, highlighting His ultimate ownership and the sanctity of dedicated things.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 27:13 profoundly underscores the seriousness with which God views vows and commitments made to Him. It teaches that while voluntary, such dedications are binding and carry significant spiritual weight. The requirement of an additional 20% for redemption serves as a tangible penalty, reinforcing the principle that promises made to the Lord are not to be taken lightly or rescinded without consequence. This law reflects God's holiness and His expectation of integrity and faithfulness from His people, reminding them that their words and actions have eternal implications when directed toward Him. It also implicitly affirms God's ultimate ownership over all things, even those voluntarily dedicated to Him, as their redemption still requires a payment that acknowledges His prior claim and the sanctity of what was once set apart for Him.

* [Deuteronomy 23:21-23](/deuteronomy/23-21-23 "Fulfilling Vows to the Lord")
* [Ecclesiastes 5:4-5](/ecclesiastes/5-4-5 "Do Not Be Hasty in Vows")
* [Numbers 5:7](/numbers/5-7 "Restitution for Unfaithfulness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Leviticus 27:13, though rooted in the Old Covenant's specific legal framework, offers timeless principles for contemporary believers. It challenges us to consider the gravity of our commitments, particularly those made to God. Whether it's a baptismal vow, a pledge of service, a promise in prayer, or a dedication of our time, talents, or resources, this verse reminds us that God takes our words seriously. It encourages a spirit of integrity and faithfulness, urging us to count the cost before making commitments and to diligently fulfill them once made. The "fifth part" penalty serves as a stark reminder that there can be spiritual consequences—a "cost"—when we retract or fail to follow through on our dedicated intentions. This should prompt us to approach our walk with God with intentionality, ensuring that our "yes" means yes and our "no" means no, reflecting the unwavering faithfulness of God Himself. Our dedication to God should be a joyful, wholehearted offering, not something we seek to reclaim or diminish without a clear understanding of the spiritual implications.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What commitments have I made to God, either explicitly or implicitly, that I need to re-evaluate for faithfulness and integrity?**
* **In what areas of my life might I be treating my relationship with God too casually, failing to recognize His ultimate ownership and the seriousness of my dedication to Him?**
* **How can the principle of "counting the cost" (see [Luke 14:28-30](/luke/14-28-30 "Luke 14:28-30 - Counting the Cost")) before making commitments apply to my spiritual life and service today?**

### FAQ

**Why was a 20% penalty required for redemption of dedicated items?**

Answer: The 20% penalty (a "fifth part") for redeeming a dedicated item in Leviticus 27:13 served several crucial purposes within the Israelite legal and theological framework. Firstly, it reinforced the **seriousness and binding nature of vows** made to the Lord. Once something was dedicated, it was considered sacred and belonged to God. The penalty discouraged hasty or insincere vows, making it financially costly to retract a commitment. Secondly, it acted as a form of **restitution or compensation** for the "loss" to the sanctuary. If an item was dedicated, it was meant to be used for sacred purposes or sold for the benefit of the tabernacle/temple. Redeeming it meant diverting that benefit, and the 20% compensated for this. Thirdly, it underscored **God's ultimate ownership and holiness**. Even if an item was returned to private use, the additional payment acknowledged that it had been consecrated to the Lord and that His claim was paramount. This "fifth part" penalty was a consistent legal principle found in other laws concerning restitution for unintentional trespasses against holy things (see [Leviticus 5:16](/leviticus/5-16 "Leviticus 5:16 - Restitution for Trespass")) or fraud (see [Numbers 5:7](/numbers/5-7 "Numbers 5:7 - Restitution for Unfaithfulness")), indicating a standard legal consequence for actions that diminished God's due or violated a sacred trust.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 27:13, with its emphasis on redemption and the cost associated with it, finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament law describes a human effort to redeem what was dedicated, often involving a penalty for reclaiming, Christ is the perfect [Kinsman-Redeemer](/isaiah/59-20 "Isaiah 59:20 - The Redeemer Comes to Zion") who paid the ultimate price not to reclaim what was merely dedicated, but to redeem humanity from the bondage of sin and death. We, by our very nature, were "sold under sin" (as described in [Romans 7:14](/romans/7-14 "Romans 7:14 - Enslaved to Sin")) and utterly incapable of redeeming ourselves or paying the "fifth part" of our infinite debt. Jesus, however, "redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us" (as proclaimed in [Galatians 3:13](/galatians/3-13 "Galatians 3:13 - Christ Redeems Us from the Curse of the Law")), offering His own sinless life as the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice (as revealed in [Hebrews 9:12](/hebrews/9-12 "Hebrews 9:12 - Christ's Eternal Redemption")). His redemption was not a costly reversal of a vow, but a gracious, complete, and eternally effective act of love, securing our freedom and adoption into God's family (as celebrated in [Ephesians 1:7](/ephesians/1-7 "Ephesians 1:7 - Redemption Through His Blood")). Through Christ, we are not merely "bought back" to our former state, but transformed into new creations (as taught in [2_corinthians/5-17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ")), dedicated to God not by human vow, but by divine grace and the indwelling Spirit, a dedication that requires no additional payment because Christ's sacrifice was perfectly sufficient.

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

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 27:19

And if he that sanctified the field will in any wise redeem it, then he shall add the fifth [part] of the money of thy estimation unto it, and it shall be assured to him.

Leviticus 22:14

And if a man eat [of] the holy thing unwittingly, then he shall put the fifth [part] thereof unto it, and shall give [it] unto the priest with the holy thing.

Leviticus 5:16

And he shall make amends for the harm that he hath done in the holy thing, and shall add the fifth part thereto, and give it unto the priest: and the priest shall make an atonement for him with the ram of the trespass offering, and it shall be forgiven him.

Leviticus 27:10

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.

Leviticus 6:4

Then it shall be, because he hath sinned, and is guilty, that he shall restore that which he took violently away, or the thing which he hath deceitfully gotten, or that which was delivered him to keep, or the lost thing which he found,

Leviticus 6:5

Or all that about which he hath sworn falsely; he shall even restore it in the principal, and shall add the fifth part more thereto, [and] give it unto him to whom it appertaineth, in the day of his trespass offering.