Leviticus 27:14

KJV

¶ And when a man shall sanctify his house [to be] holy unto the LORD, then the priest shall estimate it, whether it be good or bad: as the priest shall estimate it, so shall it stand.

KJV (with Strong's)

And when a man {H376} shall sanctify {H6942} his house {H1004} to be holy {H6944} unto the LORD {H3068}, then the priest {H3548} shall estimate {H6186} it, whether it be good {H2896} or bad {H7451}: as the priest {H3548} shall estimate {H6186} it, so shall it stand {H6965}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"'When a person consecrates his house to be holy for ADONAI, the cohen is to set a value on it in relation to its good and bad points; the value set by the cohen will stand.

Berean Standard Bible

Now if a man consecrates his house as holy to the LORD, then the priest shall value it either as good or bad. The price will stand just as the priest values it.

American Standard Version

And when a man shall sanctify his house to be holy unto Jehovah, then the priest shall estimate it, whether it be good or bad: as the priest shall estimate it, so shall it stand.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 27:14 outlines the specific regulations for an Israelite man who chooses to consecrate his private dwelling to the LORD. This voluntary act of dedication necessitated a formal, impartial estimation by the priest, who would assess the house's value based on its condition and utility. The verse emphatically declares the binding and authoritative nature of this priestly valuation, establishing it as the final determination for any subsequent redemption or disposition of the dedicated property, thereby ensuring integrity, fairness, and divine order in matters of voluntary vows and sacred commitments to God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 27 serves as the concluding chapter of the book of Leviticus, which meticulously details the divine laws, rituals, and principles governing Israel's covenant relationship with God, emphasizing holiness, worship, and atonement. While the majority of Leviticus focuses on mandatory sacrifices, offerings, and purity laws, chapter 27 shifts its focus to voluntary dedications and vows made by individuals. It provides a structured and comprehensive framework for how various items—including persons, animals, fields, and, as specified in this verse, houses—could be consecrated to the LORD. This concluding chapter ensures that even acts of personal devotion are conducted with order, fairness, and a clear understanding of their implications, particularly distinguishing between items that could be redeemed and those irrevocably devoted. The preceding verses [Leviticus 27:1-13](/leviticus/27-1-13 "Leviticus 27:1-13 - Valuation of Persons and Animals Dedicated to the Lord") establish the principles for valuing persons and animals, setting the interpretive stage for the valuation of houses and fields.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israelite society, the act of dedicating property or individuals to God was a profound expression of devotion, gratitude, or the fulfillment of a solemn vow. Such dedications were not compulsory but reflected a deep personal commitment to the covenant. Houses, as significant and often generational assets, represented a substantial and meaningful offering. The priest's role in this process was indispensable. Beyond their cultic duties, priests functioned as authoritative arbiters and administrators of divine law, ensuring justice, order, and the sanctity of sacred transactions within the community. Their impartial estimation of dedicated property, whether deemed "good or bad," served to protect both the individual from over-commitment or exploitation and the sanctity of the dedication itself. This meticulous system prevented arbitrary valuations and underscored God's demand for integrity and truthfulness in all dealings, particularly those involving sacred commitments, echoing principles found in passages concerning vows, such as [Numbers 30:2](/numbers/30-2 "Numbers 30:2 - The Seriousness of Vows and Oaths"). The binding nature of the priestly assessment highlighted the divine authority vested in the priestly office concerning these sacred transactions.
* **Key Themes:** Leviticus 27:14 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Leviticus and the broader Pentateuch. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Ownership and Human Stewardship**, emphasizing that all possessions, including valuable property like a house, ultimately belong to the LORD, and dedicating them acknowledges this truth. This act transforms a personal asset into an expression of devotion, placing its value under God's claim. Another crucial theme is the **Sanctity and Binding Nature of Vows**, underscoring the seriousness with which commitments made to God must be approached and fulfilled. The priestly estimation process highlights the theme of **Justice and Impartiality in Sacred Matters**, ensuring fairness and preventing fraud or disputes in transactions involving God's treasury. Finally, the verse reinforces the **Mediatorial Role of the Priesthood**, demonstrating the priest's authority and responsibility in administering divine law and facilitating sacred interactions between God and His people, a role consistently emphasized throughout Leviticus, as seen in the various regulations for offerings and purification (e.g., [Leviticus 4](/leviticus/4 "Leviticus 4 - The Sin Offering") or [Leviticus 13](/leviticus/13 "Leviticus 13 - Laws Concerning Skin Diseases")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Sanctify (Hebrew, _qâdash'_):** From H6942, this primitive root means "to be (causatively, make, pronounce or observe as) clean (ceremonially or morally); appoint, bid, consecrate, dedicate, defile, hallow, (be, keep) holy(-er, place), keep, prepare, proclaim, purify, sanctify(-ied one, self), [idiom] wholly." When a man "sanctifies his house," he is formally setting it apart from common use, declaring it distinct and dedicating its value for exclusive service or possession by the LORD. This involves a ceremonial separation, transforming the house's status from a secular dwelling to an object whose value is consecrated to God.
* **Estimate (Hebrew, _ʻârak'_):** From H6186, this primitive root means "to set in a row, i.e. arrange, put in order (in a very wide variety of applications); put (set) (the battle, self) in array, compare, direct, equal, esteem, estimate, expert (in war), furnish, handle, join (battle), ordain, (lay, put, reckon up, set) (in) order, prepare, tax, value." This verb denotes a careful, systematic, and professional appraisal undertaken by the priest. It was not a casual guess but a thorough evaluation of the house's fair market value, considering its condition, size, location, and any other relevant factors. The priest's role was to ensure a just and accurate valuation, reflecting the divine standard of fairness in all transactions, especially those related to sacred vows.
* **Good (Hebrew, _ṭôwb'_):** From H2896, this word means "good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good or good thing, a good man or woman; the good, goods or good things, good men or women), also as an adverb (well); beautiful, best, better, bountiful, cheerful, at ease, [idiom] fair (word), (be in) favour, fine, glad, good (deed, -lier, -liest, -ly, -ness, -s), graciously, joyful, kindly, kindness, liketh (best), loving, merry, [idiom] most, pleasant, [phrase] pleaseth, pleasure, precious, prosperity, ready, sweet, wealth, welfare, (be) well(-favoured)."
* **Bad (Hebrew, _raʻ'_):** From H7451, this word means "bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral); adversity, affliction, bad, calamity, [phrase] displease(-ure), distress, evil((-favouredness), man, thing), [phrase] exceedingly, [idiom] great, grief(-vous), harm, heavy, hurt(-ful), ill (favoured), [phrase] mark, mischief(-vous), misery, naught(-ty), noisome, [phrase] not please, sad(-ly), sore, sorrow, trouble, vex, wicked(-ly, -ness, one), worse(-st), wretchedness, wrong."
The pairing of "good or bad" (טוֹב אוֹ רַע, _ṭôwb ʾô raʻ_) signifies a comprehensive assessment of the house's condition, quality, and overall market value, encompassing its positive and negative attributes. The priest's evaluation was to be objective and thorough, regardless of the house's state.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when a man shall sanctify his house [to be] holy unto the LORD":** This opening clause introduces the voluntary nature of the act. An individual, motivated by personal devotion, gratitude, or the fulfillment of a vow, chooses to consecrate his private dwelling. The phrase "to be holy unto the LORD" underscores that the purpose of this act is to set the house's value apart for God's exclusive claim, even if the physical structure remains occupied by the owner. Its monetary worth is now devoted to the sanctuary or God's purposes.
* **"then the priest shall estimate it, whether it be good or bad":** This clause specifies the indispensable role of the priest. Upon a house's dedication, the priest was divinely mandated to conduct an impartial appraisal. The phrase "whether it be good or bad" refers to the house's physical condition, structural integrity, and overall utility, implying a comprehensive assessment of its quality and market value. This priestly evaluation was crucial for establishing a fair and objective monetary value, preventing potential disputes or unfair advantages.
* **"as the priest shall estimate it, so shall it stand":** This concluding clause emphatically declares the binding and authoritative nature of the priest's assessment. Once the valuation was made and pronounced, it was final, unchangeable, and legally enforceable. This ensured that the agreed-upon value, whether for redemption or for the temple treasury, was legally and divinely sanctioned, underscoring the integrity, finality, and divine authority required in all sacred transactions within the covenant community.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 27:14 employs several literary devices that amplify its legal and theological significance. The most prominent is **Legal Language**, characterized by its precise, prescriptive, and conditional phrasing ("And when a man shall... then the priest shall... so shall it stand"). This formal structure is typical of covenant law, emphasizing the clarity, enforceability, and divine origin of the regulations. The **Repetition** of the verb "estimate" (עָרַךְ, _ʻârak_) highlights the centrality and importance of the priest's appraisal, reinforcing its authority and the meticulousness required. Furthermore, there is an element of **Symbolism**: the house, a tangible and significant possession representing an individual's material wealth and personal domain, symbolizes the dedication of one's resources to God. By dedicating it, the man symbolically places a portion of his life and resources under God's direct claim, demonstrating a profound act of devotion. The priest acts as a **Mediator**, representing divine authority in the practical application and administration of this sacred transaction. The **Juxtaposition** of "good or bad" underscores the priest's comprehensive and impartial assessment, regardless of the property's state.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 27:14 profoundly illustrates the foundational theological themes of divine ownership, human stewardship, and the sanctity of vows. It underscores the truth that all possessions ultimately belong to the LORD, and dedicating a house was a tangible acknowledgment of this divine prerogative, transforming a personal asset into an act of worship and devotion. The priest's role as an impartial estimator reflects God's unwavering demand for integrity, justice, and order in all human dealings, especially those involving sacred commitments. This principle extends beyond material possessions to the seriousness with which believers should approach all commitments made to God, emphasizing the trustworthiness of one's word and the importance of offering one's best with a pure heart. The verse serves as a reminder that true devotion involves not just ritual but also faithful stewardship and adherence to one's promises.

* [Numbers 30:2](/numbers/30-2 "The Seriousness of Vows and Oaths")
* [Deuteronomy 23:21](/deuteronomy/23-21 "Fulfilling Vows to the Lord")
* [Malachi 2:7](/malachi/2-7 "The Priest's Role as Messenger of the Lord")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the specific practice of dedicating houses to the LORD under the Old Covenant is no longer observed in the same literal manner, the enduring principles embedded in Leviticus 27:14 remain profoundly relevant for contemporary believers. This verse calls us to a deeper reflection on our stewardship of all that God has graciously entrusted to us—our homes, finances, talents, time, and relationships. It challenges us to consider how we can "consecrate" or dedicate these aspects of our lives to the LORD, not through a literal estimation by a priest, but through intentional living that honors His sovereignty. Are we holding our possessions loosely, recognizing that they are gifts from God to be used for His purposes and glory? Furthermore, the emphasis on the binding nature of the priestly estimation reminds us of the seriousness with which we should approach our commitments, both to God and to others. Our word should be trustworthy, our promises upheld, and our integrity unwavering, reflecting the character of a God who is utterly faithful to His covenant. This passage encourages a life of deliberate devotion, where even our most significant material assets are viewed as opportunities for worship and service.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what practical ways can I "sanctify" or dedicate my home, finances, and talents to the LORD in a New Covenant context?**
* **How does the priest's role in impartial estimation challenge me to seek wise, objective counsel or accountability in my own significant decisions, especially those involving spiritual commitments or material resources?**
* **What promises or commitments have I made to God or others that I need to re-evaluate and ensure I am upholding with integrity, seriousness, and faithfulness?**

### FAQ
**What was the primary purpose of dedicating a house to the LORD in ancient Israel?**

Answer: The dedication of a house to the LORD was a voluntary act of profound devotion, typically undertaken to fulfill a vow, express deep gratitude, or demonstrate unwavering commitment. It served as a tangible means for an Israelite to consecrate a significant personal asset to God, acknowledging His ultimate ownership over all things. While the physical house itself might not have been used for sacred rituals, its value was set apart for the sanctuary or for God's broader purposes, often involving a monetary redemption that would then contribute to the temple treasury. This act demonstrated profound reverence, obedience to the covenant, and a willingness to offer one's most valuable possessions to the divine.

**Why was the priest's estimation of the dedicated house so important and binding?**

Answer: The priest's estimation was crucial because it ensured fairness, impartiality, and divine sanction in the sacred transaction. As the designated arbiter of God's law and representative of divine authority, the priest's assessment prevented both the individual from overvaluing their dedication (making an unrealistic or burdensome vow) and the community or temple from undervaluing it. The phrase "as the priest shall estimate it, so shall it stand" highlights the finality, authority, and irrevocability of this judgment. It reflected the divine will for justice, order, and integrity in all matters, especially those concerning sacred vows and contributions to the LORD, reinforcing the priest's vital role as a mediator and administrator of God's standards, as seen in [Malachi 2:7](/malachi/2-7 "The Priest as Messenger of the Lord").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 27:14, with its focus on the dedication of a house and the priest's binding estimation, finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While the Old Covenant system dealt with material possessions and the valuation of physical property, Christ inaugurates a New Covenant where the true "house" dedicated to the LORD is the believer's very life, body, and spirit, as we are called to be living sacrifices, holy and acceptable to God ([Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Present Your Bodies as Living Sacrifices")). Jesus, as our great High Priest, perfectly fulfills the Levitical priestly role. Unlike the Levitical priests who estimated earthly houses, Christ, through His perfect life, atoning death, and resurrection, has made the ultimate "estimation" and "sanctification" for us. He is the one who perfectly dedicates Himself to God on our behalf, and through His singular, once-for-all offering, we are made holy and set apart for God's purposes ([Hebrews 10:10](/hebrews/10-10 "Sanctified Through the Offering of Jesus Christ")). Our lives, once "bad" or defiled by sin and unable to meet God's holy standard, are now "estimated" as "good" and righteous in Him, not by our own merit or material dedication, but by His perfect sacrifice, for God "made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God" ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Made Sin for Us")). The binding nature of the priest's assessment foreshadows the eternal and unchangeable reality that those who are in Christ are irrevocably consecrated to God, sealed by the Holy Spirit of promise ([Ephesians 1:13](/ephesians/1-13 "Sealed with the Holy Spirit of Promise")). Thus, the principles of dedication, estimation, and divine authority in Leviticus 27:14 point us to the complete and perfect work of Christ, who has consecrated us fully to God, making us His holy dwelling place and a temple in whom the Spirit dwells ([Ephesians 2:21-22](/ephesians/2-21-22 "A Holy Temple in the Lord")).

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

Psalms 101:2

I will behave myself wisely in a perfect way. O when wilt thou come unto me? I will walk within my house with a perfect heart.

Psalms 101:7

He that worketh deceit shall not dwell within my house: he that telleth lies shall not tarry in my sight.

Leviticus 27:21

But the field, when it goeth out in the jubile, shall be holy unto the LORD, as a field devoted; the possession thereof shall be the priest's.

Leviticus 25:29

And if a man sell a dwelling house in a walled city, then he may redeem it within a whole year after it is sold; [within] a full year may he redeem it.

Leviticus 25:31

But the houses of the villages which have no wall round about them shall be counted as the fields of the country: they may be redeemed, and they shall go out in the jubile.

Numbers 18:14

Every thing devoted in Israel shall be thine.