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 27:14–25. His three-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
Here is the law concerning real estates dedicated to the service of God by a singular vow.
I.Suppose a man, in his zeal for the honour of God, should sanctify his house to God (Lev 27:14), the house must be valued by the priest, and the money got by the sale of it was to be converted to the use of the sanctuary, which by degrees came to be greatly enriched with dedicated things, Kg1 15:15. But, if the owner be inclined to redeem it himself, he must not have it so cheap as another, but must add a fifth part to the price, for he should have considered before he had vowed it, Lev 27:15. To him that was necessitous God would abate the estimation (Lev 27:8); but to him that was fickle and humoursome, and whose second thoughts inclined more to the world and his secular interest than his first, God would rise in the price. Blessed be God, there is a way of sanctifying our houses to be holy unto the Lord, without either selling them or buying them. If we and our houses serve the Lord, if religion rule in them, and we put away iniquity far from them, and have a church in our house, holiness to the Lord is written upon it, it is his, and he will dwell with us in it.
II.Suppose a man should sanctify some part of his land to the Lord, giving it to pious uses, then a difference must be made between land that came to the donor by descent and that which came by purchase, and accordingly the case altered.
1.If it was the inheritance of his fathers, here called the field of his possession, which pertained to his family from the first division of Canaan, he might not give it all, no, not to the sanctuary; God would not admit such a degree of zeal as ruined a man's family. But he might sanctify or dedicate only some part of it, Lev 27:16. And in that case,
(1.)The land was to be valued (as our countrymen commonly compute land) by so many measures' sowing of barley. So much land as would take a homer, or chomer, of barley, which contained ten ephahs, Eze 45:11 (not, as some have here mistaken it, an omer, which was but a tenth part of an ephah, Exo 16:36), was valued at fifty shekels, a moderate price (Lev 27:16), and that if it were sanctified immediately from the year of jubilee, Lev 27:17. But, if some years after, there was to be a discount accordingly, even of that price, Lev 27:18. And,
(2.)When the value was fixed, the donor might, if he pleased, redeem it for sixty shekels the homer's sowing, which was with the addition of a fifth part: the money then went to the sanctuary, and the land reverted to him that had sanctified it, Lev 27:19. But if he would not redeem it, and the priest sold it to another, then at the year of jubilee, beyond which the sale could not go, the land came to the priests, and was theirs for ever, Lev 27:20, Lev 27:21. Note, What is given to the Lord ought not to be given with a power of revocation; what is devoted to the Lord must be his for ever, by a perpetual covenant.
2.If the land was his own purchase, and came not to him from his ancestors, then not the land itself, but the value of it was to be given to the priests for pious uses, Lev 27:22, Lev 27:24. It was supposed that those who, by the blessing of God, had grown so rich as to become purchasers would think themselves obliged in gratitude to sanctify some part of their purchase, at least (and here they are not limited, but they might, if they pleased, sanctify the whole), to the service of God. For we ought to give as God prospers us, Co1 16:2. Purchasers are in a special manner bound to be charitable. Now, forasmuch as purchased lands were by a former law to return at the year of jubilee to the family from which they were purchased, God would not have that law and the intentions of it defeated by making the lands corban, a gift, Mar 7:11. But it was to be computed how much the land was worth for so many years as were from the vow to the jubilee; for only so long it was his own, and God hates robbery for burnt-offerings. We can never acceptably serve God with that of which we have wronged our neighbour. And so much money he was to give for the present, and keep the land in his own hands till the year of jubilee, when it was to return free of all encumbrances, even that of its being dedicated to him of whom it was bought. The value of the shekel by which all these estimations were to be made is here ascertained (Lev 27:25); it shall be twenty gerahs, and every gerah was sixteen barley-corns. This was fixed before (Exo 30:13); and, whereas there had been some alterations, it is again fixed in the laws of Ezekiel's visionary temple (Eze 45:12), to denote that the gospel should reduce things to their ancient standard.
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Summary
Leviticus 27:16 meticulously details the method for assessing the monetary value of an agricultural field that an Israelite voluntarily dedicates, or "sanctifies," to the LORD. This specific regulation, part of a broader discussion on vows and consecrated items, establishes a precise and standardized economic measure based on the field's planting capacity, rather than its subjective yield or size. It ensures fairness and order in transactions involving property set apart for sacred purposes, underscoring God's meticulous concern for justice and integrity even in voluntary acts of devotion and stewardship.
Context
Literary Context
Leviticus 27 functions as a concluding appendix to the Mosaic Law, offering specific guidelines for various types of vows and items consecrated to God. Unlike the mandatory sacrifices and offerings prescribed in earlier chapters, this chapter addresses freewill pledges made by individuals who desired to consecrate themselves, their animals, houses, or fields to the divine. The overarching purpose of Leviticus 27 is to provide clear mechanisms for the valuation and potential redemption of these dedicated items, thereby preventing arbitrary assessments and ensuring equitable practices. Within this framework, Leviticus 27:16 specifically focuses on agricultural land, setting its value not by its current productivity or subjective appraisal, but by its objective planting capacity, which offered a consistent and impartial standard for all such dedications. This section reinforces the critical importance of fulfilling vows made to God, a principle echoed in passages such as Deuteronomy 23:21-23 and Ecclesiastes 5:4-5.
Historical & Cultural Context
In ancient Israel, land was far more than mere property; it was intrinsically linked to identity, tribal inheritance, and the covenant relationship with God, as vividly illustrated by the division of the land among the tribes in Numbers 34. Agricultural fields represented the primary source of sustenance, wealth, and economic stability, making their dedication a profoundly significant act of devotion. The practice of making vows (נֶדֶר, neder) was a common means for individuals to express their piety and commitment beyond the prescribed rituals. However, such sacred pledges necessitated clear and equitable guidelines to prevent misuse, exploitation, or misunderstanding. The valuation system presented in Leviticus 27 reflects the realities of an agrarian society where land productivity, precisely measured by its seed capacity, served as a logical and equitable basis for assessment. The use of "shekels of silver" as the standard currency underscores the economic realities of the time, where precious metals functioned as a reliable medium of exchange, ensuring that sacred acts were grounded in practical, measurable terms. This intricate blend of spiritual devotion and practical economics highlights God's pervasive concern for order, justice, and integrity in all facets of Israelite life.
Key Themes
Leviticus 27:16 contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Leviticus and the broader Pentateuch. Foremost is the theme of Holiness and Consecration, emphasizing the act of setting apart something common for sacred use, reflecting God's own holy character and His demand for a separated people. The verse also underscores the theme of Vows and Voluntary Dedication, highlighting that while God prescribes certain offerings, He also welcomes freewill acts of devotion, which are to be taken seriously and fulfilled with integrity. Furthermore, it speaks to Divine Order and Justice, as the meticulous valuation system ensures fairness and prevents arbitrary assessments, demonstrating God's desire for equity in all human transactions, even those involving sacred property. Finally, the passage touches upon Stewardship, reminding the Israelites that all their possessions, including their land, ultimately belong to God, and their dedication is an acknowledgment of His ultimate ownership and their role as faithful managers of His resources, a concept deeply rooted in passages like Psalm 24:1.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This primitive root means to be, or causatively, to make, pronounce, or observe as clean, ceremonially or morally. In the context of Leviticus 27:16, when a man "sanctifies" a field to the LORD, he is ritually changing its status from common (חֹל, chol) to holy (קֹדֶשׁ, qodesh), dedicating it exclusively for God's purposes. This act implies a voluntary and deliberate separation of the item from ordinary use, placing it under divine ownership and jurisdiction.
Derived from a root meaning "to bubble up," this term primarily refers to a dry measure. In this verse, the "homer" serves as a standardized unit for measuring the capacity of a field, specifically the amount of barley seed required to sow it. This unit, equivalent to approximately 6 bushels or 220 liters, provides an objective basis for the field's valuation, linking its worth directly to its productive potential rather than its physical dimensions or fluctuating yield.
This term denotes a standard unit of weight, which functioned as a commercial standard and currency in ancient Israel, typically around 11-14 grams of silver. Coupled with "silver" (Hebrew, keçeph'), it specifies the monetary value assigned to the field's productive capacity. The valuation of "fifty shekels of silver" per homer of barley seed provides a concrete economic benchmark, translating the spiritual act of dedication into a tangible and universally understood monetary value for redemption or estimation purposes, highlighting the practical and economic implications of sacred vows.
Verse Breakdown
"And if a man shall sanctify unto the LORD [some part] of a field of his possession"
This opening clause establishes the voluntary nature of the act ("if a man shall sanctify") and identifies the object of dedication ("a field of his possession"). The phrase "unto the LORD" profoundly emphasizes that the dedication is directly to God, thereby rendering the consecrated item holy and subject to divine regulations. This is not a mandatory offering but a freewill act of devotion, stemming from an individual's personal piety.
"then thy estimation shall be according to the seed thereof"
This clause precisely specifies the method of valuation for the dedicated field. Its worth is not based on its current market value, its actual yield, or its physical size, but rather on its planting capacity—specifically, the amount of seed required to sow it. This provides an objective and consistent standard, effectively removing subjective appraisal and potential disputes, ensuring fairness for both the one dedicating and the sanctuary.
"an homer of barley seed [shall be valued] at fifty shekels of silver"
This provides the precise monetary equivalent for the standardized unit of land. For every homer of barley seed required to sow a field, the valuation is fixed at fifty shekels of silver. This fixed rate ensures uniformity and fairness across all such dedications, regardless of the individual's wealth, the specific field's location, or its perceived fertility, establishing a clear economic benchmark for sacred transactions.
Literary Devices
Leviticus 27:16 primarily employs Legal Precision and Standardization. The language used is exceptionally exact and prescriptive, leaving no ambiguity regarding the valuation process for dedicated fields. The explicit mention of specific units like "homer of barley seed" and "fifty shekels of silver" exemplifies Standardization, providing a universal and unvarying benchmark for assessment. This meticulous detail reflects God's character as a God of order and justice, ensuring that even voluntary acts of piety are governed by clear, equitable principles. The verse also demonstrates a form of Metonymy, where "seed thereof" stands for the productive capacity or the area of the field itself, making an abstract concept of land value measurable by a concrete agricultural input. This blending of spiritual commitment with practical, economic realities underscores the seriousness with which vows and dedications were to be treated within the Israelite community.
Theological and Thematic Connections
This verse underscores several profound theological principles: the absolute sovereignty of God over all creation, the profound significance of voluntary dedication, and the divine demand for integrity and fairness in all transactions, even those involving sacred matters. It highlights that true devotion is not merely an emotional sentiment but involves tangible commitment and adherence to God's meticulously established standards. The precise and meticulous valuation system teaches that God values order, equity, and transparency in human dealings, even when individuals choose to give to Him. This reflects His own righteous character and His desire for His people to mirror that righteousness in their interactions and commitments.
Reflection and Application
While the specific laws of Leviticus 27 are part of the Old Covenant and are not directly binding on New Testament believers, the underlying principles remain profoundly relevant for contemporary Christian living. This verse calls us to deeply consider the nature and depth of our voluntary dedication to the Lord. It's not merely about what we must do out of obligation, but what we choose to consecrate to God out of genuine love, gratitude, and devotion. This principle can extend far beyond financial resources to encompass our time, talents, relationships, vocational calling, and indeed, our entire life's purpose. The emphasis on standardized, fair valuation reminds us that our commitments and promises to God should be made with integrity, sincerity, and a clear understanding of their implications. We are called to be faithful stewards of all that God has graciously entrusted to us, recognizing that ultimately, everything we possess belongs to Him (Psalm 24:1). Our giving, whether of finances, time, or self, should reflect a heart that desires to honor God with excellence, faithfulness, and a spirit of true consecration, not with arbitrary or half-hearted gestures.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why did God require such specific valuation methods for dedicated fields?
God required such specific valuation methods for dedicated fields to ensure fairness, prevent disputes, and maintain order within the community, even in voluntary acts of dedication. In an agrarian society where land was central to life and identity, a standardized system based on planting capacity ("homer of barley seed") provided an objective measure that transcended subjective appraisal or fluctuating market values. This precision underscored the seriousness of vows made to the LORD and demonstrated God's desire for justice and integrity in all human dealings, including those involving sacred property. It also prevented the wealthy from overvaluing poor land or the poor from being exploited by arbitrary assessments. The detailed rules in Leviticus 27 reflect God's meticulous care for His people and His desire for honesty and equity in all transactions.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Leviticus 27:16, with its meticulous valuation of dedicated fields, points profoundly to Christ as the ultimate fulfillment of voluntary dedication and the perfect offering. While the Old Covenant law provided a system for humans to consecrate their possessions to God, Christ Himself is the one who perfectly "sanctified" (consecrated) Himself to the Father, not just a field, but His very life, as the ultimate and spotless sacrifice for humanity's sin (John 17:19 and Hebrews 10:10). His life, death, and resurrection represent the immeasurable "valuation" of God's love and the perfect offering that redeems us from the curse of the law and the futility of our own works (Galatians 3:13). We, who are now united with Christ through faith, are called to respond to this incomparable act by presenting our bodies as living sacrifices, holy and acceptable to God, which is our spiritual worship (Romans 12:1). Our dedication is no longer measured by homers of barley or shekels of silver, but by the complete surrender of ourselves in response to the infinite worth of Christ's sacrifice, recognizing that we have been bought with an immeasurable price—the precious blood of the 1 Peter 1:18-19.