Leviticus 27:16

KJV

And if a man shall sanctify unto the LORD [some part] of a field of his possession, then thy estimation shall be according to the seed thereof: an homer of barley seed [shall be valued] at fifty shekels of silver.

KJV (with Strong's)

And if a man {H376} shall sanctify {H6942} unto the LORD {H3068} some part of a field {H7704} of his possession {H272}, then thy estimation {H6187} shall be according {H6310} to the seed {H2233} thereof: an homer {H2563} of barley {H8184} seed {H2233} shall be valued at fifty {H2572} shekels {H8255} of silver {H3701}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"'If a person consecrates to ADONAI part of a field belonging to his tribe's possession, you are to value it according to its production, with five bushels of barley being valued at fifty shekels of silver [one-and-a-quarter pounds].

Berean Standard Bible

If a man consecrates to the LORD a parcel of his land, then your valuation shall be proportional to the seed required for it—fifty shekels of silver for every homer of barley seed.

American Standard Version

And if a man shall sanctify unto Jehovah part of the field of his possession, then thy estimation shall be according to the sowing thereof: the sowing of a homer of barley shall be valued at fifty shekels of silver.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 27:16 outlines the precise method for valuing a portion of an agricultural field that an Israelite voluntarily dedicates, or "sanctifies," to the LORD. This specific regulation within the broader context of vows and consecrated items provides a standardized economic measure, ensuring fairness and order in transactions involving property set apart for sacred purposes, emphasizing God's meticulous care for justice even in voluntary acts of devotion.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 27 serves as an appendix to the Mosaic Law, providing specific regulations for various types of vows and consecrated items. Unlike the mandatory sacrifices and offerings detailed in previous chapters, this chapter addresses voluntary pledges made by individuals who desired to consecrate themselves, their animals, houses, or fields to God. The chapter systematically details how these dedicated items could be valued or redeemed, ensuring fairness and preventing arbitrary assessments. Within this framework, [Leviticus 27:16](/leviticus/27-16 "Leviticus 27:16 - Valuation of Dedicated Fields") specifically focuses on agricultural land, setting its value not by its current yield or subjective appraisal, but by its planting capacity, thereby providing a consistent and objective standard for all such dedications. This section underscores the importance of fulfilling vows made to God, a theme echoed in [Deuteronomy 23:21-23](/deuteronomy/23-21 "Deuteronomy 23:21-23 - Fulfilling Vows") and [Ecclesiastes 5:4-5](/ecclesiastes/5-4 "Ecclesiastes 5:4-5 - Do Not Delay in Fulfilling Vows").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, land was intrinsically linked to identity, inheritance, and the covenant with God, as seen in the division of the land among the tribes in [Numbers 34](/numbers/34 "Numbers 34 - Boundaries of the Land"). Agricultural fields were the primary source of sustenance and wealth, making their dedication a significant act of devotion. The practice of making vows (נֶדֶר, _neder_) was common, allowing individuals to express their piety and commitment beyond the prescribed rituals. However, such vows required clear guidelines to prevent abuse or misunderstanding. The valuation system in [Leviticus 27](/leviticus/27 "Leviticus 27 - Laws Concerning Vows and Dedications") reflects an agrarian society where land productivity, measured by seed capacity, was a logical and equitable basis for assessment. The use of "shekels of silver" as currency underscores the economic realities of the time, where precious metals served as a standard medium of exchange, ensuring that sacred acts were grounded in practical, measurable terms. This blend of spiritual devotion and practical economics highlights God's concern for order and justice in all aspects of Israelite life.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Sanctify (Hebrew, _qadash_):** This verb means "to make holy," "to consecrate," or "to set apart for sacred use." 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.
* **Homer (Hebrew, _chomer_):** A significant dry measure, equivalent to approximately 6 bushels or 220 liters. In this context, it refers to the amount of barley seed required to plant a specific area of land. The "homer of barley seed" thus functions as a standardized unit of land measurement based on its productive capacity, rather than its physical dimensions, which could vary in fertility.
* **Shekels of Silver (Hebrew, _sheqel kesef_):** The shekel was a standard unit of weight and currency in ancient Israel, typically around 11-14 grams of silver. 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 monetary value for redemption or estimation purposes. This highlights 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 clause establishes the voluntary nature of the act ("if a man shall sanctify") and the object of dedication ("a field of his possession"). The phrase "unto the LORD" emphasizes that the dedication is directly to God, making the consecrated item holy and subject to divine regulations. This is not a mandatory offering but a freewill act of devotion.
* **"then thy estimation shall be according to the seed thereof":** This specifies the method of valuation. The field's worth is not based on its current market value, its yield, or its physical size, but on its planting capacity—specifically, the amount of seed required to sow it. This provides an objective and consistent standard, removing subjective appraisal and potential disputes.
* **"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 set at fifty shekels of silver. This fixed rate ensures uniformity and fairness across all such dedications, regardless of the individual's wealth or the specific field's location.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 27:16 primarily employs **Legal Precision** and **Standardization**. The language is exact and prescriptive, leaving no room for ambiguity regarding the valuation of dedicated fields. The use of specific units like "homer of barley seed" and "fifty shekels of silver" exemplifies **Standardization**, providing a universal benchmark for assessment. This 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 area of the field, making an abstract concept measurable. This meticulous detail underscores the seriousness with which vows and dedications were to be treated in the Israelite community, blending spiritual commitment with practical, economic realities.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse underscores several profound theological principles: the sovereignty of God over all creation, the importance 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 emotional but involves tangible commitment and adherence to God's standards. The meticulous valuation system teaches that God values order, equity, and transparency in human dealings, even when individuals choose to give to Him.

* [Proverbs 3:9](/proverbs/3-9 "Proverbs 3:9 - Honor the Lord with Your Wealth")
* [1 Chronicles 29:14](/1_chronicles/29-14 "1 Chronicles 29:14 - David's Prayer on God's Ownership")
* [Malachi 3:8-10](/malachi/3-8 "Malachi 3:8-10 - Robbing God in Tithes and Offerings")

### 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 consider the depth of our voluntary dedication to the Lord. It's not just about what we *must* do, but what we *choose* to consecrate to God out of love and devotion. This can extend beyond financial resources to our time, talents, relationships, and even our life's purpose. The emphasis on standardized, fair valuation reminds us that our commitments to God should be made with integrity, sincerity, and a clear understanding of their implications. We are called to be good stewards of all that God has entrusted to us, recognizing that ultimately, everything we possess belongs to Him. Our giving, whether of finances or self, should reflect a heart that desires to honor God with excellence and faithfulness, not with arbitrary or half-hearted gestures.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "fields" (areas of your life, resources, talents) might God be inviting you to voluntarily "sanctify" or dedicate to Him today?**
* **How does the principle of "fair and standardized valuation" apply to the integrity of your commitments and promises, both to God and to others?**
* **In what ways can you cultivate a deeper stewardship mindset, recognizing God's ultimate ownership over all you possess?**

### FAQ

**Why did God require such specific valuation methods for dedicated fields?**

Answer: God required specific valuation methods 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. The detailed rules in [Leviticus 27](/leviticus/27 "Leviticus 27 - Laws Concerning Vows and Dedications") reflect God's meticulous care for His people and His desire for honesty 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. 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 sacrifice for humanity's sin (cf. [John 17:19](/john/17-19 "John 17:19 - Jesus Sanctifies Himself") and [Hebrews 10:10](/hebrews/10-10 "Hebrews 10:10 - Sanctified by Christ's Offering")). 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 (cf. [Galatians 3:13](/galatians/3-13 "Galatians 3:13 - Christ Redeemed Us from the Curse of the Law")). We, who are now in Christ, are called to present our bodies as living sacrifices, holy and acceptable to God, which is our spiritual worship (cf. [Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Living Sacrifices")). 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 immeasurable worth of Christ's sacrifice, recognizing that we have been bought with a price—the precious blood of the [Lamb of God](/1_peter/1-18 "1 Peter 1:18 - Redeemed with Precious Blood").

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

Isaiah 5:10

Yea, ten acres of vineyard shall yield one bath, and the seed of an homer shall yield an ephah.

Acts 5:4

Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God.

Hosea 3:2

So I bought her to me for fifteen [pieces] of silver, and [for] an homer of barley, and an half homer of barley:

Acts 4:34

Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold,

Acts 4:37

Having land, sold [it], and brought the money, and laid [it] at the apostles' feet.

Ezekiel 45:11

The ephah and the bath shall be of one measure, that the bath may contain the tenth part of an homer, and the ephah the tenth part of an homer: the measure thereof shall be after the homer.

Ezekiel 45:14

Concerning the ordinance of oil, the bath of oil, [ye shall offer] the tenth part of a bath out of the cor, [which is] an homer of ten baths; for ten baths [are] an homer: