Leviticus 27:2

Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, When a man shall make a singular vow, the persons [shall be] for the LORD by thy estimation.

Speak {H1696} unto the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478}, and say {H559} unto them, When a man {H376} shall make a singular {H6381} vow {H5088}, the persons {H5315} shall be for the LORD {H3068} by thy estimation {H6187}.

"Tell the people of Isra'el, 'If someone makes a clearly defined vow to ADONAI to give him an amount equal to the value of a human being,

“Speak to the Israelites and say to them, ‘When someone makes a special vow to the LORD involving the value of persons,

Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, When a man shall accomplish a vow, the persons shall be for Jehovah by thy estimation.

Commentary

Commentary on Leviticus 27:2 (KJV)

Leviticus 27:2 introduces a unique aspect of Israelite devotion: the "singular vow" concerning persons. This verse sets the stage for a detailed explanation of how individuals could dedicate themselves or others to the Lord, and the monetary valuation associated with such vows.

Context

Leviticus 27 serves as the concluding chapter of the book of Leviticus, which meticulously outlines the laws of holiness, offerings, and priestly duties for the ancient Israelites. While much of the book focuses on mandatory rituals and sacrifices, Chapter 27 addresses voluntary acts of devotion – specifically vows and dedications. This section provides a framework for individuals to express profound commitment to God beyond their regular obligations, offering a practical way to consecrate property, animals, or even persons to the Lord. The concept of making a vow to the Lord was a significant spiritual practice in ancient Israel.

Key Themes

The Nature of the Singular Vow

The phrase "a singular vow" (Hebrew: נֶדֶר, neder) refers to a special, voluntary promise or dedication made to God. Unlike regular offerings, this vow involved consecrating a "person" to the LORD. This did not imply literal human sacrifice or permanent servitude in the modern sense, but rather a commitment to special service or a dedication of one's life or a family member for a specific purpose, often related to the sanctuary. It was a profound expression of devotion, demonstrating a worshiper's desire to give something of immense personal value to God.

Estimation and Redemption

The crucial phrase "by thy estimation" highlights the role of the priest (specifically Aaron and his successors, as the law was spoken to Moses for the children of Israel) in determining the monetary value of the vowed person. Since it wasn't always practical for a person to literally serve at the tabernacle for an indefinite period, the law provided a mechanism for redemption through a monetary payment. The following verses (Leviticus 27:3-8) detail a fixed scale of values based on age and gender, reflecting societal roles and physical capabilities. This system ensured that the vow could be fulfilled even if the physical dedication was not possible, emphasizing God's desire for genuine commitment over strict physical service, while also affirming the value of human life.

Dedication to the Lord

At its core, this verse speaks to the principle of dedicating oneself or one's possessions to God. Whether through direct service or monetary redemption, the intent was to set apart something for sacred use or for the Lord's purposes. This concept of consecration underscores the idea that everything ultimately belongs to God and that acts of voluntary dedication are pleasing to Him.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "singular vow," neder (נֶדֶר), emphasizes its voluntary nature and distinctness from other obligatory offerings. The term for "estimation," 'erk'kâ (עֶרְכְּךָ), literally means "your valuation" or "your assessment," clearly indicating the priest's role in determining the redemption price according to the established divine guidelines, not arbitrary human judgment.

Practical Application

While we no longer practice literal vows of persons in the same manner, Leviticus 27:2 offers timeless principles for believers today:

  • Voluntary Commitment: It reminds us of the importance of making sincere, voluntary commitments to God, not just fulfilling religious duties. Our devotion should stem from a willing heart.
  • Valuing Human Life: The detailed system of estimation, allowing for redemption, subtly highlights God's immense value for human life and His provision for alternative fulfillment of vows.
  • Stewardship: It calls us to consider how we "value" and use our own lives, talents, and resources for God's glory. Are we dedicating our best to Him?
  • Understanding Redemption: The concept of a monetary equivalent for dedication can serve as a faint foreshadowing of the ultimate redemption offered through Jesus Christ, who paid the ultimate price to redeem humanity from sin, as seen in verses like 1 Peter 1:18-19.
Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Numbers 6:2

    Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, When either man or woman shall separate [themselves] to vow a vow of a Nazarite, to separate [themselves] unto the LORD:

  • Deuteronomy 23:21

    When thou shalt vow a vow unto the LORD thy God, thou shalt not slack to pay it: for the LORD thy God will surely require it of thee; and it would be sin in thee.

  • Deuteronomy 23:23

    That which is gone out of thy lips thou shalt keep and perform; [even] a freewill offering, according as thou hast vowed unto the LORD thy God, which thou hast promised with thy mouth.

  • 1 Samuel 1:11

    And she vowed a vow, and said, O LORD of hosts, if thou wilt indeed look on the affliction of thine handmaid, and remember me, and not forget thine handmaid, but wilt give unto thine handmaid a man child, then I will give him unto the LORD all the days of his life, and there shall no razor come upon his head.

  • Judges 11:30

    And Jephthah vowed a vow unto the LORD, and said, If thou shalt without fail deliver the children of Ammon into mine hands,

  • Judges 11:31

    Then it shall be, that whatsoever cometh forth of the doors of my house to meet me, when I return in peace from the children of Ammon, shall surely be the LORD'S, and I will offer it up for a burnt offering.

  • 1 Samuel 1:28

    Therefore also I have lent him to the LORD; as long as he liveth he shall be lent to the LORD. And he worshipped the LORD there.
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