Leviticus 27:21

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

But the field {H7704}, when it goeth out {H3318} in the jubile {H3104}, shall be holy {H6944} unto the LORD {H3068}, as a field {H7704} devoted {H2764}; the possession {H272} thereof shall be the priest's {H3548}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But when the purchaser has to vacate the field in the yovel, it will become holy to ADONAI, like a field unconditionally consecrated; it will belong to the cohanim.

Berean Standard Bible

When the field is released in the Jubilee, it will become holy, like a field devoted to the LORD; it becomes the property of the priests.

American Standard Version

but the field, when it goeth out in the jubilee, shall be holy unto Jehovah, as a field devoted; the possession thereof shall be the priest’s.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 27:21 details a unique exception within the laws concerning dedicated fields: a field declared "devoted" (*cherem*) could not be redeemed or returned to its original owner in the Year of Jubilee. Instead, it became permanently holy to the Lord and irrevocably assigned to the priesthood, highlighting an irreversible level of consecration and God's sovereign provision for those who ministered in His service.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus chapter 27 serves as an appendix to the Mosaic Law, dealing with various types of vows and dedications made to the Lord. While the preceding chapters outline the sacrificial system, purity laws, and holy days, chapter 27 shifts focus to personal vows, the dedication of animals, houses, and specifically, fields. Verses 16-25 address the valuation and redemption of fields dedicated to God, typically based on their yield and the remaining years until the next Jubilee. Most dedicated items could be redeemed by the original owner or another party by paying a determined value, often with an additional 20% surcharge (e.g., [Leviticus 27:13](/leviticus/27-13 "Leviticus 27:13 - Redemption of Houses")). However, [Leviticus 27:21](/leviticus/27-21 "Leviticus 27:21 - The Devoted Field") introduces a distinct category—the "devoted" field—which stands apart from these redeemable vows, signifying a higher, permanent form of consecration.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Israelite society was structured around tribal land inheritance, with God as the ultimate owner of the land ([Leviticus 25:23](/leviticus/25-23 "Leviticus 25:23 - The Land Belongs to God")). This principle was foundational to the Year of Jubilee, which occurred every fifty years, ensuring that all land reverted to its original family, preventing permanent economic stratification and reinforcing divine ownership ([Leviticus 25:10](/leviticus/25-10 "Leviticus 25:10 - The Year of Jubilee")). The Levites and priests, however, received no tribal land inheritance, as the Lord Himself was their portion and inheritance ([Numbers 18:20](/numbers/18-20 "Numbers 18:20 - God is the Priests' Inheritance")). Their sustenance came from tithes, offerings, and portions of dedicated things. The concept of "devoted" (*cherem*) was profoundly significant, often referring to things irrevocably set apart for God, sometimes for destruction (as seen with Jericho in [Joshua 6:17](/joshua/6-17 "Joshua 6:17 - Jericho as Cherem")), but in other contexts, for sacred, permanent dedication to the sanctuary and priesthood ([Leviticus 27:28](/leviticus/27-28 "Leviticus 27:28 - Things Devoted Cannot Be Sold")). Leviticus 27:21 thus describes a unique form of land dedication that bypassed the standard Jubilee reversion, ensuring a permanent provision for the priestly class.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Devoted (Heb. חֵרֶם, _ḥērem'_):** This is the pivotal term in the verse, signifying something irrevocably set apart for God. Unlike other vows which could be redeemed, a *ḥērem* item was completely removed from common use and human claim. In some contexts, *ḥērem* implies utter destruction (e.g., cities under divine judgment), but here, applied to a field, it means it is permanently consecrated to the Lord and cannot be bought back or sold. It represents the highest, most absolute form of dedication.
* **Holy (Heb. קֹדֶשׁ, _qōdeš'_):** This word signifies being "set apart" or "consecrated" for sacred use, distinguishing it from the profane or common. When the field is declared "holy unto the LORD," it means it is exclusively God's property, removed from any secular claim, even the general rules of land tenure. This holiness is permanent and intrinsic due to its *ḥērem* status.
* **Priest's (Heb. כֹּהֵן, _kōhēn'_):** This refers to the Aaronic priesthood, who served in the Tabernacle/Temple. Since the priests had no land inheritance, God designated specific provisions for their sustenance. The *ḥērem* field becoming the priest's possession highlights God's direct and permanent method of providing for those dedicated to His service, ensuring their livelihood without requiring them to engage in agricultural labor.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But the field, when it goeth out in the jubile":** This clause establishes the specific context of the field's status at the time of the Jubilee. Normally, all land would revert to its original family during this fifty-year cycle, symbolizing God's ultimate ownership and preventing permanent land accumulation. However, this field is an exception to that general rule.
* **"shall be holy unto the LORD, as a field devoted":** This is the core declaration. The field, because it has been designated as *ḥērem* (devoted), is permanently consecrated to Yahweh. Its holiness is not temporary or subject to redemption; it is an irrevocable setting apart for divine purposes, transcending the normal land laws and the Jubilee's reversion principle.
* **"the possession thereof shall be the priest's":** This final clause specifies the practical outcome of the field's devoted status. While it is "holy unto the LORD," its usufruct (the right to use and profit from it) is given to the priests. This illustrates God's practical provision for the Levitical priesthood, who were dependent on the offerings and dedications of the people for their livelihood, ensuring a permanent source of sustenance for their sacred duties.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 27:21 employs several key literary devices. Primarily, it utilizes **Legal Language**, characteristic of the Mosaic Law, presenting a clear, prescriptive statute with specific conditions and outcomes. The verse functions as a legal exception, contrasting with the general rules for land redemption outlined earlier in the chapter. This creates a sense of **Emphasis** on the unique and absolute nature of a "devoted" item. Furthermore, there is profound **Symbolism** embedded within the concept of the *ḥērem* field. It symbolizes God's ultimate and absolute ownership over all creation, demonstrating that some things, once truly surrendered to Him, are irrevocably His, beyond human claim or redemption. The permanent allocation to the priests also symbolizes God's commitment to sustaining those who are set apart for His service, underscoring the divine provision for ministry.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 27:21 profoundly underscores the themes of divine sovereignty, irreversible consecration, and God's provision for His ministers. It teaches that while God permits temporary human stewardship of His creation, certain things, once truly dedicated to Him through a "devoted" vow, become permanently His, transcending even foundational legal structures like the Jubilee. This concept of *ḥērem* signifies a complete, unreserved setting apart, highlighting a level of commitment where there is no turning back or reclaiming. The allocation of such fields to the priests further emphasizes God's direct and faithful care for those called to serve Him exclusively, ensuring their sustenance and enabling their dedication to sacred duties.

* [Numbers 18:20](/numbers/18-20 "Numbers 18:20 - God is the Priests' Inheritance")
* [Leviticus 25:23](/leviticus/25-23 "Leviticus 25:23 - The Land Belongs to God")
* [Malachi 3:10](/malachi/3-10 "Malachi 3:10 - Bring the Whole Tithe")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The concept of a "devoted" field in Leviticus 27:21, though specific to ancient Israelite land law, offers profound lessons for contemporary believers regarding radical commitment and stewardship. It challenges us to consider what areas of our lives, our resources, or our talents we might be called to dedicate irrevocably to the Lord. Unlike vows that can be redeemed, a *ḥērem* dedication implies a permanent, no-return surrender, reflecting a deep trust in God's ultimate ownership and His ability to provide. This calls us to examine if there are aspects of our spiritual walk where we hold back, or if we are willing to offer a complete, non-negotiable "devotion" to God's purposes. Furthermore, the provision for the priests through these fields reminds us of the ongoing biblical principle of supporting those who are set apart for full-time ministry, recognizing that their spiritual labor is vital and requires the faithful sustenance of the community they serve.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What areas of my life (time, talent, treasure) do I consider truly "devoted" to the Lord, beyond any possibility of reclaiming for personal gain?**
* **How does the concept of irreversible consecration challenge my understanding of commitment and surrender in my walk with God?**
* **In what practical ways can I contribute to the support and sustenance of those dedicated to full-time ministry today, reflecting God's provision for the priesthood?**

### FAQ

**What is the primary difference between a "devoted" field and other fields dedicated to the Lord in Leviticus 27?**

Answer: The primary difference lies in their redeemability and ultimate destination. Most fields dedicated to the Lord in [Leviticus 27:16-20](/leviticus/27-16 "Leviticus 27:16-20 - Valuation of Fields") could be redeemed by the original owner or another party by paying a calculated sum, often with an additional 20% surcharge. If not redeemed, they would still revert to the original family in the Year of Jubilee ([Leviticus 25:10](/leviticus/25-10 "Leviticus 25:10 - The Year of Jubilee")). However, a "devoted" field (Hebrew: *ḥērem*) was irrevocably set apart. It could not be redeemed, sold, or revert to its original owner. Instead, it became permanently "holy unto the LORD" and exclusively the "possession thereof shall be the priest's" ([Leviticus 27:21](/leviticus/27-21 "Leviticus 27:21 - The Devoted Field")), highlighting a higher, permanent, and non-negotiable level of consecration.

**Why was a "devoted" field given to the priests, rather than remaining with the original owner or being used for other sacred purposes?**

Answer: The allocation of "devoted" fields to the priests was a direct expression of God's provision for the Levitical priesthood. Unlike the other tribes, the Levites and priests did not receive an inheritance of land in Canaan ([Numbers 18:20](/numbers/18-20 "Numbers 18:20 - God is the Priests' Inheritance")), as the Lord Himself was their portion. Their sustenance came from tithes, offerings, and specific portions of dedicated items. By designating *ḥērem* fields as permanent priestly possessions, God ensured a stable and sacred source of income and sustenance for those who ministered in His tabernacle and later the Temple. This arrangement allowed the priests to fully dedicate themselves to their spiritual duties without needing to engage in secular labor for their livelihood, underscoring the divine care for those set apart for service.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 27:21, with its emphasis on a field "devoted" (ḥērem) and irrevocably set apart for the Lord, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament *ḥērem* could involve destruction or permanent dedication, Christ embodies the perfect, irreversible consecration. He was the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), "set apart" from eternity to fulfill God's redemptive plan. His sacrifice on the cross was a complete and final act of devotion, a once-for-all offering that could never be redeemed or revoked ([Hebrews 10:10](/hebrews/10-10 "Hebrews 10:10 - Christ's Once-for-All Sacrifice")). Furthermore, just as the devoted field became the permanent possession of the priests, believers in Christ are now a "holy priesthood" ([1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - A Holy Priesthood")) and a "royal priesthood" ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Royal Priesthood")), inheriting the spiritual blessings and access to God that the earthly priests once mediated. Through Christ, we are not merely stewards of a temporary inheritance, but co-heirs with Him in an eternal, irrevocable possession ([Romans 8:17](/romans/8-17 "Romans 8:17 - Heirs with Christ")), having been permanently set apart and made holy in Him.

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

Ezekiel 44:29

They shall eat the meat offering, and the sin offering, and the trespass offering; and every dedicated thing in Israel shall be theirs.

Numbers 18:14

Every thing devoted in Israel shall be thine.

Leviticus 25:10

And ye shall hallow the fiftieth year, and proclaim liberty throughout [all] the land unto all the inhabitants thereof: it shall be a jubile unto you; and ye shall return every man unto his possession, and ye shall return every man unto his family.

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.

Leviticus 25:28

But if he be not able to restore [it] to him, then that which is sold shall remain in the hand of him that hath bought it until the year of jubile: and in the jubile it shall go out, and he shall return unto his possession.

Deuteronomy 13:17

And there shall cleave nought of the cursed thing to thine hand: that the LORD may turn from the fierceness of his anger, and shew thee mercy, and have compassion upon thee, and multiply thee, as he hath sworn unto thy fathers;

Leviticus 27:28

Notwithstanding no devoted thing, that a man shall devote unto the LORD of all that he hath, [both] of man and beast, and of the field of his possession, shall be sold or redeemed: every devoted thing [is] most holy unto the LORD.