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.
Continue studying Leviticus 27:22 across the web’s major study libraries — every link below opens this exact verse, chapter, or book on the destination site.
Read & Compare
BibleGatewayThis verse in more than 200 translations and 70 languages.
Bible.comThe YouVersion reader — hundreds of translations, reading plans, and highlights.
ESV.orgCrossway's official English Standard Version reader.
NET BibleThe NET translation with 60,000+ translators' notes on every rendering decision.
STEP BibleTyndale House's free study tool — original text, vocabulary, and scholarly resources.
BibliaLogos Bible Software's free web reader.
USCCBThe New American Bible (Revised Edition) with the U.S. bishops' study notes.
Commentaries
BibleHub CommentariesDozens of classic commentaries on this verse, gathered on one page.
StudyLightMore than 100 commentary sets — the largest collection on the web.
BibleRefPlain-English commentary on what this verse means, verse by verse.
Enduring WordDavid Guzik's free commentary on this chapter, widely used by Bible teachers.
Bible Study ToolsVerse commentary alongside Greek and Hebrew study aids.
Original Language & Research
- BibleHub InterlinearThe verse word by word — original language, transliteration, and English.
- BibleHub LexiconEvery word's original-language definition and Strong's entry.
Blue Letter BibleDeep-study tools — Strong's numbers, concordance, and word studies.
SefariaThe Hebrew text with Rashi and centuries of Jewish commentary.
Sermons, Hymns & Audio
TrulyRandomVerse is not affiliated with these sites and doesn’t control their content. They’re linked because they’re genuinely useful.
Summary
Leviticus 27:22 meticulously outlines a specific scenario within the laws of vows and dedications, addressing the consecration of a field that an Israelite has purchased rather than one inherited as part of his ancestral tribal allotment. This distinction is paramount within the Mosaic legal framework, as it highlights the unique theological and legal implications of land ownership in ancient Israel, particularly concerning the Jubilee year. The verse ensures that even acquired property could be dedicated to God, but under specific valuation and redemption terms that differed from those applied to inherited land, thereby upholding both the sanctity of vows and the divine order of land tenure.
Context
Literary Context
Leviticus chapter 27 concludes the book of Leviticus, transitioning from broad principles of holiness and sacrifice to practical regulations concerning vows and dedications made to the LORD. This chapter serves as a pragmatic application of the covenant relationship, detailing the monetary equivalents for various items—persons, animals, houses, and fields—that individuals might consecrate. Verses 1-13 address the dedication of persons, and verses 14-15 deal with houses. The preceding verses, Leviticus 27:16-21, specifically detail the dedication of fields that are part of one's ancestral inheritance. Leviticus 27:22 then introduces a distinct category: a field that a man "hath bought," which is explicitly "not of the fields of his possession." This careful differentiation underscores the meticulous nature of Mosaic law, ensuring that all forms of property, regardless of their acquisition method, could be brought under the umbrella of divine dedication, with appropriate and equitable valuation methods. Its placement at the end of Leviticus emphasizes the practical outworking of covenant faithfulness in daily life and material possessions.
Historical & Cultural Context
Ancient Israelite society was fundamentally agrarian, with land serving as the primary source of wealth, identity, and security. The Mosaic Law established a unique system of land tenure rooted in God's ultimate ownership, as declared in Leviticus 25:23. Each tribe and family received an ancestral allotment upon entering Canaan, which was considered an inalienable inheritance, designed to remain within the family line perpetually. This system was safeguarded by the institution of the Jubilee year, occurring every fifty years, when all inherited land that had been sold would revert to its original family. Purchased land, however, was treated differently. While it could be bought and sold, its ownership was temporary, always subject to reversion to the original tribal owner at the Jubilee. Therefore, when a "bought" field was dedicated, its valuation for redemption had to account for the number of years remaining until the next Jubilee, as the man's possession of it was not permanent. This distinction ensured the preservation of tribal inheritances while still allowing for the consecration of all forms of property to the LORD.
Key Themes
This verse contributes significantly to several key themes within Leviticus and the broader Pentateuch. Firstly, it reinforces the theme of God's Sovereignty over all creation and property, particularly land, which is explicitly stated as belonging to Him (e.g., Leviticus 25:23). Human ownership is always stewardship under divine prerogative. Secondly, it highlights the theme of Holiness and Consecration, demonstrating how even material possessions can be set apart for sacred use, reflecting a people dedicated to a holy God. The act of "sanctifying" a field is an extension of the call to be holy in all aspects of life. Thirdly, the verse underscores the theme of Justice and Equity in Law, as the meticulous differentiation between inherited and purchased land ensures fairness in valuation and redemption, preventing exploitation and maintaining the integrity of the Jubilee system. Finally, it speaks to the theme of Fidelity to Vows, emphasizing the seriousness with which commitments made to the LORD were to be treated, requiring precise adherence to divine statutes, as seen throughout Deuteronomy 23:21-23.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
Derived from the primitive root H6942, this verb means "to be (causatively, make, pronounce or observe as) clean (ceremonially or morally)." In this context, it signifies the act of formally dedicating something from common use to sacred use, for the exclusive purpose of the LORD. It implies a solemn vow and a transfer of ownership, or at least control, to God. The act of qâdash transforms the object's status, making it inviolable and subject to divine regulation.
This feminine noun (H4736) comes from a root meaning "to acquire" or "to buy." Here, miqnâh refers specifically to property that has been acquired through financial transaction, as opposed to inherited possession. This term highlights the temporary and conditional nature of the man's ownership of the field, as it was not part of his perpetual ancestral inheritance. This distinction is foundational to the unique redemption rules applied to such fields.
This feminine passive participle (H272) refers to "something seized," specifically a permanent, hereditary possession, such as an ancestral land allotment. It emphasizes the inalienable nature of the land granted by God to each family at the time of the conquest. The phrase "not of the fields of his possession" explicitly differentiates the purchased field from this foundational, God-given inheritance, thereby necessitating a different legal framework for its dedication and redemption.
Verse Breakdown
"And if [a man] sanctify unto the LORD a field"
This clause establishes the voluntary nature of the act of dedication. An individual, out of devotion or a vow, chooses to set apart a field for God's purposes. The dedication is explicitly "unto the LORD," signifying that the ultimate recipient and owner of the consecrated field is God Himself, not merely the sanctuary or the priesthood, though they would manage its value.
"which he hath bought"
This crucial phrase introduces the primary distinction of this verse. The field in question is not an inherited family asset but one acquired through a financial transaction. This means the man's tenure on the land is limited by the Jubilee cycle, as the land would revert to its original tribal owners at that time, significantly impacting its long-term value and the terms of its dedication.
"which [is] not of the fields of his possession;"
This final clause further clarifies and reinforces the previous one. "Fields of his possession" refers to the ancestral land allotment, the inalienable family inheritance that was passed down through generations. By explicitly stating that the dedicated field is not of this category, the verse sets the stage for a distinct set of rules for its valuation and redemption, different from those applied to inherited land in Leviticus 27:16-21, thereby upholding the unique land tenure system of Israel.
Literary Devices
The meticulous wording of Leviticus 27:22 employs several literary devices to convey its precise legal and theological meaning. Firstly, Legal Precision is profoundly evident in the careful differentiation between "a field which he hath bought" and "not of the fields of his possession." This exactitude is characteristic of Mosaic law, designed to ensure clarity in application and prevent ambiguity in property rights and religious obligations. Secondly, Distinction and Contrast are central to the verse's purpose, explicitly highlighting the difference between temporary, acquired property and permanent, inherited family land. This contrast is not merely legal but also theological, reflecting God's unique design for land ownership in Israel, which was tied to covenant and inheritance. Finally, the verse implicitly uses Symbolism, where the "field" represents a tangible asset, a portion of one's material wealth and livelihood. The act of "sanctifying" this field symbolizes the broader principle of dedicating all aspects of one's life and possessions, regardless of their origin or permanence, to the LORD.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Leviticus 27:22, in its detailed regulation of dedicated fields, underscores profound theological truths about God's sovereignty, human stewardship, and the seriousness of covenant commitments. It reminds us that all possessions, whether inherited or acquired through personal effort, ultimately belong to God. The act of dedication, even of a temporarily owned field, acknowledges God's ultimate ownership and the individual's role as a steward. This passage also highlights the integrity required in vows made to God, emphasizing that such commitments are not to be taken lightly but are to be fulfilled according to divine ordinance, reflecting a heart devoted to the Lord.
Reflection and Application
While modern believers do not engage in the literal dedication of agricultural fields under Mosaic Law, the principles embedded in Leviticus 27:22 remain profoundly relevant for contemporary Christian living. This verse calls us to consider our relationship with material possessions, reminding us that whether our resources are "inherited" (e.g., family wealth, innate talents, spiritual gifts) or "bought" (e.g., income from our labor, acquired skills, new purchases, educational achievements), they all ultimately belong to God. Our role is one of faithful stewardship, recognizing His sovereignty over every aspect of our lives. The act of "sanctifying" a field prompts us to ask how we can set apart our resources, time, and talents for God's purposes, transforming them from common to sacred. It challenges us to live with integrity in our commitments to God, ensuring that our promises and dedications are honored, reflecting a heart that trusts and obeys Him in all things.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What was the practical purpose of dedicating a field to the LORD?
The practical purpose of dedicating a field to the LORD was primarily to provide financial support for the sanctuary, its services, and the priesthood. When a field was "sanctified," it was set apart for God's use. While the field itself wasn't typically harvested by the priests, its value would be assessed by the priest, and the individual who dedicated it (or another person) could "redeem" it by paying the assessed value to the temple treasury. This money would then be used to sustain the Levitical priests and the operations of the Tabernacle or later, the Temple, ensuring the continuous worship and service of God. This system was part of the broader framework of offerings and tithes that supported the religious life of Israel, as seen throughout the laws in Leviticus and Numbers.
Why was there a different rule for "bought" fields versus "fields of his possession"?
The different rules for "bought" fields versus "fields of his possession" stemmed from the fundamental Israelite law of land ownership, which was intricately tied to ancestral inheritance and the Jubilee system. "Fields of his possession" referred to the land originally allotted to a family during the conquest of Canaan, which was considered an inalienable, perpetual inheritance. This land could not be permanently sold, as it would revert to the original family at the Jubilee year. "Bought" fields, however, were those acquired from another family through purchase. While a man could use such a field, his ownership was temporary and conditional, lasting only until the next Jubilee, when it would revert to its original tribal owner. Therefore, the redemption value of a dedicated "bought" field was calculated based on the number of years remaining until the next Jubilee, reflecting the limited duration of the dedicator's tenure. This distinction ensured that the system of tribal inheritance was preserved, while still allowing individuals to dedicate all forms of their property to God.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Leviticus 27:22, with its focus on dedicating a "bought" field, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the New Covenant. Just as a field acquired by purchase was set apart for the LORD, so too are believers, who were "bought with a price" by Christ's sacrificial death. We did not inherit our salvation through our own merit or lineage; rather, Christ "purchased" us, redeeming us from the slavery of sin and death not with perishable things like silver or gold, but with His precious blood (1 Peter 1:18-19). Having been "bought" by such an immense cost, our lives are no longer our own but are now consecrated, or "sanctified," unto the LORD. This echoes the concept of the dedicated field—once common, now holy. We become God's "special possession," His inheritance (Ephesians 1:14), set apart for His purposes and glory. Our lives, our resources, our very beings, though once alienated from God, are now, through Christ's redemptive work, dedicated to Him, becoming living sacrifices (Romans 12:1). The temporary nature of the "bought" field in Leviticus also foreshadows the temporary nature of our earthly lives and possessions, reminding us that our true and eternal "possession" is found in Christ, who is our ultimate inheritance and the One to whom all things are dedicated, and by whom we are made truly holy (Hebrews 10:10).