Leviticus 27:22

KJV

And if [a man] sanctify unto the LORD a field which he hath bought, which [is] not of the fields of his possession;

KJV (with Strong's)

And if a man sanctify {H6942} unto the LORD {H3068} a field {H7704} which he hath bought {H4736}, which is not of the fields {H7704} of his possession {H272};

Complete Jewish Bible

"'If he consecrates to ADONAI a field which he has bought, a field which is not part of his tribe's possession,

Berean Standard Bible

Now if a man consecrates to the LORD a field he has purchased, which is not a part of his own property,

American Standard Version

And if he sanctify unto Jehovah a field which he hath bought, which is not of the field of his possession;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 27:22 details a specific provision within the laws concerning vows and dedications, addressing the scenario where an Israelite dedicates a field to the LORD that he has purchased, rather than one inherited as part of his ancestral tribal allotment. This distinction was crucial due to the unique legal and theological implications of land ownership in ancient Israel, particularly in relation to the Jubilee year, ensuring that even acquired property could be consecrated to God, albeit under different valuation and redemption terms than inherited land.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus chapter 27 serves as the concluding section of the book, providing practical regulations for fulfilling vows and dedications made to the LORD. Following extensive laws on holiness, sacrifice, and purity, this chapter outlines the monetary equivalents and redemption values for persons, animals, houses, and fields consecrated to God. Verses 1-13 deal with the dedication of persons, verses 14-15 with houses, and verses 16-21 specifically with fields that were part of one's ancestral possession. Leviticus 27:22 then introduces a distinct category: a field that a man "hath bought," which is "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. The 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, and land was 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](/leviticus/25-23 "Leviticus 25:23 - The Land Is Mine"). Each tribe and family received an ancestral allotment upon entering Canaan, which was considered an inalienable inheritance, designed to remain within the family line. This system was safeguarded by the institution of the [Jubilee year](/leviticus/25-10 "Leviticus 25:10 - 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.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Sanctify (Hebrew, קָדַשׁ, _qadash_):** This verb means "to make holy," "to set apart," or "to consecrate." 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 _qadash_ transforms the object's status, making it inviolable and subject to divine regulation.
* **Bought (Hebrew, מִקְנָה, _miqnah_):** Derived from the root meaning "to acquire" or "to buy," _miqnah_ here refers specifically to property that has been acquired through purchase, 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.
* **Possession (Hebrew, אֲחֻזָּה, _achuzzah_):** This noun refers to a permanent, hereditary possession, specifically 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 phrase establishes the voluntary nature of the act. An individual chooses to dedicate a field, an act of devotion and worship, setting it apart for God's purposes. The dedication is "unto the LORD," emphasizing that the ultimate recipient and owner is God Himself, not merely the sanctuary or priesthood.
* **"which he hath bought":** This clause introduces the critical distinction. The field in question is not an inherited family asset but one acquired through 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, impacting its long-term value and the terms of its dedication.
* **"which [is] not of the fields of his possession;":** This further clarifies and reinforces the previous clause. "Fields of his possession" refers to the ancestral land allotment, the inalienable family inheritance. 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](/leviticus/27-16 "Leviticus 27:16-21 - Dedication of Inherited Fields").

#### 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 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, ensuring clarity in application and preventing ambiguity. 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 design for land ownership in Israel. Finally, the verse implicitly uses **Symbolism**, where the "field" represents a tangible asset, a portion of one's material wealth. The act of "sanctifying" this field symbolizes the broader principle of dedicating all aspects of one's life and possessions, regardless of their origin, 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.

* [Leviticus 25:23](/leviticus/25-23 "Leviticus 25:23 - The Land Belongs to God"): "The land shall not be sold permanently, for the land is Mine; for you are strangers and sojourners with Me."
* [Deuteronomy 23:21](/deuteronomy/23-21 "Deuteronomy 23:21 - Fulfilling Vows"): "When you make a vow to the LORD your God, you shall not delay to pay it; for the LORD your God will surely require it of you, and it would be sin to you."
* [Proverbs 3:9](/proverbs/3-9 "Proverbs 3:9 - Honor the Lord with Your Wealth"): "Honor the LORD with your possessions, and with the firstfruits of all your increase."

### 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) or "bought" (e.g., income from our labor, acquired skills, new purchases), 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
* **How does the distinction between "bought" and "possessed" land in this verse inform my understanding of ownership and stewardship in my own life today?**
* **In what practical ways can I "sanctify" or dedicate my "bought" resources—such as my income, career, or new acquisitions—to the Lord's glory and purposes?**
* **What commitments or vows have I made to God, and how does this passage encourage me to uphold them with greater integrity and faithfulness?**

### FAQ
**What was the practical purpose of dedicating a field to the LORD?**

Answer: 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, 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 [Leviticus](/leviticus "Leviticus - The Book of Holiness") and [Numbers](/numbers "Numbers - The Book of Wanderings").

**Why was there a different rule for "bought" fields versus "fields of his possession"?**

Answer: The different rules for "bought" fields versus "fields of his possession" stemmed from the fundamental Israelite law of land ownership, which was 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](/leviticus/25-10 "Leviticus 25:10 - The Jubilee Year"). "Bought" fields, however, were those acquired from another family. 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; rather, Christ "purchased" us, redeeming us from the slavery of sin and death not with silver or gold, but with His precious blood ([1 Peter 1:18-19](/1_peter/1-18 "1 Peter 1:18-19 - Redeemed by Precious Blood")). Having been "bought," 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" ([Ephesians 1:14](/ephesians/1-14 "Ephesians 1:14 - Our Inheritance in Christ")), 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](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Living Sacrifices")). 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.

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

Leviticus 25:25

If thy brother be waxen poor, and hath sold away [some] of his possession, and if any of his kin come to redeem it, then shall he redeem that which his brother sold.

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.