Leviticus 27:23

Then the priest shall reckon unto him the worth of thy estimation, [even] unto the year of the jubile: and he shall give thine estimation in that day, [as] a holy thing unto the LORD.

Then the priest {H3548} shall reckon {H2803} unto him the worth {H4373} of thy estimation {H6187}, even unto the year {H8141} of the jubile {H3104}: and he shall give {H5414} thine estimation {H6187} in that day {H3117}, as a holy thing {H6944} unto the LORD {H3068}.

then the cohen is to calculate its value according to the years remaining until the year of yovel; and the man will on that same day pay this amount; since it is holy to ADONAI.

then the priest shall calculate for him the value up to the Year of Jubilee, and the man shall pay the assessed value on that day as a sacred offering to the LORD.

then the priest shall reckon unto him the worth of thy estimation unto the year of jubilee: and he shall give thine estimation in that day, as a holy thing unto Jehovah.

Commentary

Leviticus 27:23 provides specific regulations concerning the redemption of a dedicated field that was not part of an inherited possession, detailing how its value should be calculated in relation to the upcoming Year of Jubilee.

Context

This verse is found within Leviticus chapter 27, which outlines various laws concerning vows and dedications made to the Lord. It deals with instances where individuals made vows to dedicate people, animals, or property to God. Specifically, verses 16-25 address the dedication and redemption of fields. The field mentioned in verse 23 is distinct because it was a purchased field, not an ancestral inheritance. Therefore, upon the arrival of the Jubilee year (every 50th year), such a field would revert to its original owner, not the one who dedicated it. The priest's role was to calculate the remaining value of the field based on the number of years until the next Jubilee, ensuring a fair and equitable redemption price.

Key Themes

  • Divine Ownership and Stewardship: The underlying principle throughout these laws is that all land ultimately belongs to God (Leviticus 25:23). Human ownership was temporary stewardship, regulated by God's ordinances, particularly the Jubilee.
  • Priestly Authority and Fairness: The priest served as the designated authority for accurately assessing the "estimation" or value of dedicated items. This role ensured that transactions related to vows were conducted justly and according to God's precise instructions.
  • Sanctity of Vows and Dedications: The payment made for redemption was to be given "as a holy thing unto the LORD." This emphasizes that anything dedicated to God, whether it remains dedicated or is redeemed, retains a sacred status, and its handling must reflect that reverence.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "estimation" ('erekh) implies a careful and precise calculation or valuation. This highlights the meticulous nature of God's laws, where even complex financial reckonings were to be handled with integrity and accuracy. The phrase "holy thing" (qodesh) underscores that the payment, like the initial dedication, was consecrated and set apart for God's exclusive purposes, reflecting the sacredness of vows and their fulfillment.

Practical Application

While the specific land laws of ancient Israel are not directly applicable today, the principles embedded in Leviticus 27:23 remain profoundly relevant. This verse reminds us of the importance of integrity in our financial dealings, especially concerning things dedicated to God. It reinforces the idea that what we consecrate to the Lord should be done with seriousness and fulfilled faithfully. Furthermore, it points to the broader concept of God's ultimate ownership over all things. We are called to be faithful stewards of the resources, time, and talents God entrusts to us, recognizing that our possessions are not truly our own but are on loan from Him. Our commitment to God, whether through tithes, offerings, or service, should be given with a heart that recognizes His ultimate ownership and the sacredness of our dedication, much like the cheerful giving described in the New Testament.

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

  • Leviticus 27:18

    But if he sanctify his field after the jubile, then the priest shall reckon unto him the money according to the years that remain, even unto the year of the jubile, and it shall be abated from thy estimation.

  • Leviticus 27:12

    And the priest shall value it, whether it be good or bad: as thou valuest it, [who art] the priest, so shall it be.
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