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.
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Summary
Leviticus 27:23 meticulously outlines the precise procedure for redeeming a field that was dedicated to the Lord but was not an ancestral inheritance. It mandates that the priest calculate the field's remaining value based on the number of years until the next Year of Jubilee. This divinely determined valuation, to be paid immediately, was then consecrated to the Lord as a sacred offering, thereby emphasizing God's ultimate ownership of all land, the sanctity of vows, and the meticulous nature of covenant obligations within ancient Israel.
Context
Literary Context
Leviticus chapter 27 serves as the concluding section of the book, providing a series of detailed regulations concerning vows, dedications, and tithes made to the Lord. While the preceding chapters of Leviticus primarily focus on sacrificial laws, purity codes, and the duties of the priesthood, chapter 27 shifts the focus to the proper administration of things or persons consecrated to God, whether through voluntary vows or outright dedication. Verses 16-25 specifically address the complex rules surrounding the dedication and subsequent redemption of fields. Within this intricate legal framework, Leviticus 27:23 is particularly significant because it deals with a field that was purchased by the dedicant, rather than being part of their ancestral inheritance. This distinction is crucial: ancestral land was considered inalienable and would always revert to its original family at the Jubilee, whereas purchased land would revert to its original owner (the seller or their family) at the Jubilee, not the dedicant. Therefore, this verse provides the specific formula for valuing such a dedicated field, acknowledging its diminishing worth as the time until its inevitable reversion approached.
Historical & Cultural Context
Land ownership in ancient Israel was not merely an economic matter but was deeply embedded in its theological, social, and covenantal structures. The land of Canaan was considered a divine gift, ultimately belonging to Yahweh (Leviticus 25:23), and Israelite families were merely stewards. The system of tribal and family inheritances, meticulously outlined in the Mosaic Law, was designed to prevent the permanent accumulation of land by a few and to ensure that every family maintained its stake in the Promised Land. The Year of Jubilee, occurring every 50th year, was the theological and economic cornerstone of this system, mandating the return of all ancestral lands to their original families and the emancipation of Israelite slaves. In the context of Leviticus 27, when an individual dedicated a purchased field to the Lord, its value was not static but was directly tied to the remaining years until the Jubilee. This was because the dedicant's "ownership" (more accurately, their right to use the land) was temporary. The priest's role was paramount as the authorized arbiter and administrator of these laws, ensuring that the valuation was fair, just, and aligned with divine statute, thereby reflecting the sanctity of the dedication and the integrity of the Israelite legal and religious system.
Key Themes
Leviticus 27:23 contributes to several overarching themes within Leviticus and the Pentateuch. Firstly, it powerfully reinforces the theme of Divine Sovereignty and Ownership, particularly over the land. The meticulous regulations surrounding land redemption, especially the role of the Jubilee, underscore that all land ultimately belongs to God, and human tenure is provisional. Secondly, the verse highlights the Sanctity and Seriousness of Vows and Dedications. God's law provides a mechanism for fulfilling vows made to Him, even for dedicated property, but it must be done with integrity and according to His precise standards. This reflects the theme that commitments made to God are not to be taken lightly (Numbers 30:2). Thirdly, it exemplifies the theme of Priestly Mediation and Authority. The priest's indispensable role in calculating the "estimation" demonstrates his function as God's representative, ensuring that divine law is applied justly and accurately in matters pertaining to the sacred. Finally, the concept of a "holy thing unto the LORD" points to the broader theme of Holiness and Consecration, emphasizing that anything dedicated to God, whether property or its monetary equivalent, becomes set apart for His exclusive use and purposes.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This noun (H3548) refers to "one officiating," a "priest." In this context, the priest is not merely a religious figure but a divinely appointed administrator and arbiter of God's law. His role in "reckoning" the worth of the dedicated field underscores his authority and responsibility to ensure that sacred transactions are conducted with precision, impartiality, and according to the divine standard, safeguarding the integrity of the covenant community's relationship with God.
This verb (H2803) means "to calculate," "to account," "to devise," or "to estimate." Here, it signifies a precise, careful, and deliberate computation by the priest, rather than a casual approximation. It implies a detailed assessment of the field's value, taking into account the remaining years until the Jubilee, thereby ensuring fairness, adherence to the divine standard, and the proper fulfillment of the dedicant's obligation.
The noun (H6187) refers to a "valuation," "assessment," or "price." It represents the determined worth of the dedicated item, specifically the field, which the priest meticulously calculates. The repeated use of this term throughout Leviticus 27 highlights the meticulous nature of God's laws concerning vows and dedications, where the financial aspect of redemption was to be handled with integrity, exactitude, and a clear understanding of the item's temporary value in relation to the Jubilee.
This term (H6944) denotes something "sacred," "set apart," or "consecrated." When the verse states that the payment for redemption is to be given "as a holy thing unto the LORD," it underscores that the act of redemption, like the initial dedication, transcends a mere financial transaction. It becomes a sacred act, and the money received is consecrated—set apart for God's purposes—reflecting the inviolable nature of anything vowed or dedicated to Him and the reverence due to His divine majesty.
Verse Breakdown
"Then the priest shall reckon unto him the worth of thy estimation"
This opening clause immediately establishes the central role of the priest (H3548, kôhên) as God's authorized agent in the redemption process. The verb "reckon" (H2803, châshab) implies a precise and deliberate calculation, not a subjective judgment. The "estimation" (H6187, ‘êrek) refers to the assessed value of the dedicated field, which the priest must determine impartially, ensuring that the redemption price is fair and aligned with divine law, thereby removing any room for personal gain or dispute.
"[even] unto the year of the jubile"
This crucial temporal qualifier provides the precise framework for the valuation. The value of the dedicated field is directly tied to the number of years remaining until the next Jubilee (H3104, yôwbêl). Since purchased land would revert to its original owner at the Jubilee, its value to the dedicant (or the one redeeming it) diminished each year. This principle reinforces God's ultimate ownership of the land and the temporary, conditional nature of human tenure, ensuring that the valuation reflects the true remaining period of use.
"and he shall give thine estimation in that day"
This phrase emphasizes the immediacy and finality required for the transaction. Once the priest has determined the "estimation" or value, the payment is to be made "in that day" (H3117, yôwm). This stipulation prevents procrastination, upholds the seriousness of the commitment made to the Lord, and ensures prompt fulfillment of the vow or redemption, reflecting the divine expectation of obedience and integrity.
"[as] a holy thing unto the LORD"
This concluding phrase elevates the entire financial transaction to a sacred act. The payment for redemption is not merely money but becomes "holy" (H6944, qôdesh), consecrated to God (H3068, Yᵉhôvâh). This signifies that the funds are set apart for sacred purposes, reflecting the reverence due to anything vowed or dedicated to the Lord and underscoring the sanctity of fulfilling one's commitments to Him. It transforms a legal procedure into an act of worship and devotion.
Literary Devices
Leviticus 27:23 employs several literary devices to convey its precise legal and theological message with authority and clarity. The most prominent is Legal Language, characterized by its prescriptive, authoritative, and detailed nature. The verse uses clear commands ("the priest shall reckon," "he shall give") and specific terminology ("estimation," "Jubile," "holy thing") to leave no ambiguity regarding the procedure for redemption. This precision reflects the divine origin of the law and its absolute authority over the covenant community. Furthermore, Symbolism is evident, particularly with the "year of the jubile" serving as a powerful symbol of divine sovereignty, ultimate ownership, and the cyclical restoration of order and justice within Israel. The land's reversion at Jubilee symbolizes God's ultimate claim over all creation and His gracious provision for His people. The payment being designated "a holy thing unto the LORD" also functions as Symbolism, signifying the sacredness of vows and the divine claim on anything dedicated to Him, transforming a monetary transaction into an act of worship and reverence. The repetition of the concept of "estimation" (implied through "reckon" and explicitly stated as "thine estimation") also serves as a form of Emphasis, highlighting the critical importance of accurate, fair, and divinely sanctioned valuation in God's economy and in the fulfillment of vows.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Leviticus 27:23, though seemingly a technical legal detail, is rich with profound theological and thematic implications for understanding God's character and His relationship with His people. It underscores the fundamental principle of God's ultimate ownership over all creation, particularly the land, which He graciously entrusted to Israel as stewards, not absolute proprietors. The meticulous regulations for valuation and redemption highlight the sanctity of vows and dedications made to the Lord, emphasizing that commitments to God are to be taken with utmost seriousness and fulfilled with integrity, reflecting a God who values faithfulness. The priest's role as the divinely appointed arbiter of value reinforces the need for impartial and accurate assessment in matters pertaining to God, ensuring justice, order, and reverence within the covenant community. This verse also subtly points to the broader biblical concept of redemption, where a dedicated item, though set apart, could be bought back, albeit at a divinely determined price, foreshadowing a greater redemption to come.
Reflection and Application
While the specific land laws of ancient Israel are not directly applicable to believers today, the enduring principles embedded in Leviticus 27:23 offer profound insights for contemporary Christian living. This verse calls us to reflect on the seriousness with which we approach our commitments to God. Whether it's a vow made in prayer, a dedication of our time and talents, or the faithful stewardship of our financial resources, God expects integrity, intentionality, and prompt fulfillment. The concept of "estimation" reminds us that our offerings and service should be given with a clear understanding of their true value in God's eyes, not merely as an afterthought or a casual gesture. Furthermore, the underlying truth that all we possess ultimately belongs to God challenges us to live as faithful stewards, recognizing that our resources—our time, talents, possessions, and even our very lives—are on loan from Him. Our giving, our service, and our entire existence are to be presented "as a holy thing unto the LORD," set apart for His purposes, reflecting a heart of reverence, devotion, and grateful acknowledgment of His ultimate ownership.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What is the significance of the Jubilee year in this verse?
The Jubilee year, occurring every 50th year, is of paramount significance in Leviticus 27:23 because it serves as the fixed point for calculating the diminishing value of the dedicated field. In Israelite law, all ancestral lands reverted to their original families at the Jubilee (Leviticus 25:13). For a purchased field that was dedicated to the Lord, its value diminished as the Jubilee approached because the right to use the land would expire and revert to its original owner (the seller or their family) at that time, not the dedicant. The priest's valuation was precisely based on the number of remaining years until this reversion, ensuring a fair price that accurately reflected the diminishing period of use and upheld God's ultimate ownership of the land.
Why was the priest involved in the valuation process?
The priest's involvement was absolutely essential because he served as God's designated representative and impartial arbiter in all matters pertaining to vows, dedications, and sacred transactions. His role was to ensure that the "estimation" or valuation was conducted impartially, accurately, and strictly according to divine law, as outlined in Leviticus 27). This involvement prevented disputes, ensured integrity in sacred dealings, and upheld the sanctity of anything dedicated to the Lord, emphasizing that these were not mere commercial transactions but solemn acts under God's direct oversight and authority.
What does "holy thing unto the LORD" mean in this context?
When the verse states that the payment for the redeemed field is to be given "as a holy thing unto the LORD," it means that the money itself becomes consecrated and set apart for God's exclusive purposes. This reflects the sacred and binding nature of the original vow and dedication. It signifies that the transaction is not merely a financial exchange but an act of reverence and fulfillment towards God. The funds received are thereby designated for the maintenance of the sanctuary, support of the priesthood, or other sacred purposes, reinforcing the idea that anything touched by a vow to God retains a sacred status and must be treated with utmost respect and devotion.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Leviticus 27:23, with its intricate details of valuation and redemption tied to the cyclical return of the Jubilee, finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Jubilee, a divinely ordained time of release, restoration, and return to original inheritances, powerfully foreshadows the spiritual Jubilee inaugurated by Christ. He declared His mission to proclaim "the acceptable year of the Lord" (Luke 4:19), bringing true liberty to captives, sight to the blind, and release to the oppressed—a spiritual and eternal release far surpassing any physical land redemption or debt cancellation. Just as the priest "reckoned" the worth of dedicated things, Christ, our Great High Priest (Hebrews 4:14), has paid the ultimate "estimation" for our redemption, not with perishable things like silver or gold, but with His own infinitely precious blood (1 Peter 1:18-19). We, who were once alienated and enslaved by sin, are now bought back and reconciled to God through His perfect sacrifice, becoming a "holy nation, a peculiar people" (1 Peter 2:9). Our lives, once lost and under the curse of sin, are now redeemed and presented as a "holy thing unto the LORD," living sacrifices consecrated for His service, reflecting the perfect and final dedication accomplished by Christ on our behalf, securing our eternal inheritance in Him (Romans 12:1).