Leviticus 27:31

KJV

And if a man will at all redeem [ought] of his tithes, he shall add thereto the fifth [part] thereof.

KJV (with Strong's)

And if a man {H376} will at all {H1350} redeem {H1350} ought of his tithes {H4643}, he shall add {H3254} thereto the fifth {H2549} part thereof.

Complete Jewish Bible

If someone wants to redeem any of his tenth, he must add to it one-fifth.

Berean Standard Bible

If a man wishes to redeem part of his tithe, he must add a fifth to its value.

American Standard Version

And if a man will redeem aught of his tithe, he shall add unto it the fifth part thereof.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 27:31 outlines a specific provision within the laws concerning tithes and dedicated items: if an individual desired to "redeem" or buy back a portion of their tithes that had already been consecrated to the Lord, they were required to add a surcharge of one-fifth (20%) to its value. This regulation underscored the sanctity of objects and produce designated as God's portion, discouraging casual changes of mind regarding commitments made to the divine, and reinforcing the principle that what is set apart for God should remain so, or be reacquired at a significant penalty.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 27 serves as the concluding chapter of the book of Leviticus, providing a detailed appendix to the laws of holiness, sacrifice, and worship. It specifically addresses the proper valuation and redemption of things or persons vowed or dedicated to the Lord. The chapter transitions from general vows (verses 1-29) to the specific, non-redeemable nature of the tithe in verses 30-33. Verse 30 explicitly declares that "all the tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land, or of the fruit of the tree, is the Lord’s: it is holy unto the Lord." This foundational statement establishes the inherent sacredness and divine ownership of the tithe, making the provision in [Leviticus 27:31](/leviticus/27-31 "Leviticus 27:31 - Redemption of Tithes") a rare exception that comes with a significant penalty. The subsequent verse, [Leviticus 27:32](/leviticus/27-32 "Leviticus 27:32 - Tithe of Herd and Flock"), extends the principle to livestock, further emphasizing the comprehensive nature of the tithe as God's portion.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, tithing was a fundamental aspect of the covenant relationship between God and His people, serving as a primary means of supporting the Levites and priests who ministered at the tabernacle (and later, the Temple), as well as providing for the poor and needy. The tithe represented God's ownership over all creation and His provision for His people. The concept of "redemption" (Hebrew: _ga'al_) was well-established in Israelite law, often involving the reacquisition of land, property, or even persons, usually by a close relative (a "kinsman-redeemer"). However, when something was dedicated to God, it entered a special category. The "fifth part" (20%) surcharge for redemption was not unique to tithes; it was a consistent penalty applied in various other contexts where restitution or a reversal of a sacred commitment was involved, such as in cases of trespass against the Lord's holy things ([Leviticus 5:16](/leviticus/5-16 "Leviticus 5:16 - Restitution for Trespass")) or when a person confessed a sin and made restitution ([Numbers 5:7](/numbers/5-7 "Numbers 5:7 - Restitution with a Fifth Part Added")). This consistent application underscored the seriousness of violating or attempting to reverse a divine claim.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Redeem (Hebrew, _ga'al'_):** This verb signifies "to buy back," "to reclaim," "to rescue," or "to deliver." In the broader biblical context, _ga'al_ often refers to the act of a kinsman-redeemer (like Boaz in Ruth) who reclaims property or family members from bondage or loss. Here, however, it is applied to the unusual scenario of an individual attempting to reacquire something already designated as "holy unto the Lord." The use of _ga'al_ in this context highlights the tension between human desire for control over possessions and God's absolute claim over what is consecrated to Him.
* **Fifth Part (Hebrew, _chomesh'_):** This term consistently denotes a 20% surcharge or addition. Its application here, as in other restitution laws, functions as a penalty or a deterrent. It makes the act of "redeeming" something dedicated to God financially burdensome, thereby discouraging such actions and reinforcing the sanctity and irrevocability of the original dedication. It is not merely a fee but a punitive measure designed to emphasize the seriousness of the commitment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And if a man will at all redeem [ought] of his tithes":** This clause sets the specific condition under which the law applies. It addresses the scenario where an Israelite, having already designated a portion of their produce or livestock as tithe (which was inherently "holy unto the Lord" by divine decree), then wishes to reclaim or buy back that specific portion for personal use. The phrase "at all redeem" (literally, "redeeming, he shall redeem") emphasizes the deliberateness of the act, suggesting a strong desire to reverse the dedication.
* **"he shall add thereto the fifth [part] thereof":** This clause stipulates the mandatory consequence of attempting to redeem one's tithes. The individual is not simply allowed to "buy back" the item at its original value, but must pay an additional 20% of its assessed worth. This surcharge functions as a penalty, making the redemption financially costly and serving as a deterrent against casually revoking or altering commitments made to God. It reinforces the idea that once something is declared holy to the Lord, it is not to be treated lightly or repossessed without significant consequence.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Leviticus 27:31 is **Legal Prescription**, as the verse presents a direct, prescriptive law governing a specific scenario within the Israelite covenant. This is a common feature throughout the book of Leviticus, which is fundamentally a legal and ritual code. There is also an element of **Symbolism** in the "fifth part" surcharge. This additional 20% is not merely a financial transaction; it symbolically represents the heightened cost and seriousness of attempting to reverse a divine dedication. It underscores the absolute nature of God's ownership and the integrity required in human vows. Furthermore, the verse employs **Emphasis** through its consistent application of the "fifth part" principle across various restitution laws in the Pentateuch, creating a pattern that reinforces the gravity of commitments to God and the consequences of their breach.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 27:31 powerfully articulates God's unwavering claim over what is consecrated to Him and the seriousness with which He regards human commitments. The tithe, declared "holy unto the Lord," is not merely a human donation but God's inherent portion. The penalty for redemption underscores that God's ownership is absolute, and attempts to reclaim what is His come at a significant cost, reflecting the sacredness of vows and the integrity expected in our dealings with the divine. This principle extends beyond monetary transactions, teaching us about the sanctity of our spiritual commitments and the importance of steadfastness in our devotion.

* [Leviticus 27:30](/leviticus/27-30 "Leviticus 27:30 - The Holiness of Tithes")
* [Numbers 5:7](/numbers/5-7 "Numbers 5:7 - Restitution with a Fifth Part Added")
* [Malachi 3:8-10](/malachi/3-8 "Malachi 3:8-10 - Robbing God in Tithes and Offerings")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Leviticus 27:31, while rooted in Old Covenant law, offers profound principles for contemporary believers regarding the sanctity of commitments and the nature of stewardship. It challenges us to consider the seriousness with which we approach our vows and dedications to God, whether they are baptismal vows, marriage covenants, promises made in prayer, or commitments to service. The "fifth part" penalty serves as a stark reminder that reversing or neglecting our spiritual commitments can carry a significant spiritual cost, even if not a direct financial one in the New Covenant. It encourages us to be deliberate and steadfast in our devotion, recognizing that all we have ultimately belongs to God, and our giving is an act of acknowledging His sovereignty and provision. This verse calls us to a life of integrity, where our word to God is honored and our stewardship reflects our understanding of His ultimate ownership.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How seriously do I take the commitments I make to God, whether explicitly stated or implicitly understood?**
* **In what areas of my life might I be tempted to "redeem" or reclaim something I have already dedicated to God? What might be the spiritual "cost" of such an action?**
* **How does the principle of God's absolute ownership, highlighted by the sanctity of the tithe, shape my understanding of stewardship and generosity today?**

### FAQ

**Why did God require an additional fifth part for redeeming tithes?**

Answer: The requirement to add a "fifth part" (20%) was a punitive measure designed to discourage the redemption of items already consecrated to the Lord. Tithes were declared "holy unto the Lord" ([Leviticus 27:30](/leviticus/27-30 "Leviticus 27:30 - The Holiness of Tithes")), signifying their inherent sacredness and divine ownership. The surcharge served multiple purposes: it reinforced the sanctity of the original dedication, made the act of reversing a commitment financially burdensome, and emphasized that what was given to God was not to be treated lightly or reclaimed without significant consequence. This principle of adding a fifth part was also seen in other restitution laws, such as for trespasses against the Lord's holy things ([Leviticus 5:16](/leviticus/5-16 "Leviticus 5:16 - Restitution for Trespass")) or when making restitution for fraud ([Numbers 5:7](/numbers/5-7 "Numbers 5:7 - Restitution with a Fifth Part Added")).

**Does this Old Testament law about redeeming tithes apply to Christians today?**

Answer: While the specific literal application of redeeming agricultural or livestock tithes with a 20% surcharge is part of the Old Covenant ceremonial and civil law and does not directly apply to New Covenant believers, the underlying theological principles remain highly relevant. The law teaches us about the seriousness of commitments made to God, the sanctity of what is dedicated to Him, and the concept of God's ultimate ownership over all things. For Christians, the emphasis shifts from a legalistic tithe of produce to cheerful, generous giving as an act of worship and stewardship ([2 Corinthians 9:7](/2_corinthians/9-7 "2 Corinthians 9:7 - Cheerful Giver")). However, the principle that our vows and dedications (such as baptismal vows, marriage covenants, or commitments to serve) should be taken with utmost integrity and that reversing them can have spiritual consequences, still holds true. We are called to be faithful stewards of all that God has entrusted to us, recognizing that our lives, resources, and gifts are ultimately His ([Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Living Sacrifice")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 27:31, with its emphasis on the cost of "redeeming" what is consecrated to God, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate and perfect redemption found in Jesus Christ. The human attempt to "buy back" something already dedicated, even with a punitive surcharge, highlights humanity's inherent inability to truly redeem itself or its broken promises to God. We, like the tithe, were originally consecrated to God's purpose, but fell short through sin, requiring a redemption far beyond any "fifth part" we could offer. Christ, as our great [Kinsman-Redeemer](/galatians/4-4 "Galatians 4:4-5 - Christ's Redemption"), stepped into our brokenness, not merely adding a portion, but giving His entire self. He paid the ultimate "surcharge" for our sin, offering His perfect life and atoning death on the cross as the full and final payment for our redemption ([Ephesians 1:7](/ephesians/1-7 "Ephesians 1:7 - Redemption Through His Blood")). Unlike the temporary and costly redemption of the tithe, Christ's redemption is eternal, complete, and freely given to those who believe, securing for us not merely property but eternal life and reconciliation with God ([1 Peter 1:18-19](/1_peter/1-18 "1 Peter 1:18-19 - Redeemed by Precious Blood")). In Him, the principle of dedication is perfectly fulfilled, as He perfectly consecrated Himself to the Father's will, becoming the spotless Lamb who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). Our response to this immeasurable redemption is to offer our entire lives as a "living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God" ([Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Living Sacrifice")), recognizing that we are no longer our own, but bought with a price ([1 Corinthians 6:20](/1_corinthians/6-20 "1 Corinthians 6:20 - Bought with a Price")).

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.