Leviticus 27:6

KJV

And if [it be] from a month old even unto five years old, then thy estimation shall be of the male five shekels of silver, and for the female thy estimation [shall be] three shekels of silver.

KJV (with Strong's)

And if it be from a month {H2320} old {H1121} even unto five {H2568} years {H8141} old {H1121}, then thy estimation {H6187} shall be of the male {H2145} five {H2568} shekels {H8255} of silver {H3701}, and for the female {H5347} thy estimation {H6187} shall be three {H7969} shekels {H8255} of silver {H3701}.

Complete Jewish Bible

if a baby one month to five years of age, five shekels for a boy and three for a girl;

Berean Standard Bible

Now if the person is from one month to five years of age, then your valuation for the male shall be five shekels of silver, and for the female three shekels of silver.

American Standard Version

And if it be from a month old even unto five years old, then thy estimation shall be of the male five shekels of silver, and for the female thy estimation shall be three shekels of silver.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 27:6 details a specific regulation within the laws concerning vows and dedications, establishing the redemption value for individuals consecrated to the Lord. This verse precisely stipulates the monetary estimation for children aged from one month to five years old: five shekels of silver for a male and three shekels of silver for a female. This provision allowed for the release of a vowed person from their dedication through a standardized payment, underscoring the seriousness of commitments made to God and the orderly nature of the Mosaic covenant.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus chapter 27 serves as a concluding appendix to the book of Leviticus, following the detailed exposition of sacrificial laws, purity regulations, and instructions for priestly service and holy days. While the preceding chapters primarily dealt with communal worship and ritual purity, chapter 27 shifts focus to voluntary individual vows and dedications. This chapter outlines the protocols for consecrating persons, animals, or property to the Lord, and, crucially, the fixed redemption values should the vow need to be commuted. Our verse, [Leviticus 27:6](/leviticus/27-6 "Leviticus 27:6 - Valuation for Children Aged 1 Month to 5 Years"), is part of a comprehensive table of valuations that begins in [Leviticus 27:2](/leviticus/27-2 "Leviticus 27:2 - Vows Concerning Persons") and continues through [Leviticus 27:8](/leviticus/27-8 "Leviticus 27:8 - Valuation for the Poor"), providing a consistent and equitable system for managing such sacred commitments across different age groups and genders.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, making a vow to God was a solemn and binding act, reflecting a deep personal commitment or a plea for divine favor. These vows were not arbitrary but were integrated into the legal and social fabric of the community. The "estimation" (Hebrew _'erekh_) mentioned in this verse was not a market value or a reflection of a person's intrinsic worth, but a fixed, divinely prescribed monetary equivalent by which a dedicated person could be redeemed from their vow. This system provided a practical and orderly way for Israelites to fulfill their sacred promises without necessarily requiring lifelong service, which might disrupt family life or economic stability. The differentiation in values between males and females, as well as across various age groups (e.g., compare with [Leviticus 27:3](/leviticus/27-3 "Leviticus 27:3 - Valuation for Adults")), reflects the socio-economic realities of an agrarian society where male labor generally held greater economic value in terms of physical capacity and contribution to the household's productive output. The "shekel" was a standard unit of weight, typically silver, serving as the common currency, as also seen in regulations like the half-shekel temple tax in [Exodus 30:13](/exodus/30-13 "Exodus 30:13 - The Half-Shekel Temple Tax").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Estimation (Hebrew, עֵרֶךְ, _'erekh'_):** This term signifies a fixed, statutory valuation or assessment. It is not a subjective appraisal based on market fluctuations or individual merit, but a divinely ordained, unchanging sum set by the sanctuary for the purpose of redeeming a vowed person. The use of _'erekh_ underscores the legal and non-negotiable nature of these prices, ensuring fairness and consistency in the administration of vows. It highlights God's meticulous attention to order and justice even in voluntary commitments.
* **Shekels (Hebrew, שֶׁקֶל, _sheqel'_):** A shekel was a common unit of weight, typically silver, that functioned as currency throughout the ancient Near East. Specifying the payment in "shekels of silver" indicates the tangible and precious nature of the redemption price. The amounts—five and three shekels—were significant enough to reflect the seriousness of the vow and the commitment involved in its redemption, yet presumably within the means of most Israelite families, preventing undue hardship while upholding the sanctity of the dedication.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And if [it be] from a month old even unto five years old":** This clause precisely defines the age category for the individual being valued. It encompasses very young children, from the earliest stage of recognized life (one month, often when a child's viability was confirmed and a name given) up to their fifth birthday. This specific age range indicates the comprehensive nature of the vow laws, which accounted for all stages of human life, and sets this group apart from other age brackets with different valuations.
* **"then thy estimation shall be of the male five shekels of silver":** This segment establishes the redemption price for a male child within the specified age group. Five shekels of silver represented a substantial sum, reflecting the potential future economic contribution of a male in an agrarian society, where physical labor and lineage were highly valued. This fixed value ensured that the act of redemption was taken seriously, requiring a tangible sacrifice that corresponded to the perceived functional value of the individual.
* **"and for the female thy estimation [shall be] three shekels of silver":** This part specifies the corresponding redemption value for a female child of the same age. The lower valuation for females, relative to males, was a reflection of the socio-economic realities and gender roles prevalent in ancient Israel, where women's primary contributions were often domestic and familial, rather than direct agricultural labor. It is imperative to understand this as a functional, legal valuation within a specific cultural context, not an assessment of intrinsic human worth or dignity, which Scripture consistently affirms as equal for all persons created in God's image.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 27:6 is a prime example of **Legal Prescript**, a characteristic literary device throughout the book of Leviticus. It presents a clear, authoritative, and non-negotiable command regarding the fixed valuation of vowed persons. The verse also employs **Numerical Specification**, providing precise figures for both the age range (one month to five years) and the monetary values (five shekels and three shekels). This precision ensures clarity, eliminates ambiguity, and facilitates the consistent application of the law. Furthermore, a clear **Dichotomy** or **Contrast** is drawn between the valuation of males and females, highlighting the gender-based distinctions that were part of the societal and economic structures of ancient Israel. This distinction is presented as a straightforward legal stipulation, reflecting cultural norms within the divine law.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 27:6, situated within the broader framework of vows and dedications, illuminates several profound theological principles. It underscores God's meticulous concern for order, justice, and the sanctity of promises made to Him. The system of fixed valuations for redemption emphasizes that while God desires our wholehearted dedication, He also provides a structured and equitable means for fulfilling commitments, acknowledging the practical realities of human life. This passage also subtly introduces the concept of "redemption"—a price paid to set someone free or fulfill an obligation—a theme that resonates deeply throughout biblical theology, culminating in the ultimate act of redemption. It reminds us that God takes our vows seriously, expecting faithfulness and integrity in our walk with Him.

* [Numbers 30:2](/numbers/30-2 "The Seriousness of Vows to the Lord")
* [Exodus 30:13](/exodus/30-13 "The Half-Shekel Ransom for the Soul")
* [Psalm 139:13-14](/psalms/139-13-14 "God's Intricate Creation and Knowledge of Individuals")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the specific monetary valuations of Leviticus 27:6 are culturally bound and not directly applicable to modern financial systems, the underlying spiritual principles remain profoundly relevant for believers today. This passage calls us to consider the seriousness of our commitments, especially those made to God. Do we treat our promises, whether formal vows or informal pledges of devotion, with the same gravity and integrity that God's law demands? The concept of redemption here also prompts us to reflect on the nature of true value. While the ancient system assigned functional values, our ultimate worth is not determined by human estimation, societal contribution, or economic output, but by God's infinite love and the immeasurable price He paid for us. This should inspire a deeper sense of gratitude and a renewed commitment to living a life dedicated to Him, not out of obligation for a legalistic vow, but out of grateful response to His grace and the freedom we have received.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How seriously do I take my promises and commitments, especially those made to God in prayer or worship?**
* **In what ways does the concept of "redemption" in this passage point me towards the greater, spiritual redemption found in Christ?**
* **How can I live a life that reflects my infinite value in God's eyes, rather than seeking validation from worldly estimations or achievements?**

### FAQ
**Why did the law assign different redemption values for males and females, and for different age groups?**

Answer: The differing redemption values in Leviticus 27, including those for children in [Leviticus 27:6](/leviticus/27-6 "Leviticus 27:6 - Valuation for Children Aged 1 Month to 5 Years"), were not an assessment of intrinsic human worth or dignity. Scripture consistently affirms that all persons, male and female, are created in God's image and are equally valuable in His sight (e.g., [Genesis 1:27](/genesis/1-27 "Genesis 1:27 - Humanity Created in God's Image")). Instead, these values were functional valuations based on the prevailing socio-economic realities of ancient Israel, an agrarian society. Males were generally considered to have greater physical capacity for labor and economic contribution to the household and community, particularly in agricultural and military contexts. Similarly, different age groups had varying capacities for work. These fixed values provided a standardized, equitable system for the sanctuary to manage vows, ensuring that the redemption payment reflected the perceived economic contribution or potential of the individual within that specific cultural framework, rather than being arbitrary or subjective.

**Are these laws concerning vows and estimations still relevant for believers today?**

Answer: While the specific legal framework and monetary valuations of Leviticus 27:6 are part of the Mosaic Law, which is not directly binding on New Testament believers in its ceremonial and civil aspects (as the New Covenant is superior, see [Hebrews 8:6](/hebrews/8-6 "Hebrews 8:6 - A Superior Covenant")), the underlying spiritual principles remain profoundly relevant. The passage highlights the seriousness with which God views vows and commitments (e.g., [Ecclesiastes 5:4-5](/ecclesiastes/5-4-5 "Ecclesiastes 5:4-5 - Fulfilling Vows")). It teaches us about God's orderly nature, His demand for integrity, and the foundational concept of redemption. For Christians, our "vow" is often our covenant with God through Christ, expressed in baptism and ongoing discipleship. We are called to live lives of dedication and faithfulness, understanding that our ultimate redemption has been paid not with silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ (as seen in [1 Peter 1:18-19](/1_peter/1-18-19 "1 Peter 1:18-19 - Redeemed by Precious Blood")). Thus, while the specific regulations have changed, the spirit of commitment and the reality of redemption are central to our faith.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 27:6, with its detailed regulations for the redemption of vowed individuals, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The concept of "estimation" or "valuation" for redemption, where a price is paid to set someone free from an obligation, powerfully foreshadows the spiritual redemption offered through Christ. We, as humanity, were "vowed" to sin and death, bound by its power, and utterly incapable of redeeming ourselves. Yet, God, in His infinite love, provided the perfect "estimation" – not silver or gold, but the precious blood of His Son. As [Ephesians 1:7](/ephesians/1-7 "Ephesians 1:7 - Redemption Through Christ's Blood") declares, "In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace." The fixed, non-negotiable price of the Old Covenant system points to the singular, unrepeatable, and infinitely valuable sacrifice of Christ, who, though He was in the form of God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, even to death on a cross, as described in [Philippians 2:6-8](/philippians/2-6-8 "Philippians 2:6-8 - Christ's Humiliation and Exaltation"). Through His perfect life, atoning death, and glorious resurrection, Jesus paid the ultimate redemption price, setting us free from the bondage of sin and dedicating us to God as His treasured possession. Our value is not based on any human estimation or societal contribution, but on the immeasurable worth of the One who redeemed us, making us living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, as called for in [Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Living Sacrifices").

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

Numbers 3:40

¶ And the LORD said unto Moses, Number all the firstborn of the males of the children of Israel from a month old and upward, and take the number of their names.

Numbers 3:43

And all the firstborn males by the number of names, from a month old and upward, of those that were numbered of them, were twenty and two thousand two hundred and threescore and thirteen.

Numbers 18:14

Every thing devoted in Israel shall be thine.

Numbers 18:16

And those that are to be redeemed from a month old shalt thou redeem, according to thine estimation, for the money of five shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary, which [is] twenty gerahs.