Leviticus 27:6

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.

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}.

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

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.

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

Leviticus 27:6 details a specific aspect of the laws concerning vows and dedications in ancient Israel. This verse specifies the redemption value for individuals vowed or consecrated to the Lord, particularly children aged from one month to five years old. It sets a monetary estimation (valuation) for males at five shekels of silver and for females at three shekels of silver, if the person dedicated was to be redeemed rather than serving the vow.

Context

Leviticus chapter 27 serves as an appendix to the book of Leviticus, providing regulations for vows, dedications, and tithes. Unlike the previous chapters which dealt with sacrifices, clean and unclean laws, and holy days, this chapter addresses situations where an Israelite might make a special vow to dedicate a person, animal, or property to the Lord (Leviticus 27:2). The "estimation" mentioned here is not about the inherent worth of a person, but rather a fixed monetary value by which a vowed person could be redeemed from their dedication, allowing them to return to their normal life. This system ensured that such vows were taken seriously and involved a tangible commitment or sacrifice.

Key Themes

  • Vows and Dedication: The verse underscores the importance of vows made to God and the system by which such dedications could be managed or redeemed within the covenant community.
  • Redemption Value: It highlights the concept of a fixed redemption price, demonstrating God's orderly system for managing human promises and commitments. This system provided a way to fulfill a vow without necessarily requiring lifelong service.
  • Societal Norms: The differing values for males and females (five shekels vs. three shekels) reflect the societal and economic realities of ancient Israel, where males were generally considered to have greater labor capacity and economic contribution. It's crucial to understand this as a functional valuation within a specific legal context, not an assessment of intrinsic human worth.

Linguistic Insights

The key Hebrew term here is עֵרֶךְ ('erekh), translated as "estimation." It literally means "valuation," "assessment," or "set price." This term emphasizes that the amounts prescribed were not arbitrary but were a divinely ordained, fixed assessment for redemption purposes. The "shekel" was a standard unit of weight, typically silver, used as currency in ancient times (see Exodus 30:13 regarding the half-shekel temple tax).

Practical Application

While the specific monetary valuations of Leviticus 27:6 are not directly applicable today, the underlying principles offer valuable insights:

  • Seriousness of Commitment: This law reminds us that promises made to God are serious and carry weight. God values our dedication and expects faithfulness in our commitments.
  • God's Order and Justice: The detailed regulations reflect God's desire for order and fairness within the community. Even in matters of personal vows, there was a clear, equitable system for resolution.
  • Redemption as a Principle: The concept of redemption, where a price is paid to set someone free or fulfill an obligation, points forward to the ultimate redemption found in Christ Jesus, who paid the ultimate price for our freedom from sin and dedication to God. Our value to God is not based on a fixed shekel amount but on the infinite worth of Christ's sacrifice.
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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

  • 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.
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