TRV
Translation
King James Version
And if it be a beast, whereof men bring an offering unto the LORD, all that any man giveth of such unto the LORD shall be holy.
Complete Jewish Bible
"'If the vow is for the value of an animal of the kind used when people bring an offering to ADONAI, all that a person gives of such animals to ADONAI will be holy.
Berean Standard Bible
If he vows an animal that may be brought as an offering to the LORD, any such animal given to the LORD shall be holy.
American Standard Version
And if it be a beast, whereof men offer an oblation unto Jehovah, all that any man giveth of such unto Jehovah shall be holy.
World English Bible Messianic
“‘If it is an animal, of which men offer an offering to the LORD, all that any man gives of such to the LORD becomes holy.
Geneva Bible (1599)
And if it be a beast, whereof men bring an offering vnto the Lord, all that one giueth of such vnto the Lord, shalbe holy.
Young's Literal Translation
`And if it is a beast of which they bring near an offering to Jehovah, all that one giveth of it to Jehovah is holy;
In the KJVVerse 3,580 of 31,102
Study This Verse
Commentary on Leviticus 27 verses 1–13
1 ¶ And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,
2 Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, When a man shall make a singular vow, the persons shall be for the LORD by thy estimation.
3 And thy estimation shall be of the male from twenty years old even unto sixty years old, even thy estimation shall be fifty shekels of silver, after the shekel of the sanctuary.
4 And if it be a female, then thy estimation shall be thirty shekels.
5 And if it be from five years old even unto twenty years old, then thy estimation shall be of the male twenty shekels, and for the female ten shekels.
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.
7 And if it be from sixty years old and above; if it be a male, then thy estimation shall be fifteen shekels, and for the female ten shekels.
8 But if he be poorer than thy estimation, then he shall present himself before the priest, and the priest shall value him; according to his ability that vowed shall the priest value him.
9 And if it be a beast, whereof men bring an offering unto the LORD, all that any man giveth of such unto the LORD shall be holy.
10 He shall not alter it, nor change it, a good for a bad, or a bad for a good: and if he shall at all change beast for beast, then it and the exchange thereof shall be holy.
11 And if it be any unclean beast, of which they do not offer a sacrifice unto the LORD, then he shall present the beast before the priest:
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.
13 But if he will at all redeem it, then he shall add a fifth part thereof unto thy estimation.
This is part of the law concerning singular vows, extraordinary ones, which though God did not expressly insist on, yet, if they were consistent with and conformable to the general precepts, he would be well pleased with. Note, We should not only ask, What must we do, but, What may we do, for the glory and honour of God? As the liberal devises liberal things (Isa 32:8), so the pious devises pious things, and the enlarged heart would willingly do something extraordinary in the service of so good a Master as God is. When we receive or expect some singular mercy it is good to honour God with some singular vow.
I. The case is here put of persons vowed to God by a singular vow, Lev 27:2. If a man consecrated himself, or a child, to the service of the tabernacle, to be employed there in some inferior office, as sweeping the floor, carrying out ashes, running of errands, or the like, the person so consecrated shall be for the Lord, that is, "God will graciously accept the good-will." Thou didst well that it was in thy heart, Ch2 6:8. But forasmuch as he had no occasion to use their service about the tabernacle, a whole tribe being appropriated to the use of it, those that were thus vowed were to be redeemed, and the money paid for their redemption was employed for the repair of the sanctuary, or other uses of it, as appears by Kg2 12:14, where it is called, in the margin, the money of the souls of his estimation. A book of rates is accordingly provided, by which the priests were to go in their estimation. Here is, 1. The rate of the middle-aged, between twenty and threescore, these were valued highest, because most serviceable; a male fifty shekels, and a female thirty, Lev 27:3, Lev 27:4. The females were then less esteemed, but not so in Christ; for in Christ Jesus there is neither male nor female, Gal 3:28. Note, Those that are in the prime of their time must look upon themselves as obliged to do more in the service of God and their generation than can be expected either from minors, that have not yet arrived to their usefulness, or from the aged, that have survived it. 2. The rate of the youth between five years old and twenty was less, because they were then less capable of doing service, Lev 27:5. 3. Infants under five years old were capable of being vowed to God by their parents, even before they were born, as Samuel was, but not to be presented and redeemed till a month old, that, as one sabbath passed over them before they were circumcised, so one new moon might pass over them before they were estimated; and their valuation was but small, Lev 27:6. Samuel, who was thus vowed to God, was not redeemed, because he was a Levite, and a particular favourite, and therefore was employed in his childhood in the service of the tabernacle. 4. The aged are valued less than youth, but more than children, Lev 27:7. And the Hebrews observe that the rate of an aged woman is two parts of three to that of an aged man, so that in that age the female came nearest to the value of the male, which occasioned (as bishop Patrick quotes it here) this saying among them, That an old woman in a house is a treasure in a house. Paul sets a great value upon the aged women, when he makes them teachers of good things, Tit 2:3. 5. The poor shall be valued according to their ability, Lev 27:8. Something they must pay, that they might learn not to be rash in vowing to God, for he hath no pleasure in fools, Ecc 5:4. Yet not more than their ability, but secundum tenementum - according to their possessions, that they might not ruin themselves and their families by their zeal. Note, God expects and requires from men according to what they have, and not according to what they have not, Luk 21:4.
II. The case is put of beasts vowed to God, 1. If it was a clean beast, such as was offered in sacrifice, it must not be redeemed, nor any equivalent given for it: It shall be holy, Lev 27:9, Lev 27:10. After it was vowed, it was not to be put to any common use, nor changed upon second thoughts; but it must be either offered upon the altar, or, if through any blemish it was not meet to be offered, he that vowed it should not take advantage of that, but the priests should have it for their own use (for they were God's receivers), or it should be sold for the service of the sanctuary. This teaches caution in making vows and constancy in keeping them when they are made; for it is a snare to a man to devour that which is holy, and after vows to make enquiry, Pro 20:25. And to this that rule of charity seems to allude (Co2 9:7), Every man, according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give. 2. If it was an unclean beast, it should go to the use of the priest at such a value; but he that vowed it, upon paying that value in money, and adding a fifth part more to it, might redeem it if he pleased, Lev 27:11-13. It was fit that men should smart for their inconstancy. God has let us know his mind concerning his service, and he is not pleased if we do not know our own. God expects that those that deal with him should be at a point, and way what they will stand to.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 1–13. Public domain.
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Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
Leviticus 27:9 delineates a specific regulation within the broader framework of vows and dedications to the LORD, focusing on the consecration of animals. This verse stipulates that any beast already deemed suitable and designated for sacrificial offering, when dedicated or vowed to the LORD, becomes inherently and irrevocably holy. This declaration underscores the sanctity and permanence of such dedications, signifying that the animal is entirely set apart for divine purposes, embodying a profound principle of absolute consecration.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Leviticus 27:9 primarily employs Legal Language and Categorization. As an integral part of the Mosaic Law, the verse functions as a direct legal pronouncement, articulating a specific regulation with clear conditions and definitive consequences. The implicit "if... then" structure, characteristic of ancient legal codes, establishes a precise relationship between the act of dedicating a sacrificial beast and its resulting status of holiness. Categorization is evident in how the law meticulously distinguishes between various types of dedications. This verse specifically categorizes a "beast whereof men bring an offering" as distinct from other dedicated items—such as persons, houses, fields, or even "unclean" animals mentioned later in the chapter—thereby highlighting the unique and elevated status of animals already fit for sacred use. Furthermore, there is a strong element of Emphasis placed on the term "holy," underscoring the absolute, permanent, and inviolable nature of dedication when it involves an item already designated for sacred purposes, reinforcing the gravity of such vows.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 27:9 powerfully articulates the theological principle of divine ownership and the sanctity of dedication. It underscores that what is given to God, especially that which is already deemed worthy of His altar, is not merely transferred but transformed, becoming inviolably set apart for His exclusive possession and purpose. This highlights God's absolute claim over all things and the seriousness with which He regards human vows and offerings. The irrevocability of such a dedication reinforces the idea of wholehearted commitment and integrity in worship, preventing casual or insincere pledges and demanding a profound reverence for the sacred.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the literal practice of dedicating animals for sacrifice is no longer applicable for believers today, the profound spiritual principles embedded in Leviticus 27:9 remain deeply relevant for contemporary Christian living. This verse serves as a powerful reminder of the seriousness and sanctity of our commitments to God. When we dedicate our lives, our time, our talents, our resources, or even specific aspects of our future to the Lord, this passage calls us to recognize that these dedicated elements become "holy"—set apart for His purposes, no longer for our exclusive common use. This demands integrity in our spiritual vows and actions, prompting us to give our best to God, not our leftovers or what we deem expendable. It challenges us to uphold our spiritual commitments with faithfulness, understanding that what is truly given to God is irrevocably His, calling us to live out our dedication with unwavering sincerity, devotion, and a recognition that our lives, consecrated to Christ, are now sacred and set apart for His glory.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What kind of "beast" is being referred to in Leviticus 27:9?
Answer: The "beast" referred to in Leviticus 27:9 is specifically an animal that is clean and suitable for sacrificial offerings to the LORD, as meticulously outlined in earlier chapters of Leviticus, such as Leviticus 1. This would include domesticated animals like cattle, sheep, or goats, which were considered unblemished and acceptable for the altar. The verse explicitly qualifies it as "whereof men bring an offering unto the LORD," clearly distinguishing it from unclean animals or those not typically used for sacred sacrifice.
What does it mean for the dedicated animal to "be holy"?
Answer: For the dedicated animal to "be holy" (Hebrew: qôdesh) means it is irrevocably consecrated and set apart exclusively for the LORD. It is removed from common, profane use and becomes sacred property of God. This implies that it cannot be redeemed, exchanged, or sold back for personal gain, unlike other dedicated items or animals that were not fit for sacrifice (as detailed in Leviticus 27:10-13). Its status is permanently elevated to the divine sphere, signifying its complete and unreserved devotion to God's purposes.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 27:9, with its profound emphasis on a "beast whereof men bring an offering unto the LORD" becoming "holy" and irrevocably set apart, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the preeminent "Lamb of God" (as declared by John the Baptist in John 1:29), the spotless and unblemished sacrifice who was uniquely "suitable" and eternally "acceptable" to God (Hebrews 9:14). Unlike the animals of the Old Covenant, whose holiness was external, ritualistic, and temporary, Jesus was inherently holy, "without sin" (Hebrews 4:15), and perfectly consecrated from eternity. His self-offering on the cross was the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice that truly consecrated and set apart humanity for God (Hebrews 10:10). Through His complete and irrevocable dedication, we who believe are made holy and are called to present ourselves as "living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God" (Romans 12:1), irrevocably set apart for His divine purpose, just as the dedicated beast in Leviticus 27:9 became holy unto the Lord.