Leviticus 27:9

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And if it be a beast {H929}, whereof men bring {H7126} an offering {H7133} unto the LORD {H3068}, all that any man giveth {H5414} of such unto the LORD {H3068} shall be holy {H6944}.

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.

Commentary

### 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
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 27 functions as a concluding appendix to the comprehensive legal and cultic instructions found in the preceding chapters of Leviticus. It transitions from the detailed laws of offerings, purity, and festivals to the practicalities of vows and dedications made by individuals. The chapter begins by addressing the valuation and redemption of persons dedicated to the LORD ([Leviticus 27:1-8](/leviticus/27-1-8 "Leviticus 27:1-8 - Valuation of Persons Dedicated to the LORD")), establishing a monetary scale for their redemption. Verse 9 then shifts focus to animals, specifically distinguishing between those "whereof men bring an offering unto the LORD" (i.e., clean, sacrificial animals) and those that are "unclean" or not suitable for sacrifice, which are addressed in subsequent verses ([Leviticus 27:11-13](/leviticus/27-11-13 "Leviticus 27:11-13 - Dedication of Unclean Animals")). This immediate literary context highlights the unique and absolute nature of dedicating an animal already fit for the altar, emphasizing its permanent and non-redeemable holiness once consecrated.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Vows were a deeply ingrained spiritual practice in ancient Israel and the broader ancient Near East, often made in times of distress or as expressions of gratitude for divine favor, as evidenced in passages like [Numbers 30:2](/numbers/30-2 "Numbers 30:2 - The Binding Nature of Vows") and [Deuteronomy 23:21-23](/deuteronomy/23-21-23 "Deuteronomy 23:21-23 - Fulfilling Vows to the LORD"). These vows frequently involved dedicating various possessions, including animals, to the deity. Within Israelite worship, a fundamental principle was the strict distinction between clean and unclean animals; only clean, unblemished animals were acceptable for sacrifice, a concept meticulously detailed in the sacrificial laws of [Leviticus 1](/leviticus/1 "Leviticus 1 - Laws of Burnt Offerings"). By specifying "a beast, whereof men bring an offering unto the LORD," Leviticus 27:9 implicitly refers to these clean, sacrificial animals (e.g., cattle, sheep, goats), underscoring that their dedication to God rendered them irrevocably holy, removed from common use, and exclusively consecrated for divine purposes, reflecting the high regard for sacred offerings in Israelite society.
* **Key Themes:** Leviticus 27:9 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the Mosaic Law and the book of Leviticus. Firstly, it reinforces the theme of **Holiness and Consecration**, emphasizing that what is dedicated to God is transformed in status, becoming set apart for His exclusive use and possession. This aligns with the broader Levitical emphasis on Israel's call to be a holy nation ([Leviticus 19:2](/leviticus/19-2 "Leviticus 19:2 - Be Holy, For I Am Holy")). Secondly, the verse highlights the theme of **Divine Ownership**, asserting God's ultimate claim over all creation and particularly over that which is voluntarily offered to Him. This resonates with passages like [Psalm 24:1](/psalm/24-1 "Psalm 24:1 - The Earth is the LORD's"), which declares God's sovereignty over all things. Finally, it underscores the **Integrity and Seriousness of Vows**, demonstrating that commitments made to the LORD, especially involving items already fit for His altar, are binding and irrevocable, reflecting the importance of faithfulness in one's spiritual pledges ([Ecclesiastes 5:4-5](/ecclesiastes/5-4-5 "Ecclesiastes 5:4-5 - Do Not Delay to Pay Your Vow")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Beast (Hebrew, _bᵉhêmâh'_):** From an unused root (probably meaning to be mute); properly, a dumb beast; especially any large quadruped or animal (often collective). In the context of Levitical law, when qualified by "whereof men bring an offering unto the LORD," this term specifically denotes clean, unblemished domesticated animals (e.g., cattle, sheep, goats) acceptable for sacrifice, as opposed to "unclean" animals or wild beasts. The selection of such an animal for dedication underscores its intrinsic value and suitability for divine purposes.
* **Offering (Hebrew, _qorbân'_):** From קָרַב (qârab); something brought near the altar, i.e. a sacrificial present; oblation, that is offered, offering. This term refers to any gift or sacrifice presented to God, signifying an act of worship, devotion, or atonement. In this verse, it highlights that the dedicated animal is not merely a possession given away, but a sacred presentation intended for the divine sphere, drawing the worshiper near to God.
* **Holy (Hebrew, _qôdesh'_):** From קָדַשׁ (qâdash); a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity; consecrated (thing), dedicated (thing), hallowed (thing), holiness, ([idiom] most) holy ([idiom] day, portion, thing), saint, sanctuary. This foundational theological term signifies being "set apart," "consecrated," or "sacred." When something is declared _qôdesh_, it is removed from common, profane use and dedicated exclusively to God's service or possession. The declaration "shall be holy" in Leviticus 27:9 means the dedicated animal undergoes a transformation in status, becoming inviolable and exclusively belonging to the LORD, thus preventing its redemption or exchange.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And if [it be] a beast":** This clause introduces the specific subject of the regulation: a domesticated animal. The implied condition is that this animal is of a type generally considered clean and suitable for Israelite use and, crucially, for sacred purposes, setting the stage for its potential as a consecrated offering.
* **"whereof men bring an offering unto the LORD":** This is the critical qualifying clause. It specifies that the "beast" in question is not just any animal, but one that is inherently acceptable for sacrifice according to the Mosaic Law (e.g., a bull, lamb, or goat, as detailed in [Leviticus 1](/leviticus/1 "Leviticus 1 - Laws of Burnt Offerings")). This pre-existing sacrificial suitability is paramount to its subsequent status, distinguishing it from other animals that could be dedicated but might require redemption.
* **"all that [any man] giveth of such unto the LORD shall be holy":** This declares the profound consequence of dedicating such a suitable animal. Once given or vowed to the LORD, it transitions from common ownership to a state of absolute holiness. This means it is irrevocably consecrated, set apart for divine use, and cannot be redeemed, exchanged, or put to common purposes. Its status is elevated to the sacred, belonging entirely to God and removed from human prerogative.

#### 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.

* [Deuteronomy 23:21-23](/deuteronomy/23-21-23 "Deuteronomy 23:21-23 - Fulfilling Vows to the LORD")
* [Numbers 30:2](/numbers/30-2 "Numbers 30:2 - The Binding Nature of a Vow")
* [Malachi 1:8](/malachi/1-8 "Malachi 1:8 - Offering the Best to God")

### 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
* **What areas of my life have I explicitly dedicated to the Lord, and how am I living out that dedication as "holy" and set apart for Him?**
* **How does the concept of irrevocability in this verse challenge my approach to making spiritual commitments or vows today, especially in areas like discipleship or service?**
* **Am I offering God my "best" (that which is already suitable for His purposes and worthy of Him), or am I tempted to dedicate what is less valuable, convenient, or merely residual?**

### 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](/leviticus/1 "Leviticus 1 - Laws of Burnt Offerings"). 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](/leviticus/27-10-13 "Leviticus 27:10-13 - Regulations for Dedicated Animals")). 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](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), the spotless and unblemished sacrifice who was uniquely "suitable" and eternally "acceptable" to God (cf. [Hebrews 9:14](/hebrews/9-14 "Hebrews 9:14 - The Blood of Christ Cleanses")). Unlike the animals of the Old Covenant, whose holiness was external, ritualistic, and temporary, Jesus was inherently holy, "without sin" ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus, Our Sinless High Priest")), 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](/hebrews/10-10 "Hebrews 10:10 - Sanctified Through Christ's Sacrifice")). 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](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Living Sacrifices")), irrevocably set apart for His divine purpose, just as the dedicated beast in Leviticus 27:9 became holy unto the Lord.

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.