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Leviticus 27:11

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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:

And if it be any unclean {H2931} beast {H929}, of which they do not offer {H7126} a sacrifice {H7133} unto the LORD {H3068}, then he shall present {H5975} the beast {H929} before {H6440} the priest {H3548}:

If the animal is an unclean one, such as may not be used in an offering to ADONAI, he must set it before the cohen;

But if the vow involves any of the unclean animals that may not be brought as an offering to the LORD, the animal must be presented before the priest.

And if it be any unclean beast, of which they do not offer an oblation unto Jehovah, then he shall set the beast before the priest;

Commentary

Leviticus 27:11 deals with the specific procedure for handling an animal that has been dedicated to the LORD through a vow, but is classified as ritually unclean and therefore unsuitable for sacrifice.

Context

This verse is situated within Leviticus chapter 27, which outlines the regulations concerning vows and the redemption of dedicated persons, animals, houses, and fields. Following the rules for dedicating clean animals (which could not be redeemed or exchanged, Leviticus 27:9), verses 11-13 address the case of an unclean animal. Since it could not be offered on the altar, a different method was required to fulfill the vow or dedicate its value to God.

Key Themes

  • Distinction between Clean and Unclean: Reinforces the fundamental Levitical laws that categorized animals as acceptable or unacceptable for sacrifice and consumption (see Leviticus chapter 11).
  • Redemption of Vows: Provides a mechanism for a person to fulfill a vow involving an object not directly usable in the sacrificial system.
  • Priestly Assessment: Highlights the priest's role as the authority for evaluating the worth of dedicated items, ensuring fairness and adherence to God's regulations (Leviticus 27:12).
  • Seriousness of Vows: Even when dealing with an unsuitable object, the vow was still binding and required proper handling according to God's law.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "unclean beast" refers to any animal designated as impure according to the detailed dietary and purity laws found elsewhere in Leviticus. These animals were prohibited for consumption and, crucially in this context, for sacrificial offerings to the LORD.

Reflection and Application

This verse demonstrates God's meticulousness even in seemingly less significant matters concerning vows and dedicated things. It teaches that commitments made to God, even those involving imperfect or "unclean" aspects of our lives or possessions, are taken seriously and must be handled according to divine instruction and spiritual authority (represented by the priest). It reminds us of the importance of integrity in fulfilling our promises to God and following His prescribed ways, even when dealing with what cannot be directly offered as a perfect sacrifice.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

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

  • Malachi 1:14 (2 votes)

    But cursed [be] the deceiver, which hath in his flock a male, and voweth, and sacrificeth unto the Lord a corrupt thing: for I [am] a great King, saith the LORD of hosts, and my name [is] dreadful among the heathen.

  • Deuteronomy 23:18 (2 votes)

    Thou shalt not bring the hire of a whore, or the price of a dog, into the house of the LORD thy God for any vow: for even both these [are] abomination unto the LORD thy God.