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Leviticus 27:21

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But the field, when it goeth out in the jubile, shall be holy unto the LORD, as a field devoted; the possession thereof shall be the priest's.

But the field {H7704}, when it goeth out {H3318} in the jubile {H3104}, shall be holy {H6944} unto the LORD {H3068}, as a field {H7704} devoted {H2764}; the possession {H272} thereof shall be the priest's {H3548}.

But when the purchaser has to vacate the field in the yovel, it will become holy to ADONAI, like a field unconditionally consecrated; it will belong to the cohanim.

When the field is released in the Jubilee, it will become holy, like a field devoted to the LORD; it becomes the property of the priests.

but the field, when it goeth out in the jubilee, shall be holy unto Jehovah, as a field devoted; the possession thereof shall be the priest’s.

Commentary

Context of Leviticus 27:21

Leviticus chapter 27 concludes the book by detailing laws concerning vows and dedications made to the Lord. While the preceding verses discuss the valuation and redemption of persons, animals, and houses vowed to God, Leviticus 27:16-25 specifically addresses the dedication of fields. The general rule for land in ancient Israelite society was that it would revert to its original family in the Year of Jubilee (every 50th year), symbolizing God's ultimate ownership of the land and preventing permanent economic disparity. However, verse 21 presents a unique exception: a field that has been declared "devoted" (or 'cherem' in Hebrew) behaves differently, highlighting a category of consecration that is irreversible and carries special significance.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Irreversible Consecration: Unlike other vows that could be redeemed, a field declared "devoted" could not be bought back or returned to its original owner. This signifies a higher, permanent level of dedication to God, a complete setting apart.
  • Holiness and Ownership: The phrase "holy unto the LORD" emphasizes that once a field was devoted, it was completely set apart for God's exclusive use. It became His property in a unique way, removed from human claims, even those of the Jubilee. This showcases God's absolute sovereignty over all things.
  • Provision for the Priesthood: The verse explicitly states, "the possession thereof shall be the priest's." This highlights God's method of providing for the Levites and priests, who had no tribal land inheritance of their own (Numbers 18:20). These devoted fields served as a sacred and permanent source of income and sustenance for those who ministered in the tabernacle, ensuring their support without requiring them to engage in secular labor for sustenance.

Linguistic Insights

The crucial term in this verse is "devoted," which translates the Hebrew word חֵרֶם (cherem). This term signifies something irrevocably set apart for God, often in a way that makes it inaccessible for common use or redemption. It implies a complete dedication, sometimes even leading to destruction if it refers to people or cities under divine judgment (e.g., Jericho in Joshua 6:17). In the context of property, as seen here and in Leviticus 27:28, cherem means it becomes permanently sacred and priestly property, distinguishing it from other types of vows or offerings.

Practical Application

While the specific laws of land devotion and Jubilee are tied to ancient Israelite society, the underlying principles of Leviticus 27:21 offer timeless lessons for faith and stewardship today:

  • Radical Commitment: This verse underscores the idea of radical, permanent commitment to God. Some aspects of our lives, once surrendered to Him, should be considered irrevocably set apart for His purposes, not to be reclaimed for personal gain or self-interest. It speaks to a level of consecration that is complete and enduring.
  • Supporting Ministry: The provision for the priests through devoted fields reminds us of the importance of supporting those who dedicate their lives to spiritual service and ministry. It highlights a biblical precedent for ensuring that those who minister God's Word are adequately cared for by the community they serve.
  • God's Ultimate Ownership: The concept of a field becoming "holy unto the LORD" even beyond the Jubilee, reinforces the biblical truth that all possessions ultimately belong to God. We are merely stewards of what He entrusts to us, and some things may be called to a higher, permanent dedication to His service and glory.
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

  • Ezekiel 44:29 (7 votes)

    They shall eat the meat offering, and the sin offering, and the trespass offering; and every dedicated thing in Israel shall be theirs.

  • Numbers 18:14 (5 votes)

    Every thing devoted in Israel shall be thine.

  • Leviticus 25:10 (3 votes)

    And ye shall hallow the fiftieth year, and proclaim liberty throughout [all] the land unto all the inhabitants thereof: it shall be a jubile unto you; and ye shall return every man unto his possession, and ye shall return every man unto his family.

  • Leviticus 25:31 (3 votes)

    But the houses of the villages which have no wall round about them shall be counted as the fields of the country: they may be redeemed, and they shall go out in the jubile.

  • Leviticus 25:28 (3 votes)

    But if he be not able to restore [it] to him, then that which is sold shall remain in the hand of him that hath bought it until the year of jubile: and in the jubile it shall go out, and he shall return unto his possession.

  • Deuteronomy 13:17 (2 votes)

    And there shall cleave nought of the cursed thing to thine hand: that the LORD may turn from the fierceness of his anger, and shew thee mercy, and have compassion upon thee, and multiply thee, as he hath sworn unto thy fathers;

  • Leviticus 27:28 (2 votes)

    Notwithstanding no devoted thing, that a man shall devote unto the LORD of all that he hath, [both] of man and beast, and of the field of his possession, shall be sold or redeemed: every devoted thing [is] most holy unto the LORD.