Living Holy through Vows and Devotions

Before You Study

Read This First

Leviticus is a book focused on God's covenant with Israel, especially how they are to live holy lives set apart for Him. The previous chapters gave detailed laws about sacrifices, purity, and priestly duties, all designed to maintain Israel’s relationship with God. Chapter 27 wraps up these instructions by addressing vows and dedications, which were personal commitments that affected the community and the sanctuary. Understanding the cultural importance of vows and the valuation system helps us grasp how seriously God regarded holiness and integrity. This chapter shows how God’s covenant holiness touched every part of Israel’s life, including their promises and possessions.

What You'll Learn

• How God instructed Israel to value people and property dedicated by vows, reflecting the sanctity of life and possessions.
• The significance of adding a fifth part when redeeming dedicated items, illustrating God’s demand for full restoration.
• Why certain things, like firstborn animals and devoted persons, were considered irrevocably holy to the Lord.
• The role of the priest in assessing valuations, showing the mediation between God and His people.
• How the year of Jubilee affected the redemption and sanctification of land, emphasizing God’s provision and justice.
• The unchangeable nature of holy offerings, teaching respect for God’s commands and the seriousness of vows.

God calls His people to honor their vows and dedicate their possessions with holiness, reflecting covenant faithfulness and reverence.

Bible Translation Note: All Scripture on this page is quoted from the King James Version (KJV) and presented in full without alteration.

Leviticus 27:1 And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,

Leviticus 27:2 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.

Leviticus 27:3 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.

Leviticus 27:4 And if it be a female, then thy estimation shall be thirty shekels.

Leviticus 27:5 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.

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.

Leviticus 27:7 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.

Leviticus 27:8 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.

Leviticus 27:9 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.

Leviticus 27:10 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.

Leviticus 27:11 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:

Leviticus 27:12 And the priest shall value it, whether it be good or bad: as thou valuest it, who art the priest, so shall it be.

Leviticus 27:13 But if he will at all redeem it, then he shall add a fifth part thereof unto thy estimation.

Leviticus 27:14 And when a man shall sanctify his house to be holy unto the LORD, then the priest shall estimate it, whether it be good or bad: as the priest shall estimate it, so shall it stand.

Leviticus 27:15 And if he that sanctified it will redeem his house, then he shall add the fifth part of the money of thy estimation unto it, and it shall be his.

Leviticus 27:16 And if a man shall sanctify unto the LORD some part of a field of his possession, then thy estimation shall be according to the seed thereof: an homer of barley seed shall be valued at fifty shekels of silver.

Leviticus 27:17 If he sanctify his field from the year of jubile, according to thy estimation it shall stand.

Leviticus 27:18 But if he sanctify his field after the jubile, then the priest shall reckon unto him the money according to the years that remain, even unto the year of the jubile, and it shall be abated from thy estimation.

Leviticus 27:19 And if he that sanctified the field will in any wise redeem it, then he shall add the fifth part of the money of thy estimation unto it, and it shall be assured to him.

Leviticus 27:20 And if he will not redeem the field, or if he have sold the field to another man, it shall not be redeemed any more.

Leviticus 27:21 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.

Leviticus 27:22 And if a man sanctify unto the LORD a field which he hath bought, which is not of the fields of his possession;

Leviticus 27:23 Then the priest shall reckon unto him the worth of thy estimation, even unto the year of the jubile: and he shall give thine estimation in that day, as a holy thing unto the LORD.

Leviticus 27:24 In the year of the jubile the field shall return unto him of whom it was bought, even to him to whom the possession of the land did belong.

Leviticus 27:25 And all thy estimations shall be according to the shekel of the sanctuary: twenty gerahs shall be the shekel.

Leviticus 27:26 Only the firstling of the beasts, which should be the LORD’S firstling, no man shall sanctify it; whether it be ox, or sheep: it is the LORD’S.

Leviticus 27:27 And if it be of an unclean beast, then he shall redeem it according to thine estimation, and shall add a fifth part of it thereto: or if it be not redeemed, then it shall be sold according to thy estimation.

Leviticus 27:28 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.

Leviticus 27:29 None devoted, which shall be devoted of men, shall be redeemed; but shall surely be put to death.

Leviticus 27:30 And all the tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land, or of the fruit of the tree, is the LORD’S: it is holy unto the LORD.

Leviticus 27:31 And if a man will at all redeem ought of his tithes, he shall add thereto the fifth part thereof.

Leviticus 27:32 And concerning the tithe of the herd, or of the flock, even of whatsoever passeth under the rod, the tenth shall be holy unto the LORD.

Leviticus 27:33 He shall not search whether it be good or bad, neither shall he change it: and if he change it at all, then both it and the change thereof shall be holy; it shall not be redeemed.

Leviticus 27:34 These are the commandments, which the LORD commanded Moses for the children of Israel in mount Sinai.

Leviticus 27:1

And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,

Study: God’s direct communication to Moses marks the importance of the instructions that follow, emphasizing His sovereign authority over Israel’s vows and dedications. This introduction sets the tone that these commands come from the LORD Himself, underscoring their sacredness and the need for obedience.

Leviticus 27:2

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.

Study: God commands Moses to instruct Israel about making singular vows, which were personal promises to dedicate persons or things to the Lord. This shows God’s desire for His people to take their commitments seriously, as these vows affect their relationship with Him and the community.

Leviticus 27:3

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.

Study: The valuation of males aged twenty to sixty at fifty shekels reflects the prime working and service years in Israelite society, linking the worth of a person to their productive capacity in the covenant community. This valuation was used to determine the price for redeeming a vowed person, highlighting God’s orderly system for honoring vows.

Leviticus 27:4

And if it be a female, then thy estimation shall be thirty shekels.

Study: Females were valued at thirty shekels, a different amount than males, reflecting the cultural and societal roles within ancient Israel. This valuation system was not about worth in God’s eyes but about practical considerations for redemption within the covenant framework.

Leviticus 27:5

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.

Study: Children from five to twenty years old were valued less, recognizing their developmental stage and contribution potential. This detail shows God’s comprehensive system for vows that accounted for age and gender, ensuring fairness and clarity in the community’s sacred commitments.

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.

Study: Infants from a month old to five years were valued even lower, which reflects their limited capacity for service but still acknowledges their value within the covenant community. This valuation underscores that every life, regardless of age, was precious and accounted for in God’s system.

Leviticus 27:7

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.

Study: Those sixty years and older were valued less, recognizing their reduced physical strength and service ability. This valuation respects the natural life cycle and shows God’s practical approach to vows, balancing holiness with societal realities.

Leviticus 27:8

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.

Study: If a person was poorer than the standard valuation, the priest would assess their value according to ability, showing God’s justice and mercy within the covenant. This priestly role ensured that vows were fair and accessible, preventing undue hardship.

Leviticus 27:9

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.

Study: All beasts offered to the Lord were declared holy, emphasizing that anything dedicated to God was set apart from common use. This holiness demanded respect and showed God’s claim over the entire community’s offerings.

Leviticus 27:10

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.

Study: The prohibition against exchanging animals after dedication ensured the integrity of the vow and prevented deception. This command highlights God’s demand for honesty and respect in worship, reinforcing the seriousness of consecration.

Leviticus 27:11

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:

Study: Unclean beasts, which were not acceptable for sacrifice, had to be presented to the priest for valuation, showing God’s concern for order and purity in offerings. This process maintained the sanctity of the sanctuary and the community’s worship.

Leviticus 27:12

And the priest shall value it, whether it be good or bad: as thou valuest it, who art the priest, so shall it be.

Study: The priest’s valuation of unclean beasts, whether good or bad, reflects God’s provision of authoritative judgment in matters of holiness. This ensured consistency and fairness in handling vows involving animals.

Leviticus 27:13

But if he will at all redeem it, then he shall add a fifth part thereof unto thy estimation.

Study: Adding a fifth part to the valuation when redeeming a dedicated animal illustrates God’s requirement for full restoration and the costliness of breaking a vow. This principle teaches the seriousness of commitments made to the Lord.

Leviticus 27:14

And when a man shall sanctify his house to be holy unto the LORD, then the priest shall estimate it, whether it be good or bad: as the priest shall estimate it, so shall it stand.

Study: When a house was sanctified, the priest’s valuation determined its holy status, showing God’s involvement in everyday possessions. This valuation made the dedication binding and highlighted the sacredness of what belonged to God.

Leviticus 27:15

And if he that sanctified it will redeem his house, then he shall add the fifth part of the money of thy estimation unto it, and it shall be his.

Study: Redeeming a sanctified house required adding a fifth part, reinforcing the principle of full payment to restore what was dedicated. This rule protected the sanctity of vows and underscored God’s holiness in property matters.

Leviticus 27:16

And if a man shall sanctify unto the LORD some part of a field of his possession, then thy estimation shall be according to the seed thereof: an homer of barley seed shall be valued at fifty shekels of silver.

Study: Valuing a field based on the seed it produced connects the land’s worth to its productivity, reflecting God’s provision through the earth. This valuation system tied the sacredness of the land to its blessing and use within the covenant.

Leviticus 27:17

If he sanctify his field from the year of jubile, according to thy estimation it shall stand.

Study: Sanctifying a field from the year of Jubilee meant it retained its full valuation, connecting the vow to the land’s ultimate restoration to its original owner. This shows God’s design for land ownership and holiness within the covenant.

Leviticus 27:18

But if he sanctify his field after the jubile, then the priest shall reckon unto him the money according to the years that remain, even unto the year of the jubile, and it shall be abated from thy estimation.

Study: Fields sanctified after the Jubilee had their valuation reduced according to remaining years, reflecting God’s justice and the temporary nature of land possession. This adjustment balanced holiness with fairness in property dedication.

Leviticus 27:19

And if he that sanctified the field will in any wise redeem it, then he shall add the fifth part of the money of thy estimation unto it, and it shall be assured to him.

Study: Redeeming a sanctified field required adding a fifth part, consistent with other redemptions, emphasizing the cost of breaking a vow. This rule maintained the seriousness of dedicating land to the Lord.

Leviticus 27:20

And if he will not redeem the field, or if he have sold the field to another man, it shall not be redeemed any more.

Study: If the field was sold and not redeemed, it could no longer be redeemed, showing the finality of certain vows and transactions. This law protected the sanctity of land and the order of Jubilee restoration.

Leviticus 27:21

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.

Study: Fields that went out in the Jubilee became holy to the Lord and belonged to the priests, highlighting God’s provision for His servants and the sacredness of the land. This transfer reflects God’s care for the priesthood and covenant order.

Leviticus 27:22

And if a man sanctify unto the LORD a field which he hath bought, which is not of the fields of his possession;

Study: Fields bought from others and sanctified were valued by the priest until the Jubilee, showing God’s concern for fairness in land dedication beyond original ownership. This rule maintained covenant justice in property matters.

Leviticus 27:23

Then the priest shall reckon unto him the worth of thy estimation, even unto the year of the jubile: and he shall give thine estimation in that day, as a holy thing unto the LORD.

Study: The priest’s valuation of bought fields as holy things to the Lord ensured that all dedications were respected, regardless of ownership history. This highlights God’s consistent demand for holiness in all possessions dedicated to Him.

Leviticus 27:24

In the year of the jubile the field shall return unto him of whom it was bought, even to him to whom the possession of the land did belong.

Study: At the Jubilee, fields returned to their original owners, affirming God’s design for land inheritance and covenant faithfulness. This restoration prevented permanent loss and upheld God’s justice.

Leviticus 27:25

And all thy estimations shall be according to the shekel of the sanctuary: twenty gerahs shall be the shekel.

Study: All valuations were based on the sanctuary shekel, ensuring a standardized and holy measure for dedications. This detail reflects God’s order and the sacredness of the temple system in covenant worship.

Leviticus 27:26

Only the firstling of the beasts, which should be the LORD’S firstling, no man shall sanctify it; whether it be ox, or sheep: it is the LORD’S.

Study: The firstlings of beasts were the Lord’s and could not be sanctified by individuals, showing God’s special claim on the best and first of creation. This command points to God’s ultimate ownership and the principle of giving Him the first and best.

Leviticus 27:27

And if it be of an unclean beast, then he shall redeem it according to thine estimation, and shall add a fifth part of it thereto: or if it be not redeemed, then it shall be sold according to thy estimation.

Study: Unclean beasts could be redeemed with an added fifth part or sold if not redeemed, illustrating God’s provision for handling dedicated animals outside the clean sacrificial system. This rule balanced holiness with practical worship.

Leviticus 27:28

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.

Study: Devoted things that a man dedicates to the Lord could not be sold or redeemed, marking them as most holy. This absolute dedication shows God’s demand for complete consecration and the seriousness of vows.

Leviticus 27:29

None devoted, which shall be devoted of men, shall be redeemed; but shall surely be put to death.

Study: Devoted persons could not be redeemed but were to be put to death, reflecting the severity of certain vows and the holiness required in the covenant community. This sobering command underscores the cost of sin and the need for purity.

Leviticus 27:30

And all the tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land, or of the fruit of the tree, is the LORD’S: it is holy unto the LORD.

Study: The tithe of the land’s produce was holy to the Lord, emphasizing God’s claim on the fruitfulness of His people’s labor. This verse highlights the principle of giving back to God as an act of worship and dependence.

Leviticus 27:31

And if a man will at all redeem ought of his tithes, he shall add thereto the fifth part thereof.

Study: Redeeming tithes required adding a fifth part, consistent with other redemptions, showing God’s demand for full restoration when breaking vows. This rule teaches the costliness of failing to honor God’s dedicated gifts.

Leviticus 27:32

And concerning the tithe of the herd, or of the flock, even of whatsoever passeth under the rod, the tenth shall be holy unto the LORD.

Study: The tithe of herds and flocks was holy, regardless of quality, teaching that God values the act of giving more than the gift’s condition. This principle encourages sincere worship without partiality.

Leviticus 27:33

He shall not search whether it be good or bad, neither shall he change it: and if he change it at all, then both it and the change thereof shall be holy; it shall not be redeemed.

Study: Changing or exchanging tithes was forbidden, and if done, both the original and exchanged offerings became holy, preventing manipulation. This command protects the integrity of what is dedicated to God.

Leviticus 27:34

These are the commandments, which the LORD commanded Moses for the children of Israel in mount Sinai.

Study: These commandments, given on Mount Sinai, conclude the book by reaffirming God’s direct authority and covenant relationship with Israel. This reminder roots all the laws in God’s holy will and covenant purpose.

Leviticus 27 outlines the regulations for vows and dedications, emphasizing the holiness of commitments made to God. It provides a detailed valuation system for persons, animals, houses, and land, ensuring fairness and reverence in fulfilling vows. The chapter highlights the priest’s role in mediating these valuations and the unchangeable nature of what is dedicated to the Lord. It also explains the year of Jubilee’s impact on land redemption, underscoring God’s justice and provision. Overall, the chapter teaches the seriousness of honoring God with all that belongs to Him, reflecting covenant faithfulness and holiness.

Lord, help me to honor my commitments to You with integrity and reverence, recognizing that all I have belongs to You. Teach me to live in holiness, respecting Your commands and trusting Your provision. May my heart be fully devoted to You, and may I never take lightly the vows I make in Your name. Amen.

• Pray for a heart that honors God’s holiness in all commitments and possessions.
• Memorize Leviticus 27:30 to remind yourself of God’s claim on your resources.
• Reflect on any personal vows or promises made to God and assess your faithfulness.
• Offer a special gift or tithe to God as an act of worship and dedication.
• Discuss with your family or community the importance of keeping promises to God.
• Journal about how God’s covenant holiness impacts your daily life and decisions.
• Worship God for His justice, mercy, and provision in your life.

Leviticus 27 teaches the Israelites how to honor their vows and dedicate possessions to God with holiness and integrity. Through detailed valuations and the priest’s mediation, God ensured fairness and reverence in fulfilling vows. The chapter underscores the seriousness of consecration, the sacredness of tithes, and the restoration principles of the Jubilee, all pointing to God’s covenant faithfulness and holiness.

Check this box when you finish this chapter study.

You have completed 0 of 27 chapters in Leviticus.

View your full progress on the Leviticus Hub.

Still Studying?

Have a Question About This Chapter?

Ask a Bible question and receive a Scripture-guided study response designed to help point you back to God's Word.