Keraia
Leviticus 27

Leviticus 27:2

Rules about Valuations · Leviticus 27:1–29
Read Leviticus 27

Translations

Modern
“Speak to the Israelites and say to them, ‘When someone makes a special vow to the LORD involving the value of persons,
Traditional
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.
Literal
“Speak to the sons of Israel, and say to them, ‘When a man makes a wonderful vow, in your valuation of his soul to YHWH,
Latin
Loquere filiis Israël, et dices ad eos: Homo qui votum fecerit, et spoponderit Deo animam suam, sub æstimatione dabit pretium.

Original

Hebrew
English
“Speak to the Israelites and say to them, ‘When someone makes a special vow to the LORD involving the value of persons,

Notes

Leviticus 27:2

The vow to become a Nazirite is also called a special vow (Numbers 6:2). Yet, the vow mentioned here was probably a promise made to God when asking for a specific answer to prayer (see Genesis 28:20–22). During that time, some pagan religions sacrificed infants to their gods, but God prohibited this practice (Leviticus 18:21; 20:2–5; compare Genesis 22:12–13).

Therefore, to make special vow to the Lord meant providing service, not sacrificing a life. Whether an individual made this vow or by someone on their behalf, it required payment to the sanctuary, probably for the person's expenses during their service. See also Numbers 6:1–21; Judges 13:5, 7; 1 Samuel 1:11; Amos 2:11–12; Acts 18:18.

Leviticus 27:1–34

This chapter concludes the book by discussing different types of vows. It ends with a rule for redeeming one's tithes (see also chapter Leviticus 25). At certain times, such as emergencies, a person might vow something to God in exchange for answered prayers (see Jonah 2:9). After God answered the prayer, the person might want to ignore the vow. Scripture requires that people vow carefully and then fulfill them (see Leviticus 5:4; Ecclesiastes 5:4–6). Jesus taught that people should not make oaths often or carelessly (Matthew 5:33–37; 23:16–22).

Theme notes and profiles

Ancient Law Codes

People

Israel: Patriarch, son of Isaac, father of twelve tribes

Glossary

Biblical Concept of Law Deuteronomy, Book of History of Israel Leviticus, Book of Ransom

Topics

Dedication: Things Dedicated to God: Law Respecting the Release of Redemption of Persons or Property Vows: Estimation of the Redemption Price of Things offered in Vows Vows: Might be Redeemed by Paying a Suitable Compensation