Leviticus 27:20

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

Translations

Modern
If, however, he does not redeem the field, or if he has sold it to another man, it may no longer be redeemed.
Traditional
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.
Literal
But if he does not want to redeem the field, or if he has sold the field to another man, it shall not be redeemed anymore.
Latin
Sin autem noluerit redimere, sed alteri cuilibet fuerit venundatus, ultra eum qui voverat redimere non poterit.

Original

Hebrew
English
If, however, he does not redeem the field, or if he has sold it to another man, it may no longer be redeemed.

Notes

The cost to consecrate a field depended on the years left until the next Year of Jubilee (see Leviticus 25:24–28). If not redeemed, the property became the priests' to use as they wanted. Redeeming a field cost 120 percent of its valuation (see 27:11–13). If a landowner consecrated his field without redeeming it, it did not return to his family in the Year of Jubilee.

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

Glossary

Biblical Concept of Law Deuteronomy, Book of Feasts and Festivals of Israel History of Israel Inheritance Leviticus, Book of Ransom

Topics

Dedication: Things Dedicated to God: Law Respecting the Release of Jubilee: Laws Concerning Land: Sale and Redemption of, Laws Concerning Redemption of Persons or Property The Feast of Jubilee: Value of Devoted Property Calculated From Vows of a Field Vows: Might be Redeemed by Paying a Suitable Compensation