Keraia
Leviticus 27

Leviticus 27:26

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

Translations

Modern
But no one may consecrate a firstborn of the livestock, because a firstborn belongs to the LORD. Whether it is an ox or a sheep, it is the LORD’s.
Traditional
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.
Literal
But the firstborn that is to YHWH firstborn of the animals, no man shall dedicate, whether it is an ox or a sheep; it belongs to YHWH.
Latin
Primogenita, quæ ad Dominum pertinent, nemo sanctificare poterit et vovere: sive bos, sive ovis fuerit, Domini sunt.

Original

Hebrew
English
But no one may consecrate a firstborn of the livestock, because a firstborn belongs to the LORD. Whether it is an ox or a sheep, it is the LORD’s.

Notes

Leviticus 27:26

no one may consecrate: Every firstborn male, whether human or animal, already belonged to God (Exodus 13:2; 34:19–20). Thus, consecrating a firstborn is unnecessary. Priests use the firstborn of animals suitable for food or sacrifice (ceremonially clean animals). You can redeem the firstborn of a ceremonially unclean animal, like a donkey, for 20 percent more than its value. Firstborn humans had to be redeemed (Exodus 13:11–13).

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

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 Firstborn of Man and Beast, Reserved to Himself by God Property: Personal: Dedicated to God, Redemption of Redemption of Persons or Property Sheep: Firstlings of, Could not be Dedicated As a Free-Will offering The First Born of Clean Beasts: Could not be a Free-Will offering