Keraia
Leviticus 27

Leviticus 27:6

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

Translations

Modern
Now if the person is from one month to five years of age, then your valuation for the male shall be five shekels of silver, and for the female three shekels of silver.
Traditional
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.
Literal
…and if from a son of a month and up to five years old, then your valuation shall be for the male five shekels of silver, and for the female your valuation is three shekels of silver;
Latin
Ab uno mense usque ad annum quintum, pro masculo dabuntur quinque sicli: pro femina, tres.

Original

Hebrew
English
Now if the person is from one month to five years of age, then your valuation for the male shall be five shekels of silver, and for the female three shekels of silver.

Notes

Leviticus 27:3–7

  • This section shows how people were ranked socially in ancient Near Eastern cultures. An adult working man had the highest rank, followed by an adult working woman. A boy ranked higher than a girl, and both ranked higher than toddlers. Senior citizens, who were past their prime working age, ranked similarly to boys and girls.

  • The amount of fifty shekels was about 570 grams (20 ounces) of silver, which was a lot (see study note on Leviticus 5:15). Comparisons with other writings from that time show that the biblical shekel value was very high and unaffordable for most people.

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

Measurements

  • five shekels of silver: About 2 oz (57 g)
  • three shekels of silver: About 1.2 oz (34.2 g)

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