King James Version

What Does Leviticus 27:10 Mean?

Leviticus 27:10 in the King James Version says “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 bea... — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 27 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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 27:10 · KJV


Context

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.

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.

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.

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:

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. as: Heb. according to thy estimation, O priest, etc


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

This verse falls within the section on Vows and Dedications. Regulations for voluntary vows and dedicating persons or property to God, teaching careful commitment.

The central theme of Leviticus is God's holiness and the call for His people to be holy. The Hebrew word qadosh (קָדוֹשׁ) means 'set apart' or 'sacred,' emphasizing both separation from sin and consecration to God's purposes.
Every sacrifice and ritual in Leviticus points forward to Jesus Christ, who fulfills the entire sacrificial system as both perfect sacrifice and eternal high priest.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Regulations for voluntary vows and dedicating persons or property to God, teaching careful commitment. Chapters 17-27, often called the 'Holiness Code,' expand covenant obligations beyond ritual to encompass all of life—sexuality, economics, justice, and relationships. The repeated refrain 'I am the LORD' grounds these laws in God's character and covenant relationship with Israel. Israel received these laws while encamped at Sinai, before entering Canaan. The laws prepared them for life in the promised land, distinguishing them from Canaanite practices and establishing their identity as God's holy nation. The portable tabernacle, central to Levitical worship, accompanied them through wilderness wanderings and eventually found permanent form in Solomon's temple. The tabernacle's design parallels ancient Near Eastern temple architecture, yet its portable nature and absence of divine images distinguished it from pagan temples.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's holiness, as revealed in this verse, shape your understanding of worship, obedience, and daily living?
  2. How does this verse reveal God's character, and how should that revelation shape your relationship with Him?
  3. How does this verse point to Christ, and how does that deepen your faith and gratitude?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 20 words
לֹ֣א1 of 20
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יַֽחֲלִיפֶ֗נּוּ2 of 20

He shall not alter

H2498

properly, to slide by, i.e., (by implication) to hasten away, pass on, spring up, pierce or change

וְלֹֽא3 of 20
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יָמִ֤יר4 of 20

and if he shall at all

H4171

to alter; by implication, to barter, to dispose of

אֹת֛וֹ5 of 20
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

בְּט֑וֹב6 of 20

for a good

H2896

good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good

רַ֣ע7 of 20

for a bad

H7451

bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)

אוֹ8 of 20
H176

desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if

רַ֣ע9 of 20

for a bad

H7451

bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)

בְּט֑וֹב10 of 20

for a good

H2896

good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good

וְאִם11 of 20
H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

יָמִ֤יר12 of 20

and if he shall at all

H4171

to alter; by implication, to barter, to dispose of

יָמִ֤יר13 of 20

and if he shall at all

H4171

to alter; by implication, to barter, to dispose of

בִּבְהֵמָ֔ה14 of 20

beast

H929

properly, a dumb beast; especially any large quadruped or animal (often collective)

בִּבְהֵמָ֔ה15 of 20

beast

H929

properly, a dumb beast; especially any large quadruped or animal (often collective)

וְהָֽיָה16 of 20
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

ה֥וּא17 of 20
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

וּתְמֽוּרָת֖וֹ18 of 20

then it and the exchange

H8545

barter, compensation

יִֽהְיֶה19 of 20
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

קֹּֽדֶשׁ׃20 of 20

thereof shall be holy

H6944

a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Leviticus. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Leviticus 27:10 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Leviticus 27:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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