King James Version

What Does Leviticus 27:12 Mean?

Leviticus 27:12 in the King James Version says “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: He...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 27 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

Leviticus 27:12 · KJV

Context

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

13

But if he will at all redeem it, then he shall add a fifth part thereof unto thy estimation.

14

And when a man shall sanctify his house to be holy unto the LORD, then the priest shall estimate it, whether it be good or bad: as the priest shall estimate it, so shall it stand.

Read Leviticus 27 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And the priest shall value it, whether it be good or bad: as thou valuest it, who art the priest, so shall it be.

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 Aaronic priesthood mediated between God and Israel, offering sacrifices and maintaining the tabernacle. This prefigured Christ's superior priesthood after the order of Melchizedek.
What Leviticus portrayed through types and shadows, Christ fulfilled in reality through His incarnation, perfect life, atoning death, and resurrection.

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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. Archaeological discoveries at sites like Ugarit reveal Canaanite religious practices Israel's laws explicitly rejected, confirming the Bible's historical reliability and the distinctiveness of Israelite worship.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Christ's superior priesthood, prefigured in this verse, assure you of access to God and effective intercession?
  2. How does this verse point to Christ, and how does that deepen your faith and gratitude?
  3. In what ways does this verse challenge contemporary cultural values or your personal attitudes?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
וְהֶֽעֱרִ֤יךְ1 of 11

“shall value”

H6186

to set in a row, i.e., arrange, put in order (in a very wide variety of applications)

הַכֹּהֵ֖ן2 of 11

“And the priest”

H3548

literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)

אֹתָ֔הּ3 of 11
H853

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

וּבֵ֣ין4 of 11

“it whether”

H996

between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or

ט֖וֹב5 of 11

“it be 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

וּבֵ֣ין6 of 11

“it whether”

H996

between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or

רָ֑ע7 of 11

“bad”

H7451

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

כְּעֶרְכְּךָ֥8 of 11

“as thou valuest”

H6187

a pile, equipment, estimate

הַכֹּהֵ֖ן9 of 11

“And the priest”

H3548

literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)

כֵּ֥ן10 of 11
H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

יִֽהְיֶֽה׃11 of 11
H1961

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

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 27:12 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

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