King James Version

What Does Leviticus 27:13 Mean?

Leviticus 27:13 in the King James Version says “But if he will at all redeem it, then he shall add a fifth part thereof unto thy estimation.” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 27 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Leviticus 27:13 · KJV

Context

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.

15

And if he that sanctified it will redeem his house, then he shall add the fifth part of the money of thy estimation unto it, and it shall be his.

Read Leviticus 27 full chapter

Commentary

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

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


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. 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 this verse point to Christ, and how does that deepen your faith and gratitude?
  2. How does this verse reveal God's character, and how should that revelation shape your relationship with Him?
  3. What does this verse teach about the seriousness of sin, the cost of redemption, or the beauty of holiness?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
וְאִם1 of 7
H518

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

יִגְאָלֶ֑נָּה2 of 7

“But if he will at all”

H1350

to redeem (according to the middle eastern law of kinship), i.e., to be the next of kin (and as such to buy back a relative's property, marry his wido

יִגְאָלֶ֑נָּה3 of 7

“But if he will at all”

H1350

to redeem (according to the middle eastern law of kinship), i.e., to be the next of kin (and as such to buy back a relative's property, marry his wido

וְיָסַ֥ף4 of 7

“it then he shall add”

H3254

to add or augment (often adverbial, to continue to do a thing)

חֲמִֽישִׁת֖וֹ5 of 7

“a fifth”

H2549

fifth; also a fifth

עַל6 of 7
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

עֶרְכֶּֽךָ׃7 of 7

“part thereof unto thy estimation”

H6187

a pile, equipment, estimate

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 27:13 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 27:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Leviticus 27:19Leviticus 27:15Leviticus 22:14Leviticus 6:4-5Leviticus 27:10Leviticus 5:16

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Leviticus 27 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterLeviticus Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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