King James Version

What Does Leviticus 27:14 Mean?

Leviticus 27:14 in the King James Version says “And when a man shall sanctify his house to be holy unto the LORD, then the priest shall estimate it, whether it be good ...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 27 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Leviticus 27:14 · KJV

Context

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.

16

And if a man shall sanctify unto the LORD some part of a field of his possession, then thy estimation shall be according to the seed thereof: an homer of barley seed shall be valued at fifty shekels of silver. an: or, the land of an homer, etc

Read Leviticus 27 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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. 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.
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. Ancient texts like the Code of Hammurabi show that law codes were common in the ancient Near East, but biblical law uniquely grounded ethics in God's character rather than merely social convention.

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 Christ's superior priesthood, prefigured in this verse, assure you of access to God and effective intercession?
  3. How does this verse reveal God's character, and how should that revelation shape your relationship with Him?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 19 words
וְאִ֗ישׁ1 of 19

“And when a man”

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

כִּֽי2 of 19
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

יַקְדִּ֨שׁ3 of 19

“shall sanctify”

H6942

to be (causatively, make, pronounce or observe as) clean (ceremonially or morally)

אֶת4 of 19
H853

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

בֵּית֥וֹ5 of 19

“his house”

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

קֹ֙דֶשׁ֙6 of 19

“to be holy”

H6944

a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity

לַֽיהוָ֔ה7 of 19

“unto the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

יַֽעֲרִ֥יךְ8 of 19

“shall estimate”

H6186

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

הַכֹּהֵ֖ן9 of 19

“as the priest”

H3548

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

בֵּ֥ין10 of 19
H996

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

ט֖וֹב11 of 19

“it whether 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

וּבֵ֣ין12 of 19
H996

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

רָ֑ע13 of 19

“or bad”

H7451

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

כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֨ר14 of 19
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

יַֽעֲרִ֥יךְ15 of 19

“shall estimate”

H6186

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

אֹת֛וֹ16 of 19
H853

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

הַכֹּהֵ֖ן17 of 19

“as the priest”

H3548

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

כֵּ֥ן18 of 19
H3651

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

יָקֽוּם׃19 of 19

“it so shall it stand”

H6965

to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)

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 27:14 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 27:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 101:2-7Leviticus 25:29-31Numbers 18:14Leviticus 27:21

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