King James Version

What Does Leviticus 27:15 Mean?

Leviticus 27:15 in the King James Version says “And if he that sanctified it will redeem his house, then he shall add the fifth part of the money of thy estimation unto...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 27 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Leviticus 27:15 · KJV

Context

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

17

If he sanctify his field from the year of jubile, according to thy estimation it shall stand.

Read Leviticus 27 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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 access to God's presence that Leviticus carefully regulated is now freely available through Christ's blood, tearing the veil and opening the way to God.

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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 this verse help you understand both God's justice and His mercy in salvation?
  2. What does this verse teach about the seriousness of sin, the cost of redemption, or the beauty of holiness?
  3. What practical steps can you take this week to apply the principles taught in this verse?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
וְאִ֨ם1 of 12
H518

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

הַמַּקְדִּ֔ישׁ2 of 12

“And if he that sanctified”

H6942

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

יִגְאַ֖ל3 of 12

“it will redeem”

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

אֶת4 of 12
H853

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

בֵּית֑וֹ5 of 12

“his house”

H1004

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

וְ֠יָסַף6 of 12

“then he shall add”

H3254

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

חֲמִישִׁ֧ית7 of 12

“the fifth”

H2549

fifth; also a fifth

כֶּֽסֶף8 of 12

“part of the money”

H3701

silver (from its pale color); by implication, money

עֶרְכְּךָ֛9 of 12

“of thy estimation”

H6187

a pile, equipment, estimate

עָלָ֖יו10 of 12
H5921

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

וְהָ֥יָה11 of 12
H1961

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

לֽוֹ׃12 of 12
H0

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 27:15 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 27:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Leviticus 27:13

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