King James Version

What Does Leviticus 27:16 Mean?

Leviticus 27:16 in the King James Version says “And if a man shall sanctify unto the LORD some part of a field of his possession, then thy estimation shall be according... — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 27 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Leviticus 27:16 · KJV


Context

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.

18

But if he sanctify his field after the jubile, then the priest shall reckon unto him the money according to the years that remain, even unto the year of the jubile, and it shall be abated from thy estimation.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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 New Testament reveals that Christ's sacrifice accomplishes what the Levitical system could only symbolize—complete forgiveness and restoration of relationship with God.

KJV Study — Public Domain

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 God's holiness, as revealed in this verse, shape your understanding of worship, obedience, and daily living?
  2. What does this verse teach about the seriousness of sin, the cost of redemption, or the beauty of holiness?
  3. How does this verse reveal God's character, and how should that revelation shape your relationship with Him?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
וְאִ֣ם׀1 of 16
H518

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

מִשְּׂדֵ֣ה2 of 16

some part of a field

H7704

a field (as flat)

אֲחֻזָּת֗וֹ3 of 16

of his possession

H272

something seized, i.e., a possession (especially of land)

יַקְדִּ֥ישׁ4 of 16

shall sanctify

H6942

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

אִישׁ֙5 of 16

And if 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)

לַֽיהוָ֔ה6 of 16

unto the LORD

H3068

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

וְהָיָ֥ה7 of 16
H1961

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

עֶרְכְּךָ֖8 of 16

then thy estimation

H6187

a pile, equipment, estimate

לְפִ֣י9 of 16

shall be according

H6310

the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos

זֶ֚רַע10 of 16

seed

H2233

seed; figuratively, fruit, plant, sowing-time, posterity

זֶ֚רַע11 of 16

seed

H2233

seed; figuratively, fruit, plant, sowing-time, posterity

חֹ֣מֶר12 of 16

thereof an homer

H2563

properly, a bubbling up, i.e., of water, a wave; hence, a chomer or dry measure

שְׂעֹרִ֔ים13 of 16

of barley

H8184

barley (as villose)

בַּֽחֲמִשִּׁ֖ים14 of 16

shall be valued at fifty

H2572

fifty

שֶׁ֥קֶל15 of 16

shekels

H8255

probably a weight; used as a commercial standard

כָּֽסֶף׃16 of 16

of silver

H3701

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


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 27:16 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 27:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study