King James Version

What Does Leviticus 27:17 Mean?

Leviticus 27:17 in the King James Version says “If he sanctify his field from the year of jubile, according to thy estimation it shall stand.” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 27 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Leviticus 27:17 · KJV

Context

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.

19

And if he that sanctified the field will in any wise redeem it, then he shall add the fifth part of the money of thy estimation unto it, and it shall be assured to him.

Read Leviticus 27 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
If he sanctify his field from the year of jubile, according to thy estimation it shall 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 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. The Israelite dietary laws in Leviticus 11 have no exact parallel in surrounding cultures, though some ancient cultures had food taboos, suggesting unique revelation rather than borrowed customs.

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. What practical steps can you take this week to apply the principles taught in this verse?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
אִם1 of 7
H518

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

מִשְּׁנַ֥ת2 of 7

“from the year”

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

הַיֹּבֵ֖ל3 of 7

“of jubile”

H3104

the blast of a horn (from its continuous sound); specifically, the signal of the silver trumpets; hence, the instrument itself and the festival thus i

יַקְדִּ֣ישׁ4 of 7

“If he sanctify”

H6942

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

שָׂדֵ֑הוּ5 of 7

“his field”

H7704

a field (as flat)

כְּעֶרְכְּךָ֖6 of 7

“according to thy estimation”

H6187

a pile, equipment, estimate

יָקֽוּם׃7 of 7

“it shall 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 27:17 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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