King James Version

What Does Leviticus 27:19 Mean?

Leviticus 27:19 in the King James Version says “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 est...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 27 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Leviticus 27:19 · KJV

Context

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.

20

And if he will not redeem the field, or if he have sold the field to another man, it shall not be redeemed any more.

21

But the field, when it goeth out in the jubile, shall be holy unto the LORD, as a field devoted; the possession thereof shall be the priest's.

Read Leviticus 27 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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.

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. 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 this verse help you understand both God's justice and His mercy in salvation?
  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 · 14 words
וְאִם1 of 14
H518

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

יִגְאַל֙2 of 14

“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

יִגְאַל֙3 of 14

“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 14
H853

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

הַשָּׂדֶ֔ה5 of 14

“the field”

H7704

a field (as flat)

הַמַּקְדִּ֖ישׁ6 of 14

“And if he that sanctified”

H6942

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

אֹת֑וֹ7 of 14
H853

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

וְ֠יָסַף8 of 14

“it then he shall add”

H3254

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

חֲמִשִׁ֧ית9 of 14

“the fifth”

H2549

fifth; also a fifth

כֶּֽסֶף10 of 14

“part of the money”

H3701

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

עֶרְכְּךָ֛11 of 14

“of thy estimation”

H6187

a pile, equipment, estimate

עָלָ֖יו12 of 14
H5921

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

וְקָ֥ם13 of 14

“unto it and it shall be assured”

H6965

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

לֽוֹ׃14 of 14
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 27:19 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 27:19 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Leviticus 27:13

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