King James Version

What Does Leviticus 27:2 Mean?

Leviticus 27:2 in the King James Version says “Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, When a man shall make a singular vow, the persons shall be for the...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 27 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, When a man shall make a singular vow, the persons shall be for the LORD by thy estimation.”

Leviticus 27:2 · KJV

Context

1

And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,

2

Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, When a man shall make a singular vow, the persons shall be for the LORD by thy estimation.

3

And thy estimation shall be of the male from twenty years old even unto sixty years old, even thy estimation shall be fifty shekels of silver, after the shekel of the sanctuary.

4

And if it be a female, then thy estimation shall be thirty shekels.

Read Leviticus 27 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, When a man shall make a singular vow, the persons shall be for the LORD by thy estimation.

This verse falls within the section on Vows and Dedications. Regulations for voluntary vows and dedicating persons or property to God, teaching careful commitment.


Hebrews 9-10 explains how Christ's once-for-all sacrifice supersedes the repeated Levitical offerings, providing permanent cleansing from sin.

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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. 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. In what ways does this verse deepen your appreciation for Christ's atoning sacrifice and the seriousness of sin?
  2. In what ways does this verse challenge contemporary cultural values or your personal attitudes?
  3. How does this verse help you understand both God's justice and His mercy in salvation?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
דַּבֵּ֞ר1 of 13

“Speak”

H1696

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

אֶל2 of 13
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

בְּנֵ֤י3 of 13

“unto the children”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

יִשְׂרָאֵל֙4 of 13

“of Israel”

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

וְאָֽמַרְתָּ֣5 of 13

“and say”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֲלֵהֶ֔ם6 of 13
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אִ֕ישׁ7 of 13

“unto them 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)

כִּ֥י8 of 13
H3588

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

יַפְלִ֖א9 of 13

“shall make a singular”

H6381

properly, perhaps to separate, i.e., distinguish (literally or figuratively); by implication, to be (causatively, make) great, difficult, wonderful

נֶ֑דֶר10 of 13

“vow”

H5088

a promise (to god); also (concretely) a thing promised

בְּעֶרְכְּךָ֥11 of 13

“by thy estimation”

H6187

a pile, equipment, estimate

נְפָשֹׁ֖ת12 of 13

“the persons”

H5315

properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

לַֽיהוָֽה׃13 of 13

“shall be for the LORD”

H3068

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

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 27:2 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 27:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Numbers 6:2Deuteronomy 23:21-23Judges 11:391 Samuel 1:111 Samuel 1:28Judges 11:30-31

Test Your Knowledge

Leviticus 27 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterLeviticus Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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