King James Version

What Does Leviticus 27:21 Mean?

Leviticus 27:21 in the King James Version says “But the field, when it goeth out in the jubile, shall be holy unto the LORD, as a field devoted; the possession thereof ...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 27 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Leviticus 27:21 · KJV

Context

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.

22

And if a man sanctify unto the LORD a field which he hath bought, which is not of the fields of his possession;

23

Then the priest shall reckon unto him the worth of thy estimation, even unto the year of the jubile: and he shall give thine estimation in that day, as a holy thing unto the LORD.

Read Leviticus 27 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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 Aaronic priesthood mediated between God and Israel, offering sacrifices and maintaining the tabernacle. This prefigured Christ's superior priesthood after the order of Melchizedek.
What Leviticus portrayed through types and shadows, Christ fulfilled in reality through His incarnation, perfect life, atoning death, and resurrection.

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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 sacrificial texts from cultures surrounding Israel demonstrate the widespread practice of animal sacrifice, but Israel's system uniquely emphasized moral atonement over magical efficacy.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's holiness, as revealed in this verse, shape your understanding of worship, obedience, and daily living?
  2. How does Christ's superior priesthood, prefigured in this verse, assure you of access to God and effective intercession?
  3. In what practical ways should this verse influence your church life, family relationships, or personal integrity?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
וְהָיָ֨ה1 of 11
H1961

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

כִּשְׂדֵ֣ה2 of 11

“But the field”

H7704

a field (as flat)

בְּצֵאת֣וֹ3 of 11

“when it goeth out”

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

בַיֹּבֵ֗ל4 of 11

“in the 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

קֹ֛דֶשׁ5 of 11

“shall be holy”

H6944

a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity

לַֽיהוָ֖ה6 of 11

“unto the LORD”

H3068

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

כִּשְׂדֵ֣ה7 of 11

“But the field”

H7704

a field (as flat)

הַחֵ֑רֶם8 of 11

“devoted”

H2764

physical (as shutting in) a net (either literally or figuratively); usually a doomed object; abstractly extermination

לַכֹּהֵ֖ן9 of 11

“thereof shall be the priest's”

H3548

literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)

תִּֽהְיֶ֥ה10 of 11
H1961

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

אֲחֻזָּתֽוֹ׃11 of 11

“the possession”

H272

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

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 27:21 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 27:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ezekiel 44:29Numbers 18:14Leviticus 25:31Leviticus 25:28Leviticus 25:10Ezra 10:8

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