King James Version

What Does Leviticus 27:22 Mean?

Leviticus 27:22 in the King James Version says “And if a man sanctify unto the LORD a field which he hath bought, which is not of the fields of his possession;” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 27 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Leviticus 27:22 · KJV

Context

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.

24

In the year of the jubile the field shall return unto him of whom it was bought, even to him to whom the possession of the land did belong.

Read Leviticus 27 full chapter

Commentary

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

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. In what ways does this verse challenge contemporary cultural values or your personal attitudes?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
וְאִם֙1 of 10
H518

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

אֶת2 of 10
H853

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

מִשְּׂדֵ֣ה3 of 10

“a field”

H7704

a field (as flat)

מִקְנָת֔וֹ4 of 10

“which he hath bought”

H4736

properly, a buying, i.e., acquisition; concretely, a piece of property (land or living); also the sum paid

אֲשֶׁ֕ר5 of 10
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

לֹ֖א6 of 10
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

מִשְּׂדֵ֣ה7 of 10

“a field”

H7704

a field (as flat)

אֲחֻזָּת֑וֹ8 of 10

“of his possession”

H272

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

יַקְדִּ֖ישׁ9 of 10

“And if a man sanctify”

H6942

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

לַֽיהוָֽה׃10 of 10

“unto 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 27:22 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 27:22 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Leviticus 25:25Leviticus 25:10

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