King James Version

What Does Leviticus 27:23 Mean?

Leviticus 27:23 in the King James Version says “Then the priest shall reckon unto him the worth of thy estimation, even unto the year of the jubile: and he shall give t...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 27 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Leviticus 27:23 · KJV

Context

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.

25

And all thy estimations shall be according to the shekel of the sanctuary: twenty gerahs shall be the shekel.

Read Leviticus 27 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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.
The holiness demanded in Leviticus becomes possible through Christ, who both satisfies God's righteous requirements and transforms believers by His Spirit.

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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. What does this verse teach about the seriousness of sin, the cost of redemption, or the beauty of holiness?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
וְחִשַּׁב1 of 16

“shall reckon”

H2803

properly, to plait or interpenetrate, i.e., (literally) to weave or (generally) to fabricate; figuratively, to plot or contrive (usually in a maliciou

ל֣וֹ2 of 16
H0
הַכֹּהֵ֗ן3 of 16

“Then the priest”

H3548

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

אֵ֚ת4 of 16
H853

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

מִכְסַ֣ת5 of 16

“unto him the worth”

H4373

an enumeration; by implication, a valuation

הָֽעֶרְכְּךָ֙6 of 16

“of thy estimation”

H6187

a pile, equipment, estimate

עַ֖ד7 of 16
H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

שְׁנַ֣ת8 of 16

“even unto the year”

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

הַיֹּבֵ֑ל9 of 16

“of 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

וְנָתַ֤ן10 of 16

“and he shall give”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

אֶת11 of 16
H853

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

הָֽעֶרְכְּךָ֙12 of 16

“of thy estimation”

H6187

a pile, equipment, estimate

בַּיּ֣וֹם13 of 16

“in that day”

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

הַה֔וּא14 of 16
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

קֹ֖דֶשׁ15 of 16

“as a holy thing”

H6944

a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity

לַֽיהוָֽה׃16 of 16

“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 27:23 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 27:23 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Leviticus 27:18Leviticus 27:12

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