King James Version

What Does Leviticus 27:25 Mean?

Leviticus 27:25 in the King James Version says “And all thy estimations shall be according to the shekel of the sanctuary: twenty gerahs shall be the shekel.” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 27 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Leviticus 27:25 · KJV

Context

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.

26

Only the firstling of the beasts, which should be the LORD'S firstling, no man shall sanctify it; whether it be ox, or sheep: it is the LORD'S. firstling of: Heb. firstborn, etc

27

And if it be of an unclean beast, then he shall redeem it according to thine estimation, and shall add a fifth part of it thereto: or if it be not redeemed, then it shall be sold according to thy estimation.

Read Leviticus 27 full chapter

Commentary

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

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 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. The tabernacle's design parallels ancient Near Eastern temple architecture, yet its portable nature and absence of divine images distinguished it from pagan temples.

Reflection Questions

  1. What practical steps can you take this week to apply the principles taught in this verse?
  2. How does this verse help you understand both God's justice and His mercy in salvation?
  3. How does this verse point to Christ, and how does that deepen your faith and gratitude?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 9 words
וְכָל1 of 9
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

עֶרְכְּךָ֔2 of 9

“And all thy estimations”

H6187

a pile, equipment, estimate

יִֽהְיֶ֖ה3 of 9
H1961

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

הַשָּֽׁקֶל׃4 of 9

“shall be according to the shekel”

H8255

probably a weight; used as a commercial standard

הַקֹּ֑דֶשׁ5 of 9

“of the sanctuary”

H6944

a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity

עֶשְׂרִ֥ים6 of 9

“twenty”

H6242

twenty; also (ordinal) twentieth

גֵּרָ֖ה7 of 9

“gerahs”

H1626

a gerah or small weight (and coin)

יִֽהְיֶ֥ה8 of 9
H1961

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

הַשָּֽׁקֶל׃9 of 9

“shall be according to the shekel”

H8255

probably a weight; used as a commercial standard

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 27:25 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 27:25 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Exodus 30:13Numbers 18:16Numbers 3:47Ezekiel 45:12Leviticus 27:3

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