King James Version

What Does Leviticus 27:28 Mean?

Leviticus 27:28 in the King James Version says “Notwithstanding no devoted thing, that a man shall devote unto the LORD of all that he hath, both of man and beast, and ... — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 27 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Notwithstanding no devoted thing, that a man shall devote unto the LORD of all that he hath, both of man and beast, and of the field of his possession, shall be sold or redeemed: every devoted thing is most holy unto the LORD.

Leviticus 27:28 · KJV


Context

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.

28

Notwithstanding no devoted thing, that a man shall devote unto the LORD of all that he hath, both of man and beast, and of the field of his possession, shall be sold or redeemed: every devoted thing is most holy unto the LORD.

29

None devoted, which shall be devoted of men, shall be redeemed; but shall surely be put to death.

30

And all the tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land, or of the fruit of the tree, is the LORD'S: it is holy unto the LORD.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Notwithstanding no devoted thing, that a man shall devote unto the LORD of all that he hath, both of man and beast, and of the field of his possession, shall be sold or redeemed: every devoted thing is most holy 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.
Every sacrifice and ritual in Leviticus points forward to Jesus Christ, who fulfills the entire sacrificial system as both perfect sacrifice and eternal high priest.

KJV Study — Public Domain

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. How does this verse point to Christ, and how does that deepen your faith and gratitude?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 24 words
אַךְ1 of 24
H389

a particle of affirmation, surely; hence (by limitation) only

כָּל2 of 24
H3605

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

חֵ֕רֶם3 of 24

Notwithstanding no devoted thing

H2764

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

אֲשֶׁ֣ר4 of 24
H834

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

יַחֲרִם֩5 of 24

shall devote

H2763

to seclude; specifically (by a ban) to devote to religious uses (especially destruction); physical and reflexive, to be blunt as to the nose

אִ֨ישׁ6 of 24

that 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)

לַיהוָֽה׃7 of 24

unto the LORD

H3068

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

מִכָּל8 of 24
H3605

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

אֲשֶׁר9 of 24
H834

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

ל֗וֹ10 of 24
H0
מֵאָדָ֤ם11 of 24

of all that he hath both of man

H120

ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)

וּבְהֵמָה֙12 of 24

and beast

H929

properly, a dumb beast; especially any large quadruped or animal (often collective)

וּמִשְּׂדֵ֣ה13 of 24

and of the field

H7704

a field (as flat)

אֲחֻזָּת֔וֹ14 of 24

of his possession

H272

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

לֹ֥א15 of 24
H3808

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

יִמָּכֵ֖ר16 of 24

shall be sold

H4376

to sell, literally (as merchandise, a daughter in marriage, into slavery), or figuratively (to surrender)

וְלֹ֣א17 of 24
H3808

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

יִגָּאֵ֑ל18 of 24

or redeemed

H1350

to redeem (according to the middle eastern law of kinship), i.e., to be the next of kin (and as such to buy back a relative's property, marry his wido

כָּל19 of 24
H3605

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

חֵ֕רֶם20 of 24

Notwithstanding no devoted thing

H2764

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

קָֽדָשִׁ֥ים21 of 24

holy

H6944

a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity

קָֽדָשִׁ֥ים22 of 24

holy

H6944

a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity

ה֖וּא23 of 24
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

לַיהוָֽה׃24 of 24

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 27:28 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 27:28 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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