King James Version

What Does Leviticus 27:29 Mean?

Leviticus 27:29 in the King James Version says “None devoted, which shall be devoted of men, shall be redeemed; but shall surely be put to death.” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 27 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Leviticus 27:29 · KJV

Salvation

Context

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.

31

And if a man will at all redeem ought of his tithes, he shall add thereto the fifth part thereof.

Read Leviticus 27 full chapter

Commentary

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

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.

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 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. In what ways does this verse challenge contemporary cultural values or your personal attitudes?
  2. How does this verse reveal God's character, and how should that revelation shape your relationship with Him?
  3. What practical steps can you take this week to apply the principles taught in this verse?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
כָּל1 of 10
H3605

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

חֵ֗רֶם2 of 10

“None devoted”

H2764

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

אֲשֶׁ֧ר3 of 10
H834

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

יָחֳרַ֛ם4 of 10

“devoted”

H2763

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

מִן5 of 10
H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

הָאָדָ֖ם6 of 10

“of men”

H120

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

לֹ֣א7 of 10

“which shall be”

H3808

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

יִפָּדֶ֑ה8 of 10

“shall be redeemed”

H6299

to sever, i.e., ransom; generally to release, preserve

יוּמָֽת׃9 of 10

“be put to death”

H4191

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

יוּמָֽת׃10 of 10

“be put to death”

H4191

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

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 27:29 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 27:29 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Samuel 15:18-23Numbers 21:2-3

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