King James Version

What Does Leviticus 27:3 Mean?

Leviticus 27:3 in the King James Version says “And thy estimation shall be of the male from twenty years old even unto sixty years old, even thy estimation shall be fi... — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 27 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And thy estimation shall be of the male from twenty years old even unto sixty years old, even thy estimation shall be fifty shekels of silver, after the shekel of the sanctuary.

Leviticus 27:3 · KJV


Context

1

And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,

2

Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, When a man shall make a singular vow, the persons shall be for the LORD by thy estimation.

3

And thy estimation shall be of the male from twenty years old even unto sixty years old, even thy estimation shall be fifty shekels of silver, after the shekel of the sanctuary.

4

And if it be a female, then thy estimation shall be thirty shekels.

5

And if it be from five years old even unto twenty years old, then thy estimation shall be of the male twenty shekels, and for the female ten shekels.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And thy estimation shall be of the male from twenty years old even unto sixty years old, even thy estimation shall be fifty shekels of silver, after the shekel of the sanctuary.

This verse falls within the section on Vows and Dedications. Regulations for voluntary vows and dedicating persons or property to God, teaching careful commitment.


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 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 point to Christ, and how does that deepen your faith and gratitude?
  3. How does this verse help you understand both God's justice and His mercy in salvation?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
וְהָיָ֤ה1 of 17
H1961

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

עֶרְכְּךָ֗2 of 17

And thy estimation

H6187

a pile, equipment, estimate

הַזָּכָ֔ר3 of 17

shall be of the male

H2145

properly, remembered, i.e., a male (of man or animals, as being the most noteworthy sex)

בֶּן4 of 17

old

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

עֶשְׂרִ֣ים5 of 17

from twenty

H6242

twenty; also (ordinal) twentieth

שָׁנָ֑ה6 of 17

years

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

וְעַ֖ד7 of 17
H5704

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

בֶּן8 of 17

old

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

שִׁשִּׁ֣ים9 of 17

even unto sixty

H8346

sixty

שָׁנָ֑ה10 of 17

years

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

וְהָיָ֣ה11 of 17
H1961

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

עֶרְכְּךָ֗12 of 17

And thy estimation

H6187

a pile, equipment, estimate

חֲמִשִּׁ֛ים13 of 17

shall be fifty

H2572

fifty

בְּשֶׁ֥קֶל14 of 17

after the shekel

H8255

probably a weight; used as a commercial standard

כֶּ֖סֶף15 of 17

of silver

H3701

silver (from its pale color); by implication, money

בְּשֶׁ֥קֶל16 of 17

after the shekel

H8255

probably a weight; used as a commercial standard

הַקֹּֽדֶשׁ׃17 of 17

of the sanctuary

H6944

a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity


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 27:3 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 27:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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