King James Version

What Does Leviticus 27:30 Mean?

Leviticus 27:30 in the King James Version says “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 u...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 27 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Leviticus 27:30 · KJV

Context

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.

32

And concerning the tithe of the herd, or of the flock, even of whatsoever passeth under the rod, the tenth shall be holy unto the LORD.

Read Leviticus 27 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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.
Hebrews 9-10 explains how Christ's once-for-all sacrifice supersedes the repeated Levitical offerings, providing permanent cleansing from sin.

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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 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. In what ways does this verse challenge contemporary cultural values or your personal attitudes?
  3. How does this verse help you understand both God's justice and His mercy in salvation?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
וְכָל1 of 11
H3605

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

מַעְשַׂ֨ר2 of 11

“And all the tithe”

H4643

a tenth; especially a tithe

הָאָ֙רֶץ֙3 of 11

“of the land”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

מִזֶּ֤רַע4 of 11

“whether of the seed”

H2233

seed; figuratively, fruit, plant, sowing-time, posterity

הָאָ֙רֶץ֙5 of 11

“of the land”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

מִפְּרִ֣י6 of 11

“or of the fruit”

H6529

fruit (literally or figuratively)

הָעֵ֔ץ7 of 11

“of the tree”

H6086

a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks)

לַֽיהוָֽה׃8 of 11

“is the LORD'S”

H3068

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

ה֑וּא9 of 11
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

קֹ֖דֶשׁ10 of 11

“it is holy”

H6944

a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity

לַֽיהוָֽה׃11 of 11

“is the LORD'S”

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 27:30 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 27:30 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 23:23Nehemiah 13:12Genesis 28:222 Chronicles 31:5-6Genesis 14:20Luke 18:12

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