King James Version

What Does Leviticus 27:31 Mean?

Leviticus 27:31 in the King James Version says “And if a man will at all redeem ought of his tithes, he shall add thereto the fifth part thereof.” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 27 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Leviticus 27:31 · KJV

Context

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.

33

He shall not search whether it be good or bad, neither shall he change it: and if he change it at all, then both it and the change thereof shall be holy; it shall not be redeemed.

Read Leviticus 27 full chapter

Commentary

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

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. Ancient texts like the Code of Hammurabi show that law codes were common in the ancient Near East, but biblical law uniquely grounded ethics in God's character rather than merely social convention.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse point to Christ, and how does that deepen your faith and gratitude?
  2. What does this verse teach about the seriousness of sin, the cost of redemption, or the beauty of holiness?
  3. In what ways does this verse challenge contemporary cultural values or your personal attitudes?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
וְאִם1 of 8
H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

יִגְאַ֛ל2 of 8

“redeem”

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

יִגְאַ֛ל3 of 8

“redeem”

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

אִ֖ישׁ4 of 8

“And if 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)

מִמַּֽעַשְׂר֑וֹ5 of 8

“ought of his tithes”

H4643

a tenth; especially a tithe

חֲמִשִׁית֖וֹ6 of 8

“thereto the fifth”

H2549

fifth; also a fifth

יֹסֵ֥ף7 of 8

“he shall add”

H3254

to add or augment (often adverbial, to continue to do a thing)

עָלָֽיו׃8 of 8
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

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 27:31 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

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