King James Version

What Does Leviticus 27:33 Mean?

Leviticus 27:33 in the King James Version says “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 ... — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 27 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

Leviticus 27:33 · KJV


Context

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.

34

These are the commandments, which the LORD commanded Moses for the children of Israel in mount Sinai.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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.
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. 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 God's holiness, as revealed in this verse, shape your understanding of worship, obedience, and daily living?
  2. What practical steps can you take this week to apply the principles taught in this verse?
  3. In what practical ways should this verse influence your church life, family relationships, or personal integrity?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
לֹ֧א1 of 17
H3808

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

יְבַקֵּ֛ר2 of 17

He shall not search

H1239

properly, to plough, or (generally) break forth, i.e., (figuratively) to inspect, admire, care for, consider

בֵּֽין3 of 17
H996

between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or

ט֥וֹב4 of 17

whether it be good

H2896

good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good

לָרַ֖ע5 of 17

or bad

H7451

bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)

וְלֹ֣א6 of 17
H3808

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

יְמִירֶ֔נּוּ7 of 17

it and if he change

H4171

to alter; by implication, to barter, to dispose of

וְאִם8 of 17
H518

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

יְמִירֶ֔נּוּ9 of 17

it and if he change

H4171

to alter; by implication, to barter, to dispose of

יְמִירֶ֔נּוּ10 of 17

it and if he change

H4171

to alter; by implication, to barter, to dispose of

וְהָֽיָה11 of 17
H1961

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

ה֧וּא12 of 17
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

וּתְמוּרָת֛וֹ13 of 17

then both it and the change

H8545

barter, compensation

יִֽהְיֶה14 of 17
H1961

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

קֹ֖דֶשׁ15 of 17

thereof shall be holy

H6944

a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity

לֹ֥א16 of 17
H3808

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

יִגָּאֵֽל׃17 of 17

it shall not be 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


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 27:33 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 27:33 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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