King James Version

What Does Leviticus 27:5 Mean?

Leviticus 27:5 in the King James Version says “And if it be from five years old even unto twenty years old, then thy estimation shall be of the male twenty shekels, an...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 27 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Leviticus 27:5 · KJV

Context

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.

6

And if it be from a month old even unto five years old, then thy estimation shall be of the male five shekels of silver, and for the female thy estimation shall be three shekels of silver.

7

And if it be from sixty years old and above; if it be a male, then thy estimation shall be fifteen shekels, and for the female ten shekels.

Read Leviticus 27 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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 New Testament reveals that Christ's sacrifice accomplishes what the Levitical system could only symbolize—complete forgiveness and restoration of relationship with God.

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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. In what ways does this verse challenge contemporary cultural values or your personal attitudes?
  2. How can you use this verse to worship God more fully, obey Him more faithfully, or love others more sacrificially?
  3. In what practical ways should this verse influence your church life, family relationships, or personal integrity?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
וְאִ֨ם1 of 16
H518

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

בֶּן2 of 16

“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

חָמֵ֜שׁ3 of 16

“And if it be from five”

H2568

five

שָׁנָ֔ה4 of 16

“years”

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

וְעַד֙5 of 16
H5704

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

בֶּן6 of 16

“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

עֶשְׂרִ֣ים7 of 16

“even unto twenty”

H6242

twenty; also (ordinal) twentieth

שָׁנָ֔ה8 of 16

“years”

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

וְהָיָ֧ה9 of 16
H1961

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

עֶרְכְּךָ֛10 of 16

“then thy estimation”

H6187

a pile, equipment, estimate

הַזָּכָ֖ר11 of 16

“shall be of the male”

H2145

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

עֶשְׂרִ֣ים12 of 16

“even unto twenty”

H6242

twenty; also (ordinal) twentieth

שְׁקָלִֽים׃13 of 16

“shekels”

H8255

probably a weight; used as a commercial standard

וְלַנְּקֵבָ֖ה14 of 16

“and for the female”

H5347

female (from the sexual form)

עֲשֶׂ֥רֶת15 of 16

“ten”

H6235

ten (as an accumulation to the extent of the digits)

שְׁקָלִֽים׃16 of 16

“shekels”

H8255

probably a weight; used as a commercial standard

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 27:5 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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