King James Version

What Does Leviticus 27:6 Mean?

Leviticus 27:6 in the King James Version says “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,...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 27 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Leviticus 27:6 · KJV

Context

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.

8

But if he be poorer than thy estimation, then he shall present himself before the priest, and the priest shall value him; according to his ability that vowed shall the priest value him.

Read Leviticus 27 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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.

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. Archaeological discoveries at sites like Ugarit reveal Canaanite religious practices Israel's laws explicitly rejected, confirming the Bible's historical reliability and the distinctiveness of Israelite worship.

Reflection Questions

  1. How can you use this verse to worship God more fully, obey Him more faithfully, or love others more sacrificially?
  2. How does this verse point to Christ, and how does that deepen your faith and gratitude?
  3. In what ways does this verse challenge contemporary cultural values or your personal attitudes?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 18 words
וְאִ֣ם1 of 18
H518

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

בֶּן2 of 18

“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

חֹ֗דֶשׁ3 of 18

“And if it be from a month”

H2320

the new moon; by implication, a month

וְעַד֙4 of 18
H5704

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

בֶּן5 of 18

“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

חֲמִשָּׁ֥ה6 of 18

“even unto five”

H2568

five

שָׁנִ֔ים7 of 18

“years”

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

וְהָיָ֤ה8 of 18
H1961

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

עֶרְכְּךָ֔9 of 18

“then thy estimation”

H6187

a pile, equipment, estimate

הַזָּכָ֔ר10 of 18

“shall be of the male”

H2145

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

חֲמִשָּׁ֥ה11 of 18

“even unto five”

H2568

five

שְׁקָלִ֖ים12 of 18

“shekels”

H8255

probably a weight; used as a commercial standard

כָּֽסֶף׃13 of 18

“of silver”

H3701

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

וְלַנְּקֵבָ֣ה14 of 18

“and for the female”

H5347

female (from the sexual form)

עֶרְכְּךָ֔15 of 18

“then thy estimation”

H6187

a pile, equipment, estimate

שְׁלֹ֥שֶׁת16 of 18

“shall be three”

H7969

three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice

שְׁקָלִ֖ים17 of 18

“shekels”

H8255

probably a weight; used as a commercial standard

כָּֽסֶף׃18 of 18

“of silver”

H3701

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

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 27:6 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 27:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Numbers 3:40-43Numbers 18:14-16

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