King James Version

What Does Leviticus 27:8 Mean?

Leviticus 27:8 in the King James Version says “But if he be poorer than thy estimation, then he shall present himself before the priest, and the priest shall value him...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 27 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Leviticus 27:8 · KJV

Context

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.

9

And if it be a beast, whereof men bring an offering unto the LORD, all that any man giveth of such unto the LORD shall be holy.

10

He shall not alter it, nor change it, a good for a bad, or a bad for a good: and if he shall at all change beast for beast, then it and the exchange thereof shall be holy.

Read Leviticus 27 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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 Aaronic priesthood mediated between God and Israel, offering sacrifices and maintaining the tabernacle. This prefigured Christ's superior priesthood after the order of Melchizedek.
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. 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 Christ's superior priesthood, prefigured in this verse, assure you of access to God and effective intercession?
  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 · 18 words
וְאִם1 of 18
H518

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

מָ֥ךְ2 of 18

“But if he be poorer”

H4134

to become thin, i.e., (figuratively) be impoverished

הוּא֙3 of 18
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

מֵֽעֶרְכֶּ֔ךָ4 of 18

“than thy estimation”

H6187

a pile, equipment, estimate

וְהֶֽעֱמִידוֹ֙5 of 18

“then he shall present”

H5975

to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)

לִפְנֵ֣י6 of 18

“himself before”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

הַכֹּהֵֽן׃7 of 18

“and the priest”

H3548

literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)

יַֽעֲרִיכֶ֖נּוּ8 of 18

“shall value”

H6186

to set in a row, i.e., arrange, put in order (in a very wide variety of applications)

אֹת֖וֹ9 of 18
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הַכֹּהֵֽן׃10 of 18

“and the priest”

H3548

literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)

עַל11 of 18
H5921

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

פִּ֗י12 of 18

“him according to”

H6310

the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos

אֲשֶׁ֤ר13 of 18
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

תַּשִּׂיג֙14 of 18
H5381

to reach (literally or figuratively)

יַ֣ד15 of 18

“his ability”

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

הַנֹּדֵ֔ר16 of 18

“that vowed”

H5087

to promise (pos., to do or give something to god)

יַֽעֲרִיכֶ֖נּוּ17 of 18

“shall value”

H6186

to set in a row, i.e., arrange, put in order (in a very wide variety of applications)

הַכֹּהֵֽן׃18 of 18

“and the priest”

H3548

literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)

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 27:8 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 27:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Leviticus 14:21-22Mark 14:7Luke 21:1-4Leviticus 5:72 Corinthians 8:12Leviticus 12:8

Test Your Knowledge

Leviticus 27 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterLeviticus Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Leviticus 27 with CommentaryAll Leviticus ChaptersComplete Leviticus QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes