Leviticus 27:16

Authorized King James Version

And if a man shall sanctify unto the LORD some part of a field of his possession, then thy estimation shall be according to the seed thereof: an homer of barley seed shall be valued at fifty shekels of silver.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְאִ֣ם׀
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
#2
מִשְּׂדֵ֣ה
some part of a field
a field (as flat)
#3
אֲחֻזָּת֗וֹ
of his possession
something seized, i.e., a possession (especially of land)
#4
יַקְדִּ֥ישׁ
shall sanctify
to be (causatively, make, pronounce or observe as) clean (ceremonially or morally)
#5
אִישׁ֙
And if a man
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)
#6
לַֽיהוָ֔ה
unto the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#7
וְהָיָ֥ה
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#8
עֶרְכְּךָ֖
then thy estimation
a pile, equipment, estimate
#9
לְפִ֣י
shall be according
the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos
#10
זֶ֚רַע
seed
seed; figuratively, fruit, plant, sowing-time, posterity
#11
זֶ֚רַע
seed
seed; figuratively, fruit, plant, sowing-time, posterity
#12
חֹ֣מֶר
thereof an homer
properly, a bubbling up, i.e., of water, a wave; hence, a chomer or dry measure
#13
שְׂעֹרִ֔ים
of barley
barley (as villose)
#14
בַּֽחֲמִשִּׁ֖ים
shall be valued at fifty
fifty
#15
שֶׁ֥קֶל
shekels
probably a weight; used as a commercial standard
#16
כָּֽסֶף׃
of silver
silver (from its pale color); by implication, money

Analysis

Within the broader context of Leviticus, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Leviticus.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Leviticus Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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