Leviticus 27:2

Authorized King James Version

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Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, When a man shall make a singular vow, the persons shall be for the LORD by thy estimation.

Original Language Analysis

דַּבֵּ֞ר Speak H1696
דַּבֵּ֞ר Speak
Strong's: H1696
Word #: 1 of 13
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
אֶל H413
אֶל
Strong's: H413
Word #: 2 of 13
near, with or among; often in general, to
בְּנֵ֤י unto the children H1121
בְּנֵ֤י unto the children
Strong's: H1121
Word #: 3 of 13
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
יִשְׂרָאֵל֙ of Israel H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵל֙ of Israel
Strong's: H3478
Word #: 4 of 13
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
וְאָֽמַרְתָּ֣ and say H559
וְאָֽמַרְתָּ֣ and say
Strong's: H559
Word #: 5 of 13
to say (used with great latitude)
אֲלֵהֶ֔ם H413
אֲלֵהֶ֔ם
Strong's: H413
Word #: 6 of 13
near, with or among; often in general, to
אִ֕ישׁ unto them When a man H376
אִ֕ישׁ unto them When a man
Strong's: H376
Word #: 7 of 13
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)
כִּ֥י H3588
כִּ֥י
Strong's: H3588
Word #: 8 of 13
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
יַפְלִ֖א shall make a singular H6381
יַפְלִ֖א shall make a singular
Strong's: H6381
Word #: 9 of 13
properly, perhaps to separate, i.e., distinguish (literally or figuratively); by implication, to be (causatively, make) great, difficult, wonderful
נֶ֑דֶר vow H5088
נֶ֑דֶר vow
Strong's: H5088
Word #: 10 of 13
a promise (to god); also (concretely) a thing promised
בְּעֶרְכְּךָ֥ by thy estimation H6187
בְּעֶרְכְּךָ֥ by thy estimation
Strong's: H6187
Word #: 11 of 13
a pile, equipment, estimate
נְפָשֹׁ֖ת the persons H5315
נְפָשֹׁ֖ת the persons
Strong's: H5315
Word #: 12 of 13
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
לַֽיהוָֽה׃ shall be for the LORD H3068
לַֽיהוָֽה׃ shall be for the LORD
Strong's: H3068
Word #: 13 of 13
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

Analysis & Commentary

Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, When a man shall make a singular vow, the persons shall be for the LORD by thy estimation.

This verse falls within the section on Vows and Dedications. Regulations for voluntary vows and dedicating persons or property to God, teaching careful commitment.


Hebrews 9-10 explains how Christ's once-for-all sacrifice supersedes the repeated Levitical offerings, providing permanent cleansing from sin.

Historical 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.

Questions for Reflection

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