Leviticus 27:26

Authorized King James Version

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Only the firstling of the beasts, which should be the LORD'S firstling, no man shall sanctify it; whether it be ox, or sheep: it is the LORD'S.

Original Language Analysis

אַךְ H389
אַךְ
Strong's: H389
Word #: 1 of 16
a particle of affirmation, surely; hence (by limitation) only
בְּכ֞וֹר Only the firstling H1060
בְּכ֞וֹר Only the firstling
Strong's: H1060
Word #: 2 of 16
first-born; hence, chief
אֲשֶׁר H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's: H834
Word #: 3 of 16
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
יְבֻכַּ֤ר firstling H1069
יְבֻכַּ֤ר firstling
Strong's: H1069
Word #: 4 of 16
to give the birthright
לַֽיהוָ֖ה it is the LORD'S H3068
לַֽיהוָ֖ה it is the LORD'S
Strong's: H3068
Word #: 5 of 16
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
בִּבְהֵמָ֔ה of the beasts H929
בִּבְהֵמָ֔ה of the beasts
Strong's: H929
Word #: 6 of 16
properly, a dumb beast; especially any large quadruped or animal (often collective)
לֹֽא H3808
לֹֽא
Strong's: H3808
Word #: 7 of 16
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יַקְדִּ֥ישׁ shall sanctify H6942
יַקְדִּ֥ישׁ shall sanctify
Strong's: H6942
Word #: 8 of 16
to be (causatively, make, pronounce or observe as) clean (ceremonially or morally)
אִ֖ישׁ no man H376
אִ֖ישׁ no man
Strong's: H376
Word #: 9 of 16
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)
אֹת֑וֹ H853
אֹת֑וֹ
Strong's: H853
Word #: 10 of 16
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
אִם H518
אִם
Strong's: H518
Word #: 11 of 16
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
שׁ֣וֹר it whether it be ox H7794
שׁ֣וֹר it whether it be ox
Strong's: H7794
Word #: 12 of 16
a bullock (as a traveller)
אִם H518
אִם
Strong's: H518
Word #: 13 of 16
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
שֶׂ֔ה or sheep H7716
שֶׂ֔ה or sheep
Strong's: H7716
Word #: 14 of 16
a member of a flock, i.e., a sheep or goat
לַֽיהוָ֖ה it is the LORD'S H3068
לַֽיהוָ֖ה it is the LORD'S
Strong's: H3068
Word #: 15 of 16
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
הֽוּא׃ H1931
הֽוּא׃
Strong's: H1931
Word #: 16 of 16
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

Analysis & Commentary

Only the firstling of the beasts, which should be the LORD'S firstling, no man shall sanctify it; whether it be ox, or sheep: it is the LORD'S.

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 central theme of Leviticus is God's holiness and the call for His people to be holy. The Hebrew word qadosh (קָדוֹשׁ) means 'set apart' or 'sacred,' emphasizing both separation from sin and consecration to God's purposes.
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. Ancient sacrificial texts from cultures surrounding Israel demonstrate the widespread practice of animal sacrifice, but Israel's system uniquely emphasized moral atonement over magical efficacy.

Questions for Reflection

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