Leviticus 27:3

Authorized King James Version

And thy estimation shall be of the male from twenty years old even unto sixty years old, even thy estimation shall be fifty shekels of silver, after the shekel of the sanctuary.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְהָיָ֤ה
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#2
עֶרְכְּךָ֗
And thy estimation
a pile, equipment, estimate
#3
הַזָּכָ֔ר
shall be of the male
properly, remembered, i.e., a male (of man or animals, as being the most noteworthy sex)
#4
בֶּן
old
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#5
עֶשְׂרִ֣ים
from twenty
twenty; also (ordinal) twentieth
#6
שָׁנָ֑ה
years
a year (as a revolution of time)
#7
וְעַ֖ד
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
#8
בֶּן
old
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#9
שִׁשִּׁ֣ים
even unto sixty
sixty
#10
שָׁנָ֑ה
years
a year (as a revolution of time)
#11
וְהָיָ֣ה
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#12
עֶרְכְּךָ֗
And thy estimation
a pile, equipment, estimate
#13
חֲמִשִּׁ֛ים
shall be fifty
fifty
#14
בְּשֶׁ֥קֶל
after the shekel
probably a weight; used as a commercial standard
#15
כֶּ֖סֶף
of silver
silver (from its pale color); by implication, money
#16
בְּשֶׁ֥קֶל
after the shekel
probably a weight; used as a commercial standard
#17
הַקֹּֽדֶשׁ׃
of the sanctuary
a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Leviticus. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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