Leviticus 27:6

Authorized King James Version

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.

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
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
#3
חֹ֗דֶשׁ
And if it be from a month
the new moon; by implication, a month
#4
וְעַד֙
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
#5
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
#6
חֲמִשָּׁ֥ה
even unto five
five
#7
שָׁנִ֔ים
years
a year (as a revolution of time)
#8
וְהָיָ֤ה
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#9
עֶרְכְּךָ֔
then thy estimation
a pile, equipment, estimate
#10
הַזָּכָ֔ר
shall be of the male
properly, remembered, i.e., a male (of man or animals, as being the most noteworthy sex)
#11
חֲמִשָּׁ֥ה
even unto five
five
#12
שְׁקָלִ֖ים
shekels
probably a weight; used as a commercial standard
#13
כָּֽסֶף׃
of silver
silver (from its pale color); by implication, money
#14
וְלַנְּקֵבָ֣ה
and for the female
female (from the sexual form)
#15
עֶרְכְּךָ֔
then thy estimation
a pile, equipment, estimate
#16
שְׁלֹ֥שֶׁת
shall be three
three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice
#17
שְׁקָלִ֖ים
shekels
probably a weight; used as a commercial standard
#18
כָּֽסֶף׃
of silver
silver (from its pale color); by implication, money

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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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