Leviticus 27:10 (KJV)

What does Leviticus 27:10 mean?

Leviticus 27:10 says that if someone dedicates an animal to God, they must not swap it for another, whether the new animal is better or worse. If a person does try to exchange one animal for another, then both the original animal and its replacement become holy and belong to God.

In this verse, God is giving instructions to the Israelites through Moses about making vows or dedications. The focus is on preventing people from trying to improve or downgrade their offering after making a promise. The rule makes sure that people take their vows seriously and do not try to manipulate what they give to God.

The Hebrew behind Leviticus 27:10

• "Alter" (חָלַף, chalaf) means to change or substitute. The use here stresses that once something is dedicated, it cannot be swapped out for something else.
• "Change" (מוּר, mur) also means to exchange or switch. The repetition with "alter" highlights how seriously God treats the act of substitution.
• "Good" (טוֹב, tov) and "bad" (רַע, ra‘) are used to cover all possible motives—whether someone wants to upgrade or downgrade the offering, neither is allowed.
• "Exchange" (תְּמוּרָה, temurah) refers to the act of trading one animal for another. The law says that if someone does this anyway, both animals become holy, which discourages people from trying to game the system.

Why Leviticus 27:10 matters

• This verse clears up any idea that a person could improve their standing with God by offering a better animal later, or cheat by substituting a lesser one after making a vow.
• The rule emphasizes the seriousness and finality of dedicating something to God; a vow is binding and not open to negotiation.
• In the context of Leviticus 27, this law fits into a larger set of instructions about vows and dedications, showing that God values honesty and integrity in promises made to Him.