Leviticus 27:15 (KJV)

What does Leviticus 27:15 mean?

Leviticus 27:15 explains that if someone who has dedicated his house to God wants to buy it back, he must pay the estimated value plus an extra one-fifth of that amount. This rule sets out how a person can reclaim property that was set apart for a sacred purpose.

In this verse, God is giving instructions to Moses for the Israelites about vows and dedications. The context is about people who voluntarily dedicate their house to God, and what happens if they later wish to "redeem" or reclaim it. The extra payment (one-fifth more) acts as a kind of penalty or surcharge, emphasizing the seriousness of making a vow to God.

The Hebrew behind Leviticus 27:15

• The word "sanctified" (קָדַשׁ, qadash) means to set apart as holy or dedicated to God. Here, it refers to someone who has formally declared his house as belonging to God.
• The word "redeem" (גָּאַל, ga'al) means to buy back or reclaim something that was given up. In this context, it is about reversing the dedication by paying a price.
• The word "house" (בַּיִת, bayit) is used here in its ordinary sense, meaning a person's dwelling.
• The word "add" (יָסַף, yasaf) means to increase or add on. The instruction is to add an extra amount to the estimated value.
• The word "fifth" (חֲמִישִּׁית, chamishit) means one-fifth, or 20%. This specifies exactly how much extra must be paid.
• The word "money" (כֶּסֶף, kesef) means silver or money, referring to the payment required.
• The word "estimation" (עֵרֶךְ, 'erekh) refers to the assessed value determined by the priest, which is the basis for the payment.

Why Leviticus 27:15 matters

• Leviticus 27:15 clarifies that dedicating something to God was a serious act, not something to be reversed lightly or without cost.
• The verse shows that there was a structured, fair process for redeeming dedicated property, preventing people from making rash vows or treating sacred commitments as casual promises.
• This instruction fits into the larger chapter, which details various kinds of vows and dedications, showing the importance of integrity and follow-through in commitments made to God.