And if a man shall sanctify unto the LORD some part of a field of his possession, then thy estimation shall be according to the seed thereof: an homer of barley seed shall be valued at fifty shekels of silver.

LEVITICUS 27:16KJV
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Leviticus 27:16 (KJV)

What does Leviticus 27:16 mean?

Leviticus 27:16 explains that if someone dedicates part of their own field to the LORD, the value of that offering is set based on how much seed it would take to plant the field—specifically, an area that takes a homer of barley seed is valued at fifty shekels of silver. This sets a clear and fair method for determining the worth of land given as a religious offering.

In this verse, God is giving Moses instructions for the Israelites about making vows or dedications to the LORD, especially when it comes to land. The verse provides a practical guideline so that offerings are valued consistently, using the amount of seed (barley) needed to plant the field as a standard measure. This helps prevent disputes or unfairness in how much someone owes when dedicating land.

The Hebrew behind Leviticus 27:16

  • "Sanctify" (קָדַשׁ, qadash): This word means to set apart as holy or dedicated to God. Here, it shows the act of making something special for the LORD, not just any ordinary use.
  • "Estimation" (עֶרְכָּה, ‘erkah): This refers to the official valuation or assessment, highlighting that there was a set process for determining the value of offerings, not left to personal opinion.
  • "Homer" (חֹמֶר, chomer): This is a specific measure of volume, roughly 6 bushels or 220 liters. Using such a concrete measure made the valuation precise and understandable for everyone.
  • "Shekels" (שֶׁקֶל, sheqel) and "silver" (כֶּסֶף, kesef): These terms show that the value was set in standard currency, making the process fair and transparent.

Why Leviticus 27:16 matters

  • Leviticus 27:16 clarifies that offerings to God were not random or based on emotion, but had a set value, preventing both overcharging and under-valuing.
  • The verse connects to the broader chapter, which is about making vows and dedications, showing that God cares about fairness and order in worship.
  • By using seed and standard weights, the verse ties religious practice to everyday life, making spiritual commitments practical and understandable for ordinary people.

Where else these words appear

“homer” Hebrew H2563 · used in 26 verses

  • Genesis 11:3 And they said one to another, Go to, let us make brick, and burn them throughly. And they had brick for stone, and slime had they for morter.
  • Job 30:19 He hath cast me into the mire, and I am become like dust and ashes.
  • Isaiah 64:8 But now, O LORD, thou art our father; we are the clay, and thou our potter; and we all are the work of thy hand.

“estimation” Hebrew H6187 · used in 29 verses

  • Exodus 40:4 And thou shalt bring in the table, and set in order the things that are to be set in order upon it; and thou shalt bring in the candlestick, and light the lamps thereof.
  • Leviticus 27:6 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.
  • Leviticus 27:23 Then the priest shall reckon unto him the worth of thy estimation, even unto the year of the jubile: and he shall give thine estimation in that day, as a holy thing unto the LORD.

“barley” Hebrew H8184 · used in 32 verses

  • Exodus 9:31 And the flax and the barley was smitten: for the barley was in the ear, and the flax was bolled.
  • 2 Samuel 14:30 Therefore he said unto his servants, See, Joab's field is near mine, and he hath barley there; go and set it on fire. And Absalom's servants set the field on fire.
  • 2 Chronicles 2:15 Now therefore the wheat, and the barley, the oil, and the wine, which my lord hath spoken of, let him send unto his servants:

“shekels” Hebrew H8255 · used in 54 verses

  • Genesis 23:15 My lord, hearken unto me: the land is worth four hundred shekels of silver; what is that betwixt me and thee? bury therefore thy dead.
  • Numbers 3:47 Thou shalt even take five shekels apiece by the poll, after the shekel of the sanctuary shalt thou take them:(the shekel is twenty gerahs:)
  • Joshua 7:21 When I saw among the spoils a goodly Babylonish garment, and two hundred shekels of silver, and a wedge of gold of fifty shekels weight, then I coveted them, and took them; and, behold, they are hid in the earth in the midst of my tent, and the silver under it.