Notwithstanding no devoted thing, that a man shall devote unto the LORD of all that he hath, both of man and beast, and of the field of his possession, shall be sold or redeemed: every devoted thing is most holy unto the LORD.

LEVITICUS 27:28KJV
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Leviticus 27:28 (KJV)

What does Leviticus 27:28 mean?

Leviticus 27:28 means that anything a person sets apart as "devoted" to the LORD—whether a person, animal, or land—cannot be sold or bought back; it is considered most holy and must remain dedicated to God. This verse makes clear that such a devoted thing is entirely given over to God and cannot return to ordinary use.

In Leviticus, God is speaking to Moses, giving instructions for the Israelites about vows and offerings. The context is about special promises or dedications people might make to God, especially at the end of the book where rules for redeeming or valuing things are listed. This verse draws a line between things that can be redeemed and those that, once devoted, are set apart permanently for God.

The Hebrew behind Leviticus 27:28

  • The word "devoted thing" (חֵרֶם, ḥērem) means something set apart, often in a very strong or even irreversible way, for God. In this context, it signals a total giving over, not just a temporary or partial dedication.
  • The word "devote" (חָרַם, ḥāram) is the verb form, meaning to set apart or ban, often with the sense that it is now untouchable for ordinary use.
  • "Most holy" (קֹדֶשׁ קָדָשִׁים, qōdesh qadāshīm) means something is at the highest level of holiness, reserved for God alone; it cannot be used for common purposes.
  • "Redeemed" (גָּאַל, ga'al) refers to buying something back or reclaiming it, which is not allowed for things devoted in this way.

Why Leviticus 27:28 matters

  • Leviticus 27:28 clarifies that some dedications to God are absolute and cannot be reversed, unlike other offerings or vows that might be bought back.
  • This verse highlights the seriousness and finality of certain vows or dedications in ancient Israel, showing that some promises to God were binding for life.
  • The distinction between "devoted" and "dedicated" things helps readers understand the different levels of holiness and commitment described in Leviticus, especially in the context of offerings and temple service.

Where else these words appear

“thing” Hebrew H2764 · used in 31 verses

  • Leviticus 27:21 But the field, when it goeth out in the jubile, shall be holy unto the LORD, as a field devoted; the possession thereof shall be the priest's.
  • Joshua 7:13 Up, sanctify the people, and say, Sanctify yourselves against to morrow: for thus saith the LORD God of Israel, There is an accursed thing in the midst of thee, O Israel: thou canst not stand before thine enemies, until ye take away the accursed thing from among you.
  • Ezekiel 26:14 And I will make thee like the top of a rock: thou shalt be a place to spread nets upon; thou shalt be built no more: for I the LORD have spoken it, saith the Lord GOD.

“devote” Hebrew H2763 · used in 48 verses

  • Exodus 22:20 He that sacrificeth unto any god, save unto the LORD only, he shall be utterly destroyed.
  • Joshua 10:28 And that day Joshua took Makkedah, and smote it with the edge of the sword, and the king thereof he utterly destroyed, them, and all the souls that were therein; he let none remain: and he did to the king of Makkedah as he did unto the king of Jericho.
  • 1 Samuel 15:20 And Saul said unto Samuel, Yea, I have obeyed the voice of the LORD, and have gone the way which the LORD sent me, and have brought Agag the king of Amalek, and have utterly destroyed the Amalekites.

“possession” Hebrew H272 · used in 58 verses

  • Genesis 17:8 And I will give unto thee, and to thy seed after thee, the land wherein thou art a stranger, all the land of Canaan, for an everlasting possession; and I will be their God.
  • Leviticus 25:41 And then shall he depart from thee, both he and his children with him, and shall return unto his own family, and unto the possession of his fathers shall he return.
  • Joshua 22:4 And now the LORD your God hath given rest unto your brethren, as he promised them: therefore now return ye, and get you unto your tents, and unto the land of your possession, which Moses the servant of the LORD gave you on the other side Jordan.

“sold” Hebrew H4376 · used in 74 verses

  • Genesis 25:31 And Jacob said, Sell me this day thy birthright.
  • Leviticus 25:39 And if thy brother that dwelleth by thee be waxen poor, and be sold unto thee; thou shalt not compel him to serve as a bondservant:
  • Nehemiah 5:8 And I said unto them, We after our ability have redeemed our brethren the Jews, which were sold unto the heathen; and will ye even sell your brethren? or shall they be sold unto us? Then held they their peace, and found nothing to answer.