And concerning the tithe of the herd, or of the flock, even of whatsoever passeth under the rod, the tenth shall be holy unto the LORD.

LEVITICUS 27:32KJV
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Leviticus 27:32 (KJV)

What does Leviticus 27:32 mean?

Leviticus 27:32 says that when Israelites counted their cattle or sheep, every tenth animal that passed under a rod was set apart as holy and belonged to the LORD. This was a specific instruction about giving a tithe, or one-tenth, of their herds and flocks to God as an offering.

In this verse, God is giving Moses instructions for the people of Israel about how to handle the tithe of their livestock. The setting is the end of Leviticus, where various laws about vows and offerings are being wrapped up. The process described is practical: as animals were counted, each tenth one was marked as a special gift to God, showing that the tithe was not chosen based on quality but by a set order.

The Hebrew behind Leviticus 27:32

  • tithe (מַעֲשֵׂר, ma‘ăśēr): This word means "a tenth part." Here, it refers to the practice of giving one-tenth of one's herd or flock to God, emphasizing a set portion rather than a random or chosen amount.
  • passeth (עָבַר, ‘āvar): This word means "to pass over" or "to cross." The animals would literally pass under a rod, and every tenth one was selected, showing the process was orderly and impartial.
  • rod (שֵׁבֶט, šēveṭ): This is a staff or stick used by shepherds. In this context, it was used to count and separate every tenth animal, making the selection visible and fair.
  • holy (קָדֹשׁ, qādōš): This means "set apart" or "sacred." The tenth animal was not just given away but was considered specially dedicated to the LORD, marked as belonging to Him.

Why Leviticus 27:32 matters

  • Leviticus 27:32 clarifies that the tithe was not about picking the best or worst animals, but about following a set process where every tenth animal, regardless of its condition, was given to God.
  • This verse highlights the fairness and impartiality of the tithe system, which prevented favoritism or manipulation in what was offered.
  • The instruction connects to the broader theme of Leviticus about holiness and dedication—reminding the Israelites that certain portions of their daily life and work were to be set apart for God in a concrete, visible way.

Where else these words appear

“tenth” Hebrew H6224 · used in 26 verses

  • Genesis 8:5 And the waters decreased continually until the tenth month: in the tenth month, on the first day of the month, were the tops of the mountains seen.
  • Deuteronomy 23:3 An Ammonite or Moabite shall not enter into the congregation of the LORD; even to their tenth generation shall they not enter into the congregation of the LORD for ever:
  • Isaiah 6:13 But yet in it shall be a tenth, and it shall return, and shall be eaten: as a teil tree, and as an oak, whose substance is in them, when they cast their leaves: so the holy seed shall be the substance thereof.

“tithe” Hebrew H4643 · used in 27 verses

  • Genesis 14:20 And blessed be the most high God, which hath delivered thine enemies into thy hand. And he gave him tithes of all.
  • Deuteronomy 12:11 Then there shall be a place which the LORD your God shall choose to cause his name to dwell there; thither shall ye bring all that I command you; your burnt offerings, and your sacrifices, your tithes, and the heave offering of your hand, and all your choice vows which ye vow unto the LORD:
  • Nehemiah 10:38 And the priest the son of Aaron shall be with the Levites, when the Levites take tithes: and the Levites shall bring up the tithe of the tithes unto the house of our God, to the chambers, into the treasure house.