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.