Leviticus 27:4 (KJV)

What does Leviticus 27:4 mean?

Leviticus 27:4 sets the value for a female when someone makes a special vow to dedicate a person to the Lord, stating that her "estimation" or assessed value should be thirty shekels. This is part of a system where people could dedicate themselves or others to God by paying a set amount.

In this chapter, God is giving Moses instructions for the Israelites about how to assign monetary values to people, animals, or property dedicated to the Lord. The "estimation" is a fixed amount, not a judgment of personal worth, but a practical guideline for fulfilling vows in the tabernacle system. The thirty shekels for a female is part of a list, with different amounts for males, females, and various age groups.

The Hebrew behind Leviticus 27:4

• "female" (נְקֵבָה, neqevah): This word simply means a female person, and here it refers to a woman or girl being dedicated by vow.
• "estimation" (עֶרְכְּךָ, ‘erkekha): This means the assessed value or set amount for fulfilling a vow. It is not about personal value, but a standard figure for ritual purposes.
• "thirty" (שְׁלֹשִׁים, sheloshim): This is the number thirty, setting the specific amount in shekels.
• "shekels" (שֶׁקֶל, sheqel): The shekel was a standard unit of weight and currency in ancient Israel, used here as the amount to be paid.

Why Leviticus 27:4 matters

• Leviticus 27:4 helps clear up that these values were not about a person's inherent worth, but about fulfilling religious vows in a fair and orderly way.
• The verse shows that the system had set amounts for different people, reflecting the economic realities and social structure of ancient Israel.
• This verse fits into a larger passage that details how people could dedicate themselves or their possessions to God, showing the practical side of Israel’s worship system.