Leviticus 27:6 (KJV)

What does Leviticus 27:6 mean?

Leviticus 27:6 sets the value for redeeming a child who is dedicated to the Lord, stating that a male between one month and five years old is valued at five shekels of silver, while a female of the same age is valued at three shekels. This verse gives specific instructions for how much money a person would pay if they wanted to redeem, or "buy back," a young child who had been promised to God.

In this part of Leviticus, God is giving Moses instructions for the Israelites about making vows and dedicating people or things to God. The "estimation" refers to the set value that the priest would use to determine how much someone needed to pay. These values are not about a person's worth as a human being, but about fulfilling a vow in a practical, organized way within the community.

The Hebrew behind Leviticus 27:6

• "Estimation" (עֶרְכְּךָ, erkekha): This word means an assigned value or assessment. Here, it refers to the fixed amount set by the priest for redeeming someone dedicated to God, showing this was a formal, regulated process.
• "Shekels" (שֶׁקֶל, sheqel): A shekel was a standard unit of silver used as currency. Mentioning shekels of silver (כֶּסֶף, keseph) makes it clear this was a financial transaction, not a symbolic gesture.
• "Male" (זָכָר, zakhar) and "female" (נְקֵבָה, neqevah): The distinction in value reflects the economic and social roles in ancient Israel, not a statement about spiritual value or dignity.

Why Leviticus 27:6 matters

• Leviticus 27:6 clarifies that the values assigned were practical guidelines for fulfilling vows, not judgments of personal worth or dignity.
• The verse shows the structured approach the Israelites took to religious commitments, making sure vows could be managed fairly for all ages and both sexes.
• Understanding these set values helps make sense of the broader chapter, which is about keeping promises to God in a way that is orderly and possible for everyone in the community.