Leviticus 27 11

Leviticus 27:11 kjv

And if it be any unclean beast, of which they do not offer a sacrifice unto the LORD, then he shall present the beast before the priest:

Leviticus 27:11 nkjv

If it is an unclean animal which they do not offer as a sacrifice to the LORD, then he shall present the animal before the priest;

Leviticus 27:11 niv

If what they vowed is a ceremonially unclean animal?one that is not acceptable as an offering to the LORD?the animal must be presented to the priest,

Leviticus 27:11 esv

And if it is any unclean animal that may not be offered as an offering to the LORD, then he shall stand the animal before the priest,

Leviticus 27:11 nlt

If your vow involves an unclean animal ? one that is not acceptable as an offering to the LORD ? then you must bring the animal to the priest.

Leviticus 27 verses

Leviticus 27 11 Meaning

Leviticus 27:11 specifies the divine regulation for handling an unclean animal that has been designated or vowed to the Lord. Unlike clean animals which could be offered as sacrifices, an unclean beast is ritually unsuitable for altar sacrifice. Therefore, if such an animal is vowed, it must not be sacrificed, but instead, the person who made the vow is required to present the beast to the priest. The priest's role is to assess its value and determine its redemption price, ensuring the vow is honored in an appropriate manner, distinct from sacrificial worship, while upholding the strict separation between clean and unclean as prescribed by God.

Leviticus 27 11 Context

Leviticus 27 details the procedures for vows made to the Lord. While the primary context for dedicating animals was for sacrifice, this chapter also addresses instances where an animal (or other item) might be consecrated to God for purposes other than direct altar service or is ritually unfit for sacrifice. Verses 1-8 describe vows concerning persons, verses 9-10 deal with vowed clean animals (which are sacred and cannot be redeemed), and verses 11-13 specifically handle vowed unclean animals. This verse underscores that while the act of vowing dedicates something to God, it must be handled according to divine regulations regarding ritual purity and sacrificial suitability. Historically, these laws provided an orderly, priestly supervised mechanism for people to fulfill their pledges while respecting the holiness requirements of the Israelite worship system. They distinguished the pure and orderly worship of Yahweh from the sometimes chaotic or promiscuous sacrificial practices of surrounding pagan cultures.

Leviticus 27 11 Word analysis

• And if (וְאִם – wə'im): This conjunction and conditional particle introduces a specific case or hypothetical scenario. It indicates a departure from the preceding regulations regarding clean, sacrifice-eligible animals, signaling an exception or alternative procedure.
• it be any (כָּל – kol): This prefix emphasizes "any" or "all," encompassing any kind of such beast without exception.
• unclean beast (בְּהֵמָה טְמֵאָה – bəhēmâ ṭəmēʾâ):
  • Bəhēmâ: A general term for "beast" or "animal," often referring to domesticated livestock.
  • Ṭəmēʾâ: "Unclean" or "impure," specifically in a ritual sense. Leviticus 11 comprehensively defines which animals are clean and unclean for dietary and sacrificial purposes. An unclean beast, like a camel, pig, or rabbit, could not be eaten by Israelites nor offered on the altar. Its impurity made it unfit for sacred ritual offering.
• of which they do not offer a sacrifice (אֲשֶׁר לֹא-יַקְרִיבוּ מִמֶּנָּה קָרְבָּן – ʾăšer lōʾ-yaqrîvû mimmennâ qorbān):
  • Lo-yaqrivu: The strong negative "not" (lōʾ) coupled with "they shall offer/bring near" (yaqrîvû, from the root qārab meaning to draw near or offer), indicates the absolute prohibition against offering such an animal on the altar.
  • Qorbān: A "sacrifice" or "offering," from the same root qārab, signifying something brought near to God. This phrase explicitly states the fundamental reason for its special handling: it cannot function as a typical offering because of its uncleanness.
• unto the Lord (לַיהוָה – la-Yahweh): Emphasizes that the vow was directed to God (Yahweh), the Covenant Name of God. Even though the animal is unclean, the dedication made to God remains valid and binding, hence requiring an alternative resolution.
• then he shall present (וְהֶעֱמִיד – wəheʿĕmîḏ): This Hifil imperfect form of ʿāmad (to stand, present) denotes actively causing something to stand or be set before someone. It signifies a deliberate and formal act of bringing the animal for official priestly examination and valuation.
• the beast (אֶת-הַבְּהֵמָה – ʾeṯ-ha-bəhēmâ): Refers specifically back to the "unclean beast" previously mentioned, indicating it's the subject of the formal presentation.
• before the priest (לִפְנֵי הַכֹּהֵן – liqney hak-kōhēn):
  • Kōhēn: The "priest," acting as God's representative and interpreter of His law. This highlights the indispensable role of the priesthood in administering cultic regulations and ensuring the proper fulfillment of vows within God's specific commands. The priest's judgment (as per Lev 27:12) would then determine the animal's redemption value.

Words-group analysis:

• "unclean beast... of which they do not offer a sacrifice unto the Lord": This phrase precisely defines the nature of the animal in question and the critical legal/ritual impossibility. It clarifies why this specific provision is necessary, as normal sacrificial channels are closed due to the animal's ritual status. This showcases God's demand for ritual purity in His presence, even as He provides for the redemption of items dedicated to Him.
• "then he shall present the beast before the priest": This outlines the prescribed action and the authority structure. The direct instruction to present it "before the priest" underlines the priest's mediating role as the one authorized to assess, validate, and determine the next step in handling dedicated but unsacrificeable items. It illustrates God's established order for handling vows and holy things, ensuring fairness and conformity to divine standards through priestly oversight.

Leviticus 27 11 Bonus section

• This specific law reflects a practical concern: a rash vow could result in a burden. God provides a means of resolution that upholds the vow's sanctity but also offers flexibility.
• The fact that a surcharge (20%) is applied for redemption (mentioned in the subsequent verse 27:13, but implied by the presentation for valuation) underscores that breaking a vow by "redeeming" an item carries a slight penalty, discouraging casual vows while still providing a merciful alternative to fulfilling an impossible or undesirable original dedication.
• The meticulous attention to categories (clean vs. unclean, sacrificeable vs. non-sacrificeable) in Leviticus highlights God's demand for order and separation for a people called to reflect His holiness. These distinctions are not arbitrary but serve to impress upon Israel the nature of God's perfect and set-apart character.
• In a broader theological sense, this verse subtly points to the inability of "unclean" things—including sinful human beings—to approach God directly in sacrificial worship without divine intervention and purification. While an unclean animal could not be sacrificed, it could be "redeemed" via a priest, prefiguring Christ who redeems us despite our uncleanness, allowing us to be presented "holy and blameless" before God.

Leviticus 27 11 Commentary

Leviticus 27:11 illustrates the nuanced yet highly structured nature of Israelite worship and devotion to God. It addresses the practical dilemma of a person who has vowed an unclean animal to the Lord, knowing such a creature cannot be offered on the altar due to its impurity (Lev 11). God's law provides a wise and just solution: rather than treating the vow as null or sacrificing the animal improperly, the individual must present the beast to the priest. The priest then acts as the designated appraiser (as detailed in the subsequent verse, Lev 27:12), assessing the animal's market value. This established redemption price allows the individual to "redeem" the animal by paying its worth, plus a 20% surcharge (Lev 27:13). This provision maintains the sanctity of God by upholding purity laws, demonstrates the binding nature of vows made to Him, and provides a pathway for fulfilling dedication without defiling the sanctuary. It showcases God's detailed guidance for managing sacred commitments, ensuring both justice for the worshiper and honor to His holy name.