Leviticus 27 31

Leviticus 27:31 kjv

And if a man will at all redeem ought of his tithes, he shall add thereto the fifth part thereof.

Leviticus 27:31 nkjv

If a man wants at all to redeem any of his tithes, he shall add one-fifth to it.

Leviticus 27:31 niv

Whoever would redeem any of their tithe must add a fifth of the value to it.

Leviticus 27:31 esv

If a man wishes to redeem some of his tithe, he shall add a fifth to it.

Leviticus 27:31 nlt

If you want to buy back the LORD's tenth of the grain or fruit, you must pay its value, plus 20 percent.

Leviticus 27 verses

Leviticus 27 31 Meaning

Leviticus 27:31 describes a specific provision within the Levitical law regarding tithes. It states that if an individual who has consecrated their tithes (already declared holy to the Lord in verse 30) wishes to reclaim or "buy back" them, they are permitted to do so, but must add an additional one-fifth (20%) of the tithe's original value to the redemption payment. This surcharge maintains the sanctity and divine ownership of the dedicated tithe.

Leviticus 27 31 Context

Leviticus Chapter 27 concludes the legal section of Leviticus by outlining various regulations concerning vows and dedications made to the Lord. It details how people, animals, houses, or fields consecrated to God can, in certain circumstances, be redeemed or valued for redemption. The chapter underscores that once something is dedicated or declared "holy to the Lord," it undergoes a fundamental change in status; it is no longer merely common property.

Verses 30-34 specifically address tithes. Verse 30 declares that all tithes of the land and livestock "are the Lord's; they are holy to the Lord." This established divine ownership. Verse 31 then provides the legal mechanism for an individual to re-acquire their own tithe. This legislative allowance, despite the tithe's sacred status, acknowledges practicalities while firmly enforcing that the act of reclaiming carries a financial penalty (the additional one-fifth). Historically, the system of tithing was essential for the sustenance of the Levitical priesthood and the maintenance of the Tabernacle/Temple, acting as God's mandated support system for those devoted entirely to His service. This verse ensures that even within this practical framework, the solemnity and cost of dedication are maintained.

Leviticus 27 31 Word analysis

• And if a man: Introduces a specific hypothetical scenario or provision concerning individual actions. It implies that this act of redemption is permitted, not forbidden, under certain conditions.

• will at all redeem: The Hebrew verb is ga'al (גָּאַל), which means "to redeem," "to buy back," or "to act as a kinsman-redeemer." In this context, it refers to the act of an individual reacquiring something that has been declared holy or previously dedicated to the Lord. The intensive grammatical construction "at all" (ga'ol yiga'al, infinitive absolute) emphasizes the definite possibility or certainty of this redemption, establishing it as a recognized legal action within the covenant.

• his tithes: The Hebrew word is ma'aser (מַעֲשֵׂר), meaning "a tenth part." As stated in Lev 27:30, this specifically refers to the tenth of the land's produce (grain, fruit) and livestock that has been designated as "holy to the Lord." The use of "his" doesn't imply private ownership after consecration, but rather refers to the tithes originating from his increase, giving him the unique right to redeem them. These were not a mere offering but a divine claim and obligation.

• he shall add thereto: This indicates a mandatory, not optional, additional payment. It's a crucial part of the redemption price.

• the fifth part thereof: The Hebrew word is chomesh (חֹמֶשׁ), meaning "a fifth," which translates to 20%. This additional charge functions as a penalty or a surcharge to affirm the holiness of the item once it has been dedicated. It makes redemption more costly, thereby discouraging light or casual re-acquisition of items consecrated to God and underscoring the serious nature of such dedications. This 20% addition is consistent with other restitution laws in the Pentateuch (e.g., Lev 5:16, 6:5).

• Words-group Analysis:

  • "will at all redeem his tithes": This phrase highlights a specific concession within God's law regarding things set apart. While tithes are intrinsically holy to the Lord, this provision allows for their recovery, but not without demonstrating deep reverence and recognition of their consecrated status. It implies that certain sacred items, even after dedication, retain a residual connection to their source, permitting a regulated re-purchase by the original owner.
  • "he shall add thereto the fifth part thereof": This legal requirement is foundational to the sanctity of the entire transaction. It ensures that the act of redeeming something consecrated to God is never treated casually. The 20% premium acts as both a financial disincentive and a tangible symbol of the enduring sacredness of the dedicated tithe. It confirms that the Lord's claim on the tithe is substantial and comes with a price to reverse the dedication.

Leviticus 27 31 Bonus section

• The provision for redemption of tithes points to the flexibility within the rigid system of the Law, allowing for unforeseen circumstances while still maintaining the seriousness of the divine claim.
• The concept of ga'al (redemption) in this context is primarily economic, but it is the same root verb used to describe God's act of redeeming Israel from Egypt (Exo 6:6) and the kinsman-redeemer's role in saving family property or legacy (Ruth 4). While the applications differ, the core idea of restoring or claiming ownership through a significant payment or action connects these uses across Scripture.
• This verse indirectly teaches that vows and dedicated items were not meant to be trivial. The cost associated with undoing such a dedication would lead individuals to think carefully before vowing or dedicating resources, reinforcing integrity in their relationship with God.

Leviticus 27 31 Commentary

Leviticus 27:31 addresses a seemingly paradoxical situation: the "redemption" of tithes that are already declared "holy to the Lord" (v. 30). Tithes, being a tenth of agricultural produce and livestock, were the Lord's by divine claim, Israel's fundamental obligation, and the primary means of support for the Levitical priesthood. Yet, this verse permits the original Israelite owner to buy them back. The key is the mandatory addition of one-fifth (20%) of the tithe's value.

This additional cost serves multiple purposes:

1. Reinforces Holiness: It underscores that once something is consecrated to God, its status changes fundamentally. Reclaiming it is not a simple return; it requires a penalty or a "premium" that acknowledges its altered sacred standing and God's prior ownership.
2. Deters Frivolity: It prevents rash dedications or a casual approach to things belonging to God. Knowing there's a significant financial consequence for re-acquiring dedicated items fosters greater care and deliberation in one's vows and obligations to the Lord.
3. Compensates Sacred Space: While not strictly a financial penalty for wrongdoing, it functions similarly to other laws of restitution where a "fifth" is added (e.g., Lev 5:16, 6:5, Num 5:7). This extra amount validates God's claim and prevents any sense that God's property could be traded like common goods. It ensures respect for the sanctity of the dedicated tithe and, by extension, for God's holiness.This law ultimately promotes a reverence for God and for all that is set apart for Him. It balances practicality with unwavering divine claims, demonstrating that God's ownership and the holiness of His possessions must always be respected, even when a legal provision for their recovery is granted.