Leviticus 27 32

Leviticus 27:32 kjv

And concerning the tithe of the herd, or of the flock, even of whatsoever passeth under the rod, the tenth shall be holy unto the LORD.

Leviticus 27:32 nkjv

And concerning the tithe of the herd or the flock, of whatever passes under the rod, the tenth one shall be holy to the LORD.

Leviticus 27:32 niv

Every tithe of the herd and flock?every tenth animal that passes under the shepherd's rod?will be holy to the LORD.

Leviticus 27:32 esv

And every tithe of herds and flocks, every tenth animal of all that pass under the herdsman's staff, shall be holy to the LORD.

Leviticus 27:32 nlt

Count off every tenth animal from your herds and flocks and set them apart for the LORD as holy.

Leviticus 27 verses

Leviticus 27 32 Meaning

Leviticus 27:32 describes the law concerning the tithing of domestic animals, specifically cattle and sheep or goats. It states that every tenth animal that passes under the shepherd's rod is to be considered "holy unto the LORD," meaning it is set apart for God's purposes, unblemished, and cannot be redeemed or exchanged. This divine regulation ensures a designated portion of livestock produce for God as an act of worship and provision.

Leviticus 27 32 Context

Leviticus 27 is the concluding chapter of the book of Leviticus, which primarily deals with laws pertaining to holiness, sacrifices, clean and unclean distinctions, and the role of the priesthood in Israel. Chapter 27 specifically details the redemption of vows and things dedicated to the Lord. It moves from human-initiated dedications (persons, animals, houses, fields) which could be redeemed with a price, to items inherently designated as God's, which cannot be redeemed. This transition culminates in the verses about tithes.

The context of Leviticus 27:32 places the tithe of animals in a category alongside the general tithe of the land (Lev 27:30) and distinct from dedicated items. While earlier in the chapter, an animal offered as a sacrifice to the LORD (Lev 27:9-10) is utterly consecrated and cannot be redeemed, the animal tithe described here (Lev 27:32-33) also possesses this quality of being non-redeemable or exchangeable. This underlines the non-negotiable and inherent sacredness of the tithe as belonging directly to the LORD, unlike human vows which allow for a redemption price. This highlights God's sovereignty over all creation, specifically the increase from their labor, and provides a systematic way to support the Levites and priests, who had no land inheritance.

Historically, animal husbandry was central to Israel's economy and sustenance. Therefore, instructions for tithing livestock were vital. The method described in the verse also served a practical purpose in a largely pastoral society, providing a fair and impartial means of identifying God's portion.

Leviticus 27 32 Word analysis

• And concerning the tithe (וּכְל מַעֲשַׂר, uḵəlm ma'ăsar):

  • Ma'aser (מַעֲשַׂר): This Hebrew term specifically means "a tenth part" or "tithe." It is a foundational concept in the Law, indicating God's sovereign claim over a portion of His people's increase. Its existence from pre-Mosaic times (Gen 14:20, Gen 28:22) signifies a timeless principle of giving. The definite article implicitly acknowledges the existing understanding and practice of tithing.

• of the herd, or of the flock (הַבָּקָר אוֹן צֹאן, habāqār ’ōw-ṣō’n):

  • HaBaqar (הַבָּקָר): Refers to "the cattle" or "the herd" (oxen, cows).
  • Tson (צֹאן): Refers to "the flock" (sheep and goats).
  • These two terms collectively encompass all common domestic animals primarily raised for food, wool, milk, or sacrifice in ancient Israel. This highlights the comprehensive nature of the tithe; it applies to all productive livestock. Livestock represented significant wealth and sustenance, making their tithing a substantial act of obedience and trust.

• even whatsoever passeth under the rod (כּל אֲשֶׁר-יַעֲבֹר תַּחַת הַשָּׁבֶט, kāl ’ăšer ya‘ăbōr taḥat haššābeṭ):

  • Šebheṭ (שֵׁבֶט): Literally means "rod" or "staff." In this context, it refers to the shepherd's rod used for guiding and counting animals. This phrase describes the specific, prescribed method of tithing livestock.
  • The practice involved the animals passing one by one through a narrow gate. As each tenth animal emerged, the shepherd would touch it with his rod, marking it for the tithe. This method prevented human partiality, ensured honesty, and emphasized God's role in selection rather than human choice. It ensured that God's portion was taken directly from the "increase" and was not hand-picked or blemished.

• the tenth (הָעֲשִׂירִי, hā‘ăsīrī):

  • Reiterates the precise fraction—one out of ten. It's the numerical outcome of the "passing under the rod" process. This exact quantification signifies God's precise requirement.

• shall be holy unto the LORD (קֹדֶשׁ לַיהוָה, qōḏeš la-YHWH):

  • Qōdesh (קֹדֶשׁ): "Holiness," meaning "set apart," "sacred," "consecrated." This is a pivotal theological concept in Leviticus. The tithed animal is no longer common or profane; it is exclusively designated for God.
  • la-YHWH (לַיהוָה): "To the LORD" (Yahweh, the covenant God of Israel). This explicitly states the divine recipient and owner of the tithe.
  • This phrase emphasizes the inherent sacredness and non-redeemable nature of this animal tithe (Lev 27:33), distinguishing it from things vowed which could sometimes be redeemed (Lev 27:11-13). It underscores divine ownership and the specific use intended for priestly/Levitical support and temple sustenance (Num 18:21, Deut 14:23).

• Words-group Analysis:

  • "the tithe of the herd, or of the flock": This phrase clearly defines the scope of this specific tithe—it applies to the progeny of the livestock. It underscores the importance of animal increase within the Israelite agricultural economy and God's claim on this vital resource.
  • "whatsoever passeth under the rod, the tenth": This combination specifies the precise and impartial method of selection. It is a system designed by God to ensure integrity, transparency, and a non-biased collection of His designated portion, removing human discretion from the selection process itself. The system guarantees that the selection is purely quantitative, not qualitative, avoiding the temptation to give blemished or lesser animals.
  • "the tenth shall be holy unto the LORD": This powerful declaration defines the theological status and ultimate purpose of the animal. It highlights divine ownership, the sacred character of the tithe, and its absolute consecration, emphasizing that this portion is set apart exclusively for God's purposes, signifying allegiance and worship.

Leviticus 27 32 Bonus section

• Non-Redeemability: A key distinction in Leviticus 27 is between items vowed by humans (many of which can be redeemed for a price) and items explicitly declared as the Lord's. The tithe, including the animal tithe, falls into the latter category. Leviticus 27:33 explicitly states that this animal tithe "shall not be redeemed" and "He shall not alter it, nor change it: and if he change it at all, then both it and the change thereof shall be holy." This highlights its fixed and irrevocable sacred status once designated, emphasizing its unalienable connection to God.
• Purpose Beyond Sacrifice: While many animals were brought as sacrifices, the tithe of animals here was primarily for sustenance. It likely included both clean animals (fit for consumption) and possibly some unfit for sacrifice but still used for sustenance. These holy tithed animals were eaten by the priests and Levites (Deut 14:23) or stored for their support, signifying God's direct provision for those dedicated to His service.
• The Shepherd's Rod (Symbolism): The "rod" mentioned (šebheṭ) is not just a literal tool but carries broader symbolic weight in the Old Testament, representing authority, judgment, and counting. In Psalm 23, the rod is for comfort and guidance. Here, it functions as an impartial identifier of God's portion, underscoring divine order and meticulousness. It's a method that enforces submission to God's precise instruction.
• Distinction from Firstborn: It's important not to confuse the tithe of animals with the firstborn of animals (Ex 13:2, Num 3:13). The firstborn animals belonged entirely to God as a remembrance of the Passover deliverance, whereas the tithe was a tenth of the increase of the herd/flock over a period, demonstrating continuous acknowledgment of God's blessing.
• The Principle of First Fruits and Tithes: Leviticus 27:32 encapsulates the broader biblical principle that the first (or best) and a consistent portion of one's increase belongs to God (Prov 3:9). This law instilled discipline, trust, and a constant recognition of divine provision within the Israelite economy.

Leviticus 27 32 Commentary

Leviticus 27:32 delivers a clear mandate regarding the tithing of livestock, demonstrating God's sovereign claim over all increase and the meticulous nature of His covenant demands. The core principle is divine ownership: because the LORD grants the fertility of flocks and herds, a tenth of their offspring rightfully belongs to Him. This tithe was not merely a tax; it was an act of worship, a tangible acknowledgment of God's provision and sovereignty. The distinctive "passing under the rod" method ensured the integrity and impartiality of the selection process. This avoided any human tendency to select inferior or blemished animals for God's portion, thereby honoring Him with what was truly the "tenth" chosen by divine proxy rather than human preference. The declaration that "the tenth shall be holy unto the LORD" implies its complete consecration; it could not be sold, exchanged, or defiled. These animal tithes, like other tithes, served a crucial practical purpose: they sustained the Levites and priests, who had no land inheritance, thus enabling their dedicated service to the Tabernacle/Temple (Num 18:21). The law ensures a stable means of support for those consecrated to God's service, directly linking the prosperity of the people to the vitality of the spiritual life of the nation. It represents a fundamental principle of faith, obedience, and provision, a demonstration of Israel's covenant relationship with a holy God.