Leviticus 27 8

Leviticus 27:8 kjv

But if he be poorer than thy estimation, then he shall present himself before the priest, and the priest shall value him; according to his ability that vowed shall the priest value him.

Leviticus 27:8 nkjv

'But if he is too poor to pay your valuation, then he shall present himself before the priest, and the priest shall set a value for him; according to the ability of him who vowed, the priest shall value him.

Leviticus 27:8 niv

If anyone making the vow is too poor to pay the specified amount, the person being dedicated is to be presented to the priest, who will set the value according to what the one making the vow can afford.

Leviticus 27:8 esv

And if someone is too poor to pay the valuation, then he shall be made to stand before the priest, and the priest shall value him; the priest shall value him according to what the vower can afford.

Leviticus 27:8 nlt

If you desire to make such a vow but cannot afford to pay the required amount, take the person to the priest. He will determine the amount for you to pay based on what you can afford.

Leviticus 27 verses

Leviticus 27 8 Meaning

This verse details a specific compassionate provision within the laws concerning vows to the Lord, particularly when a person's life has been vowed (consecrated). If the individual who made the vow, or on whose behalf the vow was made, proves too impoverished to pay the standard redemption valuation outlined in the preceding verses, the law provides an equitable adjustment. It mandates that such a person be presented before the priest, who is then authorized to reassess their redemption value based on their actual financial capacity, ensuring that even the most vulnerable could fulfill their sacred commitment without being crushed by an unbearable burden.

Leviticus 27 8 Context

Leviticus chapter 27 concludes the book by addressing the laws regarding special vows made to the Lord. While the preceding chapters meticulously detail sacrificial regulations, purification rituals, and priestly duties, Chapter 27 focuses on consecrated items—persons, animals, or land—that are set apart for the Lord. Such dedication typically entailed a fixed monetary redemption price to "buy back" the item or person from their consecrated status. Leviticus 27:8 specifically deals with a vital ethical and compassionate provision: how to handle a situation where a vowed person (or the family vowing them) cannot afford the predetermined redemption cost. In the ancient Near East, vows were solemn, often irrevocable, and could place significant burdens on individuals. This verse highlights God's justice tempered with mercy, contrasting with potentially exploitative or unforgiving practices found in some surrounding cultures. It ensured that God's people were not burdened beyond their capacity when fulfilling religious obligations, thereby preventing financial ruin and upholding the integrity of the vow within a merciful framework.

Leviticus 27 8 Word analysis

• And if he is poorer (`וְאִם־מָךְ הוּא` - wĕ’im-makh hū’):
  • מָךְ (makh): Denotes "poor," "needy," "lowly," or "humble." This word emphasizes an actual financial inability, a state of being destitute. It highlights God's consistent concern for the vulnerable and economically disadvantaged within His covenant people.
• than your valuation (`מֵעֶרְכֶּךָ` - mē’erkĕkhā):
  • עֶרְכֶּךָ (erkĕkhā): Refers to the "assessment," "valuation," or "fixed price" established by the preceding verses (Lev 27:2-7). This indicates that the initial set price, while divinely appointed, was recognized to potentially exceed the means of some individuals.
• then he shall be presented before the priest (`וְהִעֲמִידֹו לִפְנֵי הַכֹּהֵן` - wĕhiʿămidōw lifnê hakkohen):
  • הִעֲמִידֹו (hiʿămidōw): Causative form, meaning "he shall make him stand" or "he shall present him." This action signifies an official appearance and submission to clerical judgment and mediation.
  • לִפְנֵי (lifnê): "Before" or "in the presence of." Underscores the public, authoritative setting for the reassessment.
  • הַכֹּהֵן (hakkohen): "The priest." The singular emphasizes the specific, divine role of the priest as the designated arbiter, mediator, and interpreter of God's law. His judgment ensures fairness and divine approval.
• and the priest shall value him (`וְהֶעֱרִיךְ אֹתוֹ הַכֹּהֵן` - wĕheʿĕrikh ’ōtōw hakkohen):
  • וְהֶעֱרִיךְ (wĕheʿĕrikh): "And he shall value," "assess," or "re-evaluate." This signifies a flexible assessment, distinct from the rigid, pre-set values. The priest exercises discernment.
• according to his ability to pay (`עַל־פִּי אֲשֶׁר תַּשִׂיג יַד הַנֹּדֵר` - ʿal-pî ’ăsher tassig yad hannōdēr):
  • עַל־פִּי (ʿal-pî): Literally "according to the mouth of" or "by the command/decision of," but here contextually "according to" or "on the basis of."
  • אֲשֶׁר תַּשִׂיג יַד (asher tassig yad): Literally "what the hand can reach" or "what the hand obtains." This idiomatic expression profoundly emphasizes financial capacity and practical means. It is a divine principle demonstrating that obligations should not exceed one's ability.
  • הַנֹּדֵר (hannōdēr): "The one who vows." While the verse previously spoke of "he" (the person valued), this phrase specifies the person whose vow-paying ability is in question, clarifying the context of personal financial means.

• "if he is poorer than your valuation": This phrase highlights God's foresight and mercy. The Law anticipates potential hardship and does not rigidly enforce a burden that would crush an individual. It implies that God is concerned not only with the letter of the law but also with the spirit of justice and compassion, preventing punitive outcomes for the less fortunate who sought to honor Him.
• "presented before the priest" and "the priest shall value him according to his ability to pay": These phrases together reveal the practical application of divine grace. The priest serves as the authorized agent of God, not merely a legal clerk, but one empowered to apply discernment and compassion within the framework of the law. This emphasizes the personal, relational aspect of God's dealings with His people, ensuring that fulfilling a sacred vow becomes an act of worship and not a source of unbearable debt or despair. It showcases God's commitment to equity, adapting divine requirements to human capacity when conditions warrant.

Leviticus 27 8 Bonus section

• This provision underscores that God desires a willing heart and genuine devotion from His people, rather than placing impossible burdens that might lead to spiritual or material ruin. It teaches that the Lord's commands are given for the well-being of His covenant people.
• The rule serves as a divine safeguard against legalism and an overly rigid interpretation of religious obligations, ensuring that God's law did not inadvertently create oppression or injustice, particularly for the economically vulnerable.
• The role of the priest here foreshadows the mediatorial work that requires both adherence to truth and compassionate application of grace, ultimately pointing to Christ, our great High Priest, who perfectly understands our limitations and makes provision for us.
• The principle embedded in this verse speaks against any system, religious or otherwise, that would demand beyond what a person is truly able to give or perform, maintaining a balance between divine expectation and human capacity.

Leviticus 27 8 Commentary

Leviticus 27:8 beautifully illustrates the character of God within the legal framework of the Old Covenant: perfectly just, yet abundantly merciful. While preceding verses meticulously lay out fixed redemption prices for dedicated persons, this verse provides a critical tempering clause, ensuring that sincerity of devotion is prioritized over a strict, unforgiving financial obligation. It demonstrates that the Lord, who commanded solemn vows, also understood the economic realities and struggles of His people. The divine provision of re-valuation by the priest based on a person's actual ability to pay is a profound act of compassion. It prevented a well-intentioned vow from becoming an overwhelming financial burden or leading to a person's destitution. The priest, acting as God's representative, was not to exact the letter of the law arbitrarily, but to exercise wisdom and empathy in applying God's merciful intent. This principle of giving or fulfilling according to one's means is echoed centuries later in the New Covenant, emphasizing God's delight in willingness and proportion rather than uniform, burdensome requirements (2 Cor 8:12).