Leviticus 27:9-15

Why can some vowed things be redeemed while others cannot simply be exchanged?

Berean Standard Bible

9 If he vows an animal that may be brought as an offering to the LORD, any such animal given to the LORD shall be holy. 10 He must not replace it or exchange it, either good for bad or bad for good. But if he does substitute one animal for another, both that animal and its substitute will be holy. 11 But if the vow involves any of the unclean animals that may not be brought as an offering to the LORD, the animal must be presented before the priest. 12 The priest shall set its value, whether high or low; as the priest values it, the price will be set. 13 If, however, the owner decides to redeem the animal, he must add a fifth to its value. 14 Now if a man consecrates his house as holy to the LORD, then the priest shall value it either as good or bad. The price will stand just as the priest values it. 15 But if he who consecrated his house redeems it, he must add a fifth to the assessed value, and it will belong to him.

What is the context?

An animal suitable for an offering becomes holy when given to the Lord. A replacement does not undo the dedication: both the original and substitute become holy. An animal that cannot be offered is assessed by the priest.

The owner may redeem that assessed animal by adding a fifth. A consecrated house is likewise assessed, and its owner may recover it with the added fifth. The text distinguishes kinds of property rather than allowing every promise to be withdrawn in the same way.

How is this passage commonly understood?

Wesley reads the substitution rule as protecting the seriousness of a dedication and preventing abuse through exchanging what was promised. The valuations provide an ordered way to deal with things not handled as altar sacrifices. This keeps the donor’s later preference from becoming the sole rule.

What is our position?

We don't have a position on this passage yet. When our study reaches a conclusion the text supports, it will appear here.

Where can I study this further?

No deeper study linked yet.

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