Leviticus 27 Summary

The LORD instructs Moses on the laws governing singular vows, establishing a tiered scale of monetary valuations for persons dedicated to the LORD based on age and sex, with provision for the poor to be assessed by the priest according to their means. Regulations are then given for the dedication and redemption of animals, houses, and fields, specifying that a fifth part must be added to the priest's valuation whenever a dedicated item is redeemed by its owner, and that fields not redeemed pass permanently to the priests at the jubilee. The chapter further distinguishes devoted things—which are irrevocable and most holy, not to be sold or redeemed—from ordinary vows, and affirms that firstlings already belong to the LORD and cannot be additionally dedicated. Finally, the tithe of the land and of the herd or flock is declared holy to the LORD, with the stipulation that any redemption of tithes requires adding a fifth part, and that animal tithes may not be selected or exchanged. The chapter closes with a colophon identifying these as the commandments given by the LORD to Moses for Israel at Mount Sinai.