What does Leviticus 27:5 mean?
"And if it be from five years old even unto twenty years old, then thy estimation shall be of the male twenty shekels, and for the female ten shekels." - Leviticus 27:5

Leviticus 27:5 (KJV) states, "And if it be from five years old even unto twenty years old, then thy estimation shall be of the male twenty shekels, and for the female ten shekels."
The book of Leviticus is the third book of the Bible and is attributed to Moses. It is part of the Pentateuch, the first five books of the Bible which are considered the Torah in Judaism. Leviticus is primarily concerned with laws and regulations for the Israelites, particularly with regard to rituals, sacrifices, and moral conduct. Chapter 27 specifically deals with the laws governing the redemption of vows and dedicated possessions to the Lord.
In verse 5, the text indicates that if the person making the vow is between the ages of five and twenty years old, the value of the vow is to be assessed at twenty shekels for a male and ten shekels for a female. This verse is embedded in a larger context of the value of different individuals’ vows and dedications to the Lord, and how these values must be redeemed according to the requirements of the law.
One of the themes present in this verse is the concept of redemption and the worth of a vow or a dedicated object to the Lord. It highlights the idea that different individuals or items may have different values in the eyes of the Lord, and thus must be redeemed accordingly. This theme speaks to the concept of personal responsibility and commitment to one’s promises and obligations. It also emphasizes the importance of recognizing and redeeming the value of one’s offering to the Lord, highlighting the sanctity and significance of vow-making and dedication.
The context of this verse is rooted in the ancient Israelite culture and the religious practices and beliefs of the time. The concept of offering and redeeming vows and dedicated possessions was a central aspect of the Israelite religious life. This verse reflects the meticulous and intricate system of laws and regulations that governed the Israelites’ relationship with God, as well as their interactions with one another. It also underscores the importance of fairness and equity in the assessment of the value of different offerings, regardless of gender or age.
Symbolically, this verse can be interpreted as a representation of the worth and value of individuals in the eyes of God. The distinction between the value of a male and a female, and the difference in value based on age, serves as a reminder of the individuality and uniqueness of each person in the eyes of the divine. It also reflects the divine principle of equity and fairness, emphasizing that all individuals are equally valued and cherished by God, regardless of their gender or age.
Furthermore, this verse can be seen as a reflection of the concept of maturation and growth. The age range specified in the verse (five to twenty years old) encapsulates the period of transition from childhood to adulthood. This could symbolize the journey of spiritual growth and development, as individuals mature in their faith and understanding of their relationship with God. The different values assigned to males and females within this age range may also point to the unique roles and responsibilities that each gender carries within the community, as well as the varying ways in which individuals contribute to the spiritual life of the community.
In conclusion, Leviticus 27:5 from the King James Version of the Bible carries rich thematic, contextual, and symbolic significance. It sheds light on the themes of redemption, personal responsibility, and the value of individuals in the eyes of God. The verse also provides insight into the religious and cultural context of ancient Israel, and the symbolic significance of gender and age in the eyes of the divine. Overall, this verse serves as a reminder of the sanctity and significance of one’s commitments to God, and the individual value that each person holds within the divine order.
Have questions about Leviticus 27:5?
Dive deeper into this scripture with Bible Chat — an AI-powered tool for exploring God's Word through conversation. Ask questions, get context, and grow in your understanding of the Bible.
Get Our Apps
Leviticus 27:5 Artwork
Leviticus 27:5 - "And if it be from five years old even unto twenty years old, then thy estimation shall be of the male twenty shekels, and for the female ten shekels."
"And if it be from five years old even unto twenty years old, then thy estimation shall be of the male twenty shekels, and for the female ten shekels." - Leviticus 27:5
"And if it be from five years old even unto twenty years old, then thy estimation shall be of the male twenty shekels, and for the female ten shekels." - Leviticus 27:5
Leviticus 27
Leviticus 27
Leviticus 27
Leviticus 27:1 - "And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,"
Leviticus 27:4 - "And if it be a female, then thy estimation shall be thirty shekels."
Leviticus 27:27 - "And if it be of an unclean beast, then he shall redeem it according to thine estimation, and shall add a fifth part of it thereto: or if it be not redeemed, then it shall be sold according to thy estimation."
Leviticus 26:27 - "And if ye will not for all this hearken unto me, but walk contrary unto me;"
Leviticus 27:34 - "These are the commandments, which the LORD commanded Moses for the children of Israel in mount Sinai."
Leviticus 27:25 - "And all thy estimations shall be according to the shekel of the sanctuary: twenty gerahs shall be the shekel."
Leviticus 27:13 - "But if he will at all redeem it, then he shall add a fifth part thereof unto thy estimation."
Leviticus 27:30 - "And all the tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land, or of the fruit of the tree, is the LORD'S: it is holy unto the LORD."
Leviticus 27:17 - "If he sanctify his field from the year of jubile, according to thy estimation it shall stand."
Leviticus 18:27 - "(For all these abominations have the men of the land done, which were before you, and the land is defiled;)"
"And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying," - Leviticus 27:1
Leviticus 27:31 - "And if a man will at all redeem ought of his tithes, he shall add thereto the fifth part thereof."
Leviticus 27:12 - "And the priest shall value it, whether it be good or bad: as thou valuest it, who art the priest, so shall it be."
Leviticus 27:20 - "And if he will not redeem the field, or if he have sold the field to another man, it shall not be redeemed any more."
Leviticus 19:27 - "Ye shall not round the corners of your heads, neither shalt thou mar the corners of thy beard."
Leviticus 27:22 - "And if a man sanctify unto the LORD a field which he hath bought, which is not of the fields of his possession;"
Genesis 27:5
Leviticus 27:7 - "And if it be from sixty years old and above; if it be a male, then thy estimation shall be fifteen shekels, and for the female ten shekels."
Leviticus 27:32 - "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 27:26 - "¶ Only the firstling of the beasts, which should be the LORD'S firstling, no man shall sanctify it; whether it be ox, or sheep: it is the LORD'S."
"And if it be a female, then thy estimation shall be thirty shekels." - Leviticus 27:4
Leviticus 5:14 - "¶ And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,"
Leviticus 27:21 - "But the field, when it goeth out in the jubile, shall be holy unto the LORD, as a field devoted; the possession thereof shall be the priest's."
Leviticus 14:27 - "And the priest shall sprinkle with his right finger some of the oil that is in his left hand seven times before the LORD:"