Leviticus 27:2
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The text highlights that a "singular vow" specifically concerns persons, not just things, making it a profound commitment to dedicate a life or family member to the Lord's service. This wasn't about offering an animal, but a person, and the complexity lay in valuing that individual's life for redemption or service.
“Speak to the people of Israel and say to them, If anyone makes a special vow to the LORD involving the valuation of persons,
English Standard Version (ESV)
This chapter opens a discussion about specific vows made to God, particularly those involving people. It explains how individuals could dedicate themselves or family members to the Lord's service, clarifying that such vows required a monetary valuation for redemption, setting the stage for the specific rates that follow.
Have you ever felt an overwhelming urge to dedicate something special to God, not out of obligation, but out of pure, fervent love?
The verse speaks of a 'singular vow.' This isn't just any promise; it's described as 'unusual,' 'uncommon,' or even 'wonderful.' It signifies a dedication that stands out, a special consecration prompted by deep zeal or gratitude. Think of it as a 'wow' moment with God, where you feel compelled to give something extraordinary back to Him. This could be a person, an animal, or property, set apart exclusively for the Lord's use. It highlights that our relationship with God can inspire acts of devotion that go beyond the ordinary requirements.
What happens when the 'gift' to God is a person – yourself or someone else?
This is where Leviticus 27:2 gets really interesting. When a person was vowed to the Lord, it wasn't usually a one-way ticket to perpetual servitude. Instead, the verse introduces the concept of 'valuation.' It means that a monetary value was assigned to the person. This allowed for redemption – the person could be bought back by paying this assessed value to the sanctuary. This system recognized the inherent value of human life and offered a pathway for release, while still honoring the initial sacred vow. The 'estimation' or 'valuation' was a practical way to manage these profound dedications.
Understand the original words
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neder · Hebrew Noun
A solemn, voluntary promise or oath made to God, often involving the dedication of a person, animal, or property to His service or as a freewill offering. It signifies the individual's desire to express gratitude, devotion, or dedication to the Lord.
erkecha · Hebrew Noun
The act of determining the monetary equivalent of something dedicated to the Lord for the purpose of redeeming it or fulfilling a vow. It reflects the concept that all persons and things belong to God, and their substitution requires an established standard of value.
This passage describes a similar concept of making a 'special vow' (or 'separation vow'), highlighting the deliberate and distinct commitment involved when dedicating oneself or something to the Lord.
1 Samuel 1:11Hannah's prayer for a son and her vow to dedicate him to the Lord's service provides a powerful human example of the 'special vow' concerning a person mentioned in Leviticus.
Psalm 76:11This verse speaks to the practice of making vows to the Lord and fulfilling them, underscoring the seriousness and obligation inherent in such solemn promises to God.
Matthew 5:33Jesus addresses the misuse and casual making of oaths and vows, reinforcing the principle that what is spoken to the Lord should be taken with utmost seriousness and intent to fulfill.
gillLeviticus 27:2: "Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, When a man shall make a singular vow, the persons shall be for the LORD by thy estimation."
Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them,.... This being an affair which only concerned them; for the Jewish writers say (h), by this phrase, the children of Israel, Gentiles are excluded: when a man shall make a singular vow; an unusual, an uncommon one, a very distinguished one, and even what is wonderful, as the word si…
pulpitLeviticus 27:2: "Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, When a man shall make a singular vow, the persons shall be for the LORD by thy estimation."
Verse 2. - When a man shall make a singular vow, - literally, when a man shall separate a vow, that is, make a special vow (see Numbers 6:2) - the persons shall be for the Lord by thy estimation; that is, when a man has vowed himself or another person to the Lord, the priest shall declare the amount at which the person vowed is to be…
The text highlights that a "singular vow" specifically concerns persons, not just things, making it a profound commitment to dedicate a life or family member to the Lord's service. This wasn't about offering an animal, but a person, and the complexity lay in valuing that individual's life for redemption or service.
This chapter opens a discussion about specific vows made to God, particularly those involving people. It explains how individuals could dedicate themselves or family members to the Lord's service, clarifying that such vows required a monetary valuation for redemption, setting the stage for the specific rates that follow.
This chapter opens a discussion about specific vows made to God, particularly those involving people. It explains how individuals could dedicate themselves or family members to the Lord's service, clarifying that such vows required a monetary valuation for redemption, setting the stage for the specific rates that follow.
"“Speak to the people of Israel and say to them, If anyone makes a special vow to the LORD involving the valuation of persons," — The text highlights that a "singular vow" specifically concerns persons, not just things, making it a profound commitment to dedicate a life or family member to the Lord's service. This wasn't abou…
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Last reviewed October 2026
