Leviticus 27:3-4
then the valuation of a male from twenty years old up to sixty years old shall be fifty shekels of silver, according to the shekel of the sanctuary. If the person is a female, the valuation shall be thirty shekels.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
This verse reveals a fascinating valuation system based on an individual's prime of life and ability to serve. The "shekel of the sanctuary" standard signifies that this isn't just a personal offer, but a sacred assessment meant to be consistent for everyone, regardless of their personal wealth.
This chapter deals with how to handle vows made to God, specifically concerning the valuation of people, animals, or property dedicated to Him. After discussing the valuation of males, this verse lays out a fixed price for men in their prime working years, from twenty to sixty, setting a standard to prevent arbitrary or inflated personal valuations. This established rate ensures a consistent value is placed on individuals dedicated to God's service, regardless of their personal wealth.
Ever wondered how much a person is 'worth'? This ancient text gives a surprising answer, not based on wealth or status, but on something more fundamental.
The Peak of Productivity
Leviticus 27 lays out a system for people who vowed to dedicate themselves or others to the Lord. Instead of literal lifelong service for everyone, a redemption price was set. For a man in his prime – defined here as ages 20 to 60 – the value was fixed at fifty shekels of silver.
Why This Age Range?
This wasn't arbitrary. This period represents the peak of human strength, labor, and potential contribution. Whether for physical work, military service, or societal roles, these years were considered the most valuable in terms of practical output. The price reflects this peak capacity, not the individual's personal wealth or social standing.
What happens when a vow involves someone's 'worth'? This passage insists on a single price, challenging our ideas about fairness.
The Sanctuary's Standard
The text is clear: the fifty shekels were the standard for any man between twenty and sixty. This price applied regardless of whether the person was a king or a pauper, a respected elder or a young adult starting out.
Equality in Redemption
This valuation, determined by the 'shekel of the sanctuary,' ensured a consistent and fair measure. It meant that the community understood the inherent value God placed on a person's productive years. It wasn't about what someone could pay, but what their designated value was according to God's standard, ensuring that everyone, regardless of their economic status, had a clear and equitable way to redeem a vow.
Understand the original words
sheqel · Hebrew Noun
A unit of weight used as the standard currency in ancient Israel. In a religious context, the 'shekel of the sanctuary' refers to a standardized, official weight maintained by the priests to ensure fairness and integrity in tithes, offerings, and vows.
This passage specifies the standard 'shekel of the sanctuary' that was used for the census tax, highlighting the consistent value and importance of this unit of currency within Israelite society.
Numbers 18:16Similar to Leviticus, this verse establishes a redemption price for the firstborn, demonstrating the principle of assigning a fixed monetary value to individuals dedicated to God.
1 Corinthians 6:20While Leviticus deals with monetary valuation, Paul speaks of believers being 'bought with a price,' emphasizing that our true value and belonging are established by Christ's sacrifice, a far greater redemption.
Matthew 27:3-10This passage details Judas returning the 'thirty pieces of silver' after betraying Jesus. While the amount differs, it underscores the concept of human life being valued and tragically appraised, contrasting with God's own valuation.
ellicottLeviticus 27:3: "And thy estimation shall be of the male from twenty years old even unto sixty years old, even thy estimation shall be fifty shekels of silver, after the shekel of the sanctuary."
(3) And thy estimation shall be of the male. —Better, Then thy estimation of the male shall be ( as follows ) . From twenty years old even unto sixty years old.—The estimation not only begins with the male, who is the most important person, but takes special notice of his age. The years here specified…
pulpitLeviticus 27:3: "And thy estimation shall be of the male from twenty years old even unto sixty years old, even thy estimation shall be fifty shekels of silver, after the shekel of the sanctuary."
Verses 3-7. - The sum at which a man between twenty and sixty years of age was to be redeemed was fifty shekels, equal to £6 9s. 2d.; a woman, thirty shekels, or £3 17s. 6d.; a youth between five and twenty years of age, twenty shekels, or £2 11s. 8d.; a maiden between the same ages, ten shekels, or £1…
This verse reveals a fascinating valuation system based on an individual's prime of life and ability to serve. The "shekel of the sanctuary" standard signifies that this isn't just a personal offer, but a sacred assessment meant to be consistent for everyone, regardless of their personal wealth.
This chapter deals with how to handle vows made to God, specifically concerning the valuation of people, animals, or property dedicated to Him. After discussing the valuation of males, this verse lays out a fixed price for men in their prime working years, from twenty to sixty, setting a standard to prevent arbitrary or inflated personal valuations. This established rate ensures a consistent value is placed on individuals dedicated to God's service, regardless of their personal wealth.
This chapter deals with how to handle vows made to God, specifically concerning the valuation of people, animals, or property dedicated to Him. After discussing the valuation of males, this verse lays out a fixed price for men in their prime working years, from twenty to sixty, setting a standard to prevent arbitrary or inflated personal valuations. This established rate ensures a consistent value is placed on individuals dedicated to God's service, regardless of their personal wealth.
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Ask a follow-up
Ask Sola things like:
Live chat about Leviticus 27:3-4 is available in the Sola app.
"then the valuation of a male from twenty years old up to sixty years old shall be fifty shekels of silver, according to the shekel of the sanctuary. If the person is a female, the valuation shall be thirty shekels." — This verse reveals a fascinating valuation system based on an individual's prime of life and ability to serve. The "shekel of the sanctuary" standard signifies that this isn't just a personal offer,…
