Leviticus 27:6
If the person is from a month old up to five years old, the valuation shall be for a male five shekels of silver, and for a female the valuation shall be three shekels of silver.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Even at these very young ages, the value placed on a male child is notably higher than a female. This distinction, rooted in ancient societal views of worth and potential, shows how deeply ingrained these perceptions were, even in sacred law.
This chapter, Leviticus 27, deals with how people should fulfill vows they make to God, specifically concerning the valuation of persons, animals, or property dedicated to the sanctuary. Following guidelines for adult males and females, this section addresses the unique situation of very young children, explaining the monetary redemption value for males and females under five years old if they are vowed to the Lord's service. The valuation here is the lowest prescribed in the chapter, acknowledging the limited capacity and service of infants and toddlers.
Ever wondered how God views the littlest among us? This passage reveals a surprising tenderness and value placed on infants, even within the system of Temple service.
Leviticus 27 outlines how people could dedicate themselves or others to God's service, often involving a financial valuation to be paid to the sanctuary. This specific verse, however, focuses on children from one month to five years old.
A Tender Age
God's law here shows a care for the very young. Children this age, while not yet able to serve actively, were still recognized as belonging to God. The valuation system ensured that even the most vulnerable in society had a defined place and worth in God's economy.
Distinct Valuations
The difference in valuation—five shekels for a male and three for a female—reflects ancient cultural views, where males were often considered to have greater potential for future service or economic contribution. Yet, even the lower valuation for a female represents a significant amount, underscoring that every life, regardless of gender, had a recognized value in God's sight.
What does it mean to 'dedicate' someone to God? This verse touches on the practical implications of such vows in ancient Israel.
In Leviticus 27, the concept of a vow often involved a pledge to God that required a redemption price. For children, this wasn't about buying their way out of service, but rather about acknowledging their belonging to God and providing resources for the sanctuary's upkeep.
Acknowledging Belonging
When a parent vowed their child, it was a profound statement of faith, recognizing that the child was a gift from God and ultimately belonged to Him. The payment was a tangible way to live out that dedication, even if the child didn't serve directly in the Tabernacle at such a young age.
Practicality and Value
The silver shekels represented a real monetary value. This system ensured that vows had substance and contributed practically to the maintenance and ministry of the sanctuary. It was a way to infuse daily life and family commitments with a sacred purpose, connecting ordinary resources to divine service.
Understand the original words
sheqel · Hebrew Noun
A standard unit of weight, often used for silver or gold, serving as the primary currency or monetary value in the ancient Near East and Old Testament.
This passage establishes the sign of the covenant for males at eight days old, showing God's early concern for valuing and marking individuals from infancy.
1 Samuel 1:28Hannah dedicates her son Samuel to the Lord's service from his birth, illustrating the concept of giving children to God's work, which is further elaborated in Leviticus 27.
Luke 2:22-24This passage describes Mary and Joseph presenting the infant Jesus at the Temple and offering the prescribed sacrifice for redemption, mirroring the practice of valuation and dedication described in Leviticus 27.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20Paul's teaching that believers' bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit and are bought with a price echoes the idea of valuing and dedicating oneself, or in this case one's children, to God.
gillLeviticus 27:6: "And if it be from a month old even unto five years old, then thy estimation shall be of the male five shekels of silver, and for the female thy estimation shall be three shekels of silver."
And if it be from a month old even unto five years old,.... That is, if a man devotes his child to the Lord within such an age, and says, the estimation of this my son or my daughter be upon me, then he was to pay the value, as next directed; for one under a month old no estimation was to be…
pooleLeviticus 27:6: "And if it be from a month old even unto five years old, then thy estimation shall be of the male five shekels of silver, and for the female thy estimation shall be three shekels of silver."
No text from Poole on this verse.
Even at these very young ages, the value placed on a male child is notably higher than a female. This distinction, rooted in ancient societal views of worth and potential, shows how deeply ingrained these perceptions were, even in sacred law.
This chapter, Leviticus 27, deals with how people should fulfill vows they make to God, specifically concerning the valuation of persons, animals, or property dedicated to the sanctuary. Following guidelines for adult males and females, this section addresses the unique situation of very young children, explaining the monetary redemption value for males and females under five years old if they are vowed to the Lord's service. The valuation here is the lowest prescribed in the chapter, acknowledging the limited capacity and service of infants and toddlers.
This chapter, Leviticus 27, deals with how people should fulfill vows they make to God, specifically concerning the valuation of persons, animals, or property dedicated to the sanctuary. Following guidelines for adult males and females, this section addresses the unique situation of very young children, explaining the monetary redemption value for males and females under five years old if they are vowed to the Lord's service. The valuation here is the lowest prescribed in the chapter, acknowledging the limited capacity and service of infants and toddlers.
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"If the person is from a month old up to five years old, the valuation shall be for a male five shekels of silver, and for a female the valuation shall be three shekels of silver." — Even at these very young ages, the value placed on a male child is notably higher than a female. This distinction, rooted in ancient societal views of worth and potential, shows how deeply ingrained…
