Leviticus 27:31
Leviticus 27:31 in Multiple Translations
If a man wishes to redeem part of his tithe, he must add a fifth to its value.
And if a man will at all redeem ought of his tithes, he shall add thereto the fifth part thereof.
And if a man will redeem aught of his tithe, he shall add unto it the fifth part thereof.
And if a man has a desire to get back any of the tenth part which he has given, let him give a fifth more.
If you want to buy back some of your tithe, you must add on one-fifth to its value.
But if a man will redeeme any of his tithe, he shall adde the fift part thereto.
'And if a man really redeem [any] of his tithe, its fifth he addeth to it.
If a man redeems anything of his tithe, he shall add a fifth part to it.
And if a man will at all redeem aught of his tithes, he shall add to it the fifth part of it.
And if any man will redeem his tithes, he shall add the fifth part of them.
If anyone wants to buy back any of that tenth, he must pay to the priest what it is worth plus an additional 20 percent.
Berean Amplified Bible — Leviticus 27:31
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Leviticus 27:31 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/אִם
גָּאֹ֥ל
יִגְאַ֛ל
אִ֖ישׁ
מִ/מַּֽעַשְׂר֑/וֹ
חֲמִשִׁית֖/וֹ
יֹסֵ֥ף
עָלָֽי/ו
וְ/אִם
ʼim
H518
if
Conj | Conj
גָּאֹ֥ל
gâʼal
H1350
to redeem
V-Qal-Ptc
יִגְאַ֛ל
gâʼal
H1350
to redeem
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
אִ֖ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
N-ms
מִ/מַּֽעַשְׂר֑/וֹ
maʻăsêr
H4643
tithe
Prep | N-ms | Suff
חֲמִשִׁית֖/וֹ
chămîyshîy
H2549
fifth
N-fs | Suff
יֹסֵ֥ף
yâçaph
H3254
to add
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms
עָלָֽי/ו
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Leviticus 27:31
וְ/אִם
ʼim
H518
"if"
Conj | Conj
This Hebrew word is used to express conditions or questions, like if or whether. It can also be used to make oaths or express wishes, as in Oh that! It appears in various forms in the KJV, including if, though, and when.
Definition: : if/whether_or/though 1) if 1a) conditional clauses 1a1) of possible situations 1a2) of impossible situations 1b) oath contexts 1b1) no, not 1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or 1d) when, whenever 1e) since 1f) interrogative particle 1g) but rather
Usage: Occurs in 931 OT verses. KJV: (and, can-, doubtless, if, that) (not), [phrase] but, either, [phrase] except, [phrase] more(-over if, than), neither, nevertheless, nor, oh that, or, [phrase] save (only, -ing), seeing, since, sith, [phrase] surely (no more, none, not), though, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] unless, [phrase] verily, when, whereas, whether, while, [phrase] yet. See also: Genesis 4:7; Exodus 22:3; Leviticus 27:27.
גָּאֹ֥ל
gâʼal
H1350
"to redeem"
V-Qal-Ptc
This Hebrew word means redemption, describing the act of a kinsman buying back a relative's property or marrying their widow, as seen in the story of Boaz in Ruth.
Definition: : redeem 1) to redeem, act as kinsman-redeemer, avenge, revenge, ransom, do the part of a kinsman 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to act as kinsman, do the part of next of kin, act as kinsman-redeemer 1a1a) by marrying brother's widow to beget a child for him, to redeem from slavery, to redeem land, to exact vengeance 1a2) to redeem (by payment) 1a3) to redeem (with God as subject) 1a3a) individuals from death 1a3b) Israel from Egyptian bondage 1a3c) Israel from exile 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to redeem oneself 1b2) to be redeemed
Usage: Occurs in 84 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] in any wise, [idiom] at all, avenger, deliver, (do, perform the part of near, next) kinsfolk(-man), purchase, ransom, redeem(-er), revenger. See also: Genesis 48:16; Job 3:5; Psalms 19:15.
יִגְאַ֛ל
gâʼal
H1350
"to redeem"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means redemption, describing the act of a kinsman buying back a relative's property or marrying their widow, as seen in the story of Boaz in Ruth.
Definition: : redeem 1) to redeem, act as kinsman-redeemer, avenge, revenge, ransom, do the part of a kinsman 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to act as kinsman, do the part of next of kin, act as kinsman-redeemer 1a1a) by marrying brother's widow to beget a child for him, to redeem from slavery, to redeem land, to exact vengeance 1a2) to redeem (by payment) 1a3) to redeem (with God as subject) 1a3a) individuals from death 1a3b) Israel from Egyptian bondage 1a3c) Israel from exile 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to redeem oneself 1b2) to be redeemed
Usage: Occurs in 84 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] in any wise, [idiom] at all, avenger, deliver, (do, perform the part of near, next) kinsfolk(-man), purchase, ransom, redeem(-er), revenger. See also: Genesis 48:16; Job 3:5; Psalms 19:15.
אִ֖ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
מִ/מַּֽעַשְׂר֑/וֹ
maʻăsêr
H4643
"tithe"
Prep | N-ms | Suff
Maaser means a tithe, or a tenth part, often referring to a payment of a tenth of one's income. It is mentioned in the Bible as a way to support the Levites and the poor.
Definition: 1) tithe, tenth part 1a) tenth part 1b) tithe, payment of a tenth part
Usage: Occurs in 27 OT verses. KJV: tenth (part), tithe(-ing). See also: Genesis 14:20; Deuteronomy 26:12; Malachi 3:10.
חֲמִשִׁית֖/וֹ
chămîyshîy
H2549
"fifth"
N-fs | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means fifth, referring to something in the fifth position. It appears in Exodus 20:12, where honoring parents is the fifth commandment. This word is used to show order and sequence.
Definition: ordinal number, 5th
Usage: Occurs in 44 OT verses. KJV: fifth (part). See also: Genesis 1:23; 1 Chronicles 2:14; Jeremiah 1:3.
יֹסֵ֥ף
yâçaph
H3254
"to add"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms
To add means to increase or do something again, like adding more of something or continuing an action. This word is used in the Bible to describe growth or repetition.
Definition: : add/more[amount] 1) to add, increase, do again 1a) (Qal) to add, increase, do again 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to join, join oneself to 1b2) to be joined, be added to 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to add, increase 1c2) to do more, do again
Usage: Occurs in 205 OT verses. KJV: add, [idiom] again, [idiom] any more, [idiom] cease, [idiom] come more, [phrase] conceive again, continue, exceed, [idiom] further, [idiom] gather together, get more, give more-over, [idiom] henceforth, increase (more and more), join, [idiom] longer (bring, do, make, much, put), [idiom] (the, much, yet) more (and more), proceed (further), prolong, put, be (strong-) er, [idiom] yet, yield. See also: Genesis 4:2; 2 Samuel 19:14; Psalms 10:18.
עָלָֽי/ו
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
Study Notes — Leviticus 27:31
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — Instruction on Tithes
29No person set apart for destruction may be ransomed; he must surely be put to death.
30Thus any tithe from the land, whether from the seed of the land or the fruit of the trees, belongs to the LORD; it is holy to the LORD.
31If a man wishes to redeem part of his tithe, he must add a fifth to its value.
32Every tenth animal from the herd or flock that passes under the shepherd’s rod will be holy to the LORD. 33He must not inspect whether it is good or bad, and he shall not make any substitution. But if he does make a substitution, both the animal and its substitute shall become holy; they cannot be redeemed.’”Leviticus 27:31 Summary
[Leviticus 27:31 teaches us that if someone wants to buy back a portion of their tithe, they must add a fifth to its value. This verse is about being faithful in our giving to God and trusting that He will provide for our needs (Matthew 6:33). It reminds us that everything we have belongs to God (Psalm 24:1), and our giving is a way of showing our love and gratitude to Him. By giving to God, we are not just fulfilling a duty, but also demonstrating our trust in His provision and care for us.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to redeem part of a tithe in Leviticus 27:31?
To redeem part of a tithe means to buy back a portion of what was given to the Lord, and according to this verse, a person must add a fifth to its value, as seen in Leviticus 27:31, similar to the concept of restoring something to its original state, as mentioned in Leviticus 6:5.
Why was it necessary to add a fifth to the value of the tithe?
The addition of a fifth to the value of the tithe served as a penalty for not giving the full amount initially, teaching the importance of giving to God with a willing heart, as seen in 2 Corinthians 9:7.
Is the concept of tithing still relevant today?
While the specific laws regarding tithing in Leviticus 27:31 were given to the Israelites, the principle of giving a portion of our income to God is still relevant, as seen in Malachi 3:10 and supported by New Testament teachings, such as 2 Corinthians 9:6-11.
How does this verse relate to our relationship with God?
This verse highlights the importance of giving to God and being faithful in our stewardship, as He is the owner of all we have, as stated in Psalm 24:1, and our giving is a reflection of our trust and obedience to Him, as seen in Matthew 6:21.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I can apply the principle of giving to God, and how can I ensure that I am giving with a willing heart?
- In what ways can I prioritize my giving to God, and how can I make sure that I am not withholding from Him?
- How can I balance the desire to give to God with the need to provide for my own family and needs?
- What does it mean to 'add a fifth' to my giving, and how can I apply this concept to my own life, not just financially, but also in terms of my time and talents?
Gill's Exposition on Leviticus 27:31
And if a man, will redeem [ought] of his tithes,.... Of his own, and not his neighbour's, as Jarchi observes; for if he redeemed the tithes of his neighbour, but did not add a fifth part, which he
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Leviticus 27:31
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. All the tithe of the land.
Ellicott's Commentary on Leviticus 27:31
(31) And if a man will at all redeem.—Better And if a man wishes to redeem. (See Leviticus 27:13; Leviticus 27:19) Though a man may not vow tithes, being already the Lord’s, yet if he wishes he may redeem them by adding one-fifth to the actual value of them. According to the authorities during the second Temple, anyone was allowed to redeem the tithes due from another person by paying the exact value for them, without the addition of the fifth part. The tithes could then be eaten in any place, but the redemption money had to be taken to Jerusalem, where it was spent in sociable feasts, to which the Levite, the stranger, and the poor were invited.
Cambridge Bible on Leviticus 27:31
30–33. Laws concerning tithes A distinction is here made between the tithe on the yield of the land or of fruit trees, and that on animals. The former according to this passage may be redeemed on payment of 1 1/5th of the estimation. In Numbers 18:21-24 there is no such permission given. See McNeile (C.B.) there for comparison of the two passages. The tithe on cattle here imposed is, as he points out, a fresh demand, found nowhere else in O.T. except 2 Chronicles 31:6.