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Leviticus 27:4

Leviticus 27:4 in Multiple Translations

Or if it is a female, then your valuation shall be thirty shekels.

And if it be a female, then thy estimation shall be thirty shekels.

And if it be a female, then thy estimation shall be thirty shekels.

And if it is a female, the value will be thirty shekels.

The value of a woman is thirty shekels.

But if it be a female, then thy valuation shall be thirtie shekels.

And if it [is] a female — then hath thy valuation been thirty shekels;

If she is a female, then your valuation shall be thirty shekels.

And if it shall be a female, then thy estimation shall be thirty shekels.

If a woman, thirty.

30 pieces of silver for adult women who are between 20 and 60 years old,

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Berean Amplified Bible — Leviticus 27:4

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 27:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וְ/אִם נְקֵבָ֖ה הִ֑וא וְ/הָיָ֥ה עֶרְכְּ/ךָ֖ שְׁלֹשִׁ֥ים שָֽׁקֶל
וְ/אִם ʼim H518 if Conj | Conj
נְקֵבָ֖ה nᵉqêbâh H5347 female N-fs
הִ֑וא hûwʼ H1931 he/she/it Pron
וְ/הָיָ֥ה hâyâh H1961 to be Conj | V-Qal-3ms
עֶרְכְּ/ךָ֖ ʻêrek H6187 valuation N-ms | Suff
שְׁלֹשִׁ֥ים shᵉlôwshîym H7970 thirty Adj
שָֽׁקֶל sheqel H8255 shekel N-ms
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Leviticus 27:4

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.
נְקֵבָ֖ה nᵉqêbâh H5347 "female" N-fs
This Hebrew word means female, referring to a woman, girl, or female animal. It is used in various books, including Genesis and Leviticus, to describe the female sex.
Definition: 1) female 1a) woman, female child 1b) female animal
Usage: Occurs in 22 OT verses. KJV: female. See also: Genesis 1:27; Leviticus 12:5; Jeremiah 31:22.
הִ֑וא hûwʼ H1931 "he/she/it" Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.
Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)
Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.
וְ/הָיָ֥ה hâyâh H1961 "to be" Conj | V-Qal-3ms
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
עֶרְכְּ/ךָ֖ ʻêrek H6187 "valuation" N-ms | Suff
This word refers to a valuation or estimate of something's worth. It is used to describe the price or proportion of something, like the valuation of goods in Ezekiel 40.
Definition: 1) order, row, estimate, things that are set in order, layer, pile 1a) order, row 1b) estimate, valuation Aramaic equivalent: ar.ka (אַרְכָֿא "lengthening" H0754)
Usage: Occurs in 29 OT verses. KJV: equal, estimation, (things that are set in) order, price, proportion, [idiom] set at, suit, taxation, [idiom] valuest. See also: Exodus 40:4; Leviticus 27:15; Psalms 55:14.
שְׁלֹשִׁ֥ים shᵉlôwshîym H7970 "thirty" Adj
Thirty is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which can also be used as an ordinal to describe something as thirtieth. It is used to count quantities in the Bible.
Definition: thirty, thirtieth Aramaic equivalent: te.la.tin (תְּלָתִין "thirty" H8533)
Usage: Occurs in 163 OT verses. KJV: thirty, thirtieth. Compare H7991 (שָׁלִישׁ). See also: Genesis 5:3; 1 Samuel 11:8; Jeremiah 38:10.
שָֽׁקֶל sheqel H8255 "shekel" N-ms
A shekel was a unit of weight or money in ancient Israel, like a coin or a measure of gold, silver, or copper. It was used for trade and commerce, as seen in the book of Exodus. The value varied depending on the material.
Definition: 1) shekel 1a) the chief unit of weight or measure 1a1) gold-1/10000 of a talent and equal to 220 grains 1a2) silver-1/3000 of a talent and equal to 132 grains 1a3) copper-1/1500 of a talent and equal to 528 grains Aramaic equivalent: te.qel (תְּקֵל "shekel" H8625B)
Usage: Occurs in 54 OT verses. KJV: shekel. See also: Genesis 23:15; Numbers 7:55; Jeremiah 32:9.

Study Notes — Leviticus 27:4

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Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Matthew 27:9–10 Then what was spoken through Jeremiah the prophet was fulfilled: “They took the thirty pieces of silver, the price set on Him by the people of Israel, and they gave them for the potter’s field, as the Lord had commanded me.”
2 Zechariah 11:12–13 Then I told them, “If it seems right to you, give me my wages; but if not, keep them.” So they weighed out my wages, thirty pieces of silver. And the LORD said to me, “Throw it to the potter”—this magnificent price at which they valued me. So I took the thirty pieces of silver and threw them to the potter in the house of the LORD.
3 Matthew 26:15 and asked, “What are you willing to give me if I hand Him over to you?” And they set out for him thirty pieces of silver.

Leviticus 27:4 Summary

Leviticus 27:4 tells us that if a person makes a special vow to God involving the value of a female, it would be thirty shekels of silver. This verse helps us understand that God values every person, regardless of their gender or role in society (as seen in Galatians 3:28). The specific valuation of thirty shekels for a female emphasizes God's attention to detail and care for all individuals. By reflecting on this verse, we can learn to appreciate the sacred nature of our relationships and interactions with others, and strive to be faithful and integrity-driven in our commitments to God (as emphasized in Deuteronomy 23:21-23).

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does the valuation for a female differ from that of a male in Leviticus 27:4?

The difference in valuation may be due to the different roles and responsibilities of men and women in ancient Israelite society, as seen in other passages such as Exodus 38:8 and Numbers 27:1-11, but ultimately, it is a reflection of God's sovereign will as expressed in Leviticus 27:1-8.

What is the significance of the sanctuary shekel in determining the valuation of persons?

The sanctuary shekel was a standard unit of measurement for silver, as mentioned in Leviticus 27:3, and its use emphasizes the sacred nature of the vows and the importance of fairness and consistency in valuation, as seen in Ezekiel 40:12 and Zechariah 11:12-13.

How does this verse relate to the broader theme of vows and dedication in the Bible?

Leviticus 27:4 is part of a larger discussion on the valuation of persons and animals for vows, highlighting the importance of faithfulness and integrity in one's commitments to God, as emphasized in Deuteronomy 23:21-23 and Ecclesiastes 5:4-5.

What can we learn about God's character from the specific valuation of thirty shekels for a female?

The valuation of thirty shekels for a female reveals God's attention to detail and His care for all individuals, regardless of gender or social status, as seen in Galatians 3:28 and Psalm 138:8, demonstrating His sovereignty and wisdom in all aspects of life.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do I reflect God's sovereignty and wisdom in my own life, particularly in the ways I value and treat others?
  2. What vows or commitments have I made to God, and how can I ensure that I am faithful and integrity-driven in fulfilling them?
  3. In what ways can I demonstrate a deeper appreciation for the sacred nature of my relationships and interactions with others, as emphasized in this verse?
  4. How can I apply the principles of fairness, consistency, and compassion in my own decision-making and valuation of others, as seen in this passage?

Gill's Exposition on Leviticus 27:4

And if it [be] a female,.... That is, of the same age, full twenty years of age, and not more than sixty: then thy estimation shall be thirty shekels; about three pounds ten shillings of our money,

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Leviticus 27:4

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.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Leviticus 27:4

Less than the man’ s price, because she is inferior to him both in strength and serviceableness.

Trapp's Commentary on Leviticus 27:4

Leviticus 27:4 And if it [be] a female, then thy estimation shall be thirty shekels.Ver. 4. And if it be a female.] She is set at a lower valuation then the male, because less able for any laborious or rational employment.

Ellicott's Commentary on Leviticus 27:4

(4) And if it be a female . . . thirty shekels.—As the woman is the weaker vessel, and her labour is of less value, if she vows herself or dedicates by a vow any other one of her own sex to the sanctuary, she is to pay thirty shekels, or £3 17s. 6d., provided she is within the above-named limits of age. This was the value of a slave (Exodus 21:32), and is the price at which Christ was sold (Matthew 27:9). It is supposed that under this provision Jephtha might have redeemed his daughter whom he unwittingly vowed to the Lord (Judges 11:30). (See, however, Leviticus 27:29.)

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Leviticus 27:4

Verse 4. And if it be a female] The woman, at the same age, vowed unto the Lord, might be redeemed for thirty shekels, 4£. 10s. sterling, a little more than one half of the value of the man; for this obvious reason, that a woman, if employed, could not be of so much use in the service of the sanctuary as the man, and was therefore of much less value.

Cambridge Bible on Leviticus 27:4

1–8. The case of persons

Barnes' Notes on Leviticus 27:4

The relative values of the persons appear to be regulated according to an estimate of the probable value of their future work: Ages Male Female From a month to five years of age 5 shekels 3 shekels

Sermons on Leviticus 27:4

SermonDescription
Willie Mullan Pilgrims Problems No. 14 the Suicide of Judas by Willie Mullan In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the danger of focusing on money and the love of money as the root of all evil. He mentions the story of Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Jesus f
Oswald J. Smith First and Second Coming by Oswald J. Smith In this sermon, the speaker discusses the prophecies in the Bible about Jesus' first coming. He highlights Zechariah's prophecy about the shepherd being smitten and the sheep being
Rolfe Barnard A Great Revival Is Coming by Rolfe Barnard In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the need for revival in the church. He mentions that two things are necessary for revival to occur, which are closely knit bonds of love amo
Don McClure Grace & Peace by Don McClure In this sermon, the preacher discusses the events leading up to Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection. He highlights how Jesus was betrayed by a close friend for 30 pieces of silver,
Chuck Smith (Through the Bible) Ezekiel 11-15 by Chuck Smith In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that society today is not like the Victorian age or a puritan society. He warns against forsaking God's commandments and living like the peo
Bill Gallatin Acts 1 by Bill Gallatin In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the unshakable security that believers have in Jesus Christ. He highlights that nothing can hinder God's plan of redemption and the establis
Chuck Smith Name Your Price by Chuck Smith This sermon delves into the betrayal of Jesus by Judas Iscariot for 30 pieces of silver, highlighting the concept of 'seller's remorse' and the tragic consequences of selling out o

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