Bible Strands
Leviticus 27:2
“Speak to the Israelites and say to them, ‘When someone makes a special vow to the LORD involving the value of persons,
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — The LORD commands Moses to address the Israelites regarding a new regulation for personal vows. This directive follows an initial divine speech to Moses and immediately introduces the valuation framework detailed in the subsequent verse.
The words — The Hebrew imperative דַּבֵּר (da.Ber) means "speak," establishing the required action. It is paired with אִישׁ ('ish), translated as "anyone" or "man," which defines the vow's scope as applying to any individual.
The thread — Comparable vow protocols appear in Numbers 6:2 for Nazirite dedications and Deuteronomy 23:21 regarding the prompt fulfillment of pledges. Judges 11:30 further illustrates the practice through Jephthah's conditional vow to the LORD.
Why it lands — The text requires the reader to acknowledge that personal vows to God involve specific monetary valuations and must be formally declared to the community. It demands precise accountability in religious commitments, treating the vow as a binding financial and spiritual obligation.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
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.
Cross-references
- Numbers 6:2 “Speak to the Israelites and tell them that if a man or woman makes a special vow, the vow of a Nazirite, to separate himself to the LORD,
- Deuteronomy 23:21 If you make a vow to the LORD your God, do not be slow to keep it, because He will surely require it of you, and you will be guilty of sin.
- Judges 11:30 Jephthah made this vow to the LORD: “If indeed You will deliver the Ammonites into my hand,
- Judges 11:39 After two months, she returned to her father, and he did to her as he had vowed. And she had never had relations with a man. So it has become a custom in Israel
- 1 Samuel 1:11 And she made a vow, saying, “O LORD of Hosts, if only You will look upon the affliction of Your maidservant and remember me, not forgetting Your maidservant but giving her a son, then I will dedicate him to the LORD all the days of his life, and no razor shall ever touch his head.”
- 1 Samuel 1:28 I now dedicate the boy to the LORD. For as long as he lives, he is dedicated to the LORD.” So they worshiped the LORD there.
- Genesis 28:20 Then Jacob made a vow, saying, “If God will be with me and watch over me on this journey, and if He will provide me with food to eat and clothes to wear,
- Numbers 21:2 So Israel made a vow to the LORD: “If You will deliver this people into our hands, we will devote their cities to destruction.”
- Numbers 30:3 And if a woman in her father’s house during her youth makes a vow to the LORD or obligates herself by a pledge,
- Ecclesiastes 5:4 When you make a vow to God, do not delay in fulfilling it, because He takes no pleasure in fools. Fulfill your vow.