Ella 
Read the Daily Bible Verse – Leviticus 27:21 To Strengthen Your Spiritual Journey.
Leviticus 27:21 is a verse in the Old Testament that is part of the section dealing with vows, dedications, and redemption. The book of Leviticus, a key text in the Mosaic Law, provides detailed instructions on how the Israelites were to live, offering a framework for holiness and community life. In this article, we will examine Leviticus 27:21, its meaning in its historical context, and how it can be applied in our lives today.
The Context of Leviticus 27:21 KJV
To understand Leviticus 27:21, it is essential to consider the broader context of the chapter. Leviticus 27 deals with vows and dedicating people, property, and animals to God. When an Israelite vowed something to God, it could be a field, an animal, or even themselves. This vow had serious implications. It was a commitment to dedicate something to God’s service. If they later wanted to redeem that item or person, there were guidelines about how much they would need to pay, depending on the type of dedication.
The chapter is filled with laws that regulate these vows and how they can be redeemed. It is a system that ensures fairness and justice while reflecting God’s holiness and authority. Leviticus 27:21, specifically, deals with the redemption of a field that was dedicated to God but is later sold to someone else. The law set in place was meant to regulate how property was redeemed in a way that reflected both God’s ownership of all land and the concept of fairness for the individual who had made the vow.
Leviticus 27:21 (KJV)
Here is the verse in question:
Leviticus 27:21 KJV
“But the field, when it goeth out in the jubile, shall be holy unto the Lord, as a field that is consecrated; the possession thereof shall be the priests’.”
This verse refers to the situation where a person had dedicated a field to God but had later sold it. It also mentions the Year of Jubilee, a critical component of the Old Testament laws that affected the ownership and return of land. To fully understand this passage, we need to consider the concepts of the Jubilee year and how it impacted the redemption of land.
Leviticus 27:21 Meaning
The Year of Jubilee and Its Importance
One of the most significant features of Leviticus 27:21 is the reference to the Year of Jubilee. Every fifty years, the Israelites celebrated the Year of Jubilee, a year of restoration and liberation. During this year, all property that had been sold or transferred was returned to its original owner. This system ensured that no family would permanently lose their inheritance, and it prevented the accumulation of wealth in the hands of a few. The Year of Jubilee was a way to reset economic imbalances and ensure fairness within the community.
When a field was sold and dedicated to God, its redemption was governed by the rules established in the previous verses of Leviticus 27. However, if the field was sold before the Jubilee year, it could be redeemed at a price calculated by the priest. If the land was dedicated after the Jubilee year, the redemption price would have been set according to the seed of the land, as we see in other parts of Leviticus 27. However, Leviticus 27:21 specifically addresses what happens when the field reaches the Jubilee year.
The Meaning of “Holy to the Lord”
In Leviticus 27:21, it says that the field shall be “holy unto the Lord.” This reflects the idea that the land, once dedicated, belongs to God. The term “holy” means that it is set apart for God’s purposes. The land is no longer just property in the conventional sense; it is sacred and should be treated with respect. This designation as “holy” emphasizes God’s claim on all the earth and reminds the Israelites that everything belongs to Him, whether it is land, animals, or people.
This holiness also implies that the land is to be used in accordance with God’s will. It is not just about the redemption price; it is about honoring God’s ownership and the sacredness of the land. It would be wrong to treat the land with disrespect or to misuse it. By dedicating it to God, the land is meant to reflect His goodness, holiness, and justice.
The Priests as the Possessors
The second part of Leviticus 27:21 tells us that “the possession thereof shall be the priests’.” When a field is redeemed or reaches the Jubilee, it does not go back to the original owner. Instead, the field becomes the property of the priests. This underscores the centrality of the priesthood in the community of Israel. The priests were God’s representatives on earth, and their role was to maintain the holiness and proper worship of God.
The priests were not supposed to be concerned with owning land or accumulating wealth like the rest of the people. Instead, the field dedicated to God was assigned to them as a symbol of their holy role. This was a way of ensuring that the priesthood had land for their sustenance, but it also reinforced the concept that the land ultimately belongs to God and should be used to honor Him.
Leviticus 27:21 Application in Life
While the specific practice of redeeming land in the Year of Jubilee is not directly applicable to modern-day Christians, there are many valuable lessons we can draw from Leviticus 27:21.
God’s Ownership of Everything
One of the most important lessons from Leviticus 27:21 is the reminder that everything belongs to God. The field that is dedicated to the Lord and later becomes the possession of the priests is a powerful symbol of God’s ultimate ownership. It teaches us that nothing we have—our time, resources, talents, or possessions—truly belongs to us. All we have is a gift from God, and we are simply stewards of what He has entrusted to us.
This understanding can change the way we view our possessions and our roles in life. We are reminded that we should be careful in how we use what God has given us, always seeking to honor Him with our lives and resources. As the Apostle Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 10:31, “whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.”
The Principle of Redemption
Leviticus 27:21 reflects the broader biblical principle of redemption. Just as land could be redeemed for a price, we too have been redeemed by a price—through the death of Jesus Christ on the cross. The concept of redemption is central to the Christian faith. Jesus paid the ultimate price to buy us back from the slavery of sin. This act of grace should inspire us to live lives that reflect God’s goodness, recognizing that we have been bought with a price (1 Corinthians 6:20).
In a world that often encourages us to live for ourselves and pursue our own desires, Leviticus 27:21 reminds us that we belong to God, and our lives should reflect that truth.
Justice and Fairness in God’s Kingdom
Leviticus 27:21 also teaches us about justice and fairness. The system of land redemption and the Year of Jubilee ensured that no family would be permanently disadvantaged or impoverished. It was a system that aimed to keep the community in a state of balance and fairness. This concept of justice, rooted in God’s holiness, should inform the way we live today.
As Christians, we are called to uphold justice in all areas of life—whether in our personal relationships, in the workplace, or in the larger society. This includes standing up for the oppressed, ensuring that resources are distributed fairly, and advocating for systems that promote justice for all.
Living with Eternal Perspective
Finally, Leviticus 27:21 encourages us to live with an eternal perspective. The land in Israel was temporary, but the principles of God’s kingdom are eternal. The dedication of the land was a physical representation of God’s ownership over everything, but it points to a deeper spiritual reality that we are all ultimately accountable to God. Our lives, like the land, are temporary, and we must use our time and resources in a way that reflects our understanding of God’s eternal kingdom.
Conclusion
Leviticus 27:21 reminds us of the ultimate ownership of God, the importance of redemption, and the call to justice and holiness in our lives. While the specifics of the laws about land and redemption are not directly applicable today, the principles are timeless. God is the owner of all things, and we are His stewards. We have been redeemed by the blood of Christ, and we are called to live lives that reflect His goodness and justice.
As we apply these truths to our daily lives, let us be mindful that everything we have is ultimately a gift from God. Let us seek to honor Him with our resources and live in a way that brings glory to His name. Just as the Israelites dedicated their land to God, may we dedicate our hearts and lives to Him, knowing that He is the true owner of all.
You Might Be Interested In: