Leviticus 27:31 - If a man redeems anything of his tithe, he shall add a fifth part to it.

Generated Verse: Leviticus 27:31

What does "Leviticus 27:31" mean?


Leviticus 27:31 outlines a regulation regarding the redemption of tithes. Here's a breakdown of what it means:

"If a man redeems anything of his tithe..." This refers to a scenario where someone has already set aside a portion of their produce or livestock as a tithe (typically 10% of their increase), dedicating it to the Lord (often for the support of the priests or Levites and to provide for the needy). Instead of giving the physical tithe, they want to keep it for themselves.

"...he shall add a fifth part to it." If the person chooses to redeem (buy back) their tithe, they must pay the equivalent value of the tithe plus an additional 20% (one-fifth). This is essentially a penalty or premium for changing their mind and wanting to retain what they had already dedicated.

In essence, the verse means:

If someone decides to keep their tithe (something they've already set aside for God) and wants to pay its equivalent value instead, they must pay the value of the tithe plus an extra 20% as a surcharge.

Possible reasons for this regulation:

Discouraging redemption: It makes it less appealing to redeem the tithe, encouraging people to actually give the physical tithe as originally intended.
Ensuring respect for God's portion: By adding a fifth, it emphasizes the sanctity of the tithe and ensures that God's portion is not treated lightly.
Providing additional support: The extra 20% could have been used to further support the Levites, priests, or those in need.
Practicality: It may be easier for the storehouse or those receiving the tithes to handle money rather than crops or livestock in some cases.

This verse reflects the importance of honoring commitments to God and the financial support of the religious institutions and the needy within the community.

What categories does "Leviticus 27:31" have?