Old Testament

Leviticus 27:33

The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English

At a Glance

In Leviticus 27:33, God instructs the Israelites on how to handle their offerings of animals.

Author
Traditionally attributed to Moses
Written
Around 1400 BC
Genre
Law (Pentateuch)
Original Audience
The Israelites in the wilderness
CBTClear Bible Translation

The owner must not pick through the animals to see which is good or bad, and must not make substitutions. If anyone does swap one animal for another, both animals become holy and neither can be bought back."

KJVKing James Version

He shall not search whether it be good or bad, neither shall he change it: and if he change it at all, then both it and the change thereof shall be holy; it shall not be redeemed.

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In Leviticus 27:33, God instructs the Israelites on how to handle their offerings of animals. When someone dedicates an animal to the Lord, they are not to inspect it to determine if it is the best or the worst. This means they should not try to swap it for another animal, regardless of its condition. If a person does attempt to exchange the animal, both the original and the new animal become sacred and cannot be redeemed or bought back. This emphasizes the importance of commitment and integrity in offerings to God, highlighting that what is dedicated to Him should be treated with respect and not casually exchanged. The focus is on the act of dedication itself rather than the quality of the offering, teaching that God values the heart behind the gift more than the gift's outward appearance.

How to apply Leviticus 27:33 to your life

This verse encourages us to honor our commitments to God without second-guessing our decisions. When we dedicate something to God, whether time, resources, or service, we should do so wholeheartedly and avoid the temptation to change our minds based on convenience or perceived value.

Curated for this public verse page. Leviticus Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Leviticus 27:33 mean?

Leviticus 27:33 instructs that when dedicating an animal to God, one should not inspect it for quality or swap it for another. If a substitution occurs, both animals become sacred and cannot be redeemed, emphasizing the importance of commitment in offerings.

What is the significance of not substituting animals in Leviticus 27:33?

The prohibition against substituting animals in Leviticus 27:33 highlights the need for integrity and respect in one's offerings to God. It teaches that dedication should be honored without second-guessing or changing one's mind.

What does the phrase 'both it and the change thereof shall be holy' mean?

The phrase means that if someone swaps the dedicated animal for another, both the original and the new animal are considered sacred and cannot be redeemed. This underscores the seriousness of making a commitment to God.

How does Leviticus 27:33 apply to modern life?

Leviticus 27:33 encourages individuals to honor their commitments to God without hesitation or reconsideration. It serves as a reminder to dedicate time, resources, or service wholeheartedly, avoiding the temptation to change based on convenience.

The Book of Leviticus
Book Summary

The Book of Leviticus

Leviticus 1: The Burnt Offering

The LORD calls to Moses from the tabernacle and gives instructions for the burnt offering. A man who brings a burnt offering from the herd presents a male without blemish at the door of the tabernacle. He lays his hand on the head of the offering, kills it, and Aaron's sons the priests sprinkle the blood around the altar. The animal is flayed and cut into pieces, and the whole is burned on the altar as a sweet savor to the LORD.

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