UTN uW Translation Notes:

Leviticus 27 Chapter Introduction

Structure and Formatting

This chapter explains rules about vows and dedications to Yahweh:

1. Valuation of people dedicated to God (27:1–8)
2. Valuation of animals (27:9–13)
3. Valuation of houses and land (27:14–25)
4. Special cases and exceptions (27:26–34)
   • Firstborn animals
   • Devoted things
   • Tithes

Religious and Cultural Concepts in This Chapter

Vows and dedication

The chapter explains different types of dedication:

• Voluntary vows to God
• Dedication of property
• Permanent vs. redeemable gifts

Value assessment

The priest plays an important role in valuation. These show fairness and mercy:

• Set standard values for people
• Adjusted for poor people
• Evaluated property condition

Property rights

There are different rules for different properties. These show the importance of family inheritance:

• Inherited land had special status
• Purchased land treated differently
• Some dedications were permanent

Sacred ownership

Some things automatically belonged to God. This shows God’s ultimate ownership:

• Firstborn animals
• Devoted things
• Tithes of crops and animals

Translation Issues in This Chapter

Numbers and measurements

The chapter uses several specific values. Consider using local measurements if helpful:

• Ages: “from one month to five years,” “from five to twenty years”
• Money: “shekels of the holy place”
• Volume: “homer of barley”

Repeated phrases

Several phrases appear multiple times. Use consistent translations for these phrases:

• “Your valuation” (refers to priest’s assessment)
• “Redeeming he will redeem” (emphasizes certainty)
• “According to your valuation”

Technical terms

The chapter uses specialized religious terms. Consider explaining these terms in footnotes:

• “Devoted thing” means permanently dedicated
• “Field of possession” means inherited land
• “Field of purchase” means bought land

(See: consecrate)