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Leviticus 27:33

Leviticus 27:33 in Multiple Translations

He must not inspect whether it is good or bad, and he shall not make any substitution. But if he does make a substitution, both the animal and its substitute shall become holy; they cannot be redeemed.’”

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.

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 that for which it is changed shall be holy; it shall not be redeemed.

He may not make search to see if it is good or bad, or make any changes in it; and if he makes exchange of it for another, the two will be holy; he will not get them back again.

You must not examine it to see if it's good or bad, and you must not replace it. However, if you do replace it then both animals become holy; they can't be bought back.”

He shall not looke if it be good or bad, neither shall he change it: els if he change it, both it, and that it was changed withall, shalbe holy, and it shall not be redeemed.

he enquireth not between good and bad, nor doth he change it; and if he really change it — then it hath been — it and its exchange is holy; it is not redeemed.'

He shall not examine whether it is good or bad, neither shall he exchange it. If he exchanges it at all, then both it and that for which it is exchanged shall be holy. It shall not be redeemed.’”

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

It shall not be chosen neither good nor bad, neither shall it be changed for another. If any man change it: both that which was changed, and that for which it was changed, shall be sanctified to the Lord, and shall not be redeemed.

When he does that, he must not pick out the good ones for himself or leave the bad ones, or substitute bad ones for good ones. If he substitutes one animal for another, both animals will belong to me, and he will not be permitted to buy them back (OR, the shepherd cannot buy them back).’ ”

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Berean Amplified Bible — Leviticus 27:33

BAB
Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Leviticus 27:33 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB לֹ֧א יְבַקֵּ֛ר בֵּֽין ט֥וֹב לָ/רַ֖ע וְ/לֹ֣א יְמִירֶ֑/נּוּ וְ/אִם הָמֵ֣ר יְמִירֶ֔/נּוּ וְ/הָֽיָה ה֧וּא וּ/תְמוּרָת֛/וֹ יִֽהְיֶה קֹ֖דֶשׁ לֹ֥א יִגָּאֵֽל
לֹ֧א lôʼ H3808 not Part
יְבַקֵּ֛ר bâqar H1239 to enquire V-Piel-Imperf-3ms
בֵּֽין bêyn H996 between Prep
ט֥וֹב ṭôwb H2896 pleasant Adj
לָ/רַ֖ע raʻ H7451 bad Prep | Adj
וְ/לֹ֣א lôʼ H3808 not Conj | Part
יְמִירֶ֑/נּוּ mûwr H4171 to change V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms | Suff
וְ/אִם ʼim H518 if Conj | Conj
הָמֵ֣ר mûwr H4171 to change V-Hiphil-Ptc
יְמִירֶ֔/נּוּ mûwr H4171 to change V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms | Suff
וְ/הָֽיָה hâyâh H1961 to be Conj | V-Qal-3ms
ה֧וּא hûwʼ H1931 he/she/it Pron
וּ/תְמוּרָת֛/וֹ tᵉmûwrâh H8545 exchange Conj | N-fs | Suff
יִֽהְיֶה hâyâh H1961 to be V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
קֹ֖דֶשׁ qôdesh H6944 Holy Place N-ms
לֹ֥א lôʼ H3808 not Part
יִגָּאֵֽל gâʼal H1350 to redeem V-Niphal-Imperf-3ms
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Leviticus 27:33

לֹ֧א lôʼ H3808 "not" Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
יְבַקֵּ֛ר bâqar H1239 "to enquire" V-Piel-Imperf-3ms
To enquire or investigate, like a farmer breaking new ground, as in seeking wisdom or guidance from God, as seen in Psalm 119:148.
Definition: 1) to seek, enquire, consider 1a) (Piel) 1a1) to seek, look for 1a2) to consider, reflect Aramaic equivalent: be.qar (בְּקַר "to enquire" H1240)
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: (make) inquire (-ry), (make) search, seek out. See also: Leviticus 13:36; Psalms 27:4; Proverbs 20:25.
בֵּֽין bêyn H996 "between" Prep
Between is the meaning of this preposition, used to show a location or a choice, like either or, as seen in Exodus where it describes the space between two objects.
Definition: : between between, among, in the midst of (with other preps), from between
Usage: Occurs in 248 OT verses. KJV: among, asunder, at, between (-twixt...and), [phrase] from (the widest), [idiom] in, out of, whether (it be...or), within. See also: Genesis 1:4; Joshua 24:7; Psalms 68:14.
ט֥וֹב ṭôwb H2896 "pleasant" Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means good or welfare, describing something that is beneficial or pleasing, like a good deed or a happy time. It is used in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms. This word is often translated as 'good' or 'beautiful'.
Definition: adj 1) good, pleasant, agreeable 1a) pleasant, agreeable (to the senses) 1b) pleasant (to the higher nature) 1c) good, excellent (of its kind) 1d) good, rich, valuable in estimation 1e) good, appropriate, becoming 1f) better (comparative) 1g) glad, happy, prosperous (of man's sensuous nature) 1h) good understanding (of man's intellectual nature) 1i) good, kind, benign 1j) good, right (ethical) Aramaic equivalent: tav (טָב "fine" H2869)
Usage: Occurs in 521 OT verses. KJV: beautiful, best, better, bountiful, cheerful, at ease, [idiom] fair (word), (be in) favour, fine, glad, good (deed, -lier, -liest, -ly, -ness, -s), graciously, joyful, kindly, kindness, liketh (best), loving, merry, [idiom] most, pleasant, [phrase] pleaseth, pleasure, precious, prosperity, ready, sweet, wealth, welfare, (be) well(-favoured). See also: Genesis 1:4; Ruth 2:22; 2 Chronicles 3:8.
לָ/רַ֖ע raʻ H7451 "bad" Prep | Adj
Ra means bad or evil, referring to moral or natural harm. It describes adversity, affliction, or distress, and is often used to convey a sense of misery or injury.
Definition: : harmful adj 1) bad, evil 1a) bad, disagreeable, malignant 1b) bad, unpleasant, evil (giving pain, unhappiness, misery) 1c) evil, displeasing 1d) bad (of its kind-land, water, etc) 1e) bad (of value) 1f) worse than, worst (comparison) 1g) sad, unhappy 1h) evil (hurtful) 1i) bad, unkind (vicious in disposition) 1j) bad, evil, wicked (ethically) 1j1) in general, of persons, of thoughts 1j2) deeds, actions
Usage: Occurs in 623 OT verses. KJV: adversity, affliction, bad, calamity, [phrase] displease(-ure), distress, evil((-favouredness), man, thing), [phrase] exceedingly, [idiom] great, grief(-vous), harm, heavy, hurt(-ful), ill (favoured), [phrase] mark, mischief(-vous), misery, naught(-ty), noisome, [phrase] not please, sad(-ly), sore, sorrow, trouble, vex, wicked(-ly, -ness, one), worse(-st), wretchedness, wrong. (Incl. feminine raaah; as adjective or noun.). See also: Genesis 2:9; Judges 9:57; 2 Kings 21:6.
וְ/לֹ֣א lôʼ H3808 "not" Conj | Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
יְמִירֶ֑/נּוּ mûwr H4171 "to change" V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms | Suff
To change or exchange something, this word is used in the Bible to describe altering or replacing something. It is used in the book of Genesis to describe the changing of names or circumstances.
Definition: 1) to change, exchange 1a) (Niphal) to be changed 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to change, alter 1b2) to exchange
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, (ex-) change, remove. See also: Leviticus 27:10; Jeremiah 2:11; Psalms 15:4.
וְ/אִם ʼim H518 "if" Conj | Conj
This Hebrew word is used to express conditions or questions, like if or whether. It can also be used to make oaths or express wishes, as in Oh that! It appears in various forms in the KJV, including if, though, and when.
Definition: : if/whether_or/though 1) if 1a) conditional clauses 1a1) of possible situations 1a2) of impossible situations 1b) oath contexts 1b1) no, not 1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or 1d) when, whenever 1e) since 1f) interrogative particle 1g) but rather
Usage: Occurs in 931 OT verses. KJV: (and, can-, doubtless, if, that) (not), [phrase] but, either, [phrase] except, [phrase] more(-over if, than), neither, nevertheless, nor, oh that, or, [phrase] save (only, -ing), seeing, since, sith, [phrase] surely (no more, none, not), though, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] unless, [phrase] verily, when, whereas, whether, while, [phrase] yet. See also: Genesis 4:7; Exodus 22:3; Leviticus 27:27.
הָמֵ֣ר mûwr H4171 "to change" V-Hiphil-Ptc
To change or exchange something, this word is used in the Bible to describe altering or replacing something. It is used in the book of Genesis to describe the changing of names or circumstances.
Definition: 1) to change, exchange 1a) (Niphal) to be changed 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to change, alter 1b2) to exchange
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, (ex-) change, remove. See also: Leviticus 27:10; Jeremiah 2:11; Psalms 15:4.
יְמִירֶ֔/נּוּ mûwr H4171 "to change" V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms | Suff
To change or exchange something, this word is used in the Bible to describe altering or replacing something. It is used in the book of Genesis to describe the changing of names or circumstances.
Definition: 1) to change, exchange 1a) (Niphal) to be changed 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to change, alter 1b2) to exchange
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, (ex-) change, remove. See also: Leviticus 27:10; Jeremiah 2:11; Psalms 15:4.
וְ/הָֽיָה hâyâh H1961 "to be" Conj | V-Qal-3ms
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
ה֧וּא hûwʼ H1931 "he/she/it" Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.
Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)
Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.
וּ/תְמוּרָת֛/וֹ tᵉmûwrâh H8545 "exchange" Conj | N-fs | Suff
This term refers to an exchange or barter, like trading one thing for another. In the Bible, it can mean compensation or restitution, as seen in the laws of Exodus. It involves giving something in return for something else.
Definition: that which is exchanged, exchange, substitute, recompense
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: (ex-) change(-ing), recompense, restitution. See also: Leviticus 27:10; Job 15:31; Job 28:17.
יִֽהְיֶה hâyâh H1961 "to be" V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
קֹ֖דֶשׁ qôdesh H6944 "Holy Place" N-ms
The Holy Place refers to a sacred or set-apart area, like the temple in Jerusalem. It is a place of sanctity and holiness, where God is worshipped. The Bible describes it as a place of reverence and awe.
Definition: This name means apartness, holiness, sacredness Also named: hagion (ἅγιον "Holy Place" G0039)
Usage: Occurs in 380 OT verses. KJV: consecrated (thing), dedicated (thing), hallowed (thing), holiness, ([idiom] most) holy ([idiom] day, portion, thing), saint, sanctuary. See also: Exodus 3:5; Leviticus 23:4; 1 Chronicles 26:26.
לֹ֥א lôʼ H3808 "not" Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
יִגָּאֵֽל gâʼal H1350 "to redeem" V-Niphal-Imperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means redemption, describing the act of a kinsman buying back a relative's property or marrying their widow, as seen in the story of Boaz in Ruth.
Definition: : redeem 1) to redeem, act as kinsman-redeemer, avenge, revenge, ransom, do the part of a kinsman 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to act as kinsman, do the part of next of kin, act as kinsman-redeemer 1a1a) by marrying brother's widow to beget a child for him, to redeem from slavery, to redeem land, to exact vengeance 1a2) to redeem (by payment) 1a3) to redeem (with God as subject) 1a3a) individuals from death 1a3b) Israel from Egyptian bondage 1a3c) Israel from exile 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to redeem oneself 1b2) to be redeemed
Usage: Occurs in 84 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] in any wise, [idiom] at all, avenger, deliver, (do, perform the part of near, next) kinsfolk(-man), purchase, ransom, redeem(-er), revenger. See also: Genesis 48:16; Job 3:5; Psalms 19:15.

Study Notes — Leviticus 27:33

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context — Instruction on Tithes

31If a man wishes to redeem part of his tithe, he must add a fifth to its value. 32Every tenth animal from the herd or flock that passes under the shepherd’s rod will be holy to the LORD.

33He must not inspect whether it is good or bad, and he shall not make any substitution. But if he does make a substitution, both the animal and its substitute shall become holy; they cannot be redeemed.’”

34These are the commandments that the LORD gave to Moses for the Israelites on Mount Sinai.

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Leviticus 27:10 He must not replace it or exchange it, either good for bad or bad for good. But if he does substitute one animal for another, both that animal and its substitute will be holy.

Leviticus 27:33 Summary

[Leviticus 27:33 teaches us that when we give to God, we should not try to negotiate or substitute what we are giving, but instead trust in His sovereignty and follow His instructions exactly, as seen in other Bible verses like Proverbs 3:5-6 and Numbers 18:32. This means that we should give our best to God, without trying to judge its quality or value. By doing so, we demonstrate our faith and obedience to God, which is essential for a strong relationship with Him, as highlighted in Deuteronomy 28:1-2 and Matthew 22:37-38.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to not inspect whether the animal is good or bad in Leviticus 27:33?

This means that the Israelites were not to judge the quality of the animal before dedicating it to the Lord, as seen in Leviticus 27:33, and instead trust in God's sovereignty, similar to the trust required in Proverbs 3:5-6.

Can the substituted animal be used for any other purpose if it becomes holy?

According to Leviticus 27:33, if a substitution is made, both the original animal and the substitute become holy and cannot be redeemed or used for any other purpose, emphasizing the importance of following God's commands, as also seen in Numbers 18:32.

Why is it important to follow God's instructions exactly in Leviticus 27:33?

Following God's instructions exactly, as in Leviticus 27:33, demonstrates obedience and faith, which are essential for a strong relationship with God, as highlighted in Deuteronomy 28:1-2 and Matthew 22:37-38.

How does this verse relate to the concept of tithing in the Bible?

Leviticus 27:33 is part of the larger context of tithing, as seen in Leviticus 27:30-32, and emphasizes the importance of giving to God what is due to Him, as also taught in Malachi 3:10 and 2 Corinthians 9:6-7.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some areas in my life where I try to negotiate or substitute what God is asking of me, and how can I apply the principle of Leviticus 27:33 to those areas?
  2. In what ways can I demonstrate my trust in God's sovereignty, like the Israelites were called to do in Leviticus 27:33?
  3. How can I balance the desire to follow God's instructions exactly with the reality of my own weaknesses and mistakes, as seen in the context of Leviticus 27:33?
  4. What does it mean for me to 'not inspect' or judge the quality of what I am giving to God, and how can I apply this principle to my own life and relationship with God?

Gill's Exposition on Leviticus 27:33

He shall not search whether it be good or bad,.... In a good or bad state of health, fat or lean, perfect or blemished, but take it as it is, be it what it will: neither shall he change it; neither

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Leviticus 27:33

And all the tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land, or of the fruit of the tree, is the LORD's: it is holy unto the LORD. All the tithe of the land.

Ellicott's Commentary on Leviticus 27:33

(33) He shall not search whether it be good or bad.—That is, the owner is not to pick out the good ones from the bad, but, as described above, is to mark every tenth one as it comes out of the fold as belonging to the Lord.And if he change it at all.—See Leviticus 27:10.

Cambridge Bible on Leviticus 27:33

33. Cp. Leviticus 27:10.

Whedon's Commentary on Leviticus 27:33

32, 33. Whatsoever passeth under the rod — As explained by the rabbins, this relates to the custom of driving the yearly increase of the flock one by one past the shepherd, who counted them with a

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