Leviticus 27:6

6 " 'The cost for a male between the ages of one month and five years is two ounces of silver. The cost for a female of the same age is one and a fourth ounces of silver.

Leviticus 27:6 Meaning and Commentary

Leviticus 27:6

And if [it be] from a month old even unto five years old
That is, if a man devotes his child to the Lord within such an age, and says, the estimation of this my son or my daughter be upon me, then he was to pay the value, as next directed; for one under a month old no estimation was to be made: the Jews say,

``one less than a mouth old may be vowed, but not estimated ^F15:''

then thy estimation shall be of the male five shekels of silver;
somewhat more than ten shillings:

and for the female thy estimation [shall be] three shekels of silver;
about seven shillings, which is the least value put on any; and though the lives of male or female at this age are equally uncertain, and the service of either of little worth when near the full time fixed; yet the preference is given to the male, as being of the more perfect kind, and its life generally most desirable.

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FOOTNOTES:

F15 Misn. Eracin, c. 1. sect. 1.

Leviticus 27:6 In-Context

4 The cost for a female of the same age is 12 ounces of silver.

5 " 'The cost for a male between the ages of five and 20 is eight ounces of silver. The cost for a female of the same age is four ounces of silver.

6 " 'The cost for a male between the ages of one month and five years is two ounces of silver. The cost for a female of the same age is one and a fourth ounces of silver.

7 " 'The cost for a male who is 60 years old or more is six ounces of silver. The cost for a female of the same age is four ounces of silver.

8 " 'But suppose the one who makes the special promise is too poor to pay the required amount. Then he must bring to the priest the person who will be set free. The priest will decide the right value for that person. It will be based on how much the one who makes the promise can afford.