Leviticus 27:27

27 And if [it shall be] of an unclean beast, then he shall redeem [it], according to thy estimation, and shall add to it a fifth [part] of it: or if it shall be not redeemed, then it shall be sold according to thy estimation.

Leviticus 27:27 Meaning and Commentary

Leviticus 27:27

And if [it be] of an unclean beast
This is to be understood, not of the firstling of unclean creatures in common, which were to be redeemed with a lamb, and not with money, according to the estimation of the priest, and a fifth part added to that; but of such as were sanctified, or vowed, for the reparation of the sanctuary, as Jarchi notes:

then he shall redeem [it] according to thine estimation;
the price the priest should set upon it, how much it was worth in his judgment:

and shall add a fifth [part] of it thereto;
to the price, set upon a fifth part of that over and above the sum; this the sanctifier, or he that made the vow, was obliged to pay, if he thought fit to redeem it:

or if it be not redeemed;
by him, he does not choose to give the price, and the fifth part:

then it shall be sold according to thy estimation;
to another man, without the fifth part, that chooses to purchase it, and then the purchase money was laid out for sacred uses.

Leviticus 27:27 In-Context

25 And all thy estimations shall be according to the shekel of the sanctuary: twenty gerahs shall be the shekel.

26 Only the firstling of the beasts, which should be the LORD'S firstling, no man shall sanctify it; whether ox, or sheep: it [is] the LORD'S.

27 And if [it shall be] of an unclean beast, then he shall redeem [it], according to thy estimation, and shall add to it a fifth [part] of it: or if it shall be not redeemed, then it shall be sold according to thy estimation.

28 Notwithstanding, no devoted thing that a man shall devote to the LORD of all that he hath, [both] of man and beast, and of the field of his possession, shall be sold or redeemed: every devoted thing is most holy to the LORD.

29 None devoted, which shall be devoted by men, shall be redeemed: [but] shall surely be put to death.