This verse teaches that repaying God for what one withholds includes an added fifth, signifying the high priority of fulfilling one’s commitment to the LORD.
“If therefore a man wishes to redeem part of his tithe, he shall add to it one-fifth of it.” (v.31)
In the latter portion of Leviticus, Moses—who recorded these instructions around 1445 BC while the Israelites were in the wilderness near Mount Sinai—outlines practical laws given by the LORD regarding holy offerings. Here, the focus is on tithes, which were the tenth portion of an Israelite’s produce, livestock, or goods. If someone decided to “redeem” (meaning to keep, or buy back) part of the tithe for personal use, he was required to compensate for that by adding one-fifth (20%) of its value to ensure that God received His portion in full. This was a common principle in the scriptures, where any deviation from an offering or designated gift typically involved restitution plus a 20% addition. This concept appears in other passages as well, illustrating thorough obedience and reverence for the Suzerain LORD.Such a command underscores the seriousness of honoring God with one’s wealth. Tithes were instituted so that the priests, the Levites, and the needy in the community could be properly provided for. Many Israelite laws emphasized giving back a share of what the LORD had graciously provided, reflecting trust and gratitude toward Him. If the tither chose to withhold a portion, it might undermine reliance on God’s promises, so the extra payment guarded against halfhearted devotion and helped the worshiper remember that all blessings originated from God. In this way, the Israelites recognized the LORD as the owner of everything, thereby cultivating a sense of stewardship rather than mere ownership.
Leviticus’ regulations on tithes also foreshadow the New Testament understanding that giving is meant to be voluntary, sacrificial, and joyful (2 Corinthians 9:7). Although believers in Christ are not prescribed an exact percentage in the New Testament, this Levitical principle reminds us of God’s enduring desire for wholehearted devotion. By adding a fifth when redeeming a portion of the tithe, Israelite worshipers demonstrated practical righteousness and consistency in their worship practices, reflecting a deeper spiritual principle of integrity before the LORD.
This verse reminds believers to honor God’s sovereignty over their resources, to practice careful stewardship, and to willingly give in faithfulness to Him.
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Leviticus 27:31 meaning
“If therefore a man wishes to redeem part of his tithe, he shall add to it one-fifth of it.” (v.31)
In the latter portion of Leviticus, Moses—who recorded these instructions around 1445 BC while the Israelites were in the wilderness near Mount Sinai—outlines practical laws given by the LORD regarding holy offerings. Here, the focus is on tithes, which were the tenth portion of an Israelite’s produce, livestock, or goods. If someone decided to “redeem” (meaning to keep, or buy back) part of the tithe for personal use, he was required to compensate for that by adding one-fifth (20%) of its value to ensure that God received His portion in full. This was a common principle in the scriptures, where any deviation from an offering or designated gift typically involved restitution plus a 20% addition. This concept appears in other passages as well, illustrating thorough obedience and reverence for the Suzerain LORD.Such a command underscores the seriousness of honoring God with one’s wealth. Tithes were instituted so that the priests, the Levites, and the needy in the community could be properly provided for. Many Israelite laws emphasized giving back a share of what the LORD had graciously provided, reflecting trust and gratitude toward Him. If the tither chose to withhold a portion, it might undermine reliance on God’s promises, so the extra payment guarded against halfhearted devotion and helped the worshiper remember that all blessings originated from God. In this way, the Israelites recognized the LORD as the owner of everything, thereby cultivating a sense of stewardship rather than mere ownership.
Leviticus’ regulations on tithes also foreshadow the New Testament understanding that giving is meant to be voluntary, sacrificial, and joyful (2 Corinthians 9:7). Although believers in Christ are not prescribed an exact percentage in the New Testament, this Levitical principle reminds us of God’s enduring desire for wholehearted devotion. By adding a fifth when redeeming a portion of the tithe, Israelite worshipers demonstrated practical righteousness and consistency in their worship practices, reflecting a deeper spiritual principle of integrity before the LORD.
This verse reminds believers to honor God’s sovereignty over their resources, to practice careful stewardship, and to willingly give in faithfulness to Him.