If she is a female, then your valuation shall be thirty shekels.
Parallel translations
- KJV And if it be a female, then thy estimation shall be thirty shekels.
- BSB Or if it is a female, then your valuation shall be thirty shekels.
- NKJV If it is a female, then your valuation shall be thirty shekels;
- NASB Or if the person is a female, then your assessment shall be thirty shekels.
- NLT A woman of that age is valued at thirty shekels of silver.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. lockman.org
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Quick answer
A woman in that age range was valued at thirty shekels for the vow. The figures reflect economic factors of the time, not spiritual worth.
Overview
The lower valuation for women reflected ancient economic realities of labor and provision, not any lesser dignity before God, for in Scripture men and women alike bear His image. The graded scale simply set fair monetary equivalents for vows. Such distinctions belong to that cultural setting, while the gospel affirms the equal standing of all in Christ.
Cross-references & the web
Cross-references · 3
- Matt 27:9–10Then that which was spoken through Jeremiah the prophet was fulfilled, saying, “They took the thirty pieces of silver, the price of him upon whom a price had been set, whom some of the children of Israel priced,
- Zech 11:12–13I said to them, “If you think it best, give me my wages; and if not, keep them.” So they weighed for my wages thirty pieces of silver.
- Matt 26:15and said, “What are you willing to give me, that I should deliver him to you?” They weighed out for him thirty pieces of silver.
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Every sacrifice, every priest, and every day of atonement points beyond itself to the one perfect offering and the great High Priest who, by his own blood, makes the unclean holy once for all.
How Leviticus 27:4 points to him is part of the one story that runs through all Scripture — meet Jesus at the heart of the web, or follow a trail that traces him from Genesis to Revelation.
Original language
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