Leviticus 27:31If a man redeems anything of his tithe, he shall add a fifth part to it.
The setting
Mount Sinai, ~1440 BC. Moses receives final laws before entering Canaan. Modern-day Egypt/Saudi Arabia border.
The emotion here: reverent awe recording divine economics that seem harsh but protect covenant
The original word
ga'al (גאל) — to buy back what was lost, like a family rescuing property
Why it matters
A fifth part meant 20% penalty - this made breaking vows costly
Read with care
What most readers miss in Leviticus 27:31
This isn't about money - it's about the cost of changing your mind with God
Common misconceptionPeople think this is about church fundraising, but it was about preventing casual vow-breaking. God wanted people to think twice before promising Him something.
The thread continues
Verses that echo Leviticus 27:31
Bible Genome reading
Leviticus 27:31 — Bible Genome reading
Emotional genome
Leviticus 27:31 comes from the book of Leviticus, written during the exodus period. These words are attributed to God. The dominant emotion in this verse is deciding, with a comfort power of 20% and a tone that is commanding. It belongs to the law genre of biblical literature. Key themes include stewardship. Notable phrases: add a fifth part. This verse contains a command.
Emotionally similar
Verses that meet the same deciding
“"You shall have no other gods before me.”
— Deuteronomy 5:7
“"You shall not murder.”
— Exodus 20:13
“Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.”
— Matthew 23:12
“For God didn't give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control.”
— 2 Timothy 1:7
“But Peter said, "Silver and gold have I none, but what I have, that I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, get up and walk!"”
— Acts 3:6
Your reflection
What does Leviticus 27:31 mean to you, today?
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