What is the definition of Leviticus 27:12?

And the priest shall value it, whether it be good or bad: as thou valuest it, [who art] the priest, so shall it be.

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Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Leviticus 27:12. It's a really important and somewhat complex passage about the responsibility of priests in the Old Testament. Here’s what it means in simpler terms:
The Core Idea:
This verse essentially says that
the priest has a crucial role – they are responsible for determining the value and quality of sacrificial animals.
It’s like saying, “This animal is sacred; you need to assess its worthiness.”
Let's unpack it piece by piece:
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“And the priest shall value it…”
- This isn’t just about a casual look. It means the priest needs to carefully examine each animal – sheep, goats, cattle – to see if it’s fit for sacrifice. 💎
"...whether it be good or bad"
- This highlights that the priest must be discerning and look beyond appearances. They need to understand the animal's purpose and whether it was properly cared for and prepared. 💎
“As thou valuest it…”
– This is where it gets interesting. "Valuest" means to assess, to judge, or to determine something’s worth. So, “Thou valiest it” means 💎you💎 are responsible for looking at the animal and deciding if it's suitable for sacrifice. 💎
"[Who art] the priest, so shall it be."
- This is the crucial part! It states that
only the priest can determine what’s right and wrong about a sacrifice.
It’s saying that 💎only💎 the priests are authorized to make this judgment.
In simpler terms, it means:
The priests were entrusted with overseeing the sacrificial process – deciding which animals were acceptable for God's purpose and how they should be prepared for sacrifice.
Why is this important?
This passage lays the foundation for a whole system of religious law in the Old Testament. It establishes the priest as a vital intermediary between God and humanity, ensuring that sacrifices were performed correctly and with proper intent. It’s about honoring God through ritual and upholding his will. ---
Do you want me to:
💎 Explain another verse from Leviticus? 💎 Discuss the significance of this passage within the broader context of Jewish law? 💎 Answer any specific questions you have about it?