Leviticus 27:26 Meaning and Explanation
“Only the firstling of the beasts, which should be the LORD's firstling, no man shall sanctify it; whether it be ox, or sheep: it is the LORD's.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Firstborn animals already belong to God by law; they cannot be vowed again.
The Context of Leviticus 27:26
God excludes firstborn animals from the vow system.
What Does Leviticus 27:26 Mean?
Firstborn animals—the initial offspring of cattle and sheep—belonged to God by default under earlier Mosaic law. They could not be made the subject of additional vows, since they already belonged entirely to the Lord. Making a vow of what is already God's property would be meaningless.
This rule prevents double-counting or confusion in the vow system. If a firstborn animal could be vowed, it would create ambiguity about whether it belonged to God by birthright or by vow. The law clarifies that firstborns have no vow status; they are unconditionally God's already.
Leviticus 27:26 in the Original Language
bekhor (בְכוֹר), 'firstling' — the firstborn offspring of livestock, dedicated to God by right of birth.
Frequently Asked Questions About Leviticus 27:26
What does Leviticus 27:26 mean?
Firstborn animals already belong to God by law; they cannot be vowed again.
What is the context of Leviticus 27:26?
God excludes firstborn animals from the vow system.