In the context of the Bible, "valuations" refer to the assessment of monetary worth assigned to persons, animals, or property, particularly in relation to vows and offerings made to the Lord. The primary biblical reference for valuations is found in Leviticus 27, where specific guidelines are provided for the Israelites.

Biblical Guidelines for Valuations

Leviticus 27 outlines the procedures for making vows and the corresponding valuations. When an individual made a vow to dedicate a person, animal, or property to the Lord, a valuation was required to determine the equivalent monetary value. This valuation was to be paid to the sanctuary as a form of offering.

1. Valuation of Persons: The valuation of persons was based on age and gender. Leviticus 27:3-7 provides specific amounts:
· Males aged 20 to 60 years were valued at fifty shekels of silver.
· Females of the same age group were valued at thirty shekels.
· Males aged 5 to 20 years were valued at twenty shekels, and females at ten shekels.
· Males aged 1 month to 5 years were valued at five shekels, and females at three shekels.
· Males aged 60 years and older were valued at fifteen shekels, and females at ten shekels.

2. Valuation of Animals: Animals vowed to the Lord were considered holy. If the owner wished to redeem the animal, they were required to add a fifth to its valuation (Leviticus 27:9-13).

3. Valuation of Property: Land dedicated to the Lord was valued based on its potential yield. The valuation was calculated according to the number of years remaining until the Year of Jubilee, when the land would revert to its original owner (Leviticus 27:16-25).

Purpose and Significance

The system of valuations served several purposes within the Israelite community:

· Standardization: It provided a standardized method for assessing the value of vows, ensuring fairness and consistency in offerings made to the Lord.
· Redemption: The option to redeem vowed items by paying their valuation plus an additional fifth allowed individuals to retain possession while still fulfilling their vow.
· Support for the Sanctuary: The monetary contributions from valuations supported the maintenance and operations of the sanctuary, facilitating the worship and religious practices of the community.

Spiritual Implications

Valuations underscore the importance of integrity and commitment in one's relationship with God. By assigning tangible value to vows, the Israelites were reminded of the seriousness of their promises and the need to honor their commitments to the Lord. This practice reflects the broader biblical principle that one's word and actions should align with their devotion to God.

New Testament Perspective

While the New Testament does not specifically address the practice of valuations, the principles of integrity, commitment, and sacrificial giving are echoed throughout its teachings. Jesus emphasized the importance of sincerity in worship and the heart's intent over mere ritualistic observance (Matthew 5:33-37; Mark 12:41-44).

In summary, valuations in the Bible provided a structured approach to fulfilling vows and offerings, reflecting the broader themes of dedication, integrity, and support for the community's spiritual life.

Enrollment by Households in Egypt
... These valuations seem to have been made annually; [47] and it is often stated in
the papers that the census is taken according to the orders of the governor of ...
/.../ramsay/was christ born in bethlehem/chapter 7 enrollment by households.htm

Introduction
... greatly enriched our knowledge of the range and scope and power of man's psychic
nature and functions, of his instincts, desires, valuations, needs, yearnings ...
/.../jones/spiritual reformers in the 16th and 17th centuries/introduction.htm

The Folly of Slander. Part 2.
... 2. The slanderer is plainly a fool, because he maketh wrong judgments and valuations
of things, and accordingly driveth on silly bargains for himself, in ...
/.../barrow/sermons on evil-speaking by isaac barrow/the folly of slander part 2.htm

Epistle Xliv. To Peter, Subdeacon of Sicily.
... exactions. Hence the direction here in this Epistle that the valuations of
the tithe in successive years should follow the market price. ...
/.../the epistles of saint gregory the great/epistle xliv to peter subdeacon.htm

Valuations (1 Occurrence)
...Valuations (1 Occurrence). Leviticus 27:25 All your valuations shall be according
to the shekel of the sanctuary: twenty gerahs to the shekel. (WEB JPS). ...
/v/valuations.htm - 6k

Valuation (22 Occurrences)
... (WEB JPS DBY YLT NAS RSV). Leviticus 27:25 All your valuations shall be according
to the shekel of the sanctuary: twenty gerahs to the shekel. ...
/v/valuation.htm - 14k

Gerahs (5 Occurrences)
... NIV). Leviticus 27:25 All your valuations shall be according to the shekel
of the sanctuary: twenty gerahs to the shekel. (WEB KJV ...
/g/gerahs.htm - 8k

Shekel (37 Occurrences)
... NIV). Leviticus 27:25 All your valuations shall be according to the shekel
of the sanctuary: twenty gerahs to the shekel. (WEB KJV ...
/s/shekel.htm - 23k

Twenty (282 Occurrences)
... NIV). Leviticus 27:25 All your valuations shall be according to the shekel
of the sanctuary: twenty gerahs to the shekel. (WEB KJV ...
/t/twenty.htm - 40k

Talmud
... (4) Bekhoroth, "The Firstborn" (Exodus 13:2, 12 Leviticus 27:26, 32 Numbers 8:6,
etc.). (5) `Arakhin, "Estimates," "Valuations" of persons and things dedicated ...
/t/talmud.htm - 37k

Value (138 Occurrences)

/v/value.htm - 37k

Sanctuary (250 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). Leviticus 27:25 All your valuations shall
be according to the shekel of the sanctuary: twenty gerahs to the shekel. ...
/s/sanctuary.htm - 63k

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