Leviticus 27:33
He shall not search whether it be good or bad, neither shall he change it: and if he change it at all, then both it and the change thereof shall be holy; it shall not be redeemed.
Leviticus 27:33: "He shall not search whether it be good or bad, neither shall he change it: and if he change it at all, then both it and the change thereof shall be holy; it shall not be redeemed."
This verse forbids evaluating the quality of the tithe and prohibits altering the designated offerings for personal use. The act of “not search…whether it be good or bad” emphasizes the sacred status of tithes: their value and yield are irrelevant to personal judgment; their purpose remains worship and support of God’s service. If a person insists on changing it, both the item and its change remain holy, not redeemable, underscoring accountability and the seriousness of covenant fidelity. The concept discourages manipulation of sacred offerings based on perceived value, ensuring integrity in worship. This reflects a broader ancient practice where holy things demand reverence and adherence to divine command, preserving the sanctity of offerings even when their material form is altered.
The verse reinforces the holiness of offerings and God’s exclusive ownership. It guards against commodifying sacred gifts or treating them as negotiable assets for personal gain. The prohibition against redeeming or exchanging sanctified tithes preserves the integrity of worship and the covenant community. It points to the principle that God’s commands govern all aspects of life, including what people hand over in trust. It also foreshadows the broader biblical ethic: worship should be pure, unaltered by human judgment, and oriented solely toward God’s purposes.
Practical takeaways:
- Treat voluntary or mandated gifts to the church as holy, even if they come with a personal sense of value or sacrifice.
- Avoid repurposing sacred offerings for altered personal use; if a question arises about the best use, seek counsel within the faith community.
- Maintain integrity in charitable giving—donate items or resources exactly as intended, rather than reshaping them for convenience.
Example: if a family plans to give a portion of agricultural yield as tithes but needs to reallocate due to a shortage, seek guidance on how to preserve the spirit of the gift rather than altering its sacred status.
Cross-References: Numbers 18:28-29; Malachi 3:8-12; Exodus 22:29-30; Deuteronomy 12:6-7; Leviticus 27:30