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

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: “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?