Definition: And thy estimation shall be of the male from twenty years old even unto sixty years old, even thy estimation shall be fifty shekels of silver, after the shekel of the sanctuary.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Leviticus 27:3. It’s a really important part of understanding how God views work and responsibility in the Old Testament. Here's a simple explanation: What it means: This verse is about how people are paid for their labor. Specifically, it says that men and women between the ages of 20 and 60 years old (that’s roughly 50 years) are to be compensated with 50 silver shekels (a unit of currency in ancient times). Let's unpack it further: “And thy estimation shall be…” : This is a formal command from God. It means you must follow this rule. “…of the male from twenty years old even unto sixty years old…” : This tells us that everyone between 20 and 60 must contribute to the economy. It's not just men; it applies to both men and women. “…even thy estimation shall be fifty shekels of silver, after the shekel of the sanctuary.” : This is where it gets a little more complex. "The shekel of the sanctuary” refers to a specific amount of money that was held in a temple in Jerusalem. This 50 silver shekels represents a regular payment for work performed within the Temple or for those who were involved in religious activities. The “estimation” part means that you must calculate and pay out this amount regularly. In simpler terms: Think of it like this: Everyone working in the temple (or performing certain religious duties) was expected to earn a certain amount of money each week, and this verse sets a standard for how much they would be paid for their work. It's about ensuring fairness and providing for those involved in God’s service. Context is important: This law existed during the time when the Israelites were living in a land that was heavily connected to their religious practices. It was part of a larger system where labor was linked to worship and spiritual rewards. --- Do you want me to explain any aspect of this verse in more detail, or perhaps explore its significance within the context of the Old Testament? For example, we could discuss: The purpose of this law – why was it established? Its connection to other laws about work and property? How it relates to concepts like Sabbath and rest?