Definition: And if [it be] from a month old even unto five years old, then thy estimation shall be of the male five shekels of silver, and for the female thy estimation [shall be] three shekels of silver.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Leviticus 27:6. It’s a really important part of Jewish law that outlines how to handle livestock – like sheep, goats, cattle, and chickens – before they are sold or used for sacrifice. Here's the simple explanation: Basically, it says that animals older than five years are valued differently when they are being sold. Let’s unpack that a bit more: “And if [it be] from a month old even unto five years old…” This means anything older than a month is considered valuable. It’s a crucial point – it's only the animals that are over a month old that get a specific price. “…then thy estimation shall be of the male five shekels of silver…” If an animal is a male, you’re supposed to give him five shekels (which roughly translates to about $20-$30 today). "...and for the female thy estimation [shall be] three shekels of silver.” If an animal is a female, you're supposed to give her three shekels. What does this mean practically? This law was designed to ensure fairness and prevent exploitation in the livestock trade. It’s about recognizing that older animals are more valuable because they've been raised for longer and have had more opportunities to grow. It’s a way of protecting the animals and ensuring a fair exchange. Important Context: This verse is part of a larger system of Jewish law called Shema . It was established during times when there were significant differences in wealth and power within the community. It was intended to help create a more equitable system for managing livestock and preventing unfair transactions. --- Do you want me to: Explain why this verse exists? Give an example of how it might have been used historically? Discuss its significance in Jewish tradition?