(12) Whether it be good or bad.--That is, the priest shall estimate its value according to the condition of the animal, whatever that may be, whether it is of good quality or bad.

27:1-13 Zeal for the service of God disposed the Israelites, on some occasions, to dedicate themselves or their children to the service of the Lord, in his house for life. Some persons who thus dedicated themselves might be employed as assistants; in general they were to be redeemed for a value. It is good to be zealously affected and liberally disposed for the Lord's service; but the matter should be well weighed, and prudence should direct as to what we do; else rash vows and hesitation in doing them will dishonour God, and trouble our own minds.And the priest shall value it, whether it be good or bad,.... Put a price upon it according to its worth, as it shall appear to him:

as thou valuest it, who art the priest, so shall it be; that shall be the price at which it shall be sold, not to the owner or devoter of it, for he must give more, as appears from Leviticus 27:13; but, as Jarchi observes, to all other men who come to purchase it.