An important theme throughout the book of Leviticus is the reduction of payment for those who cannot afford the normal price (see Leviticus 1:3, Leviticus 1:10, Leviticus 1:14; Leviticus 5:7, Leviticus 5:11; Leviticus 14:21). In this instance, one’s social status is determined by the priest, not the individual in question. The priest would set the valuation according to the poor person’s ability to pay. These laws are provided so as not to hinder the impoverished from being able to perform a religious act.
8 And if someone is too poor to pay the valuation, then he shall be made to stand before the priest, and the priest shall value him; the priest shall value him according to what the vower can afford.