The assertion that the authors of the Book of Leviticus “could not count” signifies that the text deliberately omits precise numerical data and detailed calculations—characteristics found, for example, in the Book of Numbers or other Mosaic texts.

Ritual Over Numbers: The Theological Emphasis of Leviticus

The assertion that the authors of the Book of Leviticus “could not count” signifies that the text deliberately omits precise numerical data and detailed calculations—characteristics found, for example, in the Book of Numbers or other Mosaic texts. This does not so much indicate an inability to perform arithmetic but rather points to a deliberate choice to focus on describing rituals, sacrifices, and priestly duties, reflecting their priorities in presenting religious content.

In one source it is stated:
“The Book of Leviticus does not contain a census of the people, as do other Mosaic books, which often raises questions. The compilers of the book may not have mastered precise counting methods, as evidenced by the absence of numerical data. Nevertheless, this does not diminish its significance and its teachings on ethical and religious duties.” (source: link txt, page: 524).

Another text emphasizes:
“If one examines the Book of Leviticus in detail, one can observe that the absence of numerical data and detailed calculations creates a sense of a lack of structure. This may be related to the authors’ focus on religious and ritualistic aspects rather than precise counting. Nevertheless, this aspect does not diminish its theological significance.” (source: link txt, page: 47).

It is also noted that the dominance of descriptions of religious rituals over precise numerical data suggests that the main purpose of the text was not to document specific figures but to establish moral and religious principles:
“Some argue that the absence of numerical calculations in the Book of Leviticus may indicate a later insertion of other data into the Pentateuch. This fact underscores that its primary purpose is the cultivation of moral and religious qualities through commandments and rituals.” (source: link txt, page: 450).

Thus, the absence of exact numerical data influenced the content of the text in the following way: the focus shifted from quantitative characteristics to descriptive, ritualistic, and theological details. This resulted in the text being perceived as a practical guide to ritual and spiritual life rather than as a document intended for a detailed account of numbers or structural calculations.