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Leviticus 27:16 - Field's sanctity: barley's silver worth?

Leviticus 27:16 - ויקרא 27:16

Hebrew Text

וְאִם מִשְּׂדֵה אֲחֻזָּתוֹ יַקְדִּישׁ אִישׁ לַיהוָה וְהָיָה עֶרְכְּךָ לְפִי זַרְעוֹ זֶרַע חֹמֶר שְׂעֹרִים בַּחֲמִשִּׁים שֶׁקֶל כָּסֶף׃

English Translation

And if a man shall dedicate to the Lord some part of a field of his possession, then the estimation shall be according to the seed required for it, a ĥomer of barley seed shall be valued at fifty shekels of silver.

Transliteration

Ve'im misdei achuzato yakdish ish la'Adonai vehaya erkecha lefi zar'o zera chomer se'orim bachamishim shekel kesef.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְאִ֣ם <b>׀</b> מִשְּׂדֵ֣ה אֲחֻזָּת֗וֹ יַקְדִּ֥ישׁ אִישׁ֙ לַֽיהֹוָ֔ה וְהָיָ֥ה עֶרְכְּךָ֖ לְפִ֣י זַרְע֑וֹ זֶ֚רַע חֹ֣מֶר שְׂעֹרִ֔ים בַּחֲמִשִּׁ֖ים שֶׁ֥קֶל כָּֽסֶף׃
וְאִ֣ם ׀ מִשְּׂדֵ֣ה אֲחֻזָּת֗וֹ יַקְדִּ֥ישׁ אִישׁ֙ לַֽיהֹוָ֔ה וְהָיָ֥ה עֶרְכְּךָ֖ לְפִ֣י זַרְע֑וֹ זֶ֚רַע חֹ֣מֶר שְׂעֹרִ֔ים בַּחֲמִשִּׁ֖ים שֶׁ֥קֶל כָּֽסֶף׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Vayikra 27:16) appears in the context of the laws of erchin (vows of valuation) and hekdesh (consecration of property to the Beit HaMikdash). Here, the Torah discusses the valuation of a field that an individual consecrates to Hashem as part of his ancestral land (sdeh achuzah). Unlike other consecrations, the value is not based on the field's market price but rather on its agricultural yield potential.

Explanation of the Valuation Method

Rashi explains that the valuation is calculated based on the amount of barley seed (se'orim) needed to sow the field. A chomer of barley seed (approximately 30 se'ah) covering a beit kor (a unit of land area) is valued at fifty silver shekels. This fixed rate applies regardless of the field's actual quality or location.

  • Fixed Valuation: The Ramban notes that this standardized method prevents disputes and ensures fairness, as land quality varies.
  • Barley as the Measure: The Midrash (Sifra) suggests barley is used because it is a hardy crop, symbolizing the enduring sanctity of the dedication.

Halachic Implications

The Talmud (Arachin 25a) derives from this verse that the valuation applies only to fields of ancestral inheritance (sdeh achuzah), not purchased fields. The Rambam (Hilchot Arachin 4:12) rules that if one consecrates such a field, the amount paid to the Temple treasury is determined by this fixed rate per chomer of seed capacity.

Spiritual Significance

The Kli Yakar emphasizes that this law teaches the importance of sincerity in dedicating property to Hashem. Since the valuation is fixed, one cannot inflate or diminish the sanctity based on personal motives. The field's inherent potential—not its superficial worth—determines its sacred value.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Arakhin 25a
The verse is discussed in the context of the laws of valuations (Arakhin) and how to assess the value of dedicated fields.
📖 Arakhin 26a
Further discussion on the valuation of fields dedicated to the Temple, referencing the specific measurement of barley seed mentioned in the verse.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Leviticus 27:16 mean when it talks about dedicating a field to Hashem?
A: Leviticus 27:16 discusses the laws of 'hekdesh' (dedication to the Temple), where a person can consecrate part of their ancestral field to Hashem. According to Rashi, the verse explains that the value of the field is calculated based on how much barley seed is needed to sow it—specifically, a 'chomer' of barley seed is worth fifty silver shekels. This teaches us about the sanctity of property and how it can be used for holy purposes.
Q: Why is the value of the field based on barley seed in Leviticus 27:16?
A: The Torah uses barley as a measurement because it was a common crop in ancient Israel and provided a practical way to assess land value. The Talmud (Arachin 25b) explains that the valuation is based on the field's agricultural potential—how much seed it can produce—rather than its market price. This ensures fairness in dedicating property to the Temple.
Q: How does Leviticus 27:16 apply today if we don’t have the Temple?
A: While we no longer have the Temple, the principle of dedicating possessions to holy causes remains relevant. The Rambam (Hilchot Arachin 1:1) discusses these laws to teach the importance of valuing what we have and using it for spiritual purposes. Today, this can mean donating to charity (tzedakah) or supporting Torah study, continuing the idea of sanctifying our resources for a higher purpose.
Q: What is the significance of the fifty shekels mentioned in Leviticus 27:16?
A: The fifty shekels represent a fixed valuation for a 'chomer' of barley seed, ensuring consistency in dedicating fields. The Midrash (Torat Kohanim) notes that numbers in Torah often carry deeper meaning—fifty is associated with holiness (like the 50 gates of understanding). This teaches that dedicating property is not just a financial act but a spiritual commitment.
Q: Can a person dedicate only part of their field, or does it have to be the whole field?
A: The verse specifies that a person can dedicate 'some part' (מִשְּׂדֵה אֲחֻזָּתוֹ) of their field, not necessarily the entire field. Rashi explains that this allows flexibility—someone can sanctify a portion of their land without losing all of it. This reflects the Torah’s understanding of human needs and encourages voluntary contributions without undue hardship.