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Leviticus 25:26 - Can one redeem oneself alone?

Leviticus 25:26 - ויקרא 25:26

Hebrew Text

וְאִישׁ כִּי לֹא יִהְיֶה־לּוֹ גֹּאֵל וְהִשִּׂיגָה יָדוֹ וּמָצָא כְּדֵי גְאֻלָּתוֹ׃

English Translation

And if the man have none to redeem it, and himself be able to redeem it;

Transliteration

Ve'ish ki lo yihyeh-lo goel vehisigah yado umatza kedei geulato.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְאִ֕ישׁ כִּ֛י לֹ֥א יִֽהְיֶה־לּ֖וֹ גֹּאֵ֑ל וְהִשִּׂ֣יגָה יָד֔וֹ וּמָצָ֖א כְּדֵ֥י גְאֻלָּתֽוֹ׃
וְאִ֕ישׁ כִּ֛י לֹ֥א יִֽהְיֶה־לּ֖וֹ גֹּאֵ֑ל וְהִשִּׂ֣יגָה יָד֔וֹ וּמָצָ֖א כְּדֵ֥י גְאֻלָּתֽוֹ׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

The verse (Vayikra 25:26) appears in the context of the laws of ge'ulah (redemption) of land in the Jubilee year. It discusses a scenario where a person is forced to sell his ancestral land due to financial hardship but lacks a redeemer (go'el)—typically a close relative—to buy it back for him. In such a case, if the seller later acquires sufficient means, he may redeem the land himself.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Vayikra 25:26) clarifies that the phrase "and himself be able to redeem it" refers to the original owner who, after selling the land, later gains the financial capacity to repurchase it. Rashi emphasizes that this is a chesed (kindness) from Hashem, allowing a person to regain his ancestral portion even if no redeemer is available.

Rambam's Halachic Perspective

In Hilchos Shemittah V’Yovel (11:1), the Rambam codifies this law, stating that if a person has no redeemer but later acquires the means, he must redeem the land before the Jubilee year. This underscores the Torah’s concern for preserving familial inheritance and ensuring that land ultimately returns to its original owners.

Midrashic Insight

The Midrash (Toras Kohanim 25:26) draws a parallel between this law and the ultimate redemption of the Jewish people. Just as an individual may lack a redeemer but later regain his property through personal effort, so too, if the Jewish people merit it, they can bring about their own redemption through repentance and good deeds.

Key Themes

  • Personal Responsibility: Even without a redeemer, one must strive to reclaim what was lost when possible.
  • Divine Compassion: The Torah provides a path for restoration, reflecting Hashem’s mercy.
  • Ancestral Connection: Land in Eretz Yisrael is intrinsically tied to family heritage, emphasizing its spiritual significance.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Arakhin 30b
The verse is discussed in the context of the laws of redemption of property, particularly when a person has no redeemer and must redeem the property themselves.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Leviticus 25:26 mean?
A: Leviticus 25:26 discusses the laws of property redemption in the Torah. If a person is forced to sell their ancestral land due to financial hardship but has no relative (גֹּאֵל - 'goel') to redeem it for them, the verse states they may redeem it themselves if they later acquire the means to do so. This reflects the Torah's emphasis on keeping land within families and tribes.
Q: Why is the concept of a 'goel' (redeemer) important in this verse?
A: The 'goel' (redeemer) is a key concept in Jewish law, representing a close relative responsible for helping family members in need - whether redeeming land (as here), avenging wrongs, or other familial obligations. Rashi explains this system maintains tribal land inheritance as commanded in Numbers 36:7-9, preventing permanent loss of ancestral property.
Q: How does Leviticus 25:26 apply to financial ethics today?
A: This verse teaches timeless principles about financial responsibility and communal support. The Rambam (Hilchot Shemitta 11:1) derives from such verses that we must help others regain financial stability. While the Jubilee land laws don't apply today, the underlying values - preserving dignity, assisting those who fall into hardship, and enabling recovery - remain central to Jewish ethics.