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Leviticus 25:47 - Redeem the impoverished brother?

Leviticus 25:47 - ויקרא 25:47

Hebrew Text

וְכִי תַשִּׂיג יַד גֵּר וְתוֹשָׁב עִמָּךְ וּמָךְ אָחִיךָ עִמּוֹ וְנִמְכַּר לְגֵר תּוֹשָׁב עִמָּךְ אוֹ לְעֵקֶר מִשְׁפַּחַת גֵּר׃

English Translation

And if a sojourner or stranger grow rich by thee, and thy brother that dwells by him grows poor, and sell himself to the stranger or sojourner by thee, or to the offspring of a stranger’s family:

Transliteration

V'chi tasig yad ger v'toshav imach, umach achicha imo, v'nimkar l'ger toshav imach o l'eiker mishpachat ger.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְכִ֣י תַשִּׂ֗יג יַ֣ד גֵּ֤ר וְתוֹשָׁב֙ עִמָּ֔ךְ וּמָ֥ךְ אָחִ֖יךָ עִמּ֑וֹ וְנִמְכַּ֗ר לְגֵ֤ר תּוֹשָׁב֙ עִמָּ֔ךְ א֥וֹ לְעֵ֖קֶר מִשְׁפַּ֥חַת גֵּֽר׃
וְכִ֣י תַשִּׂ֗יג יַ֣ד גֵּ֤ר וְתוֹשָׁב֙ עִמָּ֔ךְ וּמָ֥ךְ אָחִ֖יךָ עִמּ֑וֹ וְנִמְכַּ֗ר לְגֵ֤ר תּוֹשָׁב֙ עִמָּ֔ךְ א֥וֹ לְעֵ֖קֶר מִשְׁפַּ֥חַת גֵּֽר׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context and Overview

This verse (Vayikra 25:47) discusses the scenario where a Jewish person becomes impoverished and sells himself into servitude to a non-Jewish resident ("ger toshav") or a member of a non-Jewish family living among the Jewish people. The Torah provides laws to ensure the dignity and eventual redemption of the Jewish servant.

Explanation of Key Terms

  • "גֵּר וְתוֹשָׁב" (Ger v'Toshav) - Rashi explains that a "ger toshav" refers to a non-Jew who has accepted the seven Noahide laws and resides in Eretz Yisrael. Rambam (Hilchos Avodim 5:6-7) elaborates that such individuals are permitted to live among the Jewish people under certain conditions.
  • "וּמָךְ אָחִיךָ עִמּוֹ" (Your brother becomes poor with him) - The Sifra (Behar 7:5) interprets this as emphasizing the tragic decline of a Jew who must sell himself to a non-Jew, highlighting the urgency of redemption.

Halachic Implications

The verse introduces the mitzvah of redeeming a Jewish servant sold to a non-Jew. The Rambam (Hilchos Avodim 2:3) rules that relatives must prioritize redeeming such a servant, as his subjugation to a non-Jew is considered a grave matter. The Talmud (Kiddushin 20a) further discusses the hierarchy of redemption, where the servant himself, his relatives, or the community must act to free him.

Moral and Ethical Lessons

The Midrash (Toras Kohanim 25:47) teaches that this law underscores the responsibility of the Jewish community to prevent and rectify the humiliation of a fellow Jew. The Or HaChaim adds that the phrase "עִמָּךְ" ("with you") implies that the community shares culpability if they fail to assist their impoverished brethren.

Redemption Process

According to the Mechilta (Mishpatim 21:8), the redemption follows a prorated calculation based on the years remaining until the Yovel (Jubilee) year. The servant may also be redeemed by paying the remaining value of his service at any time.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Leviticus 25:47 mean?
A: Leviticus 25:47 discusses a situation where a Jewish person becomes poor and is forced to sell themselves into servitude to a non-Jewish resident (ger toshav) or a member of a stranger's family. The Torah provides laws to protect the dignity and eventual freedom of the Jewish person in such circumstances.
Q: Why is this verse important in Jewish law?
A: This verse is important because it establishes the Torah's concern for protecting Jews who fall into poverty and servitude. Even in difficult circumstances, the Torah ensures that a Jew sold to a non-Jew has rights and a path to redemption, as detailed in the following verses (Leviticus 25:48-55).
Q: What can we learn from Leviticus 25:47 about helping the poor?
A: This verse teaches us the importance of compassion and responsibility toward those who fall into poverty. The Torah mandates that we must not ignore our fellow Jews in distress and provides a legal framework to assist them, emphasizing the value of human dignity even in difficult situations.
Q: How does Leviticus 25:47 apply today?
A: While the specific laws of servitude do not apply in the same way today, the principle of assisting those in financial hardship remains relevant. Jewish communities continue to uphold the mitzvah of tzedakah (charity) and supporting those in need, reflecting the Torah's timeless values of compassion and social justice.
Q: Who is the 'ger toshav' mentioned in this verse?
A: A 'ger toshav' (resident stranger) refers to a non-Jew who lives among the Jewish people and observes the Seven Noahide Laws but does not convert to Judaism. The Torah includes them in certain societal laws, showing that even non-Jewish residents have a recognized status in Jewish civil law.