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Leviticus 25:5 - Let land rest, trust Divine providence.

Leviticus 25:5 - ויקרא 25:5

Hebrew Text

אֵת סְפִיחַ קְצִירְךָ לֹא תִקְצוֹר וְאֶת־עִנְּבֵי נְזִירֶךָ לֹא תִבְצֹר שְׁנַת שַׁבָּתוֹן יִהְיֶה לָאָרֶץ׃

English Translation

That which grows of its own accord of thy harvest thou shalt not reap, nor gather the grapes of thy undressed vine: for it shall be a year of rest for the land.

Transliteration

Et s'fiach k'tzircha lo tiktzor v'et-invei n'zirecha lo tivtzor sh'nat shabaton yih'yeh la'aretz.

Hebrew Leining Text

אֵ֣ת סְפִ֤יחַ קְצִֽירְךָ֙ לֹ֣א תִקְצ֔וֹר וְאֶת־עִנְּבֵ֥י נְזִירֶ֖ךָ לֹ֣א תִבְצֹ֑ר שְׁנַ֥ת שַׁבָּת֖וֹן יִהְיֶ֥ה לָאָֽרֶץ׃
אֵ֣ת סְפִ֤יחַ קְצִֽירְךָ֙ לֹ֣א תִקְצ֔וֹר וְאֶת־עִנְּבֵ֥י נְזִירֶ֖ךָ לֹ֣א תִבְצֹ֑ר שְׁנַ֥ת שַׁבָּת֖וֹן יִהְיֶ֥ה לָאָֽרֶץ׃

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Parasha Commentary

Overview of the Verse

The verse (Vayikra 25:5) discusses the laws of Shemittah (the Sabbatical year), during which the land of Israel must lie fallow. It prohibits harvesting crops that grow on their own (ספיח קצירך) and gathering grapes from untended vines (ענבי נזירך). The Torah emphasizes that this year is a שבתון—a complete rest for the land.

Explanation of Key Terms

  • ספיח קצירך (That which grows of its own accord): Rashi explains that this refers to grain that grows without being sown, as planting is forbidden during Shemittah. The Sifra (Torat Kohanim) adds that this includes any produce that grows without human intervention.
  • ענבי נזירך (Grapes of your undressed vine): Ramban (Nachmanides) interprets this as grapes from vines that were not pruned or tended to, as agricultural work is prohibited. The Talmud (Moed Katan 3b) states that even gathering such grapes is forbidden, as it resembles harvesting.
  • שנת שבתון (A year of rest): The Mishnah (Shevi’it 4:2) teaches that Shemittah sanctifies all produce, making it ownerless (הפקר), available to all, including animals.

Halachic Implications

According to the Rambam (Hilchot Shemittah v’Yovel 1:1-2), the prohibition against harvesting and gathering during Shemittah applies to all agricultural work, reinforcing the idea that the land must rest just as the Jewish people observe Shabbat. The Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 84) explains that this mitzvah cultivates trust in Hashem, as farmers must rely on divine providence for sustenance.

Spiritual Significance

The Midrash (Vayikra Rabbah 1:1) compares Shemittah to Shabbat, teaching that just as Shabbat sanctifies time, Shemittah sanctifies the land. The Kli Yakar emphasizes that this rest period reminds us that the land ultimately belongs to Hashem, not to human owners. By refraining from agricultural labor, we acknowledge divine sovereignty over Eretz Yisrael.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Moed Katan 2b
The verse is referenced in the discussion about the laws of the Sabbatical year (Shemittah) and the prohibition of working the land during that year.
📖 Sanhedrin 26a
The verse is cited in the context of discussing the obligations and prohibitions during the Sabbatical year, emphasizing the sanctity of the land's rest.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Leviticus 25:5 mean?
A: Leviticus 25:5 is part of the laws of the Sabbatical Year (Shmita). It commands that during the seventh year, farmers in the Land of Israel must not harvest crops that grow on their own ('sefichin') or gather grapes from untended vines ('nazir'). The land must rest, just as we rest on Shabbat.
Q: Why is the Sabbatical Year (Shmita) important?
A: The Sabbatical Year teaches us to trust in Hashem's providence, as we refrain from working the land. The Rambam (Hilchot Shemita 4:1) explains that observing Shmita strengthens emunah (faith) by recognizing that the land ultimately belongs to Hashem. It also gives the land a chance to rest, reflecting ecological wisdom.
Q: What can we learn from Leviticus 25:5 today?
A: This verse reminds us that not everything is meant for human consumption or profit. By letting the land rest, we learn humility, patience, and respect for Hashem's creation. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 39a) also connects Shmita to social justice, as the poor and animals may freely eat from the untended produce.
Q: Does the law of Shmita still apply today?
A: Yes, according to Orthodox Jewish law, Shmita obligations apply today in the Land of Israel. The Mishnah (Shevi'it 9:2-4) and later poskim (halachic authorities) discuss modern applications, including the 'heter mechira' (temporary sale of land to non-Jews) for agricultural needs.
Q: What is the difference between 'sefichin' and 'nazir' in this verse?
A: Rashi explains that 'sefichin' refers to grains that grow on their own from seeds dropped during harvest, while 'nazir' refers to grapes from vines left untrimmed (like a nazirite who doesn't cut his hair). Both are forbidden to harvest during Shmita, showing that all agricultural work is prohibited.