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Leviticus 25:52 - Counting to Jubilee's redemption?

Leviticus 25:52 - ויקרא 25:52

Hebrew Text

וְאִם־מְעַט נִשְׁאַר בַּשָּׁנִים עַד־שְׁנַת הַיֹּבֵל וְחִשַּׁב־לוֹ כְּפִי שָׁנָיו יָשִׁיב אֶת־גְּאֻלָּתוֹ׃

English Translation

And if there remain but few years until the year of jubilee, then he shall count with him, and according to his years shall he restore the price of his redemption.

Transliteration

Ve'im-me'at nish'ar bashanim ad-shenat hayovel vechishav-lo kefi shenav yashiv et-ge'ulato.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְאִם־מְעַ֞ט נִשְׁאַ֧ר בַּשָּׁנִ֛ים עַד־שְׁנַ֥ת הַיֹּבֵ֖ל וְחִשַּׁב־ל֑וֹ כְּפִ֣י שָׁנָ֔יו יָשִׁ֖יב אֶת־גְּאֻלָּתֽוֹ׃
וְאִם־מְעַ֞ט נִשְׁאַ֧ר בַּשָּׁנִ֛ים עַד־שְׁנַ֥ת הַיֹּבֵ֖ל וְחִשַּׁב־ל֑וֹ כְּפִ֣י שָׁנָ֔יו יָשִׁ֖יב אֶת־גְּאֻלָּתֽוֹ׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

The verse (Vayikra 25:52) appears in the context of the laws concerning the redemption of land sold during the Jubilee (Yovel) cycle. The Torah outlines how the price of redemption is adjusted based on the number of years remaining until the Jubilee year, when all land returns to its original owner.

Explanation of the Verse

The verse teaches that if only a few years remain until the Jubilee, the seller must calculate the redemption price proportionally. Rashi (Vayikra 25:52) explains that this means the buyer must return the land at a reduced price, as the remaining years of usage are limited. The seller pays only for the years left until the Jubilee, ensuring fairness in the transaction.

Halachic Principles

  • Proportional Redemption: Rambam (Hilchot Shemittah v’Yovel 11:6) elaborates that the redemption price is determined by dividing the total sale price by the number of years until the Jubilee, then multiplying by the remaining years.
  • Fairness in Transactions: The Talmud (Arachin 29b) discusses this principle as an example of the Torah’s emphasis on equitable dealings, ensuring neither party is disadvantaged.

Midrashic Insight

The Midrash (Torat Kohanim 25:52) connects this law to the broader theme of divine justice, teaching that just as Hashem ensures fairness in financial matters, so too does He measure all human actions with precision.

Practical Implications

This law underscores the Torah’s concern for economic justice, ensuring that land sales are temporary and that ancestral property rights are preserved. It reflects the sanctity of the Jubilee year as a reset for societal equity, as emphasized by the Sifra (Behar 6:1).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Leviticus 25:52 mean?
A: Leviticus 25:52 discusses the laws of redeeming property in the years leading up to the Yovel (Jubilee) year. If someone sells a field and wants to buy it back, the price is adjusted based on how many years remain until Yovel, when all land returns to its original owners. Rashi explains that the verse teaches fairness in transactions, ensuring the seller doesn't overpay for redemption close to Yovel.
Q: Why is the Yovel (Jubilee) year important in this verse?
A: The Yovel year is central because it represents a reset for land ownership in Israel. Every 50 years, all sold lands return to their original tribal owners (as commanded in Leviticus 25:10). This verse highlights that transactions must account for this reset—meaning the closer it is to Yovel, the less value the land holds in a sale or redemption, as per Talmudic interpretation (Rosh Hashanah 9b).
Q: How does Leviticus 25:52 apply to financial fairness?
A: This verse teaches ethical business practices by ensuring proportional pricing. Rambam (Hilchot Mechira 11:2) derives from here that one must calculate redemption costs fairly based on remaining years until Yovel. If only a few years remain, the buyer cannot charge the full original price—this prevents exploitation and upholds Torah’s emphasis on justice in commerce.
Q: What lesson can we learn from this verse today?
A: Even though the Yovel laws currently don’t apply without the Temple, the principle remains relevant: transactions should be honest and consider long-term fairness. The Sforno notes that this law cultivates trust and integrity, reminding us that all wealth ultimately belongs to Hashem, and we must deal with others equitably in financial matters.