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Leviticus 27:13 - Redemption's added fifth value?

Leviticus 27:13 - ויקרא 27:13

Hebrew Text

וְאִם־גָּאֹל יִגְאָלֶנָּה וְיָסַף חֲמִישִׁתוֹ עַל־עֶרְכֶּךָ׃

English Translation

But if he will at all redeem it, then he shall add a fifth part thereof to the estimation.

Transliteration

Ve'im-gaol yig'alena veyasaf chamishito al-erkecha.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְאִם־גָּאֹ֖ל יִגְאָלֶ֑נָּה וְיָסַ֥ף חֲמִישִׁת֖וֹ עַל־עֶרְכֶּֽךָ׃
וְאִם־גָּאֹ֖ל יִגְאָלֶ֑נָּה וְיָסַ֥ף חֲמִישִׁת֖וֹ עַל־עֶרְכֶּֽךָ׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

The verse (Vayikra 27:19) appears in the context of the laws of erchin (valuations), where a person pledges the value of a field to the Beit HaMikdash. If the owner wishes to redeem the field after it has been consecrated, he must add a fifth (20%) to its assessed value.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Vayikra 27:19) clarifies that the "fifth" refers to one-fifth of the total redemption value, meaning the owner pays the original valuation plus an additional 25% of that amount (since one-fifth of the total payment is equivalent to a 25% increase on the base value). For example, if the valuation is 100, he must pay 125 (100 + 25).

Rambam's Halachic Perspective

In Hilchot Arachin V'Charamin (8:11), the Rambam codifies this law, stating that the additional fifth applies whether the original consecration was made by the owner himself or by someone else redeeming the field on his behalf. This underscores the sanctity of objects dedicated to the Beit HaMikdash and the seriousness of retracting such a vow.

Midrashic Insight

The Midrash (Torat Kohanim 27:19) connects this law to the broader theme of integrity in financial matters. Adding the fifth serves as a deterrent against casually consecrating property and then reclaiming it, teaching that one must carefully consider vows and obligations.

Practical Implications

  • The additional fifth applies only to redemptions of consecrated property, not to other types of vows or donations.
  • This law emphasizes the principle that sacred commitments (especially those involving the Beit HaMikdash) require extra care and respect.
  • The Talmud (Arachin 29a) discusses edge cases, such as whether the fifth itself can be consecrated, demonstrating the precision required in these laws.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Arakhin 9a
The verse is discussed in the context of the laws of valuations (Arakhin) and the additional fifth required when redeeming consecrated property.
📖 Bava Metzia 54b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the laws of adding a fifth when redeeming property or items dedicated to the Temple.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Leviticus 27:13 mean when it says 'he shall add a fifth part thereof to the estimation'?
A: This verse refers to the laws of redeeming (buying back) something that a person has consecrated to the Temple. If someone wants to reclaim their dedicated property, they must pay its assessed value plus an additional fifth (20%) as a penalty. Rashi explains that this teaches the importance of keeping one's word—since the person initially pledged the item to holiness, taking it back requires extra compensation.
Q: Why is adding a fifth important when redeeming consecrated items?
A: The additional fifth serves as a deterrent against casually changing one's mind after making a holy pledge. The Talmud (Arachin 29a) teaches that this extra payment emphasizes the seriousness of vows and the sanctity of items dedicated to the Temple. Rambam (Hilchot Arachin 8:6) further notes that this law reinforces the principle that words have spiritual weight in Jewish tradition.
Q: Does the law of adding a fifth apply today?
A: While the Temple is not standing today, the principle still teaches us about the importance of keeping commitments. The Chofetz Chaim (in his work on Jewish ethics) derives from this that one should be careful before making promises and fulfill them faithfully. However, the actual monetary law only applies when the Temple is functioning and the Sanhedrin administers these valuations.
Q: What is the deeper lesson from Leviticus 27:13?
A: The Midrash (Vayikra Rabbah 37:2) connects this verse to personal growth: just as redeeming requires 'adding a fifth,' spiritual improvement requires going beyond the minimum. The extra fifth symbolizes that true dedication means giving more than expected—whether in charity, prayer, or mitzvot. This idea is echoed in many Jewish ethical works about striving for excellence.