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Leviticus 27:15 - Redeeming with sacred surplus?

Leviticus 27:15 - ויקרא 27:15

Hebrew Text

וְאִם־הַמַּקְדִּישׁ יִגְאַל אֶת־בֵּיתוֹ וְיָסַף חֲמִישִׁית כֶּסֶף־עֶרְכְּךָ עָלָיו וְהָיָה לוֹ׃

English Translation

And if he that sanctified it will redeem his house, then he shall add the fifth part of the money of the estimation to it, and it shall be his.

Transliteration

Ve'im-hamakdish yigal et-beito veyasaf chamishit kesef-erkecha alav vehaya lo.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְאִ֨ם־הַמַּקְדִּ֔ישׁ יִגְאַ֖ל אֶת־בֵּית֑וֹ וְ֠יָסַ֠ף חֲמִישִׁ֧ית כֶּֽסֶף־עֶרְכְּךָ֛ עָלָ֖יו וְהָ֥יָה לֽוֹ׃
וְאִ֨ם־הַמַּקְדִּ֔ישׁ יִגְאַ֖ל אֶת־בֵּית֑וֹ וְ֠יָסַ֠ף חֲמִישִׁ֧ית כֶּֽסֶף־עֶרְכְּךָ֛ עָלָ֖יו וְהָ֥יָה לֽוֹ׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context in Vayikra (Leviticus)

The verse (Vayikra 27:15) discusses the laws of hekdesh (sanctified property) and its redemption. If a person consecrates their house to the Beit HaMikdash (Temple) and later wishes to redeem it, they must pay its assessed value plus an additional fifth (chomesh). This law applies to movable and immovable property dedicated to sacred purposes.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Vayikra 27:15) clarifies that the "fifth part" (chomesh) is calculated based on the original valuation, not the total after adding it. For example, if the house is valued at 100 silver pieces, the redeemer adds 20 (a fifth of 100) for a total payment of 120. This ensures the sanctity of the dedication is upheld through an additional contribution.

Rambam's Legal Perspective

In Hilchot Arachin VaCharamim (6:1-2), the Rambam codifies this law, emphasizing that the additional fifth is a Torah-mandated penalty for reclaiming sanctified property. This teaches that consecration is a serious matter—one should not treat vows lightly, and redemption requires meaningful restitution to the sacred domain.

Midrashic Insight

The Sifra (a halachic Midrash on Vayikra) links this law to the broader principle of emunah (faithfulness) in vows. Adding a fifth symbolizes that one’s word must carry weight—just as withholding sanctified property diminishes holiness, restoring it requires extra commitment.

Practical Implications

  • Valuation Process: A Kohen assesses the house’s worth based on its condition and market value at the time of dedication (Talmud, Arachin 23b).
  • Timing: The owner may redeem the house anytime before its sale by the Temple treasury (Rambam, Hilchot Arachin 4:24).
  • Spiritual Lesson: The chomesh serves as a reminder that reversing a holy commitment demands sincere effort beyond the original obligation (Kli Yakar, Vayikra 27:15).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Arakhin 9a
The verse is discussed in the context of the laws of redemption of consecrated property, specifically regarding the additional fifth that must be paid when redeeming a house.
📖 Bava Metzia 54b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the principles of adding a fifth to certain payments in Jewish law, illustrating the broader application of this biblical commandment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Leviticus 27:15 mean?
A: Leviticus 27:15 discusses the laws of redeeming a house that was sanctified (donated) to the Temple. If the original owner wishes to buy it back, they must pay its assessed value plus an additional fifth (20%). This teaches the importance of keeping one's word in dedicating property to holy purposes while allowing for redemption under specific conditions.
Q: Why is adding a fifth (20%) required when redeeming a sanctified house?
A: Rashi explains that adding a fifth serves as a penalty or deterrent against casually vowing to sanctify property and then changing one’s mind. The extra payment emphasizes the seriousness of dedicating items to holy purposes (Vayikra 27:15, Rashi). The Talmud (Arachin 29a) further discusses this as a way to uphold the sanctity of vows.
Q: How does Leviticus 27:15 apply today?
A: While we no longer have the Temple, the principle of keeping vows and commitments remains central in Jewish law (Shulchan Aruch, Yoreh De'ah 203). The verse reminds us to carefully consider promises, especially those involving charity or sacred matters, and to fulfill them with sincerity.
Q: What is the significance of redeeming sanctified property?
A: The Rambam (Hilcharot Arachin 6:1-2) teaches that redeeming sanctified items allows them to return to mundane use while still honoring their initial holy designation. The added fifth ensures that the sanctity is respected, balancing personal needs with spiritual obligations.