share torah logo

Leviticus 27:17 - Jubilee sanctifies land's value?

Leviticus 27:17 - ויקרא 27:17

Hebrew Text

אִם־מִשְּׁנַת הַיֹּבֵל יַקְדִּישׁ שָׂדֵהוּ כְּעֶרְכְּךָ יָקוּם׃

English Translation

If he dedicate his field from the year of jubilee, according to the estimation it shall stand.

Transliteration

Im-mishnat hayovel yakdish sadehu ke'erkecha yakum.

Hebrew Leining Text

אִם־מִשְּׁנַ֥ת הַיֹּבֵ֖ל יַקְדִּ֣ישׁ שָׂדֵ֑הוּ כְּעֶרְכְּךָ֖ יָקֽוּם׃
אִם־מִשְּׁנַ֥ת הַיֹּבֵ֖ל יַקְדִּ֣ישׁ שָׂדֵ֑הוּ כְּעֶרְכְּךָ֖ יָקֽוּם׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context in Vayikra (Leviticus 27:17)

The verse discusses the laws of hekdesh (consecration) of a field during the Yovel (Jubilee) year. According to the Torah, land in Eretz Yisrael reverts to its original owners during Yovel, and this impacts the valuation of consecrated fields.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Vayikra 27:17) explains that if someone consecrates their field "from the year of Yovel", it means they dedicate it immediately after the Yovel year begins. The valuation is based on the remaining years until the next Yovel, calculated at 50 shekels per 49 years (since Yovel is the 50th year). The phrase "according to the estimation it shall stand" means the sanctity remains fixed at this value, regardless of whether the field's market value changes later.

Rambam's Halachic Perspective

In Hilchos Arachin Vacharamin (4:12), the Rambam rules that this law applies specifically to fields inherited as ancestral land (sdeh achuzah), not purchased fields. The consecrated value is determined by how many years remain until the next Yovel, with each year valued proportionally.

Talmudic Analysis (Arachin 25a)

The Gemara discusses this verse to establish:

  • The valuation is based on the potential crop yield until the next Yovel, not the land's intrinsic value.
  • If one consecrates the field during Yovel, it is evaluated as if done right after Yovel (maintaining full value).
  • The phrase "it shall stand" teaches that once consecrated at this value, no subsequent depreciation affects its sanctity.

Midrashic Insight (Toras Kohanim 27:12)

The Toras Kohanim emphasizes that this law demonstrates Hashem's fairness: since the field will return to its owner at Yovel anyway, the valuation accounts only for the temporary use being consecrated. This reflects the principle that all land ultimately belongs to Hashem (Vayikra 25:23).

Practical Implications

As summarized by the Kli Yakar (Vayikra 27:17):

  • The consecration creates a kinyan shamayim (heavenly acquisition) limited by Yovel's cyclical nature.
  • The fixed valuation prevents exploitation of the Temple treasury through fluctuating market prices.
  • This law uniquely applies to ancestral fields, reinforcing the tribal land allocations as a sacred trust.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Arakhin 25a
The verse is discussed in the context of the laws of valuations (Arakhin) and the sanctification of fields, particularly regarding the valuation of fields dedicated to the Temple from the year of Jubilee.
📖 Arakhin 29a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the redemption of dedicated fields and the specific conditions under which the original valuation stands.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Leviticus 27:17 mean?
A: Leviticus 27:17 discusses the laws of dedicating a field to the Temple (hekdesh). If someone sanctifies their field after the Jubilee (Yovel) year, its value is determined based on the years remaining until the next Jubilee, when the field would return to its original owner. Rashi explains that the verse teaches that the valuation is fixed according to the time remaining until Yovel, not the original purchase price.
Q: Why is the Jubilee (Yovel) year important in this verse?
A: The Jubilee year is crucial because it resets land ownership in Israel—all ancestral fields return to their original owners. Leviticus 27:17 emphasizes that the sanctification value of a field depends on how many years remain until Yovel. The Rambam (Hilchot Arachin 4:19) explains that this ensures fairness in dedicating property to the Temple, as the field's worth decreases the closer it is to Yovel.
Q: How does Leviticus 27:17 apply today?
A: While the Jubilee laws are not currently practiced due to the absence of the Temple and the full return of the Jewish people to the Land of Israel, this verse teaches timeless principles about fairness, sanctity, and proper valuation. The Talmud (Arachin 25a) discusses these laws in detail, showing how Torah values careful financial dealings, especially in matters of holiness.
Q: What can we learn from Leviticus 27:17?
A: This verse teaches that holiness must be approached with precision and fairness. The Torah requires an accurate assessment of a field's value before dedicating it to the Temple, showing that mitzvot involving money must be handled with integrity. The Sforno adds that this prevents people from undervaluing or overvaluing their pledges, ensuring sincerity in serving Hashem.