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Leviticus 27:19 - Redemption's sacred financial obligation?

Leviticus 27:19 - ויקרא 27:19

Hebrew Text

וְאִם־גָּאֹל יִגְאַל אֶת־הַשָּׂדֶה הַמַּקְדִּישׁ אֹתוֹ וְיָסַף חֲמִשִׁית כֶּסֶף־עֶרְכְּךָ עָלָיו וְקָם לוֹ׃

English Translation

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

Transliteration

Ve'im-gaol yig'al et-hasadeh hamakdish oto veyasaf chamishit kesef-erkecha alav vekam lo.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְאִם־גָּאֹ֤ל יִגְאַל֙ אֶת־הַשָּׂדֶ֔ה הַמַּקְדִּ֖ישׁ אֹת֑וֹ וְ֠יָסַ֠ף חֲמִשִׁ֧ית כֶּֽסֶף־עֶרְכְּךָ֛ עָלָ֖יו וְקָ֥ם לֽוֹ׃
וְאִם־גָּאֹ֤ל יִגְאַל֙ אֶת־הַשָּׂדֶ֔ה הַמַּקְדִּ֖ישׁ אֹת֑וֹ וְ֠יָסַ֠ף חֲמִשִׁ֧ית כֶּֽסֶף־עֶרְכְּךָ֛ עָלָ֖יו וְקָ֥ם לֽוֹ׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context in Vayikra (Leviticus)

The verse (Vayikra 27:19) appears in the Torah portion discussing the laws of erchin (vows of valuation) and consecrated property. It details the process for redeeming a field that was sanctified to the Beit HaMikdash (Temple). The Torah establishes that if the original owner wishes to reclaim the field, he must pay its assessed value plus an additional fifth (20%).

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Vayikra 27:19) clarifies that the "fifth" mentioned here refers to one-fifth of the total, meaning 25% of the original value is added (since 20% of the total is equivalent to 25% of the base price). For example, if the field was valued at 100 units, the redeemer must pay 125 units (100 + 25). This follows the same principle as other cases of adding a fifth in Torah law (e.g., Vayikra 5:16).

Rambam's Halachic Perspective

In Hilchot Arachin Vacharamin (4:13), the Rambam codifies this law, emphasizing that the additional fifth applies specifically when the original sanctifier redeems the field. If a third party redeems it, they pay only the base value. The Rambam also notes that this law applies only to fields sanctified during the Yovel (Jubilee) cycle.

Talmudic Analysis (Arachin 29a)

The Gemara discusses why the Torah imposes this additional payment. One opinion suggests it serves as a penalty for retracting a sanctification, teaching that one should not treat vows lightly. Another view (Arachin 29a) connects it to the principle of tashlumei chomesh (making whole through a fifth), seen also in cases of misappropriated sanctified property (Me'ilah).

Midrashic Insight (Torat Kohanim)

The Torat Kohanim (Sifra) links this verse to the broader theme of commitment to holiness. By requiring an extra fifth, the Torah encourages thoughtful dedication of property to sacred purposes. The Midrash emphasizes that holiness is not to be treated casually—once consecrated, redemption requires tangible acknowledgment of its sanctity.

Practical Implications

  • The additional fifth applies only to the original sanctifier, not subsequent purchasers (Rambam, ibid.).
  • This law underscores the gravity of vows and the importance of fulfilling verbal commitments (based on Devarim 23:24).
  • The calculation follows precise Torah measurements, reflecting the exactness required in matters of kedushah (holiness).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Arakhin 25a
The verse is discussed in the context of the laws of redemption of consecrated fields, specifically regarding the requirement to add a fifth to the valuation when redeeming such a field.
📖 Bava Metzia 54b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the principles of adding a fifth to certain monetary obligations, illustrating the broader application of this biblical rule.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Leviticus 27:19 mean?
A: Leviticus 27:19 discusses the laws of redeeming a field that was consecrated (donated) to the Temple. If the original owner wishes to buy it back, they must pay its value plus an additional fifth (20%) of its worth. This teaches the importance of commitment to vows and the sanctity of property dedicated to holy purposes (Rashi, Rambam Hilchot Arachin).
Q: Why is adding a fifth necessary when redeeming a sanctified field?
A: The additional fifth serves as a penalty or reminder to be careful before making vows. Since dedicating property to the Temple is a serious matter, the Torah requires this extra payment to emphasize the gravity of reversing such a commitment (Talmud Arachin 29a, Rambam Hilchot Arachin 8:6).
Q: Does this law apply today if there is no Temple?
A: While the practical laws of redeeming sanctified fields do not apply without the Temple, the underlying principles remain relevant. The verse teaches us about the seriousness of vows, financial integrity, and the importance of fulfilling commitments—values that apply at all times (Rambam Hilchot Nedarim 13:23).
Q: What is the significance of consecrating a field in the Torah?
A: Consecrating a field to the Temple was a way for individuals to express devotion to G-d by donating part of their livelihood. The laws of redemption (with the added fifth) ensured that such acts were taken seriously and not treated lightly (Sifra on Leviticus 27, Rashi).
Q: Can someone else redeem the field, or only the original owner?
A: According to Jewish law, the original owner has the first right to redeem the field by paying the value plus the fifth. If they do not redeem it, others may do so, but without the additional fifth (Rambam Hilchot Arachin 4:18, Talmud Arachin 28b).