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Leviticus 27:2 - Valuing souls for sacred vows

Leviticus 27:2 - ויקרא 27:2

Hebrew Text

דַּבֵּר אֶל־בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל וְאָמַרְתָּ אֲלֵהֶם אִישׁ כִּי יַפְלִא נֶדֶר בְּעֶרְכְּךָ נְפָשֹׁת לַיהוָה׃

English Translation

Speak to the children of Yisra᾽el, and say to them, If a man make a singular vow, to give to the Lord the estimated value of persons,

Transliteration

Daber el-bnei Yisrael ve'amarta alehem ish ki yafli neder be'erk'cha nefashot la'Hashem.

Hebrew Leining Text

דַּבֵּ֞ר אֶל־בְּנֵ֤י יִשְׂרָאֵל֙ וְאָמַרְתָּ֣ אֲלֵהֶ֔ם אִ֕ישׁ כִּ֥י יַפְלִ֖א נֶ֑דֶר בְּעֶרְכְּךָ֥ נְפָשֹׁ֖ת לַֽיהֹוָֽה׃
דַּבֵּ֞ר אֶל־בְּנֵ֤י יִשְׂרָאֵל֙ וְאָמַרְתָּ֣ אֲלֵהֶ֔ם אִ֕ישׁ כִּ֥י יַפְלִ֖א נֶ֑דֶר בְּעֶרְכְּךָ֥ נְפָשֹׁ֖ת לַֽיהֹוָֽה׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Overview of the Verse

The verse (Vayikra 27:2) introduces the laws of nedarim (vows) and arakhin (valuations), where a person pledges the value of a human being to the Beit HaMikdash. This falls under the broader category of hekdesh (consecrated property). The Torah outlines a fixed valuation system based on age and gender, as detailed in the subsequent verses.

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi explains that the term "כי יפליא נדר" ("if a man makes a singular vow") refers to a unique type of vow where one pledges the monetary value of a person rather than the person themselves. This is distinct from dedicating a person directly to the Temple service (which is not permitted). Rashi emphasizes that the valuation is based on the fixed amounts prescribed by the Torah, not subjective worth.

Rambam's Explanation (Hilchot Arachin)

Rambam (Maimonides) in Hilchot Arachin (1:1) clarifies that this mitzvah applies only when the Beit HaMikdash is standing, as the valuations are given to the Temple treasury. He further notes that the pledge must be made explicitly—using terms like "ערכי עלי" ("my valuation is upon me")—to take effect.

Talmudic Discussion (Arachin 19a)

The Talmud explores whether the valuation applies to a person who is deceased or not yet born. The conclusion is that only living individuals can be subject to arakhin, as the verse specifies "נפשֹת" ("persons"), implying those with current life status.

Midrashic Insight (Vayikra Rabbah 37:2)

The Midrash connects this mitzvah to the sanctity of human life, teaching that one who pledges an erekh (valuation) acknowledges that all souls belong to Hashem. By assigning a fixed value, the Torah ensures fairness and prevents arbitrary assessments of human worth.

Key Halachic Principles

  • The valuation amounts are fixed by the Torah (e.g., 50 shekels for a male aged 20-60).
  • The vow must be verbalized clearly to be binding (Shulchan Aruch, Yoreh De'ah 258).
  • This mitzvah underscores that human value is divinely ordained, not determined by societal status.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Arakhin 2a
The verse is discussed in the context of the laws concerning vows and the valuation of persons dedicated to the Temple.
📖 Nedarim 10b
The verse is referenced in the discussion about the nature and validity of vows made to the Lord.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Leviticus 27:2 mean?
A: Leviticus 27:2 discusses the laws of vows (nedarim) where a person pledges the 'estimated value' (erech) of themselves or others to Hashem. This refers to a voluntary pledge where one commits to donate a set monetary value to the Temple based on Torah-prescribed valuations (as detailed later in the chapter). Rashi explains that this is about dedicating a person's 'worth' in a symbolic sense, not the person themselves.
Q: Why is this verse about vows important?
A: This verse is important because it teaches the seriousness of making vows to Hashem. The Talmud (Nedarim) emphasizes that once a vow is made, it becomes binding, and one must fulfill it. The Torah provides a structured way (through valuations) to fulfill such commitments properly, showing that words have spiritual weight in Jewish law.
Q: How does this apply today if we don’t have the Temple?
A: While we no longer have the Temple to bring these valuations, the principle of keeping one's word and being careful with vows still applies. The Rambam (Hilchot Nedarim) writes that one should avoid making unnecessary vows, but if made, they must be honored. Today, this teaches us about integrity and the importance of fulfilling promises, especially those involving tzedakah (charity) or spiritual commitments.
Q: What can we learn from the concept of 'erech nefashot' (valuation of persons)?
A: The idea of 'erech nefashot' teaches that every person has intrinsic value in the eyes of Hashem, as the Torah assigns fixed valuations regardless of a person's status (Leviticus 27:3-7). The Midrash (Vayikra Rabbah) explains that this equalizes rich and poor in spiritual matters, showing that all souls are precious before G-d when dedicating themselves to holiness.