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Leviticus 27:23 - Priest values sacred jubilee vow

Leviticus 27:23 - ויקרא 27:23

Hebrew Text

וְחִשַּׁב־לוֹ הַכֹּהֵן אֵת מִכְסַת הָעֶרְכְּךָ עַד שְׁנַת הַיֹּבֵל וְנָתַן אֶת־הָעֶרְכְּךָ בַּיּוֹם הַהוּא קֹדֶשׁ לַיהוָה׃

English Translation

then the priest shall reckon to him the worth of the estimation, to the year of the jubilee, and he shall give the estimation in that day, as a holy thing to the Lord.

Transliteration

Vechishav-lo hakohen et mikshat ha'erkcha ad shnat hayovel venatan et-ha'erkcha bayom hahu kodesh lahashem.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְחִשַּׁב־ל֣וֹ הַכֹּהֵ֗ן אֵ֚ת מִכְסַ֣ת הָֽעֶרְכְּךָ֔ עַ֖ד שְׁנַ֣ת הַיֹּבֵ֑ל וְנָתַ֤ן אֶת־הָעֶרְכְּךָ֙ בַּיּ֣וֹם הַה֔וּא קֹ֖דֶשׁ לַיהֹוָֽה׃
וְחִשַּׁב־ל֣וֹ הַכֹּהֵ֗ן אֵ֚ת מִכְסַ֣ת הָֽעֶרְכְּךָ֔ עַ֖ד שְׁנַ֣ת הַיֹּבֵ֑ל וְנָתַ֤ן אֶת־הָעֶרְכְּךָ֙ בַּיּ֣וֹם הַה֔וּא קֹ֖דֶשׁ לַיהֹוָֽה׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context in Vayikra (Leviticus)

The verse (Vayikra 27:23) appears in the section discussing erchin (vows of valuation) and the sanctification of property. It details how a priest calculates the monetary value of a person's pledge to the Beit HaMikdash, taking into account the time remaining until the Yovel (Jubilee) year.

Explanation of the Valuation Process

Rashi explains that the priest assesses the value based on the years remaining until Yovel, as land reverts to its original owner during Yovel. Thus, if one consecrates a field, its value is determined by how many years of use remain before Yovel. The Rambam (Hilchot Arachin 4:12-13) elaborates that this applies specifically to ancestral land (sdeh achuzah), where the valuation decreases proportionally as Yovel approaches.

Significance of "Kodesh LaHashem"

The phrase "kodesh laHashem" ("a holy thing to the Lord") emphasizes that once consecrated, the item or its equivalent value becomes irrevocably sanctified. The Sifra (a halachic Midrash on Vayikra) teaches that this teaches the irrevocable nature of sanctification—once declared, it cannot be nullified by the original owner.

Halachic Implications

  • Timing: The valuation must be given "on that day" (Rambam, Hilchot Arachin 4:1), meaning promptly, without delay.
  • Priest's Role: Only a kohen may perform the calculation (Talmud, Arachin 23b), underscoring the sacred nature of the transaction.
  • Yovel's Influence: The Talmud (Arachin 29a) derives from this verse that all valuations are tied to Yovel, even outside the Land of Israel, as a conceptual framework.

Spiritual Message

The Midrash (Vayikra Rabbah 37:4) connects this to the broader idea of dedicating one's possessions to divine service. By linking the valuation to Yovel—a time of liberation and return—it teaches that material offerings should reflect a commitment to spiritual renewal and divine ownership.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Arakhin 6b
The verse is discussed in the context of the laws of valuations (Arakhin) and how the priest calculates the value of a person's pledge to the Temple until the Jubilee year.
📖 Arakhin 7a
Further discussion on the calculation of valuations and the sanctification of the pledged amount to the Lord.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Leviticus 27:23 mean?
A: Leviticus 27:23 discusses the laws of 'erech' (valuation), where a person pledges the value of a field to the Temple. The priest calculates its worth based on the years remaining until the Yovel (Jubilee year), and the pledged amount becomes sanctified to Hashem. This teaches us about the holiness of commitments and proper valuation in service to G-d.
Q: Why is the Yovel (Jubilee) year mentioned in this verse?
A: The Yovel year is mentioned because it affects the valuation of the field. According to Rashi and the Talmud (Arachin 25b), the calculation depends on how many years remain until Yovel, when the field would return to its original owner. This emphasizes the temporary nature of land ownership and G-d's ultimate dominion over the Land of Israel.
Q: What is the significance of giving something as 'holy to the Lord' in this verse?
A: When something is declared 'holy to the Lord,' it becomes consecrated for sacred use, often for the maintenance of the Temple or its service. The Rambam (Hilchos Arachin 4:1) explains that such vows create a binding sanctity, teaching us the seriousness of dedicating possessions to divine service.
Q: How does this verse apply to us today without the Temple?
A: While we cannot currently fulfill the laws of valuation for the Temple, the principles remain relevant. The Chofetz Chaim teaches that this verse reminds us to honor our commitments to charity and sacred causes with the same sincerity as if bringing it to the Temple. We also learn about proper evaluation of our resources in serving G-d.
Q: What does this teach us about the role of the kohen (priest) in this process?
A: The kohen serves as an objective authority in determining the value, as explained in Toras Kohanim. This shows the importance of having Torah scholars guide us in matters of sanctity and proper valuation. The kohen's role ensures fairness and adherence to halachic standards in dedicating items to holy purposes.