share torah logo

Leviticus 27:3 - Value of a man's vow?

Leviticus 27:3 - ויקרא 27:3

Hebrew Text

וְהָיָה עֶרְכְּךָ הַזָּכָר מִבֶּן עֶשְׂרִים שָׁנָה וְעַד בֶּן־שִׁשִּׁים שָׁנָה וְהָיָה עֶרְכְּךָ חֲמִשִּׁים שֶׁקֶל כֶּסֶף בְּשֶׁקֶל הַקֹּדֶשׁ׃

English Translation

then the estimation shall be of the male from twenty years old even to sixty years old, the estimation shall be fifty shekels of silver, according to the shekel of the sanctuary.

Transliteration

Vehaya erkekha hazakhar miben esrim shana ve'ad ben-shishim shana vehaya erkekha chamishim shekel kesef beshekel hakodesh.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְהָיָ֤ה עֶרְכְּךָ֙ הַזָּכָ֔ר מִבֶּן֙ עֶשְׂרִ֣ים שָׁנָ֔ה וְעַ֖ד בֶּן־שִׁשִּׁ֣ים שָׁנָ֑ה וְהָיָ֣ה עֶרְכְּךָ֗ חֲמִשִּׁ֛ים שֶׁ֥קֶל כֶּ֖סֶף בְּשֶׁ֥קֶל הַקֹּֽדֶשׁ׃
וְהָיָ֤ה עֶרְכְּךָ֙ הַזָּכָ֔ר מִבֶּן֙ עֶשְׂרִ֣ים שָׁנָ֔ה וְעַ֖ד בֶּן־שִׁשִּׁ֣ים שָׁנָ֑ה וְהָיָ֣ה עֶרְכְּךָ֗ חֲמִשִּׁ֛ים שֶׁ֥קֶל כֶּ֖סֶף בְּשֶׁ֥קֶל הַקֹּֽדֶשׁ׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Vayikra 27:3) is part of the Torah's discussion of erechin (vows of valuation), where a person pledges the monetary value of themselves or another to the Beit HaMikdash. The Torah establishes fixed valuations based on age and gender, with this verse specifying the amount for males between 20 and 60 years old.

Explanation of the Valuation

Rashi explains that the fixed amount of fifty shekels of silver is based on the valuation of a person's "working years"—the period when they are most physically capable of labor. The age range of 20 to 60 represents the prime years of a person's strength and productivity.

The Shekel HaKodesh (Sacred Shekel)

The verse specifies that the valuation must be made "according to the shekel of the sanctuary". Rambam (Hilchot Arachin 1:1-2) clarifies that this refers to the standard weight used for holy matters in the Beit HaMikdash, not fluctuating market values. The Talmud (Bekhorot 50a) further discusses that this shekel was equivalent to 20 gerah (a smaller unit of weight).

Spiritual Significance

  • Equal Worth in Divine Service: The Midrash (Vayikra Rabbah 37:1) notes that the fixed amount teaches that before Hashem, all people in this age group—regardless of wealth or status—have equal spiritual value when dedicating themselves to holiness.
  • Responsibility of Adulthood: The age of 20 marks full accountability (as in Bamidbar 14:29 regarding the spies), while 60 represents the transition to the honored status of elder (see Rashi on Vayikra 27:7).

Halachic Details

The Talmud (Arachin 6b-7a) derives from this verse that:

  • The valuation applies only if the person makes the vow of their own free will.
  • If the person dies before payment, the heirs must fulfill the pledge.
  • The amount is fixed even if the person is physically impaired—teaching that spiritual worth is not diminished by physical limitations.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Arakhin 3b
The verse is discussed in the context of the laws of valuations (Arakhin) and how they apply to different age groups.
📖 Arakhin 6b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the fixed valuations for males between the ages of twenty and sixty.
📖 Bava Batra 142a
The verse is mentioned in a broader discussion about monetary valuations and obligations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Leviticus 27:3 mean?
A: Leviticus 27:3 discusses the valuation (עֶרְכְּךָ) of a male between the ages of 20 and 60 who is pledged to the Beit HaMikdash (Holy Temple). According to the Torah, such a person's value is set at 50 silver shekels, measured by the sacred shekel (shekel hakodesh). This is part of the laws of 'Arachin' (vows of personal value) found in Leviticus 27.
Q: Why is the valuation different for different age groups?
A: The Torah assigns different valuations based on age because a person's productive capacity varies throughout their life. As Rashi explains, the ages 20-60 represent the prime working years, hence the higher valuation (50 shekels). Other age groups (like children or the elderly) have lower valuations (see Leviticus 27:5-7), reflecting their lesser ability to contribute physical labor.
Q: What is the 'shekel of the sanctuary' mentioned in Leviticus 27:3?
A: The 'shekel of the sanctuary' (shekel hakodesh) was a standardized weight of silver used for holy purposes in the Beit HaMikdash. The Rambam (Hilchot Shekalim 1:2) explains that all donations and valuations had to be measured according to this sacred shekel to ensure uniformity in fulfilling mitzvot related to the Temple service.
Q: Do these valuation laws apply today?
A: While the laws of Arachin are still studied, they primarily applied when the Beit HaMikdash stood. Today, without the Temple, we cannot practically fulfill these vows. However, the Talmud (Arachin 19a) discusses their principles, and they remain part of Torah study to understand Hashem's system of sanctity and dedication.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Leviticus 27:3?
A: This verse teaches the importance of valuing human beings in the service of Hashem. The fixed valuation (regardless of a person's wealth or status) shows that every individual has inherent spiritual worth. The Midrash (Vayikra Rabbah 37:1) also connects this to the idea that dedicating oneself to holiness is priceless, symbolized by the uniform shekel weight.