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Leviticus 27:31 - Redeeming tithes with extra?

Leviticus 27:31 - ויקרא 27:31

Hebrew Text

וְאִם־גָּאֹל יִגְאַל אִישׁ מִמַּעַשְׂרוֹ חֲמִשִׁיתוֹ יֹסֵף עָלָיו׃

English Translation

And if a man will at all redeem of his tithes, he shall add to it the fifth part of it.

Transliteration

Ve'im-gaol yig'al ish mima'asro chamishito yosef alav.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְאִם־גָּאֹ֥ל יִגְאַ֛ל אִ֖ישׁ מִמַּֽעַשְׂר֑וֹ חֲמִשִׁית֖וֹ יֹסֵ֥ף עָלָֽיו׃
וְאִם־גָּאֹ֥ל יִגְאַ֛ל אִ֖ישׁ מִמַּֽעַשְׂר֑וֹ חֲמִשִׁית֖וֹ יֹסֵ֥ף עָלָֽיו׃

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Parasha Commentary

Understanding the Verse

The verse (Vayikra 27:31) discusses the redemption of ma'aser sheni (the second tithe), which is separated from agricultural produce in certain years of the seven-year Shemitah cycle. According to Halacha, if one wishes to redeem this tithe (i.e., exchange it for money to bring to Yerushalayim), they must add a fifth (20%) of its value.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Vayikra 27:31) clarifies that the phrase "וְאִם־גָּאֹל יִגְאַל" ("And if a man will at all redeem") implies that redemption is optional—one may choose to bring the actual produce to Yerushalayim instead. However, if one does redeem it, they must add a fifth. Rashi further notes that this additional fifth is calculated based on the original value, meaning one pays 120% of the tithe's worth (the original 100% plus an additional 20%).

Rambam's Halachic Perspective

In Hilchos Ma'aser Sheni (4:3), the Rambam elaborates on the mechanics of this law:

  • The added fifth applies only to the redemption of ma'aser sheni, not to other forms of tithes or consecrated items.
  • If one redeems the tithe without adding the fifth, the redemption is still valid, but they transgress a negative commandment.
  • The money used for redemption must be brought to Yerushalayim and used to purchase food to be eaten there in purity.

Midrashic Insight

The Midrash (Toras Kohanim 27:31) connects this law to the broader theme of valuing kedushah (holiness). By requiring an additional fifth, the Torah emphasizes that sacred matters should not be treated lightly—redeeming the tithe comes at a "premium" to instill reverence for mitzvos tied to the Land of Israel.

Practical Implications

This law has several practical ramifications in Halacha:

  • The added fifth discourages unnecessary redemption of ma'aser sheni, encouraging people to bring the actual produce to Yerushalayim when feasible.
  • It serves as a financial deterrent against treating the mitzvah as a mere monetary transaction.
  • The requirement underscores the unique sanctity of agricultural gifts in Eretz Yisrael.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Bekhorot 51a
The verse is cited in a discussion about the redemption of tithes and the additional fifth that must be paid when redeeming them.
📖 Temurah 30b
The verse is referenced in the context of discussing the laws of redemption and the requirement to add a fifth when redeeming consecrated items.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does it mean to 'redeem' tithes in Leviticus 27:31?
A: In Leviticus 27:31, 'redeeming' tithes refers to a process where a person wishes to keep their tithed produce (ma'aser) instead of giving it to the Levites or bringing it to Jerusalem. According to Jewish law (based on Rashi and Rambam), they can 'buy it back' by paying its monetary value plus an additional fifth (20%). This teaches the sanctity of tithed items and the importance of properly separating them.
Q: Why do you have to add a fifth when redeeming tithes?
A: The Torah requires adding a fifth (20%) when redeeming tithes (Leviticus 27:31) as a penalty or reminder of the item's holiness. Rashi explains that this extra payment emphasizes that one should not treat holy things lightly. The Talmud (Bechorot 54a) discusses this as a way to discourage people from casually redeeming tithes instead of fulfilling their original obligation properly.
Q: Does the law of redeeming tithes apply today?
A: While the full laws of agricultural tithes (ma'aser) primarily apply when the Temple is standing, some aspects remain relevant today in certain situations. Rambam (Hilchos Ma'aser Sheni 1:1-3) explains that in the absence of the Temple, tithed produce must still be treated as holy and cannot be eaten improperly. However, the practical redemption process with the added fifth is not commonly practiced today without the Temple.
Q: What can we learn from the law of adding a fifth to redeemed tithes?
A: This law teaches several important lessons: 1) Holiness has a 'cost'—we can't treat sacred things casually (Rashi). 2) There are consequences for changing a spiritual commitment (Midrash). 3) The extra fifth shows that delaying or altering a mitzvah diminishes its value, so we should fulfill obligations properly from the start (Talmudic principle).