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Leviticus 27:4 - Female vow's value: thirty shekels?

Leviticus 27:4 - ויקרא 27:4

Hebrew Text

וְאִם־נְקֵבָה הִוא וְהָיָה עֶרְכְּךָ שְׁלֹשִׁים שָׁקֶל׃

English Translation

And if it be a female, then the estimation shall be thirty shekels.

Transliteration

Ve'im-nekeva hi vehaya erkecha shloshim shekel.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְאִם־נְקֵבָ֖ה הִ֑וא וְהָיָ֥ה עֶרְכְּךָ֖ שְׁלֹשִׁ֥ים שָֽׁקֶל׃
וְאִם־נְקֵבָ֖ה הִ֑וא וְהָיָ֥ה עֶרְכְּךָ֖ שְׁלֹשִׁ֥ים שָֽׁקֶל׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context in Vayikra (Leviticus)

The verse (Vayikra 27:4) appears in the context of the Torah's laws regarding erech (valuation vows), where a person pledges the monetary value of an individual to the Beit HaMikdash. The Torah specifies different valuations based on age and gender, with this verse addressing the valuation of a female between the ages of 20 and 60.

Explanation of the Valuation

Rashi (Vayikra 27:4) explains that the Torah assigns a lower valuation for a female (30 shekels) compared to a male (50 shekels) in this age bracket. This is not a reflection of intrinsic worth, but rather relates to societal roles and economic contributions in the agrarian society of the time, where men were typically more involved in physical labor.

Symbolic Significance

The Midrash (Vayikra Rabbah 37:1) connects the 30-shekel valuation to significant events in Jewish history:

  • The 30 shekels parallel the 30 pieces of silver paid to Yehuda for the sale of Yosef (Bereishit 37:28)
  • It also corresponds to the 30 days of mourning for Moshe Rabbeinu (Devarim 34:8)

Halachic Implications

The Rambam (Hilchot Arachin 1:3-4) elaborates on the practical halachic application:

  • These valuations apply only when making a vow using the specific erech formula
  • The amounts are fixed by the Torah and not subject to market fluctuations
  • The shekels referred to are the standard Sanctuary shekel weight

Philosophical Perspective

The Kli Yakar (Vayikra 27:4) offers a deeper insight, suggesting that the different valuations teach that each individual's spiritual service is unique. The numerical values correspond to different pathways in divine service, with neither gender being inherently superior to the other.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Arakhin 3b
The verse is discussed in the context of valuations for vows, specifically comparing the valuation of males and females as mentioned in Leviticus.
📖 Bava Kamma 11b
Referenced in a discussion about the differences in valuations between males and females in various contexts, including damages and vows.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Leviticus 27:4 mean when it says 'if it be a female, then the estimation shall be thirty shekels'?
A: This verse is part of the Torah's laws regarding vows of valuation (ערכין), where a person pledges the 'value' of a human being to the Temple. According to Rashi and the Talmud (Arachin 19a), the Torah sets fixed amounts—30 shekels for a female between the ages of 20-60—as a symbolic spiritual valuation, not an actual monetary worth of a person. These values apply only when someone makes a voluntary pledge to donate this amount to the Beit HaMikdash (Holy Temple).
Q: Why does the Torah specify different values for males and females in Leviticus 27:4?
A: The Talmud (Arachin 19a) explains that the differing valuations (50 shekels for males, 30 for females) reflect the general economic roles in ancient Israelite society, where men were typically involved in labor that generated higher income. However, the Rambam (Hilchot Arachin 1:2-3) emphasizes that these are purely symbolic Torah-mandated amounts for vows and do not imply any intrinsic difference in human worth.
Q: How does Leviticus 27:4 apply today without the Temple?
A: While we cannot currently fulfill vows of valuation without the Beit HaMikdash, the Mishnah (Arachin 1:4) teaches that the underlying principles—such as taking vows seriously and valuing spiritual commitments—remain timeless. The Chofetz Chaim notes that this teaches us to measure our words carefully when making promises to Hashem or sacred causes.
Q: What is the significance of the specific amount 'thirty shekels' in this verse?
A: The Midrash (Vayikra Rabbah 27:7) connects the 30-shekel valuation to foundational Jewish concepts: it corresponds to the 30 days of a month (reminding us of time's sanctity) and the 30 silver shekels paid for certain Temple services (Exodus 21:32). The number thus represents a complete spiritual unit in Jewish thought.