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Leviticus 27:5 - Valuing youth's sacred pledge

Leviticus 27:5 - ויקרא 27:5

Hebrew Text

וְאִם מִבֶּן־חָמֵשׁ שָׁנִים וְעַד בֶּן־עֶשְׂרִים שָׁנָה וְהָיָה עֶרְכְּךָ הַזָּכָר עֶשְׂרִים שְׁקָלִים וְלַנְּקֵבָה עֲשֶׂרֶת שְׁקָלִים׃

English Translation

And if it be from five years old to twenty years old, then the estimation shall be of the male twenty shekels, and for the female ten shekels.

Transliteration

Ve'im miben-chamesh shanim ve'ad ben-esrim shana ve'haya erkecha hazakhar esrim shekalim velanekevah aseret shekalim.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְאִ֨ם מִבֶּן־חָמֵ֜שׁ שָׁנִ֗ים וְעַד֙ בֶּן־עֶשְׂרִ֣ים שָׁנָ֔ה וְהָיָ֧ה עֶרְכְּךָ֛ הַזָּכָ֖ר עֶשְׂרִ֣ים שְׁקָלִ֑ים וְלַנְּקֵבָ֖ה עֲשֶׂ֥רֶת שְׁקָלִֽים׃
וְאִ֨ם מִבֶּן־חָמֵ֜שׁ שָׁנִ֗ים וְעַד֙ בֶּן־עֶשְׂרִ֣ים שָׁנָ֔ה וְהָיָ֧ה עֶרְכְּךָ֛ הַזָּכָ֖ר עֶשְׂרִ֣ים שְׁקָלִ֑ים וְלַנְּקֵבָ֖ה עֲשֶׂ֥רֶת שְׁקָלִֽים׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context in Vayikra (Leviticus)

The verse (Vayikra 27:5) appears in the section discussing 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, reflecting the individual's potential labor capacity in service to Hashem.

Explanation of the Age Range (5-20 Years)

Rashi explains that this age bracket represents the stage when a person is no longer entirely dependent (under 5) but has not yet reached full physical maturity (over 20). The valuation accounts for their developing strength and productivity. The Talmud (Arachin 19a) notes that these valuations are not based on market value but are divinely ordained figures, emphasizing spiritual rather than economic worth.

Gender-Based Valuation Differences

  • Male (20 shekels): Ramban suggests the higher male valuation reflects greater physical capacity for labor in the Beit HaMikdash service. The Midrash (Torat Kohanim) connects this to the historical precedent of the 20-shekel payment for Yosef (Bereishit 37:28).
  • Female (10 shekels): Ibn Ezra explains this reflects societal roles where women's primary responsibilities were domestic. However, Kli Yakar emphasizes that both valuations are equally sacred before Hashem, merely reflecting different functional roles.

Halachic Implications

The Rambam (Hilchot Arachin 1:3) rules these valuations apply only when the vow uses the specific term erech. The Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh De'ah 257) notes this applies whether the individual is healthy or infirm, as the Torah establishes fixed values regardless of physical condition.

Spiritual Significance

The Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 351) teaches this mitzvah instills the principle that human value is measured by commitment to divine service, not material worth. The uniform valuations demonstrate that every Jew - regardless of personal capabilities - has equal standing in their spiritual potential before Hashem.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Arakhin 3b
The verse is discussed in the context of valuations (Arakhin) and the different valuations for males and females as specified in the Torah.
📖 Arakhin 19a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the age ranges and valuations for vows of persons to the Temple.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Leviticus 27:5 mean?
A: Leviticus 27:5 discusses the valuation (erech) of a person pledged to the Beit HaMikdash (Holy Temple) through a vow. If someone vows the value of a child aged 5 to 20 years, the Torah sets fixed amounts: 20 shekels for a male and 10 shekels for a female. This is part of the laws of 'Arachin' (valuations) in the Torah.
Q: Why are the valuations different for males and females in Leviticus 27:5?
A: Rashi explains that the Torah assigns different valuations based on a person's potential to contribute to labor or earnings in society at that time. Since men were typically involved in physical labor, their valuation was higher. This is not a statement of inherent worth but relates to the economic context of vows in the Beit HaMikdash.
Q: How does Leviticus 27:5 apply today?
A: Although the laws of Arachin are not practically applied today without the Beit HaMikdash, the principle teaches the importance of keeping vows (Bamidbar 30:3) and valuing commitments to holiness. The Talmud (Arachin 19a) also discusses these laws to understand Torah's system of sanctity and dedication.
Q: Why does the Torah specify ages 5 to 20 in this verse?
A: The Midrash (Torat Kohanim) explains that ages 5 to 20 represent the period when a person's physical strength and value in terms of labor potential are measurable. Before 5, a child's capabilities are still developing, and after 20, the valuation follows a different scale (as seen in Leviticus 27:3).
Q: What is the significance of using shekels in Leviticus 27:5?
A: The shekel mentioned here refers to the 'shekel hakodesh' (holy shekel), a standardized weight of silver used for sacred matters in the Beit HaMikdash. Rambam (Hilchot Arachin 1:2) explains that these amounts were fixed by the Torah to create consistency in fulfilling vows of valuation.