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Leviticus 27:6 - Child's value in silver?

Leviticus 27:6 - ויקרא 27:6

Hebrew Text

וְאִם מִבֶּן־חֹדֶשׁ וְעַד בֶּן־חָמֵשׁ שָׁנִים וְהָיָה עֶרְכְּךָ הַזָּכָר חֲמִשָּׁה שְׁקָלִים כָּסֶף וְלַנְּקֵבָה עֶרְכְּךָ שְׁלֹשֶׁת שְׁקָלִים כָּסֶף׃

English Translation

And if it be from a month old to five years old, then the estimation shall be of the male five shekels of silver, and for the female the estimation shall be three shekels of silver.

Transliteration

Ve'im miben-chodesh ve'ad ben-chamesh shanim vehaya erk'cha hazachar chamisha shekalim kesef velanekevah erk'cha shloshet shekalim kesef.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְאִ֣ם מִבֶּן־חֹ֗דֶשׁ וְעַד֙ בֶּן־חָמֵ֣שׁ שָׁנִ֔ים וְהָיָ֤ה עֶרְכְּךָ֙ הַזָּכָ֔ר חֲמִשָּׁ֥ה שְׁקָלִ֖ים כָּ֑סֶף וְלַנְּקֵבָ֣ה עֶרְכְּךָ֔ שְׁלֹ֥שֶׁת שְׁקָלִ֖ים כָּֽסֶף׃
וְאִ֣ם מִבֶּן־חֹ֗דֶשׁ וְעַד֙ בֶּן־חָמֵ֣שׁ שָׁנִ֔ים וְהָיָ֤ה עֶרְכְּךָ֙ הַזָּכָ֔ר חֲמִשָּׁ֥ה שְׁקָלִ֖ים כָּ֑סֶף וְלַנְּקֵבָ֣ה עֶרְכְּךָ֔ שְׁלֹ֥שֶׁת שְׁקָלִ֖ים כָּֽסֶף׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context in Vayikra (Leviticus)

This verse (Vayikra 27:6) appears in the context of the laws 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, as determined by the Sanhedrin (Rambam, Hilchot Arachin 1:1-2).

Age and Gender Distinctions

The verse specifies different valuations for males and females between one month and five years old:

  • Male: 5 shekels of silver (based on the shekel hakodesh, the sacred shekel weight)
  • Female: 3 shekels of silver

Rashi explains that these fixed amounts reflect the Torah's wisdom in assigning value based on typical economic contributions during that era (Rashi on Vayikra 27:6). The Talmud (Arachin 19a) further discusses that these valuations are not arbitrary but rooted in the relative market values of labor at different life stages.

Philosophical and Halachic Insights

The Rambam (Moreh Nevuchim 3:46) notes that these laws teach the principle of kedushat damim (sanctity of monetary value) – that objects or persons consecrated to Hashem require a formal valuation process. The fixed amounts prevent subjective assessments that could lead to disputes.

The Torat Kohanim (Sifra) emphasizes that these valuations apply only to vows of personal valuation (erech nefesh), not to actual market prices for labor or services. This distinction preserves the spiritual nature of the vow while acknowledging practical economic realities.

Symbolic Meaning of the Numbers

Some commentators find deeper significance in the numbers:

  • 5 shekels for males: Corresponds to the five books of Torah or five levels of soul (nefesh, ruach, neshamah, chayah, yechidah)
  • 3 shekels for females: Alludes to the three matriarchs (Sarah, Rivka, Rachel) or three pillars of existence (Torah, avodah, gemilut chasadim)

However, the Chazon Ish (Arachin 1:1) cautions that while such interpretations are meaningful, the primary focus must remain on the halachic application of these valuations.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Leviticus 27:6 mean?
A: Leviticus 27:6 discusses the valuation (עֶרְכְּךָ) of young children—from one month to five years old—when someone pledges their worth to the Beit HaMikdash (Holy Temple). A male child is valued at five silver shekels, and a female child at three silver shekels. This is part of the Torah's laws about voluntary pledges and donations.
Q: Why does the Torah assign different values for males and females in Leviticus 27:6?
A: According to Rashi and other commentators, the difference in valuation reflects the general economic roles in ancient Israelite society, where males were often involved in labor that contributed more directly to the household's income. However, this does not imply intrinsic worth—every soul is equally precious before Hashem. The valuations are specific to Temple pledges and not a statement on personal value.
Q: How does Leviticus 27:6 apply today?
A: While the laws of valuations (ערכין) are not practically applied today in the absence of the Beit HaMikdash, the principle behind them remains relevant. The verse teaches the importance of keeping vows (Bamidbar 30:3) and the seriousness of dedicating things to holy purposes. Today, we learn to honor our commitments and support sacred causes with sincerity.
Q: Why does the verse start at one month old and not from birth?
A: The Talmud (Arachin 19a) explains that a newborn’s survival was less certain in ancient times, so the Torah waits until one month to assign a valuation. This reflects both practical wisdom and compassion, ensuring the child’s viability before formal pledges are made.
Q: What is the significance of using silver shekels in Leviticus 27:6?
A: Silver shekels were the standard currency for holy matters in the Torah (see Shemot 30:13). The use of a fixed amount—rather than fluctuating market value—ensures fairness and consistency in fulfilling vows. Rambam (Hilchot Arachin 1:1-2) explains that these valuations apply universally, regardless of a person’s actual wealth or status.