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Leviticus 27:7 - Age alters sacred value?

Leviticus 27:7 - ויקרא 27:7

Hebrew Text

וְאִם מִבֶּן־שִׁשִּׁים שָׁנָה וָמַעְלָה אִם־זָכָר וְהָיָה עֶרְכְּךָ חֲמִשָּׁה עָשָׂר שָׁקֶל וְלַנְּקֵבָה עֲשָׂרָה שְׁקָלִים׃

English Translation

And if it be from sixty years old and above; if it be a male, then the estimation shall be fifteen shekels, and for the female ten shekels.

Transliteration

Ve'im miben-shishim shana vama'ala im-zachar vehaya erk'cha chamisha asar shekel velanekeva asara shkalim.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְ֠אִ֠ם מִבֶּן־שִׁשִּׁ֨ים שָׁנָ֤ה וָמַ֙עְלָה֙ אִם־זָכָ֔ר וְהָיָ֣ה עֶרְכְּךָ֔ חֲמִשָּׁ֥ה עָשָׂ֖ר שָׁ֑קֶל וְלַנְּקֵבָ֖ה עֲשָׂרָ֥ה שְׁקָלִֽים׃
וְ֠אִ֠ם מִבֶּן־שִׁשִּׁ֨ים שָׁנָ֤ה וָמַ֙עְלָה֙ אִם־זָכָ֔ר וְהָיָ֣ה עֶרְכְּךָ֔ חֲמִשָּׁ֥ה עָשָׂ֖ר שָׁ֑קֶל וְלַנְּקֵבָ֖ה עֲשָׂרָ֥ה שְׁקָלִֽים׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context in Vayikra (Leviticus 27:7)

This verse appears in Parshat Bechukotai, detailing the valuations for voluntary pledges to the Beit HaMikdash based on age and gender. The Torah establishes fixed amounts for erech (valuation) vows, with different values assigned to different demographic groups.

Explanation of the Age Group

Rashi (Vayikra 27:7) explains that the age of sixty marks a transition to advanced age, where physical strength diminishes. The Torah assigns lower valuations for this group compared to younger adults (ages 20-60), reflecting their reduced capacity for labor. The Talmud (Arachin 19a) further notes that this mirrors the natural decline in productivity as one ages.

Gender-Based Valuation Differences

The discrepancy between male (15 shekels) and female (10 shekels) valuations is addressed by several commentators:

  • Rambam (Hilchot Arachin 4:1): The valuations are based on typical market value for service or labor in the Beit HaMikdash context, where physical capacity is a factor.
  • Torat Kohanim: Suggests this reflects societal roles at the time, where men were generally more involved in physical labor.

Symbolic Significance

The Kli Yakar (Vayikra 27:7) offers a deeper interpretation: The reduced valuation for elders teaches that spiritual worth isn't tied to physical capacity. While their monetary valuation decreases, their wisdom and life experience hold immeasurable value in Jewish tradition.

Halachic Implications

The Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh De'ah 331) rules that these valuations apply only to vows made during the Temple era. However, the principles inform our understanding of how Jewish law values different life stages and contributions to the community.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Arakhin 19a
The verse is cited in the discussion about the valuations of persons vowed to the Temple, particularly focusing on the different valuations for males and females over sixty years old.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Leviticus 27:7 mean?
A: Leviticus 27:7 discusses the valuation (עֶרְכְּךָ) of a person who pledges their worth to the Beit HaMikdash (Holy Temple) if they are 60 years or older. A male is valued at 15 shekels, and a female at 10 shekels. This is part of the Torah's laws about voluntary pledges (nedarim) and their redemption.
Q: Why does the Torah assign different values for males and females in Leviticus 27:7?
A: According to Rashi and the Talmud (Arachin 19a), the valuations are not based on a person's actual worth but are fixed symbolic amounts set by the Torah. The difference reflects the societal roles and economic contributions at the time, not intrinsic value. All human life is equally precious before Hashem.
Q: How does Leviticus 27:7 apply today without the Beit HaMikdash?
A: While we cannot currently fulfill these valuation laws practically without the Beit HaMikdash, the Rambam (Hilchot Arachin 1:1-2) teaches that we still study these laws to prepare for the future redemption. The deeper lesson is about dedicating our lives to holiness and valuing spiritual commitments.
Q: Why is the amount lower for someone over 60 in Leviticus 27:7?
A: The Talmud (Arachin 19a) explains that the valuation decreases with age because a person's potential to perform physical labor or generate income diminishes. However, the Midrash (Vayikra Rabbah 37:4) emphasizes that wisdom and life experience increase with age, showing that spiritual value is not measured in shekels.
Q: What is the significance of the specific amounts (15 and 10 shekels) in Leviticus 27:7?
A: The numbers correspond to half the valuation of younger adults (see Leviticus 27:3-4). The Kli Yakar suggests this teaches that while physical abilities may decline with age, the opportunity for spiritual growth remains. The amounts also reflect the relative economic roles in an agricultural society, as discussed in the Talmud (Arachin 19a).