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Leviticus 27:8 - Poverty adjusts sacred vows

Leviticus 27:8 - ויקרא 27:8

Hebrew Text

וְאִם־מָךְ הוּא מֵעֶרְכֶּךָ וְהֶעֱמִידוֹ לִפְנֵי הַכֹּהֵן וְהֶעֱרִיךְ אֹתוֹ הַכֹּהֵן עַל־פִּי אֲשֶׁר תַּשִּׂיג יַד הַנֹּדֵר יַעֲרִיכֶנּוּ הַכֹּהֵן׃

English Translation

But if he be too poor for the estimated value, then he shall present himself before the priest, and the priest shall value him; according to the ability of him that vowed shall the priest value him.

Transliteration

Ve'im-makh hu me'erkha vehe'emido lifnei hakohēn vehe'erikh oto hakohēn al-pi asher tasig yad hanoder ya'arikhenu hakohēn.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְאִם־מָ֥ךְ הוּא֙ מֵֽעֶרְכֶּ֔ךָ וְהֶֽעֱמִידוֹ֙ לִפְנֵ֣י הַכֹּהֵ֔ן וְהֶעֱרִ֥יךְ אֹת֖וֹ הַכֹּהֵ֑ן עַל־פִּ֗י אֲשֶׁ֤ר תַּשִּׂיג֙ יַ֣ד הַנֹּדֵ֔ר יַעֲרִיכֶ֖נּוּ הַכֹּהֵֽן׃ <span class="mam-spi-samekh">{ס}</span>        
וְאִם־מָ֥ךְ הוּא֙ מֵֽעֶרְכֶּ֔ךָ וְהֶֽעֱמִידוֹ֙ לִפְנֵ֣י הַכֹּהֵ֔ן וְהֶעֱרִ֥יךְ אֹת֖וֹ הַכֹּהֵ֑ן עַל־פִּ֗י אֲשֶׁ֤ר תַּשִּׂיג֙ יַ֣ד הַנֹּדֵ֔ר יַעֲרִיכֶ֖נּוּ הַכֹּהֵֽן׃ {ס}        

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Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

The verse (Vayikra 27:8) discusses the laws of erechin (vows of personal valuation), where a person pledges to donate their own value or the value of another to the Beit HaMikdash. This passage addresses the case where the individual making the vow is financially unable to pay the fixed valuation set by the Torah.

Explanation of the Verse

Rashi explains that if a person is too poor to pay the standard valuation (as outlined in earlier verses), the kohen (priest) assesses what the individual can afford based on their financial means. The phrase "asher tasig yad hanoder" ("according to the ability of him that vowed") indicates that the kohen must consider the person's economic situation and adjust the obligation accordingly.

Halachic Implications

  • Rambam's Ruling (Hilchot Arachin 4:1): The kohen evaluates the individual's financial capacity and sets a reduced amount that aligns with their means. This ensures that the mitzvah remains accessible to all, regardless of wealth.
  • Talmudic Basis (Arachin 23a): The Sages derive from this verse that the Torah prioritizes compassion and practicality, ensuring that mitzvot do not become an unbearable burden.

Moral and Ethical Lessons

The Midrash (Vayikra Rabbah 37:2) emphasizes that Hashem values the sincere intent behind a mitzvah, not just the monetary amount. A poor person’s small contribution, given with a full heart, is as cherished as a wealthy person’s larger donation. This aligns with the principle of "l'fi kocho" (according to one’s ability), teaching that mitzvot should be performed within one’s means.

Practical Application

This verse serves as a foundation for the concept of middat harachamim (Divine compassion) in halacha. It teaches that financial obligations in Torah law are not rigid but are adjusted to prevent hardship, reinforcing the idea that mitzvot are meant to uplift, not oppress.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Arakhin 6b
The verse is discussed in the context of the laws of valuations (Arakhin) and how the priest assesses the value of a person's vow based on their financial ability.
📖 Keritot 11a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the principles of valuations and the role of the priest in determining the value based on the individual's financial status.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Leviticus 27:8 mean?
A: Leviticus 27:8 discusses the laws of valuations (ערכין) when a person pledges the value of themselves or another to the Beit HaMikdash (Holy Temple). If someone is too poor to pay the standard valuation amount, the kohen (priest) assesses what they can afford based on their financial situation. This shows HaShem's compassion and fairness, ensuring everyone can participate in mitzvot according to their means.
Q: Why is the concept of adjusting valuations based on poverty important in Judaism?
A: This teaches a fundamental Jewish value: mitzvot should be accessible to all Jews, regardless of financial status. The Rambam (Hilchot Arachin 1:1-2) explains that the Torah considers people's circumstances, preventing undue hardship. This principle appears in other areas of halacha as well, showing Judaism's emphasis on compassion and practicality in serving HaShem.
Q: How does the priest determine the adjusted valuation for a poor person?
A: The verse states the kohen evaluates 'according to what the vower can afford' (עַל־פִּי אֲשֶׁר תַּשִּׂיג יַד הַנֹּדֵר). Rashi explains this means assessing the person's actual financial capability. The Talmud (Arachin 23a) discusses that the kohen must carefully evaluate without causing embarrassment, showing sensitivity to the person's dignity while fulfilling the mitzvah.
Q: Does this concept of adjusted payments apply to other areas of Jewish law?
A: Yes, the principle of scaling obligations to one's means appears elsewhere. For example, the Mishnah (Peah 8:8) states that charity collectors must assess what a person can truly afford. The Talmud (Ketubot 67b) also teaches that we support the poor according to their previous standard of living. This shows a consistent Torah value of balancing spiritual ideals with real-world circumstances.
Q: What lesson can we learn today from Leviticus 27:8?
A: This verse teaches us that serving HaShem isn't one-size-fits-all. The Chofetz Chaim notes that just as the Torah accommodates different financial abilities, we must recognize that people have varying capacities in learning, prayer, and mitzvot. The main thing is sincere effort within one's means - as the verse concludes, the priest values the person 'according to what he can afford.'