Mitzvah —
229
To estimate the value of consecrated houses
This page is incomplete.
Help complete the
Mitzvah Minute website.
Do a Mitzvah — Join us in building a living digital Beit Midrash — your partnership makes it possible.
-
וְאִ֗ישׁ כִּֽי־יַקְדִּ֨שׁ אֶת־בֵּית֥וֹ קֹ֙דֶשׁ֙ לַֽה׳ וְהֶעֱרִיכוֹ֙ הַכֹּהֵ֔ן בֵּ֥ין ט֖וֹב וּבֵ֣ין רָ֑ע כַּאֲשֶׁ֨ר יַעֲרִ֥יךְ אֹת֛וֹ הַכֹּהֵ֖ן כֵּ֥ן יָקֽוּם׃ - פָּרָשַׁת בְּחֻקּתַי
-
Leviticus 27:14 - "And if a man consecrates his house [to be] holy to the L-rd, the kohen shall evaluate it whether good or bad; as the kohen evaluates it, so shall it remain."
This Mitzvah's Summary
מִצְוָה עֲשֵׂה - Positive Commandment
מִצְוָה לֹא תַעֲשֶׂה - Negative Commandment
Justice / Courts – דִּינִים
When a person consecrates a house to Hashem, the kohen must assign its value according to Torah law.
This mitzvah commands the kohen to evaluate houses that are consecrated by an individual’s vow or dedication. The valuation determines the amount to be paid if the house is redeemed.
The Torah ensures that the act of consecration, though voluntary, is handled fairly, with a set process of evaluation to prevent exaggeration or underestimation. The kohen’s ruling is final, binding the consecration to holiness in a practical, just way.
Commentary & Classical Explanation:
- Rambam (Hilchot Arachin 4:1): Teaches that consecrated houses are assessed by the kohen, and the valuation stands once declared.
- Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 377): Notes the root is to instill respect for vows by preventing subjectivity in their fulfillment — everything is regulated by Torah law.
- Talmud (Arachin 19b): Discusses the details of house valuations, whether the house is large or small, beautiful or plain.
- Rashi (Leviticus 27:14): Emphasizes that “as the priest values it, so shall it stand” — the kohen’s decision is binding and irreversible.
Commentaries
(Source: Chabad.org)
Applying this Mitzvah Today
Notes on this Mitzvah's Fundamentals
Faith – אֱמוּנָה
- Rambam (Hilchot Arachin 4:1) rules that when a house is consecrated, its valuation by the kohen is binding. Faith is expressed by trusting that Hashem’s system, through the priest, determines sacred obligations fairly and decisively.
Justice – צֶדֶק
- Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 377) explains that valuation prevents unfairness in fulfilling vows. Justice is served by removing bias, ensuring that neither the owner nor the Temple is cheated.
Holiness – קְדֻשָּׁה
- Rashi (Leviticus 27:14) comments “as the priest values it, so shall it stand,” emphasizing that a consecrated house becomes sanctified property. Holiness is preserved through proper valuation, elevating a private dwelling into service of Hashem.
Speech – דָּבָר
- Talmud (Arachin 19b) describes how consecration begins with a verbal declaration. The kohen’s valuation demonstrates that words create binding sanctity, turning ordinary property into a sacred obligation.
Vows / Oaths – נְדָרִים / שְׁבוּעוֹת
- The mitzvah reflects the seriousness of vows. Once someone pledges their house, the Torah ensures that the valuation is carried out properly, showing that vows cannot remain vague but must be honored concretely.
Community – קְהִלָּה
- Sefer HaChinuch notes that valuations supported the Temple treasury. Thus, even private dedications strengthened the communal service, linking the individual’s property with the nation’s holiness.
Bein Adam L’Makom – בֵּין אָדָם לְמָקוֹם
- Ultimately, this mitzvah reflects a person’s devotion to Hashem. By consecrating a house and accepting the kohen’s ruling, one demonstrates loyalty to G-d’s law, recognizing that personal property belongs to Him.
