ויקרא, פרק כ״ז, פסוק י״ט

When a person dedicates family land to the Temple, the process of buying it back, or redeeming it, depends heavily on who is making the purchase. A clear distinction exists between an outside buyer and the original owner. While a stranger simply pays the standard assessed value, the original owner must pay the base price plus an additional one-fifth of the field's value. This extra payment serves as a form of compensation or an upgrade to the Temple treasury [ביאור שטיינזלץ].

The redemption process is designed with flexibility to help the family retain their land. The owner is permitted to borrow money to buy back the field, and can even redeem it in portions or pay in installments [תורה תמימה]. Furthermore, the right of the original owner extends to the owner's wife and heirs. If they step in to redeem the property, they follow the exact same rules as the original owner. They must add the extra fifth, ensuring the land remains within the family inheritance and does not transfer to the priests during the Jubilee year [תורה תמימה, רלב״ג, מלבי״ם, צפנת פענח, אדרת אליהו]. These rules, including the required extra payment, apply to a field of any size, not just the large tracts of land discussed in related laws [תורה תמימה, מלבי״ם, אדרת אליהו].

The cost of this extra fifth is calculated based on the proportional number of years remaining until the Jubilee, regardless of whether the redemption happens immediately or years later [מזרחי, ביאור יש״ר]. However, there is a set minimum: the redemption price must cover at least two years' worth of value. If less than two years remain until the Jubilee, the redeemer must pay the full fixed rate of fifty shekels [פירושי רד״צ הופמן]. When making the payment, the main principal must be paid using actual money or movable goods. It cannot be settled using substitute land or promissory notes. Interestingly, the extra fifth is treated differently and may be paid using land [תורה תמימה].

Once the redemption is complete, the field is fully restored to the original owner and will not be transferred to the priests when the Jubilee year arrives [פירושי רד״צ הופמן]. This return of ownership only takes effect after the funds are physically handed over to the Temple treasury [מלבי״ם, אדרת אליהו]. If the redemption is done incorrectly—such as attempting to pay the principal with land instead of money—the transaction is invalid. The field retains its sacred status, and any secular use remains strictly forbidden [תורה תמימה]. Yet, even when the property is redeemed properly and returns to private hands, a lingering spiritual elevation remains. A trace of its former holiness stays with the soil, making the crops grown there especially fitting and preferred for future grain offerings in the Temple [העמק דבר].