2,992. Valuations for the Altar

Hilchos Arachin Vacharamin 5:18

The previous halacha only applies to animals that were consecrated to be offered on the altar. When it comes to Temple upkeep, if someone consecrates the head or the liver of a donkey, or of his servant, since the animal or the person needs that organ to live, the one who consecrated it is obligated to pay its entire value. This is because whenever something is consecrated towards Temple upkeep, the consecration is for that thing’s value.

Hilchos Arachin Vacharamin 5:19

If someone commits his own valuation to the altar, he must bring offerings equal in value to his valuation. If he lacks the means to give his entire valuation, there is a doubt as to whether we appraise based on his means because he made his commitment calling it a valuation or whether we do not do so since he vowed for the altar. Similarly, if someone consecrates a hereditary field to the altar, it is redeemed and the proceeds are used to buy burnt offerings for the altar. There is likewise a doubt as to whether it should it be redeemed according to its fixed valuation or according to its actual value because the owner vowed it to the altar. In all such cases, we act stringently.