King James Version

What Does Leviticus 19:25 Mean?

Leviticus 19:25 in the King James Version says “And in the fifth year shall ye eat of the fruit thereof, that it may yield unto you the increase thereof: I am the LORD ...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 19 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And in the fifth year shall ye eat of the fruit thereof, that it may yield unto you the increase thereof: I am the LORD your God.”

Leviticus 19:25 · KJV

Context

23

And when ye shall come into the land, and shall have planted all manner of trees for food, then ye shall count the fruit thereof as uncircumcised : three years shall it be as uncircumcised unto you: it shall not be eaten of.

24

But in the fourth year all the fruit thereof shall be holy to praise the LORD withal. holy: Heb. holiness of praises to the LORD

25

And in the fifth year shall ye eat of the fruit thereof, that it may yield unto you the increase thereof: I am the LORD your God.

26

Ye shall not eat any thing with the blood: neither shall ye use enchantment, nor observe times.

27

Ye shall not round the corners of your heads, neither shalt thou mar the corners of thy beard.

Read Leviticus 19 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And in the fifth year shall ye eat of the fruit thereof, that it may yield unto you the increase thereof: I am the LORD your God.

This verse falls within the section on Various Laws of Holiness. Wide-ranging ethical and ceremonial laws, including the command to 'love your neighbor as yourself' (19:18).


Every sacrifice and ritual in Leviticus points forward to Jesus Christ, who fulfills the entire sacrificial system as both perfect sacrifice and eternal high priest.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Wide-ranging ethical and ceremonial laws, including the command to 'love your neighbor as yourself' (19:18). Chapters 17-27, often called the 'Holiness Code,' expand covenant obligations beyond ritual to encompass all of life—sexuality, economics, justice, and relationships. The repeated refrain 'I am the LORD' grounds these laws in God's character and covenant relationship with Israel. Israel received these laws while encamped at Sinai, before entering Canaan. The laws prepared them for life in the promised land, distinguishing them from Canaanite practices and establishing their identity as God's holy nation. The portable tabernacle, central to Levitical worship, accompanied them through wilderness wanderings and eventually found permanent form in Solomon's temple. The tabernacle's design parallels ancient Near Eastern temple architecture, yet its portable nature and absence of divine images distinguished it from pagan temples.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse reveal God's character, and how should that revelation shape your relationship with Him?
  2. In what practical ways should this verse influence your church life, family relationships, or personal integrity?
  3. How does this verse help you understand both God's justice and His mercy in salvation?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
וּבַשָּׁנָ֣ה1 of 11

“year”

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

הַֽחֲמִישִׁ֗ת2 of 11

“And in the fifth”

H2549

fifth; also a fifth

תֹּֽאכְלוּ֙3 of 11

“shall ye eat”

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

אֶת4 of 11
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

פִּרְי֔וֹ5 of 11

“of the fruit”

H6529

fruit (literally or figuratively)

לְהוֹסִ֥יף6 of 11

“thereof that it may yield”

H3254

to add or augment (often adverbial, to continue to do a thing)

לָכֶ֖ם7 of 11
H0
תְּבֽוּאָת֑וֹ8 of 11

“unto you the increase”

H8393

income, i.e., produce (literally or figuratively)

אֲנִ֖י9 of 11
H589

i

יְהוָ֥ה10 of 11

“thereof I am the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֱלֹֽהֵיכֶֽם׃11 of 11

“your God”

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Leviticus. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Leviticus 19:25 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Leviticus 19:25 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge</