King James Version

What Does Leviticus 25:1 Mean?

Leviticus 25:1 in the King James Version says “And the LORD spake unto Moses in mount Sinai, saying, — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 25 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And the LORD spake unto Moses in mount Sinai, saying,

Leviticus 25:1 · KJV


Context

1

And the LORD spake unto Moses in mount Sinai, saying,

2

Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, When ye come into the land which I give you, then shall the land keep a sabbath unto the LORD. keep: Heb. rest

3

Six years thou shalt sow thy field, and six years thou shalt prune thy vineyard, and gather in the fruit thereof;


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And the LORD spake unto Moses in mount Sinai, saying,

This verse falls within the section on Sabbath Year and Jubilee. Sabbath year rest for land and Year of Jubilee releasing debts and slaves, teaching trust in God's provision.


The holiness demanded in Leviticus becomes possible through Christ, who both satisfies God's righteous requirements and transforms believers by His Spirit.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Sabbath year rest for land and Year of Jubilee releasing debts and slaves, teaching trust in God's provision. 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. Ancient sacrificial texts from cultures surrounding Israel demonstrate the widespread practice of animal sacrifice, but Israel's system uniquely emphasized moral atonement over magical efficacy.

Reflection Questions

  1. In what ways does this verse deepen your appreciation for Christ's atoning sacrifice and the seriousness of sin?
  2. In what ways does this verse challenge contemporary cultural values or your personal attitudes?
  3. How does this verse point to Christ, and how does that deepen your faith and gratitude?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
וַיְדַבֵּ֤ר1 of 7

spake

H1696

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

יְהוָה֙2 of 7

And the LORD

H3068

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

אֶל3 of 7
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

מֹשֶׁ֔ה4 of 7

unto Moses

H4872

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

בְּהַ֥ר5 of 7

in mount

H2022

a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)

סִינַ֖י6 of 7

Sinai

H5514

sinai, mountain of arabia

לֵאמֹֽר׃7 of 7

saying

H559

to say (used with great latitude)


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 25:1 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 25:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Places in This Verse

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