King James Version

What Does Leviticus 25:10 Mean?

Leviticus 25:10 in the King James Version says “And ye shall hallow the fiftieth year, and proclaim liberty throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof: it... — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 25 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And ye shall hallow the fiftieth year, and proclaim liberty throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof: it shall be a jubile unto you; and ye shall return every man unto his possession, and ye shall return every man unto his family.

Leviticus 25:10 · KJV


Context

8

And thou shalt number seven sabbaths of years unto thee, seven times seven years; and the space of the seven sabbaths of years shall be unto thee forty and nine years.

9

Then shalt thou cause the trumpet of the jubile to sound on the tenth day of the seventh month, in the day of atonement shall ye make the trumpet sound throughout all your land. of the jubile: Heb. loud of sound

10

And ye shall hallow the fiftieth year, and proclaim liberty throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof: it shall be a jubile unto you; and ye shall return every man unto his possession, and ye shall return every man unto his family.

11

A jubile shall that fiftieth year be unto you: ye shall not sow, neither reap that which groweth of itself in it, nor gather the grapes in it of thy vine undressed.

12

For it is the jubile; it shall be holy unto you: ye shall eat the increase thereof out of the field.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And ye shall hallow the fiftieth year, and proclaim liberty throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof: it shall be a jubile unto you; and ye shall return every man unto his possession, and ye shall return every man unto his family.

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.


Hebrews 9-10 explains how Christ's once-for-all sacrifice supersedes the repeated Levitical offerings, providing permanent cleansing from sin.

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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. Archaeological discoveries at sites like Ugarit reveal Canaanite religious practices Israel's laws explicitly rejected, confirming the Bible's historical reliability and the distinctiveness of Israelite worship.

Reflection Questions

  1. In what ways does this verse challenge contemporary cultural values or your personal attitudes?
  2. How does this verse help you understand both God's justice and His mercy in salvation?
  3. In what practical ways should this verse influence your church life, family relationships, or personal integrity?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 22 words
וְקִדַּשְׁתֶּ֗ם1 of 22

And ye shall hallow

H6942

to be (causatively, make, pronounce or observe as) clean (ceremonially or morally)

אֵ֣ת2 of 22
H853

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

שָׁנָ֔ה3 of 22

year

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

הַֽחֲמִשִּׁים֙4 of 22

the fiftieth

H2572

fifty

שָׁנָ֔ה5 of 22

year

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

וּקְרָאתֶ֥ם6 of 22

and proclaim

H7121

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

דְּר֛וֹר7 of 22

liberty

H1865

freedom; hence, spontaneity of outflow, and so clear

בָּאָ֖רֶץ8 of 22

throughout all the land

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

לְכָל9 of 22
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

יֹֽשְׁבֶ֑יהָ10 of 22

unto all the inhabitants

H3427

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

יוֹבֵ֥ל11 of 22

thereof it shall be a jubile

H3104

the blast of a horn (from its continuous sound); specifically, the signal of the silver trumpets; hence, the instrument itself and the festival thus i

הִוא֙12 of 22
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

תִּֽהְיֶ֣ה13 of 22
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

לָכֶ֔ם14 of 22
H0
תָּשֻֽׁבוּ׃15 of 22

and ye shall return

H7725

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

וְאִ֥ישׁ16 of 22

every man

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

אֶל17 of 22
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אֲחֻזָּת֔וֹ18 of 22

unto his possession

H272

something seized, i.e., a possession (especially of land)

וְאִ֥ישׁ19 of 22

every man

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

אֶל20 of 22
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

מִשְׁפַּחְתּ֖וֹ21 of 22

unto his family

H4940

a family, i.e., circle of relatives; figuratively, a class (of persons), a species (of animals) or sort (of things); by extension a tribe or people

תָּשֻֽׁבוּ׃22 of 22

and ye shall return

H7725

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);


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 25:10 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 25:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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