King James Version

What Does Leviticus 25:12 Mean?

Leviticus 25:12 in the King James Version says “For it is the jubile; it shall be holy unto you: ye shall eat the increase thereof out of the field.” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 25 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Leviticus 25:12 · KJV

Context

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.

13

In the year of this jubile ye shall return every man unto his possession.

14

And if thou sell ought unto thy neighbour, or buyest ought of thy neighbour's hand, ye shall not oppress one another:

Read Leviticus 25 full chapter

Commentary

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

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 central theme of Leviticus is God's holiness and the call for His people to be holy. The Hebrew word qadosh (קָדוֹשׁ) means 'set apart' or 'sacred,' emphasizing both separation from sin and consecration to God's purposes.
The access to God's presence that Leviticus carefully regulated is now freely available through Christ's blood, tearing the veil and opening the way to God.

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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 texts like the Code of Hammurabi show that law codes were common in the ancient Near East, but biblical law uniquely grounded ethics in God's character rather than merely social convention.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's holiness, as revealed in this verse, shape your understanding of worship, obedience, and daily living?
  2. How does this verse point to Christ, and how does that deepen your faith and gratitude?
  3. How can you use this verse to worship God more fully, obey Him more faithfully, or love others more sacrificially?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
כִּ֚י1 of 11
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

יוֹבֵ֣ל2 of 11

“For it is the 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

הִ֔וא3 of 11
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

קֹ֖דֶשׁ4 of 11

“it shall be holy”

H6944

a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity

תִּֽהְיֶ֣ה5 of 11
H1961

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

לָכֶ֑ם6 of 11
H0
מִ֨ן7 of 11
H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

הַשָּׂדֶ֔ה8 of 11

“thereof out of the field”

H7704

a field (as flat)

תֹּֽאכְל֖וּ9 of 11

“unto you ye shall eat”

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

אֶת10 of 11
H853

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

תְּבֽוּאָתָֽהּ׃11 of 11

“the increase”

H8393

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

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 25:12 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 25:12 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Leviticus 25:6-7

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