King James Version

What Does Leviticus 25:15 Mean?

Leviticus 25:15 in the King James Version says “According to the number of years after the jubile thou shalt buy of thy neighbour, and according unto the number of year...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 25 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“According to the number of years after the jubile thou shalt buy of thy neighbour, and according unto the number of years of the fruits he shall sell unto thee:”

Leviticus 25:15 · KJV

Context

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:

15

According to the number of years after the jubile thou shalt buy of thy neighbour, and according unto the number of years of the fruits he shall sell unto thee:

16

According to the multitude of years thou shalt increase the price thereof, and according to the fewness of years thou shalt diminish the price of it: for according to the number of the years of the fruits doth he sell unto thee.

17

Ye shall not therefore oppress one another; but thou shalt fear thy God: for I am the LORD your God.

Read Leviticus 25 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
According to the number of years after the jubile thou shalt buy of thy neighbour, and according unto the number of years of the fruits he shall sell unto thee:

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 New Testament reveals that Christ's sacrifice accomplishes what the Levitical system could only symbolize—complete forgiveness and restoration of relationship with 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. 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. How can you use this verse to worship God more fully, obey Him more faithfully, or love others more sacrificially?
  2. How does this verse reveal God's character, and how should that revelation shape your relationship with Him?
  3. What practical steps can you take this week to apply the principles taught in this verse?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
בְּמִסְפַּ֥ר1 of 12

“According to the number”

H4557

a number, definite (arithmetical) or indefinite (large, innumerable; small, a few); also (abstractly) narration

שְׁנֵֽי2 of 12

“of years”

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

אַחַ֣ר3 of 12

“after”

H310

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

הַיּוֹבֵ֔ל4 of 12

“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

תִּקְנֶ֖ה5 of 12

“thou shalt buy”

H7069

to erect, i.e., create; by extension, to procure, especially by purchase (causatively, sell); by implication to own

מֵאֵ֣ת6 of 12
H853

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

עֲמִיתֶ֑ךָ7 of 12

“of thy neighbour”

H5997

companionship; hence (concretely) a comrade or kindred man

בְּמִסְפַּ֥ר8 of 12

“According to the number”

H4557

a number, definite (arithmetical) or indefinite (large, innumerable; small, a few); also (abstractly) narration

שְׁנֵֽי9 of 12

“of years”

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

תְבוּאֹ֖ת10 of 12

“of the fruits”

H8393

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

יִמְכָּר11 of 12

“he shall sell”

H4376

to sell, literally (as merchandise, a daughter in marriage, into slavery), or figuratively (to surrender)

לָֽךְ׃12 of 12
H0

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 25:15 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 25:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Leviticus 27:18-23Philippians 4:5

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