King James Version

What Does Leviticus 25:16 Mean?

Leviticus 25:16 in the King James Version says “According to the multitude of years thou shalt increase the price thereof, and according to the fewness of years thou sh...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 25 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Leviticus 25:16 · KJV

Context

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.

18

Wherefore ye shall do my statutes, and keep my judgments, and do them; and ye shall dwell in the land in safety.

Read Leviticus 25 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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.


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.

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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 does this verse help you understand both God's justice and His mercy in salvation?
  2. How can you use this verse to worship God more fully, obey Him more faithfully, or love others more sacrificially?
  3. In what ways does this verse challenge contemporary cultural values or your personal attitudes?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
וּלְפִי֙1 of 16

“According”

H6310

the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos

רֹ֣ב2 of 16

“to the multitude”

H7230

abundance (in any respect)

הַשָּׁנִ֔ים3 of 16

“of years”

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

תַּרְבֶּה֙4 of 16

“thou shalt increase”

H7235

to increase (in whatever respect)

מִקְנָת֑וֹ5 of 16

“the price”

H4736

properly, a buying, i.e., acquisition; concretely, a piece of property (land or living); also the sum paid

וּלְפִי֙6 of 16

“According”

H6310

the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos

תַּמְעִ֖יט7 of 16

“thou shalt diminish”

H4591

properly, to pare off, i.e., lessen; intransitively, to be (or causatively, to make) small or few (or figuratively, ineffective)

הַשָּׁנִ֔ים8 of 16

“of years”

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

תַּמְעִ֖יט9 of 16

“thou shalt diminish”

H4591

properly, to pare off, i.e., lessen; intransitively, to be (or causatively, to make) small or few (or figuratively, ineffective)

מִקְנָת֑וֹ10 of 16

“the price”

H4736

properly, a buying, i.e., acquisition; concretely, a piece of property (land or living); also the sum paid

כִּ֚י11 of 16
H3588

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

מִסְפַּ֣ר12 of 16

“of it for according to the number”

H4557

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

תְּבוּאֹ֔ת13 of 16

“of the years of the fruits”

H8393

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

ה֥וּא14 of 16
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

מֹכֵ֖ר15 of 16

“doth he sell”

H4376

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

לָֽךְ׃16 of 16
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 25:16 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 25:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Leviticus 25:27Leviticus 25:51

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