King James Version

What Does Leviticus 25:2 Mean?

Leviticus 25:2 in the King James Version says “Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, When ye come into the land which I give you, then shall the land k... — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 25 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Leviticus 25:2 · 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;

4

But in the seventh year shall be a sabbath of rest unto the land, a sabbath for the LORD: thou shalt neither sow thy field, nor prune thy vineyard.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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.


What Leviticus portrayed through types and shadows, Christ fulfilled in reality through His incarnation, perfect life, atoning death, and resurrection.

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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. What does this verse teach about the seriousness of sin, the cost of redemption, or the beauty of holiness?
  3. In what practical ways should this verse influence your church life, family relationships, or personal integrity?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 18 words
דַּבֵּ֞ר1 of 18

Speak

H1696

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

אֶל2 of 18
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

בְּנֵ֤י3 of 18

unto the children

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

יִשְׂרָאֵל֙4 of 18

of Israel

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

וְאָֽמַרְתָּ֣5 of 18

and say

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֲלֵהֶ֔ם6 of 18
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

כִּ֤י7 of 18
H3588

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

תָבֹ֙אוּ֙8 of 18

unto them When ye come

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

אֶל9 of 18
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הָאָ֔רֶץ10 of 18

into the land

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

אֲשֶׁ֥ר11 of 18
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

אֲנִ֖י12 of 18
H589

i

נֹתֵ֣ן13 of 18

which I give

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

לָכֶ֑ם14 of 18
H0
וְשָֽׁבְתָ֣ה15 of 18

keep

H7673

to repose, i.e., desist from exertion; used in many implied relations (causative, figurative or specific)

הָאָ֔רֶץ16 of 18

into the land

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

שַׁבָּ֖ת17 of 18

a sabbath

H7676

intermission, i.e (specifically) the sabbath

לַֽיהוָֽה׃18 of 18

unto the LORD

H3068

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


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 25:2 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 25:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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