King James Version

What Does Leviticus 25:20 Mean?

Leviticus 25:20 in the King James Version says “And if ye shall say, What shall we eat the seventh year? behold, we shall not sow, nor gather in our increase:” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 25 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And if ye shall say, What shall we eat the seventh year? behold, we shall not sow, nor gather in our increase:”

Leviticus 25:20 · KJV

Context

18

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

19

And the land shall yield her fruit, and ye shall eat your fill, and dwell therein in safety.

20

And if ye shall say, What shall we eat the seventh year? behold, we shall not sow, nor gather in our increase:

21

Then I will command my blessing upon you in the sixth year, and it shall bring forth fruit for three years.

22

And ye shall sow the eighth year, and eat yet of old fruit until the ninth year; until her fruits come in ye shall eat of the old store.

Read Leviticus 25 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And if ye shall say, What shall we eat the seventh year? behold, we shall not sow, nor gather in our increase:

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. The Israelite dietary laws in Leviticus 11 have no exact parallel in surrounding cultures, though some ancient cultures had food taboos, suggesting unique revelation rather than borrowed customs.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse help you understand both God's justice and His mercy in salvation?
  2. In what practical ways should this verse influence your church life, family relationships, or personal integrity?
  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 · 13 words
וְכִ֣י1 of 13
H3588

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

תֹֽאמְר֔וּ2 of 13

“And if ye shall say”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

מַה3 of 13
H4100

properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and

נֹּאכַ֖ל4 of 13

“What shall we eat”

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

בַּשָּׁנָ֣ה5 of 13

“year”

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

הַשְּׁבִיעִ֑ת6 of 13

“the seventh”

H7637

seventh

הֵ֚ן7 of 13
H2005

lo!; also (as expressing surprise) if

לֹ֣א8 of 13
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

נִזְרָ֔ע9 of 13

“behold we shall not sow”

H2232

to sow; figuratively, to disseminate, plant, fructify

וְלֹ֥א10 of 13
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

נֶֽאֱסֹ֖ף11 of 13

“nor gather”

H622

to gather for any purpose; hence, to receive, take away, i.e., remove (destroy, leave behind, put up, restore, etc.)

אֶת12 of 13
H853

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

תְּבֽוּאָתֵֽנוּ׃13 of 13

“in our 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 25:20 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 25:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Luke 12:29Leviticus 25:4Isaiah 1:22 Chronicles 25:92 Kings 6:15-17Psalms 78:19-20

Test Your Knowledge

Leviticus 25 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterLeviticus Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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