King James Version

What Does Leviticus 25:21 Mean?

Leviticus 25:21 in the King James Version says “Then I will command my blessing upon you in the sixth year, and it shall bring forth fruit for three years. — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 25 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Leviticus 25:21 · KJV


Context

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.

23

The land shall not be sold for ever: for the land is mine; for ye are strangers and sojourners with me. for ever: or, to be quite cut off: Heb. for cutting off


Commentary

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

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 holiness demanded in Leviticus becomes possible through Christ, who both satisfies God's righteous requirements and transforms believers by His Spirit.

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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. In what ways does this verse deepen your appreciation for Christ's atoning sacrifice and the seriousness of sin?
  2. How does understanding the purpose behind God's laws help you obey Him from the heart rather than mere duty?
  3. What practical steps can you take this week to apply the principles taught in this verse?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
וְצִוִּ֤יתִי1 of 11

Then I will command

H6680

(intensively) to constitute, enjoin

אֶת2 of 11
H853

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

בִּרְכָתִי֙3 of 11

my blessing

H1293

benediction; by implication prosperity

לָכֶ֔ם4 of 11
H0
הַשָּׁנִֽים׃5 of 11

year

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

הַשִּׁשִּׁ֑ית6 of 11

upon you in the sixth

H8345

sixth, ordinal or (feminine) fractional

וְעָשָׂת֙7 of 11

and it shall bring forth

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

אֶת8 of 11
H853

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

הַתְּבוּאָ֔ה9 of 11

fruit

H8393

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

לִשְׁלֹ֖שׁ10 of 11

for three

H7969

three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice

הַשָּׁנִֽים׃11 of 11

year

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)


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 25:21 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 25:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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