King James Version

What Does Leviticus 25:22 Mean?

Leviticus 25:22 in the King James Version says “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 o... — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 25 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

Leviticus 25:22 · KJV


Context

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

24

And in all the land of your possession ye shall grant a redemption for the land.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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.

KJV Study — Public Domain

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. Ancient sacrificial texts from cultures surrounding Israel demonstrate the widespread practice of animal sacrifice, but Israel's system uniquely emphasized moral atonement over magical efficacy.

Reflection Questions

  1. In what practical ways should this verse influence your church life, family relationships, or personal integrity?
  2. How does this verse point to Christ, and how does that deepen your faith and gratitude?
  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 · 16 words
וּזְרַעְתֶּ֗ם1 of 16

And ye shall sow

H2232

to sow; figuratively, to disseminate, plant, fructify

אֵ֚ת2 of 16
H853

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

הַשָּׁנָ֣ה3 of 16

year

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

הַשְּׁמִינִ֔ת4 of 16

the eighth

H8066

eight

תֹּֽאכְל֖וּ5 of 16

and eat

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

מִן6 of 16
H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

תְּב֣וּאָתָ֔הּ7 of 16

fruit

H8393

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

יָשָֽׁן׃8 of 16

of the old

H3465

old

עַ֣ד׀9 of 16
H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

הַשָּׁנָ֣ה10 of 16

year

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

הַתְּשִׁיעִ֗ת11 of 16

until the ninth

H8671

ninth

עַד12 of 16
H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

בּוֹא֙13 of 16

come in

H935

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

תְּב֣וּאָתָ֔הּ14 of 16

fruit

H8393

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

תֹּֽאכְל֖וּ15 of 16

and eat

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

יָשָֽׁן׃16 of 16

of the old

H3465

old


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 25:22 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 25:22 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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