King James Version

What Does Leviticus 25:23 Mean?

Leviticus 25:23 in the King James Version says “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...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 25 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

Leviticus 25:23 · KJV

Context

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.

25

If thy brother be waxen poor, and hath sold away some of his possession, and if any of his kin come to redeem it, then shall he redeem that which his brother sold.

Read Leviticus 25 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The land shall not be sold for ever: for the land is mine; for ye are strangers and sojourners with me.

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. In what practical ways should this verse influence your church life, family relationships, or personal integrity?
  2. How does this verse help you understand both God's justice and His mercy in salvation?
  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 · 12 words
הָאָ֑רֶץ1 of 12

“The land”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

לֹ֤א2 of 12
H3808

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

תִמָּכֵר֙3 of 12

“shall not be sold”

H4376

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

לִצְמִתֻ֔ת4 of 12

“for ever”

H6783

excision, i.e., destruction; used only (adverbially) with prepositional prefix to extinction, i.e., perpetually

כִּי5 of 12
H3588

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

לִ֖י6 of 12
H0
הָאָ֑רֶץ7 of 12

“The land”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

כִּֽי8 of 12
H3588

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

גֵרִ֧ים9 of 12

“is mine for ye are strangers”

H1616

properly, a guest; by implication, a foreigner

וְתֽוֹשָׁבִ֛ים10 of 12

“and sojourners”

H8453

a dweller but not outlandish [h5237]; especially (as distinguished from a native citizen [active participle of h3427] and a temporary inmate [h1616] o

אַתֶּ֖ם11 of 12
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

עִמָּדִֽי׃12 of 12
H5978

along with

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 25:23 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 25:23 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Peter 2:11Psalms 24:1Ezekiel 48:14Psalms 39:121 Chronicles 29:15Deuteronomy 32:43

Test Your Knowledge

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

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