King James Version

What Does Leviticus 25:25 Mean?

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

“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.”

Leviticus 25:25 · KJV

Context

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.

26

And if the man have none to redeem it, and himself be able to redeem it; himself: Heb. his hand hath attained and found sufficiency

27

Then let him count the years of the sale thereof, and restore the overplus unto the man to whom he sold it; that he may return unto his possession.

Read Leviticus 25 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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 access to God's presence that Leviticus carefully regulated is now freely available through Christ's blood, tearing the veil and opening the way to God.

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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. 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. How does this verse reveal God's character, and how should that revelation shape your relationship with Him?
  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 · 13 words
כִּֽי1 of 13
H3588

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

יָמ֣וּךְ2 of 13

“be waxen poor”

H4134

to become thin, i.e., (figuratively) be impoverished

אָחִֽיו׃3 of 13

“If thy brother”

H251

a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])

וּמָכַ֖ר4 of 13

“and hath sold”

H4376

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

מֵֽאֲחֻזָּת֑וֹ5 of 13

“away some of his possession”

H272

something seized, i.e., a possession (especially of land)

וּבָ֤א6 of 13

“come”

H935

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

וְגָאַ֕ל7 of 13

“it then shall he redeem”

H1350

to redeem (according to the middle eastern law of kinship), i.e., to be the next of kin (and as such to buy back a relative's property, marry his wido

הַקָּרֹ֣ב8 of 13

“and if any of his kin”

H7138

near (in place, kindred or time)

אֵלָ֔יו9 of 13
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

וְגָאַ֕ל10 of 13

“it then shall he redeem”

H1350

to redeem (according to the middle eastern law of kinship), i.e., to be the next of kin (and as such to buy back a relative's property, marry his wido

אֵ֖ת11 of 13
H853

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

מִמְכַּ֥ר12 of 13

“sold”

H4465

merchandise; abstractly, a selling

אָחִֽיו׃13 of 13

“If thy brother”

H251

a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])

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 25:25 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 25:25 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ruth 2:20Ruth 3:12Jeremiah 32:7-8Ruth 3:9Revelation 5:9Ruth 4:4-6

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