King James Version

What Does Leviticus 25:28 Mean?

Leviticus 25:28 in the King James Version says “But if he be not able to restore it to him, then that which is sold shall remain in the hand of him that hath bought it ... — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 25 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

But if he be not able to restore it to him, then that which is sold shall remain in the hand of him that hath bought it until the year of jubile: and in the jubile it shall go out, and he shall return unto his possession.

Leviticus 25:28 · KJV


Context

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.

28

But if he be not able to restore it to him, then that which is sold shall remain in the hand of him that hath bought it until the year of jubile: and in the jubile it shall go out, and he shall return unto his possession.

29

And if a man sell a dwelling house in a walled city, then he may redeem it within a whole year after it is sold; within a full year may he redeem it.

30

And if it be not redeemed within the space of a full year, then the house that is in the walled city shall be established for ever to him that bought it throughout his generations: it shall not go out in the jubile.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
But if he be not able to restore it to him, then that which is sold shall remain in the hand of him that hath bought it until the year of jubile: and in the jubile it shall go out, and he shall return unto his possession.

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. 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. 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. What does this verse teach about the seriousness of sin, the cost of redemption, or the beauty of holiness?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 19 words
וְאִ֨ם1 of 19
H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

לֹֽא2 of 19
H3808

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

מָצְאָ֜ה3 of 19

to restore

H4672

properly, to come forth to, i.e., appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e., find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present

בְּיַד֙4 of 19

But if he

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

דֵּי֮5 of 19

be not able

H1767

enough (as noun or adverb), used chiefly with preposition in phrases

וְשָׁ֖ב6 of 19

and he shall return

H7725

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

לוֹ֒7 of 19
H0
וְהָיָ֣ה8 of 19
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

מִמְכָּר֗וֹ9 of 19

it to him then that which is sold

H4465

merchandise; abstractly, a selling

בְּיַד֙10 of 19

But if he

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

הַקֹּנֶ֣ה11 of 19

of him that hath bought

H7069

to erect, i.e., create; by extension, to procure, especially by purchase (causatively, sell); by implication to own

אֹת֔וֹ12 of 19
H853

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

עַ֖ד13 of 19
H5704

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

שְׁנַ֣ת14 of 19

it until the year

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

בַּיֹּבֵ֔ל15 of 19

and in the jubile

H3104

the blast of a horn (from its continuous sound); specifically, the signal of the silver trumpets; hence, the instrument itself and the festival thus i

וְיָצָא֙16 of 19

it shall go out

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

בַּיֹּבֵ֔ל17 of 19

and in the jubile

H3104

the blast of a horn (from its continuous sound); specifically, the signal of the silver trumpets; hence, the instrument itself and the festival thus i

וְשָׁ֖ב18 of 19

and he shall return

H7725

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

לַֽאֲחֻזָּתֽוֹ׃19 of 19

unto his possession

H272

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


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 25:28 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 25:28 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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