King James Version

What Does Leviticus 25:29 Mean?

Leviticus 25:29 in the King James Version says “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 ... — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 25 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

Leviticus 25:29 · KJV


Context

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.

31

But the houses of the villages which have no wall round about them shall be counted as the fields of the country: they may be redeemed, and they shall go out in the jubile. they may: Heb. redemption belongeth unto it


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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 texts like the Code of Hammurabi show that law codes were common in the ancient Near East, but biblical law uniquely grounded ethics in God's character rather than merely social convention.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse point to Christ, and how does that deepen your faith and gratitude?
  2. What practical steps can you take this week to apply the principles taught in this verse?
  3. How does this verse reveal God's character, and how should that revelation shape your relationship with Him?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
וְאִ֗ישׁ1 of 16

And if a man

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

כִּֽי2 of 16
H3588

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

יִמְכֹּ֤ר3 of 16

sell

H4376

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

בֵּית4 of 16

house

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

מוֹשַׁב֙5 of 16

a dwelling

H4186

a seat; figuratively, a site; abstractly, a session; by extension an abode (the place or the time); by implication, population

עִ֣יר6 of 16

city

H5892

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

חוֹמָ֔ה7 of 16

in a walled

H2346

a wall of protection

וְהָֽיְתָה֙8 of 16
H1961

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

גְאֻלָּתֽוֹ׃9 of 16

may he redeem

H1353

redemption (including the right and the object); by implication, relationship

עַד10 of 16
H5704

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

תֹּ֖ם11 of 16

it within a whole

H8552

to complete, in a good or a bad sense, literal, or figurative, transitive or intransitive

שְׁנַ֣ת12 of 16

year

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

מִמְכָּר֑וֹ13 of 16

after it is sold

H4465

merchandise; abstractly, a selling

יָמִ֖ים14 of 16

within a full year

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

תִּֽהְיֶ֥ה15 of 16
H1961

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

גְאֻלָּתֽוֹ׃16 of 16

may he redeem

H1353

redemption (including the right and the object); by implication, relationship


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 25:29 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

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