King James Version

What Does Leviticus 25:3 Mean?

Leviticus 25:3 in the King James Version says “Six years thou shalt sow thy field, and six years thou shalt prune thy vineyard, and gather in the fruit thereof;” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 25 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Six years thou shalt sow thy field, and six years thou shalt prune thy vineyard, and gather in the fruit thereof;”

Leviticus 25:3 · KJV

Context

1

And the LORD spake unto Moses in mount Sinai, saying,

2

Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, When ye come into the land which I give you, then shall the land keep a sabbath unto the LORD. keep: Heb. rest

3

Six years thou shalt sow thy field, and six years thou shalt prune thy vineyard, and gather in the fruit thereof;

4

But in the seventh year shall be a sabbath of rest unto the land, a sabbath for the LORD: thou shalt neither sow thy field, nor prune thy vineyard.

5

That which groweth of its own accord of thy harvest thou shalt not reap, neither gather the grapes of thy vine undressed: for it is a year of rest unto the land. of thy vine: Heb. of thy separation

Read Leviticus 25 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Six years thou shalt sow thy field, and six years thou shalt prune thy vineyard, and gather in the fruit thereof;

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.

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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. What practical steps can you take this week to apply the principles taught in this verse?
  2. How does this verse help you understand both God's justice and His mercy in salvation?
  3. In what ways does this verse challenge contemporary cultural values or your personal attitudes?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
וְשֵׁ֥שׁ1 of 11

“Six”

H8337

six (as an overplus beyond five or the fingers of the hand); as ordinal, sixth

שָׁנִ֖ים2 of 11

“years”

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

תִּזְרַ֣ע3 of 11

“thou shalt sow”

H2232

to sow; figuratively, to disseminate, plant, fructify

שָׂדֶ֔ךָ4 of 11

“thy field”

H7704

a field (as flat)

וְשֵׁ֥שׁ5 of 11

“Six”

H8337

six (as an overplus beyond five or the fingers of the hand); as ordinal, sixth

שָׁנִ֖ים6 of 11

“years”

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

תִּזְמֹ֣ר7 of 11

“thou shalt prune”

H2168

to trim (a vine)

כַּרְמֶ֑ךָ8 of 11

“thy vineyard”

H3754

a garden or vineyard

וְאָֽסַפְתָּ֖9 of 11

“and gather”

H622

to gather for any purpose; hence, to receive, take away, i.e., remove (destroy, leave behind, put up, restore, etc.)

אֶת10 of 11
H853

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

תְּבֽוּאָתָֽהּ׃11 of 11

“in the fruit”

H8393

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

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 25:3 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 25:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Exodus 23:10

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