King James Version

What Does Leviticus 25:31 Mean?

Leviticus 25:31 in the King James Version says “But the houses of the villages which have no wall round about them shall be counted as the fields of the country: they m...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 25 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

Leviticus 25:31 · KJV

Salvation

Context

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

32

Notwithstanding the cities of the Levites, and the houses of the cities of their possession, may the Levites redeem at any time.

33

And if a man purchase of the Levites, then the house that was sold, and the city of his possession, shall go out in the year of jubile: for the houses of the cities of the Levites are their possession among the children of Israel. a man: or, one of the Levites redeem them

Read Leviticus 25 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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.

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. 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 can you use this verse to worship God more fully, obey Him more faithfully, or love others more sacrificially?
  2. What does this verse teach about the seriousness of sin, the cost of redemption, or the beauty of holiness?
  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
וּבָתֵּ֣י1 of 16

“But the houses”

H1004

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

הַֽחֲצֵרִ֗ים2 of 16

“of the villages”

H2691

a yard (as inclosed by a fence); also a hamlet (as similarly surrounded with walls)

אֲשֶׁ֨ר3 of 16
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

אֵין4 of 16
H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

לָהֶ֤ם5 of 16
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

חֹמָה֙6 of 16

“which have no wall”

H2346

a wall of protection

סָבִ֔יב7 of 16

“round about”

H5439

(as noun) a circle, neighbour, or environs; but chiefly (as adverb, with or without preposition) around

עַל8 of 16
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

שְׂדֵ֥ה9 of 16

“as the fields”

H7704

a field (as flat)

הָאָ֖רֶץ10 of 16

“of the country”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

יֵֽחָשֵׁ֑ב11 of 16

“them shall be counted”

H2803

properly, to plait or interpenetrate, i.e., (literally) to weave or (generally) to fabricate; figuratively, to plot or contrive (usually in a maliciou

גְּאֻלָּה֙12 of 16

“they may be redeemed”

H1353

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

תִּֽהְיֶה13 of 16
H1961

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

לּ֔וֹ14 of 16
H0
וּבַיֹּבֵ֖ל15 of 16

“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

יֵצֵֽא׃16 of 16

“and they shall go out”

H3318

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

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 25:31 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 25:31 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 49:7-8

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