King James Version

What Does Leviticus 25:33 Mean?

Leviticus 25:33 in the King James Version says “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 ...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 25 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

Leviticus 25:33 · KJV

Context

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

34

But the field of the suburbs of their cities may not be sold; for it is their perpetual possession.

35

And if thy brother be waxen poor, and fallen in decay with thee; then thou shalt relieve him: yea, though he be a stranger, or a sojourner; that he may live with thee. fallen: Heb. his hand faileth relieve: Heb. strengthen

Read Leviticus 25 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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 Aaronic priesthood mediated between God and Israel, offering sacrifices and maintaining the tabernacle. This prefigured Christ's superior priesthood after the order of Melchizedek.
The New Testament reveals that Christ's sacrifice accomplishes what the Levitical system could only symbolize—complete forgiveness and restoration of relationship with 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. The tabernacle's design parallels ancient Near Eastern temple architecture, yet its portable nature and absence of divine images distinguished it from pagan temples.

Reflection Questions

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

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 19 words
וַֽאֲשֶׁ֤ר1 of 19
H834

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

יִגְאַל֙2 of 19

“And if a man purchase”

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

מִן3 of 19
H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

הַלְוִיִּ֗ם4 of 19

“of the Levites”

H3881

a levite or descendant of levi

וְיָצָ֧א5 of 19

“shall go out”

H3318

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

מִמְכַּר6 of 19

“that was sold”

H4465

merchandise; abstractly, a selling

בָתֵּ֞י7 of 19

“for the houses”

H1004

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

עָרֵ֣י8 of 19

“and the city”

H5892

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

אֲחֻזָּתָ֔ם9 of 19

“are their possession”

H272

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

בַּיֹּבֵ֑ל10 of 19

“in the year of 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

כִּ֣י11 of 19
H3588

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

בָתֵּ֞י12 of 19

“for the houses”

H1004

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

עָרֵ֣י13 of 19

“and the city”

H5892

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

הַלְוִיִּ֗ם14 of 19

“of the Levites”

H3881

a levite or descendant of levi

הִ֚וא15 of 19
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

אֲחֻזָּתָ֔ם16 of 19

“are their possession”

H272

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

בְּת֖וֹךְ17 of 19

“among”

H8432

a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center

בְּנֵ֥י18 of 19

“the children”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃19 of 19

“of Israel”

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

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 25:33 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 25:33 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Numbers 18:20-24Deuteronomy 18:1-2

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