King James Version
What Does Leviticus 25:34 Mean?
“But the field of the suburbs of their cities may not be sold; for it is their perpetual possession.”
Context
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
36
Take thou no usury of him, or increase: but fear thy God; that thy brother may live with thee.
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(34) **But the field of the suburbs of their cities may not be sold.**—The Levitical cities had both suburbs or commons for their cattle, &c, and fields which they cultivated (Numbers 35:4-5). These outlying fields, which were beyond the suburbs, they are here forbidden to sell. According to the authorities during the second Temple the expression “to sell” here used is to be taken in a wider sense as including diverting any part of it from its original purpose. Hence they say it forbids the Levites not only to sell the field, but to convert it into a suburb, and *vice versâ. *What is field must always remain field, what is suburb must remain suburb, and what is city must continue to be city.
**For it is their perpetual possession.**—The estates belong to the whole tribe to all futurity, and the present occupiers have to transmit them intact to their successors. Hence no present owner, or all of them combined, have a right to dispose of any portion of the estates, or materially to alter it. They must hand these estates down to their successors as they receive them from their predecessors.
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
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 25:34 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 25:34
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge