King James Version

What Does Leviticus 25:35 Mean?

Leviticus 25:35 in the King James Version says “And if thy brother be waxen poor, and fallen in decay with thee; then thou shalt relieve him: yea, though he be a strang...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 25 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

Leviticus 25:35 · KJV

Context

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.

37

Thou shalt not give him thy money upon usury, nor lend him thy victuals for increase.

Read Leviticus 25 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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 New Testament reveals that Christ's sacrifice accomplishes what the Levitical system could only symbolize—complete forgiveness and restoration of relationship with 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. What practical steps can you take this week to apply the principles taught in this verse?
  2. How does this verse point to Christ, and how does that deepen your faith and gratitude?
  3. How does this verse reveal God's character, and how should that revelation shape your relationship with Him?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
וְכִֽי1 of 12
H3588

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

יָמ֣וּךְ2 of 12

“be waxen poor”

H4134

to become thin, i.e., (figuratively) be impoverished

אָחִ֔יךָ3 of 12

“And if thy brother”

H251

a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])

וּמָ֥טָה4 of 12

“and fallen in decay”

H4131

to waver; by implication, to slip, shake, fall

יָד֖וֹ5 of 12

“with thee”

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

עִמָּ֑ךְ6 of 12
H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

וְהֶֽחֱזַ֣קְתָּ7 of 12

“then thou shalt relieve”

H2388

to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restra

בּ֔וֹ8 of 12
H0
גֵּ֧ר9 of 12

“him yea though he be a stranger”

H1616

properly, a guest; by implication, a foreigner

וְתוֹשָׁ֛ב10 of 12

“or a sojourner”

H8453

a dweller but not outlandish [h5237]; especially (as distinguished from a native citizen [active participle of h3427] and a temporary inmate [h1616] o

וָחַ֖י11 of 12
H2421

to live, whether literally or figuratively; causatively, to revive

עִמָּֽךְ׃12 of 12
H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

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 25:35 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 25:35 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Deuteronomy 15:7-8Acts 11:29Leviticus 19:34Exodus 23:9Leviticus 25:25Luke 6:35

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