King James Version

What Does Leviticus 25:39 Mean?

Leviticus 25:39 in the King James Version says “And if thy brother that dwelleth by thee be waxen poor, and be sold unto thee; thou shalt not compel him to serve as a b...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 25 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And if thy brother that dwelleth by thee be waxen poor, and be sold unto thee; thou shalt not compel him to serve as a bondservant: compel: Heb. serve thyself with him with the service, etc”

Leviticus 25:39 · KJV

Context

37

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

38

I am the LORD your God, which brought you forth out of the land of Egypt, to give you the land of Canaan, and to be your God.

39

And if thy brother that dwelleth by thee be waxen poor, and be sold unto thee; thou shalt not compel him to serve as a bondservant: compel: Heb. serve thyself with him with the service, etc

40

But as an hired servant, and as a sojourner, he shall be with thee, and shall serve thee unto the year of jubile:

41

And then shall he depart from thee, both he and his children with him, and shall return unto his own family, and unto the possession of his fathers shall he return.

Read Leviticus 25 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And if thy brother that dwelleth by thee be waxen poor, and be sold unto thee; thou shalt not compel him to serve as a bondservant:

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.

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. In what ways does this verse challenge contemporary cultural values or your personal attitudes?
  2. How does this verse help you understand both God's justice and His mercy in salvation?
  3. In what practical ways should this verse influence your church life, family relationships, or personal integrity?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
וְכִֽי1 of 11
H3588

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

יָמ֥וּךְ2 of 11

“that dwelleth by thee be waxen poor”

H4134

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

אָחִ֛יךָ3 of 11

“And if thy brother”

H251

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

עִמָּ֖ךְ4 of 11
H5973

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

וְנִמְכַּר5 of 11

“and be sold”

H4376

to sell, literally (as merchandise, a daughter in marriage, into slavery), or figuratively (to surrender)

לָ֑ךְ6 of 11
H0
לֹֽא7 of 11
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

תַעֲבֹ֥ד8 of 11

“unto thee thou shalt not compel”

H5647

to work (in any sense); by implication, to serve, till, (causatively) enslave, etc

בּ֖וֹ9 of 11
H0
עֲבֹ֥דַת10 of 11

“him to serve”

H5656

work of any kind

עָֽבֶד׃11 of 11

“as a bondservant”

H5650

a servant

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 25:39 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 25:39 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Exodus 21:21 Kings 9:22Nehemiah 5:52 Kings 4:1Leviticus 25:46Jeremiah 27:7

Test Your Knowledge

Leviticus 25 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterLeviticus Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Leviticus 25 with CommentaryAll Leviticus ChaptersComplete Leviticus QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes