King James Version

What Does Leviticus 25:4 Mean?

Leviticus 25:4 in the King James Version says “But in the seventh year shall be a sabbath of rest unto the land, a sabbath for the LORD: thou shalt neither sow thy fie...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 25 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“But in the seventh year shall be a sabbath of rest unto the land, a sabbath for the LORD: thou shalt neither sow thy field, nor prune thy vineyard.”

Leviticus 25:4 · KJV

Context

2

Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, When ye come into the land which I give you, then shall the land keep a sabbath unto the LORD. keep: Heb. rest

3

Six years thou shalt sow thy field, and six years thou shalt prune thy vineyard, and gather in the fruit thereof;

4

But in the seventh year shall be a sabbath of rest unto the land, a sabbath for the LORD: thou shalt neither sow thy field, nor prune thy vineyard.

5

That which groweth of its own accord of thy harvest thou shalt not reap, neither gather the grapes of thy vine undressed: for it is a year of rest unto the land. of thy vine: Heb. of thy separation

6

And the sabbath of the land shall be meat for you; for thee, and for thy servant, and for thy maid, and for thy hired servant, and for thy stranger that sojourneth with thee,

Read Leviticus 25 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
But in the seventh year shall be a sabbath of rest unto the land, a sabbath for the LORD: thou shalt neither sow thy field, nor prune thy vineyard.

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. The Israelite dietary laws in Leviticus 11 have no exact parallel in surrounding cultures, though some ancient cultures had food taboos, suggesting unique revelation rather than borrowed customs.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse help you understand both God's justice and His mercy in salvation?
  2. What does this verse teach about the seriousness of sin, the cost of redemption, or the beauty of holiness?
  3. What practical steps can you take this week to apply the principles taught in this verse?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
וּבַשָּׁנָ֣ה1 of 14

“year”

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

הַשְּׁבִיעִ֗ת2 of 14

“But in the seventh”

H7637

seventh

שַׁבָּ֖ת3 of 14

“a sabbath”

H7676

intermission, i.e (specifically) the sabbath

שַׁבָּתוֹן֙4 of 14

“of rest”

H7677

a sabbatism or special holiday

יִֽהְיֶ֣ה5 of 14
H1961

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

לָאָ֔רֶץ6 of 14

“unto the land”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

שַׁבָּ֖ת7 of 14

“a sabbath”

H7676

intermission, i.e (specifically) the sabbath

לַֽיהוָ֑ה8 of 14

“for the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

שָֽׂדְךָ֙9 of 14

“thy field”

H7704

a field (as flat)

לֹ֣א10 of 14
H3808

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

תִזְרָ֔ע11 of 14

“thou shalt neither sow”

H2232

to sow; figuratively, to disseminate, plant, fructify

וְכַרְמְךָ֖12 of 14

“thy vineyard”

H3754

a garden or vineyard

לֹ֥א13 of 14
H3808

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

תִזְמֹֽר׃14 of 14

“nor prune”

H2168

to trim (a vine)

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 25:4 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 25:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Chronicles 36:21Leviticus 25:20-23Exodus 23:10-11Leviticus 26:43Leviticus 26:34-35

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