King James Version

What Does Leviticus 25:46 Mean?

Leviticus 25:46 in the King James Version says “And ye shall take them as an inheritance for your children after you, to inherit them for a possession; they shall be yo...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 25 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And ye shall take them as an inheritance for your children after you, to inherit them for a possession; they shall be your bondmen for ever: but over your brethren the children of Israel, ye shall not rule one over another with rigour. they: Heb. ye shall serve yourselves with them”

Leviticus 25:46 · KJV

Context

44

Both thy bondmen, and thy bondmaids, which thou shalt have, shall be of the heathen that are round about you; of them shall ye buy bondmen and bondmaids.

45

Moreover of the children of the strangers that do sojourn among you, of them shall ye buy, and of their families that are with you, which they begat in your land: and they shall be your possession.

46

And ye shall take them as an inheritance for your children after you, to inherit them for a possession; they shall be your bondmen for ever: but over your brethren the children of Israel, ye shall not rule one over another with rigour. they: Heb. ye shall serve yourselves with them

47

And if a sojourner or stranger wax rich by thee, and thy brother that dwelleth by him wax poor, and sell himself unto the stranger or sojourner by thee, or to the stock of the stranger's family: wax rich: Heb. his hand obtain, etc

48

After that he is sold he may be redeemed again; one of his brethren may redeem him:

Read Leviticus 25 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And ye shall take them as an inheritance for your children after you, to inherit them for a possession; they shall be your bondmen for ever: but over your brethren the children of Israel, ye shall not rule one over another with rigour.

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 access to God's presence that Leviticus carefully regulated is now freely available through Christ's blood, tearing the veil and opening the way to 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. How can you use this verse to worship God more fully, obey Him more faithfully, or love others more sacrificially?
  2. In what practical ways should this verse influence your church life, family relationships, or personal integrity?
  3. In what ways does this verse challenge contemporary cultural values or your personal attitudes?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 18 words
וְהִתְנַֽחַלְתֶּ֨ם1 of 18

“And ye shall take them as an inheritance”

H5157

to inherit (as a (figurative) mode of descent), or (generally) to occupy; causatively, to bequeath, or (generally) distribute, instate

אֹתָ֜ם2 of 18
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

בְּנֵֽי3 of 18

“for your 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

אַֽחֲרֵיכֶם֙4 of 18

“after”

H310

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

לָרֶ֣שֶׁת5 of 18

“you to inherit”

H3423

to occupy (by driving out previous tenants, and possessing in their place); by implication, to seize, to rob, to inherit; also to expel, to impoverish

אֲחֻזָּ֔ה6 of 18

“them for a possession”

H272

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

לְעֹלָ֖ם7 of 18

“for ever”

H5769

properly, concealed, i.e., the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e., (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial

בָּהֶ֣ם8 of 18
H0
תַּֽעֲבֹ֑דוּ9 of 18

“they shall be your bondmen”

H5647

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

בְּאָחִ֔יו10 of 18

“but over your brethren”

H251

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

בְּנֵֽי11 of 18

“for your 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

יִשְׂרָאֵל֙12 of 18

“of Israel”

H3478

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

אִ֣ישׁ13 of 18

“one”

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

בְּאָחִ֔יו14 of 18

“but over your brethren”

H251

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

לֹֽא15 of 18
H3808

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

תִרְדֶּ֥ה16 of 18

“ye shall not rule”

H7287

to tread down, i.e., subjugate; specifically, to crumble off

ב֖וֹ17 of 18
H0
בְּפָֽרֶךְ׃18 of 18

“with rigour”

H6531

fracture, i.e., severity

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 25:46 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 25:46 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 14:2Leviticus 25:43

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