King James Version

What Does Leviticus 25:48 Mean?

Leviticus 25:48 in the King James Version says “After that he is sold he may be redeemed again; one of his brethren may redeem him:” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 25 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Leviticus 25:48 · KJV

Salvation

Context

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:

49

Either his uncle, or his uncle's son, may redeem him, or any that is nigh of kin unto him of his family may redeem him; or if he be able, he may redeem himself.

50

And he shall reckon with him that bought him from the year that he was sold to him unto the year of jubile: and the price of his sale shall be according unto the number of years, according to the time of an hired servant shall it be with him.

Read Leviticus 25 full chapter

Commentary

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

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 tabernacle's design parallels ancient Near Eastern temple architecture, yet its portable nature and absence of divine images distinguished it from pagan temples.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does this verse teach about the seriousness of sin, the cost of redemption, or the beauty of holiness?
  2. How does this verse point to Christ, and how does that deepen your faith and gratitude?
  3. In what practical ways should this verse influence your church life, family relationships, or personal integrity?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
אַֽחֲרֵ֣י1 of 8

“After”

H310

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

נִמְכַּ֔ר2 of 8

“that he is sold”

H4376

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

גְּאֻלָּ֖ה3 of 8

“he may be redeemed again”

H1353

redemption (including the right and the object); by implication, relationship

תִּֽהְיֶה4 of 8
H1961

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

לּ֑וֹ5 of 8
H0
אֶחָ֥ד6 of 8

“one”

H259

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

מֵֽאֶחָ֖יו7 of 8

“of his brethren”

H251

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

יִגְאָלֶֽנּוּ׃8 of 8

“may redeem”

H1350

to redeem (according to the middle eastern law of kinship), i.e., to be the next of kin (and as such to buy back a relative's property, marry his wido

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 25:48 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 25:48 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Hebrews 2:11-13Nehemiah 5:5Leviticus 25:25Nehemiah 5:8Galatians 4:4-5Leviticus 25:35

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