King James Version

What Does Leviticus 25:49 Mean?

Leviticus 25:49 in the King James Version says “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; ...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 25 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Leviticus 25:49 · KJV

Context

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.

51

If there be yet many years behind, according unto them he shall give again the price of his redemption out of the money that he was bought for.

Read Leviticus 25 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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.


Hebrews 9-10 explains how Christ's once-for-all sacrifice supersedes the repeated Levitical offerings, providing permanent cleansing from sin.

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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. Archaeological discoveries at sites like Ugarit reveal Canaanite religious practices Israel's laws explicitly rejected, confirming the Bible's historical reliability and the distinctiveness of Israelite worship.

Reflection Questions

  1. What practical steps can you take this week to apply the principles taught in this verse?
  2. What does this verse teach about the seriousness of sin, the cost of redemption, or the beauty of holiness?
  3. How can you use this verse to worship God more fully, obey Him more faithfully, or love others more sacrificially?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
אֽוֹ1 of 15
H176

desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if

דֹּדוֹ֙2 of 15

“Either his uncle”

H1730

(figuratively) to love; by implication, a love-token, lover, friend; specifically an uncle

א֤וֹ3 of 15
H176

desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if

בֶן4 of 15

“son”

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

דֹּדוֹ֙5 of 15

“Either his uncle”

H1730

(figuratively) to love; by implication, a love-token, lover, friend; specifically an uncle

וְנִגְאָֽל׃6 of 15

“he 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

אֽוֹ7 of 15
H176

desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if

מִשְּׁאֵ֧ר8 of 15

“him or any that is nigh”

H7607

flesh (as swelling out), as living or for food; generally food of any kind; figuratively, kindred by blood

בְּשָׂר֛וֹ9 of 15

“of kin”

H1320

flesh (from its freshness); by extension, body, person; also (by euphemistically) the pudenda of a man

מִמִּשְׁפַּחְתּ֖וֹ10 of 15

“unto him of his family”

H4940

a family, i.e., circle of relatives; figuratively, a class (of persons), a species (of animals) or sort (of things); by extension a tribe or people

וְנִגְאָֽל׃11 of 15

“he 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

אֽוֹ12 of 15
H176

desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if

הִשִּׂ֥יגָה13 of 15

“him or if he be able”

H5381

to reach (literally or figuratively)

יָד֖וֹ14 of 15

“himself”

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

וְנִגְאָֽל׃15 of 15

“he 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 25:49 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 25:49 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Leviticus 25:26

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