King James Version

What Does Leviticus 25:5 Mean?

Leviticus 25:5 in the King James Version says “That which groweth of its own accord of thy harvest thou shalt not reap, neither gather the grapes of thy vine undressed...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 25 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

Leviticus 25:5 · KJV

Context

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,

7

And for thy cattle, and for the beast that are in thy land, shall all the increase thereof be meat.

Read Leviticus 25 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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 holiness demanded in Leviticus becomes possible through Christ, who both satisfies God's righteous requirements and transforms believers by His Spirit.

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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 can you use this verse to worship God more fully, obey Him more faithfully, or love others more sacrificially?
  2. In what ways does this verse challenge contemporary cultural values or your personal attitudes?
  3. How does this verse help you understand both God's justice and His mercy in salvation?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
אֵ֣ת1 of 14
H853

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

סְפִ֤יחַ2 of 14

“That which groweth of its own accord”

H5599

something (spontaneously) falling off, i.e., a self-sown crop; figuratively, a freshet

קְצִֽירְךָ֙3 of 14

“of thy harvest”

H7105

severed, a limb (of a tree, or simply foliage)

לֹ֣א4 of 14
H3808

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

תִקְצ֔וֹר5 of 14

“thou shalt not reap”

H7114

to dock off, i.e., curtail (transitive or intransitive, literal or figurative); especially to harvest (grass or grain)

וְאֶת6 of 14
H853

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

עִנְּבֵ֥י7 of 14

“the grapes”

H6025

a grape

נְזִירֶ֖ךָ8 of 14

“of thy vine undressed”

H5139

separate, i.e., consecrated (as prince, a nazirite); hence (figuratively from the latter) an unpruned vine (like an unshorn nazirite)

לֹ֣א9 of 14
H3808

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

תִבְצֹ֑ר10 of 14

“neither gather”

H1219

to gather grapes; also to be isolated (i.e., inaccessible by height or fortification)

שְׁנַ֥ת11 of 14

“for it is a year”

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

שַׁבָּת֖וֹן12 of 14

“of rest”

H7677

a sabbatism or special holiday

יִֽהְיֶ֥ה13 of 14
H1961

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

לָאָֽרֶץ׃14 of 14

“unto the land”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

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 25:5 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 25:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Kings 19:29Isaiah 37:30

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