King James Version

What Does Leviticus 25:50 Mean?

Leviticus 25:50 in the King James Version says “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 pric... — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 25 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

Leviticus 25:50 · KJV


Context

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.

52

And if there remain but few years unto the year of jubile, then he shall count with him, and according unto his years shall he give him again the price of his redemption.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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.

KJV Study — Public Domain

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. In what ways does this verse challenge contemporary cultural values or your personal attitudes?
  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 · 18 words
וְחִשַּׁב֙1 of 18

And he shall reckon

H2803

properly, to plait or interpenetrate, i.e., (literally) to weave or (generally) to fabricate; figuratively, to plot or contrive (usually in a maliciou

עִם2 of 18
H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

קֹנֵ֔הוּ3 of 18

with him that bought

H7069

to erect, i.e., create; by extension, to procure, especially by purchase (causatively, sell); by implication to own

שָׁנִ֔ים4 of 18

him from the year

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

הִמָּ֣כְרוֹ5 of 18

that he was sold

H4376

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

ל֔וֹ6 of 18
H0
עַ֖ד7 of 18
H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

שָׁנִ֔ים8 of 18

him from the year

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

הַיֹּבֵ֑ל9 of 18

of jubile

H3104

the blast of a horn (from its continuous sound); specifically, the signal of the silver trumpets; hence, the instrument itself and the festival thus i

וְהָיָ֞ה10 of 18
H1961

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

כֶּ֤סֶף11 of 18

and the price

H3701

silver (from its pale color); by implication, money

מִמְכָּרוֹ֙12 of 18

of his sale

H4465

merchandise; abstractly, a selling

בְּמִסְפַּ֣ר13 of 18

shall be according unto the number

H4557

a number, definite (arithmetical) or indefinite (large, innumerable; small, a few); also (abstractly) narration

שָׁנִ֔ים14 of 18

him from the year

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

כִּימֵ֥י15 of 18

according to the time

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

שָׂכִ֖יר16 of 18

of an hired servant

H7916

a man who is hired by the day or year

יִֽהְיֶ֥ה17 of 18
H1961

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

עִמּֽוֹ׃18 of 18
H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then


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 25:50 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 25:50 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study