King James Version

What Does Leviticus 25:51 Mean?

Leviticus 25:51 in the King James Version says “If there be yet many years behind, according unto them he shall give again the price of his redemption out of the money ...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 25 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Leviticus 25:51 · KJV

Context

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.

53

And as a yearly hired servant shall he be with him: and the other shall not rule with rigour over him in thy sight.

Read Leviticus 25 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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. 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 does this verse point to Christ, and how does that deepen your faith and gratitude?
  2. How does this verse reveal God's character, and how should that revelation shape your relationship with Him?
  3. In what practical ways should this verse influence your church life, family relationships, or personal integrity?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 9 words
אִם1 of 9
H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

ע֥וֹד2 of 9
H5750

properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more

רַבּ֖וֹת3 of 9

“If there be yet many”

H7227

abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)

בַּשָּׁנִ֑ים4 of 9

“years”

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

לְפִיהֶן֙5 of 9

“behind according”

H6310

the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos

יָשִׁ֣יב6 of 9

“unto them he shall give again”

H7725

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

גְּאֻלָּת֔וֹ7 of 9

“the price of his redemption”

H1353

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

מִכֶּ֖סֶף8 of 9

“out of the money”

H3701

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

מִקְנָתֽוֹ׃9 of 9

“that he was bought”

H4736

properly, a buying, i.e., acquisition; concretely, a piece of property (land or living); also the sum paid

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 25:51 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

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