King James Version

What Does Leviticus 25:52 Mean?

Leviticus 25:52 in the King James Version says “And if there remain but few years unto the year of jubile, then he shall count with him, and according unto his years sh...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 25 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Leviticus 25:52 · KJV

Context

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.

54

And if he be not redeemed in these years, then he shall go out in the year of jubile, both he, and his children with him. in these: or, by these means

Read Leviticus 25 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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.

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. Ancient texts like the Code of Hammurabi show that law codes were common in the ancient Near East, but biblical law uniquely grounded ethics in God's character rather than merely social convention.

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 ways does this verse challenge contemporary cultural values or your personal attitudes?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
וְאִם1 of 14
H518

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

מְעַ֞ט2 of 14

“but few”

H4592

a little or few (often adverbial or comparative)

נִשְׁאַ֧ר3 of 14

“And if there remain”

H7604

properly, to swell up, i.e., be (causatively, make) redundant

שָׁנָ֔יו4 of 14

“unto his years”

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

עַד5 of 14
H5704

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

שָׁנָ֔יו6 of 14

“unto his years”

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

הַיֹּבֵ֖ל7 of 14

“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

וְחִשַּׁב8 of 14

“then he shall count”

H2803

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

ל֑וֹ9 of 14
H0
כְּפִ֣י10 of 14

“with him and according”

H6310

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

שָׁנָ֔יו11 of 14

“unto his years”

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

יָשִׁ֖יב12 of 14

“shall he give him again”

H7725

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

אֶת13 of 14
H853

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

גְּאֻלָּתֽוֹ׃14 of 14

“the price of his redemption”

H1353

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

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 25:52 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Test Your Knowledge

Leviticus 25 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterLeviticus Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Leviticus 25 with CommentaryAll Leviticus ChaptersComplete Leviticus QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes