King James Version

What Does Leviticus 25:54 Mean?

Leviticus 25:54 in the King James Version says “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...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 25 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

Leviticus 25:54 · KJV

Salvation

Context

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

55

For unto me the children of Israel are servants; they are my servants whom I brought forth out of the land of Egypt: I am the LORD your God.

Read Leviticus 25 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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 New Testament reveals that Christ's sacrifice accomplishes what the Levitical system could only symbolize—complete forgiveness and restoration of relationship with God.

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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 help you understand both God's justice and His mercy in salvation?
  2. In what ways does this verse challenge contemporary cultural values or your personal attitudes?
  3. In what practical ways should this verse influence your church life, family relationships, or personal integrity?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
וְאִם1 of 10
H518

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

לֹ֥א2 of 10
H3808

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

יִגָּאֵ֖ל3 of 10

“And if he be not redeemed”

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

בְּאֵ֑לֶּה4 of 10
H428

these or those

וְיָצָא֙5 of 10

“in these years then he shall go out”

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

בִּשְׁנַ֣ת6 of 10

“in the year”

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

הַיֹּבֵ֔ל7 of 10

“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

ה֖וּא8 of 10
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

וּבָנָ֥יו9 of 10

“both he and his children”

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

עִמּֽוֹ׃10 of 10
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 25:54 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 25:54 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Exodus 21:2-3Isaiah 49:25Isaiah 52:3Leviticus 25:40-41Isaiah 49:9

Test Your Knowledge

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

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