King James Version

What Does Leviticus 25:55 Mean?

Leviticus 25:55 in the King James Version says “For unto me the children of Israel are servants; they are my servants whom I brought forth out of the land of Egypt: I a...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 25 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Leviticus 25:55 · KJV

Context

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
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.

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 does this verse point to Christ, and how does that deepen your faith and gratitude?
  2. What practical steps can you take this week to apply the principles taught in this verse?
  3. In what ways does this verse challenge contemporary cultural values or your personal attitudes?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
כִּֽי1 of 15
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

לִ֤י2 of 15
H0
בְנֵֽי3 of 15

“For unto me the 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

יִשְׂרָאֵל֙4 of 15

“of Israel”

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

עֲבָדַ֣י5 of 15

“are servants”

H5650

a servant

עֲבָדַ֣י6 of 15

“are servants”

H5650

a servant

הֵ֔ם7 of 15
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

אֲשֶׁר8 of 15
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

הוֹצֵ֥אתִי9 of 15

“whom I brought forth”

H3318

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

אוֹתָ֖ם10 of 15
H853

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

מֵאֶ֣רֶץ11 of 15

“out of the land”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

מִצְרָ֑יִם12 of 15

“of Egypt”

H4714

mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt

אֲנִ֖י13 of 15
H589

i

יְהוָ֥ה14 of 15

“I am the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֱלֹֽהֵיכֶֽם׃15 of 15

“your God”

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

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 25:55 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 25:55 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Leviticus 25:42Exodus 20:2Galatians 5:13Isaiah 43:3Psalms 116:161 Corinthians 7:22-23

Places in This Verse

EgyptRegion · Modern: Ain Shams · 30.13°N, 31.31°E658 verses across 33 books
View all places in Leviticus 25 →

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