King James Version

What Does Leviticus 25:6 Mean?

Leviticus 25:6 in the King James Version says “And the sabbath of the land shall be meat for you; for thee, and for thy servant, and for thy maid, and for thy hired se...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 25 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And the sabbath of the land shall be meat for you; for thee, and for thy servant, and for thy maid, and for thy hired servant, and for thy stranger that sojourneth with thee,”

Leviticus 25:6 · KJV

Context

4

But in the seventh year shall be a sabbath of rest unto the land, a sabbath for the LORD: thou shalt neither sow thy field, nor prune thy vineyard.

5

That which groweth of its own accord of thy harvest thou shalt not reap, neither gather the grapes of thy vine undressed: for it is a year of rest unto the land. of thy vine: Heb. of thy separation

6

And the sabbath of the land shall be meat for you; for thee, and for thy servant, and for thy maid, and for thy hired servant, and for thy stranger that sojourneth with thee,

7

And for thy cattle, and for the beast that are in thy land, shall all the increase thereof be meat.

8

And thou shalt number seven sabbaths of years unto thee, seven times seven years; and the space of the seven sabbaths of years shall be unto thee forty and nine years.

Read Leviticus 25 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And the sabbath of the land shall be meat for you; for thee, and for thy servant, and for thy maid, and for thy hired servant, and for thy stranger that sojourneth with thee,

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. Ancient sacrificial texts from cultures surrounding Israel demonstrate the widespread practice of animal sacrifice, but Israel's system uniquely emphasized moral atonement over magical efficacy.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does this verse teach about the seriousness of sin, the cost of redemption, or the beauty of holiness?
  2. How can you use this verse to worship God more fully, obey Him more faithfully, or love others more sacrificially?
  3. How does this verse reveal God's character, and how should that revelation shape your relationship with Him?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
וְ֠הָֽיְתָה1 of 12
H1961

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

שַׁבַּ֨ת2 of 12

“And the sabbath”

H7676

intermission, i.e (specifically) the sabbath

הָאָ֤רֶץ3 of 12

“of the land”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

לָכֶם֙4 of 12
H0
לְאָכְלָ֔ה5 of 12

“shall be meat”

H402

food

לְךָ֖6 of 12
H0
וּלְעַבְדְּךָ֣7 of 12

“for you for thee and for thy servant”

H5650

a servant

וְלַֽאֲמָתֶ֑ךָ8 of 12

“and for thy maid”

H519

a maid-servant or female slave

וְלִשְׂכִֽירְךָ֙9 of 12

“and for thy hired servant”

H7916

a man who is hired by the day or year

וּלְתוֹשָׁ֣בְךָ֔10 of 12

“and for thy stranger”

H8453

a dweller but not outlandish [h5237]; especially (as distinguished from a native citizen [active participle of h3427] and a temporary inmate [h1616] o

הַגָּרִ֖ים11 of 12

“that sojourneth”

H1481

properly, to turn aside from the road (for a lodging or any other purpose), i.e., sojourn (as a guest); also to shrink, fear (as in a strange place);

עִמָּֽךְ׃12 of 12
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 25:6 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 25:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Acts 2:44Exodus 23:11Acts 4:32Acts 4:34-35Leviticus 25:20

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