Leviticus 25:2

Translations

Modern

“Speak to the Israelites and say to them: When you enter the land that I am giving you, the land itself must observe a Sabbath to the LORD.

Traditional

Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, When ye come into the land which I give you, then shall the land keep a sabbath unto the Lord.

Literal

“Speak to the sons of Israel and say to them: When you come into the land that I am giving to you, then the land shall keep a Sabbath to YHWH.

Latin

Loquere filiis Israël, et dices ad eos: Quando ingressi fueritis terram quam ego dabo vobis, sabbatizes sabbatum Domino.

Original

Hebrew

English

“Speak to the Israelites and say to them: When you enter the land that I am giving you, the land itself must observe a Sabbath to the LORD.

Notes

Leviticus 25:2–7

during the Sabbath year, people did not formally farm or harvest the land. Landowners could gather what naturally grew for their daily household needs. They left any uneaten food for the poor and foreigners (Exodus 23:10–11). What remained provided food for both wild and domestic animals. See also Exodus 21:2; Deuteronomy 15:1–11.

Leviticus 25:1–55

Just as seven days made a week ending in a Sabbath day, every seven years ended with a Sabbath year. After seven Sabbath years, or 49 years, came a special year called the Year of Jubilee. Like so many holy days, these times were meant for reflecting on Israel's shared identity and their relationship with God.

Every Israelite, both free and servant, had a place in God’s kingdom. So, those bound in servitude were set free during the Year of Jubilee (Leviticus 25:39–43). To reduce poverty and protect families, land sales were limited to fifty years. After that, the land returned to the original owner's family or clan.

The land belonged to God, and the Israelites were only "residents" (25:23). But it is unlikely that they actually used these laws. The best land ended up belonging to wealthy landowners (Isaiah 5:8–10; compare Amos 5:11).

Theme notes and profiles

Ancient Law Codes

Related verses

2 Chronicles 36:21
So the land enjoyed its Sabbath rest all the days of the desolation, until seventy years were completed, in fulfillment of the word of the LORD spoken through Jeremiah.
Exodus 23:10
For six years you are to sow your land and gather its produce,
Leviticus 26:34–35
Then the land shall enjoy its Sabbaths all the days it lies desolate, while you are in the land of your enemies. At that time the land will rest and enjoy its Sabbaths.
Isaiah 8:8
It will pour into Judah, swirling and sweeping over it, reaching up to the neck; its spreading streams will cover your entire land, O Immanuel!
Leviticus 14:34
“When you enter the land of Canaan, which I am giving you as your possession, and I put a contamination of mildew into a house in that land,
Deuteronomy 34:4
And the LORD said to him, “This is the land that I swore to give Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob when I said, ‘I will give it to your descendants.’ I have let you see it with your own eyes, but you will not cross into it.”
Deuteronomy 32:8
When the Most High gave the nations their inheritance, when He divided the sons of man, He set the boundaries of the peoples according to the number of the sons of God.
Leviticus 23:32
It will be a Sabbath of complete rest for you, and you shall humble yourselves. From the evening of the ninth day of the month until the following evening you are to keep your Sabbath.”
Psalm 24:1–2
A Psalm of David. The earth is the LORD’s, and the fullness thereof, the world and all who dwell therein.
Deuteronomy 32:49
“Go up into the Abarim Range to Mount Nebo, in the land of Moab across from Jericho, and view the land of Canaan, which I am giving to the Israelites as their own possession.
Jeremiah 27:5
By My great power and outstretched arm, I made the earth and the men and beasts on the face of it, and I give it to whom I please.
Psalm 115:16
The highest heavens belong to the LORD, but the earth He has given to mankind.

Parallels

Exodus 23:10–13 Deuteronomy 15:1–6

People

Israel: Patriarch, son of Isaac, father of twelve tribes Sabbath: The seventh day of the week, set apart for rest and worship

Glossary

Beggar Biblical Concept of Law Chronology of the Bible (New Testament) Debt Deuteronomy, Book of History of Israel Jubilee Year Leviticus, Book of Ransom Sabbath

Topics

Agriculture: Laws Concerning Holiday: One Year in Seven Holy Land: A Sabbath of Rest Appointed For Sanitation: Rest Commanded The Feast of Sabbatical Year: A Sabbath for the Land

Leviticus 25:2

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