Keraia
Leviticus 25

Leviticus 25:28

The Law of Redemption · Leviticus 25:23–34
Read Leviticus 25

Translations

Modern
But if he cannot obtain enough to repay him, what he sold will remain in possession of the buyer until the Year of Jubilee. In the Jubilee, however, it is to be released, so that he may return to his property.
Traditional
But if he be not able to restore it to him, then that which is sold shall remain in the hand of him that hath bought it until the year of jubile: and in the jubile it shall go out, and he shall return unto his possession.
Literal
But if his hand has not found sufficiency to have it restored to himself, then what was sold shall remain in the hand of him who bought it until the Year of the Jubilee. And it shall be released in the Jubilee, and he shall return to his possession.
Latin
Quod si non invenerit manus ejus ut reddat pretium, habebit emptor quod emerat, usque ad annum jubilæum. In ipso enim omnis venditio redibit ad dominum et ad possessorem pristinum.

Original

Hebrew
English
But if he cannot obtain enough to repay him, what he sold will remain in possession of the buyer until the Year of Jubilee. In the Jubilee, however, it is to be released, so that he may return to his property.

Notes

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 The Family Redeemer

Glossary

Beggar Biblical Concept of Law Deuteronomy, Book of Feasts and Festivals of Israel History of Israel Inheritance Jubilee Year Kinsman Leviticus, Book of Ransom Redeemer, Redemption Sabbath

Topics

Agriculture or Farming was Promoted Amongst the Jews by The Rights of Redemption Agriculture: Laws Concerning Debtor: Laws Concerning Homestead: when Alienable, and when Inalienable Jubilee: Laws Concerning Land: Sale and Redemption of, Laws Concerning Poor: Duty To Redemption of Persons or Property The Feast of Jubilee: Enactments Respecting: Restoration of all Inheritances