Keraia
Leviticus 25

Leviticus 25:35

Redemption of the Poor · Leviticus 25:35–38
Read Leviticus 25

Translations

Modern
Now if your countryman becomes destitute and cannot support himself among you, then you are to help him as you would a foreigner or stranger, so that he can continue to live among you.
Traditional
And if thy brother be waxen poor, and fallen in decay with thee; then thou shalt relieve him: yea, though he be a stranger, or a sojourner; that he may live with thee.
Literal
And if one of your brothers among you becomes poor and his hand has failed, then you shall help him like a sojourner or a stranger, and he may live with you.
Latin
Si attenuatus fuerit frater tuus, et infirmus manu, et susceperis eum quasi advenam et peregrinum, et vixerit tecum,

Original

Hebrew
English
Now if your countryman becomes destitute and cannot support himself among you, then you are to help him as you would a foreigner or stranger, so that he can continue to live among you.

Notes

Leviticus 25:35

destitute: Poor Israelites first asked their family for help (see study note on Leviticus 25:25). Second, they depended on the community. God commanded the people to help the poor instead of taking advantage of them.

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).

Glossary

Beggar Biblical Concept of Law Brother Debt Deuteronomy, Book of Feasts and Festivals of Israel Foreigner History of Israel Jubilee Year Leviticus, Book of Neighbor Ransom Sabbath Stranger

Topics

All Christians should be As Missionaries in Visiting and Relieving the Poor, the Sick Alms: Commandments and Practices Concerning Bankruptcy Beneficence: General Scriptures Concerning Charging Interest Creditor: Laws Concerning Debtor: Laws Concerning Helping the Homeless Immigration Jubilee: Laws Concerning Lending: General Scriptures Concerning Liberality: should be Exercised: Toward Strangers Love to Man: should be Exhibited, in Relieving Strangers Poor: Duty To Servant: Bond: Laws of Moses Concerning Strangers in Israel: Laws Respecting: To be Relieved in Distress Strangers: Kindness to the Poor of, Required Taking Care of Siblings Usury or Interest: The Jews: Forbidden to Take, from Brethren Specially when Poor Usury: Forbidden