Leviticus 25:14
Leviticus 25:14 in Multiple Translations
If you make a sale to your neighbor or a purchase from him, you must not take advantage of each other.
And if thou sell ought unto thy neighbour, or buyest ought of thy neighbour’s hand, ye shall not oppress one another:
And if thou sell aught unto thy neighbor, or buy of thy neighbor’s hand, ye shall not wrong one another.
And in the business of trading goods for money, do no wrong to one another.
If you sell land to your neighbor, or buy land from him, don't exploit one another.
And when thou sellest ought to thy neighbour, or byest at thy neighbours hande, ye shall not oppresse one another:
'And when thou sellest anything to thy fellow, or buyest from the hand of thy fellow, ye do not oppress one another;
“‘If you sell anything to your neighbor, or buy from your neighbor, you shall not wrong one another.
And if thou shalt sell aught to thy neighbor, or buy aught of thy neighbor's hand, ye shall not oppress one another:
When thou shalt sell any thing to thy neighbour, or shalt buy of him; grieve not thy brother: but thou shalt buy of him according to the number of years from the jubilee.
‘If you sell some of your land to a fellow Israeli or if you buy some land from one of them, you must treat that person fairly:
Berean Amplified Bible — Leviticus 25:14
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Leviticus 25:14 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/כִֽי
תִמְכְּר֤וּ
מִמְכָּר֙
לַ/עֲמִיתֶ֔/ךָ
א֥וֹ
קָנֹ֖ה
מִ/יַּ֣ד
עֲמִיתֶ֑/ךָ
אַל
תּוֹנ֖וּ
אִ֥ישׁ
אֶת
אָחִֽי/ו
וְ/כִֽי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj | Conj
תִמְכְּר֤וּ
mâkar
H4376
to sell
V-Qal-Imperf-2mp
מִמְכָּר֙
mimkâr
H4465
sale
N-ms
לַ/עֲמִיתֶ֔/ךָ
ʻâmîyth
H5997
neighbor
Prep | N-ms | Suff
א֥וֹ
ʼôw
H176
or
Conj
קָנֹ֖ה
qânâh
H7069
to buy
V-Qal-Ptc
מִ/יַּ֣ד
yâd
H3027
hand
Prep | N-cs
עֲמִיתֶ֑/ךָ
ʻâmîyth
H5997
neighbor
N-ms | Suff
אַל
ʼal
H408
not
Part
תּוֹנ֖וּ
yânâh
H3238
to oppress
V-Hiphil-Juss-2mp
אִ֥ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
N-ms
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
אָחִֽי/ו
ʼâch
H251
brother
N-ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Leviticus 25:14
וְ/כִֽי
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj | Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
תִמְכְּר֤וּ
mâkar
H4376
"to sell"
V-Qal-Imperf-2mp
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to sell something or someone, like a merchant selling goods or a father selling his daughter into marriage. It appears in books like Genesis and Exodus. The word can also mean to surrender or give something up.
Definition: 1) to sell 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to sell 1a2) seller (participle) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be sold 1b2) to sell oneself 1b3) to be given over to death 1c) (Hithpael) to sell oneself
Usage: Occurs in 74 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, sell (away, -er, self). See also: Genesis 25:31; Deuteronomy 32:30; Psalms 44:13.
מִמְכָּר֙
mimkâr
H4465
"sale"
N-ms
This word means something that is for sale, like merchandise or a product. It is used in the Bible to describe buying and selling, as seen in Matthew and Revelation, and can also refer to the act of selling something, like a business transaction.
Definition: sale, ware, thing sold
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] ought, (that which cometh of) sale, that which...sold, ware. See also: Leviticus 25:14; Leviticus 25:33; Ezekiel 7:13.
לַ/עֲמִיתֶ֔/ךָ
ʻâmîyth
H5997
"neighbor"
Prep | N-ms | Suff
This Hebrew word means a neighbor or companion, referring to someone you have a close relationship with, like a fellow worker or friend, as seen in the KJV translation of the Bible.
Definition: relation, neighbour, associate, fellow
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: another, fellow, neighbour. See also: Leviticus 5:21; Leviticus 24:19; Zechariah 13:7.
א֥וֹ
ʼôw
H176
"or"
Conj
Desire can also mean or, and, or if, showing a choice between options, as seen in Proverbs 31:4. It is used to express alternatives or possibilities.
Definition: 1) or, rather 1a) implying that the latter choice is preferred 1b) or if, introducing an example to be seen under a particular principle 1c) (in series) either...or, whether...or 1d) if perchance 1e) except, or else 2) whether, not the least, if, otherwise, also, and, then
Usage: Occurs in 218 OT verses. KJV: also, and, either, if, at the least, [idiom] nor, or, otherwise, then, whether. See also: Genesis 24:49; Leviticus 25:49; Proverbs 30:31.
קָנֹ֖ה
qânâh
H7069
"to buy"
V-Qal-Ptc
This verb means to buy or acquire something, and is used to describe God's redemption of His people. It emphasizes ownership and possession, as seen in the stories of God's creation and redemption.
Definition: 1) to get, acquire, create, buy, possess 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to get, acquire, obtain 1a1a) of God originating, creating, redeeming His people 1a1a1) possessor 1a1b) of Eve acquiring 1a1c) of acquiring knowledge, wisdom 1a2) to buy 1b) (Niphal) to be bought 1c) (Hiphil) to cause to possess Aramaic equivalent: qe.na (קְנָא "to buy" H7066)
Usage: Occurs in 76 OT verses. KJV: attain, buy(-er), teach to keep cattle, get, provoke to jealousy, possess(-or), purchase, recover, redeem, [idiom] surely, [idiom] verily. See also: Genesis 4:1; 2 Chronicles 34:11; Psalms 74:2.
מִ/יַּ֣ד
yâd
H3027
"hand"
Prep | N-cs
In the Bible, 'yad' refers to an open hand, symbolizing power or direction. It can also mean strength or a part of something, like a side or a share. The word is used in many contexts, including anatomy and everyday life.
Definition: : hand/arm[anatomy] 1) hand 1a) hand (of man) 1b) strength, power (fig.) 1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.) 1d) (various special, technical senses) 1d1) sign, monument 1d2) part, fractional part, share 1d3) time, repetition 1d4) axle-trees, axle 1d5) stays, support (for laver) 1d6) tenons (in tabernacle) 1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure) 1d8) wrists
Usage: Occurs in 1446 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] be) able, [idiom] about, [phrase] armholes, at, axletree, because of, beside, border, [idiom] bounty, [phrase] broad, (broken-) handed, [idiom] by, charge, coast, [phrase] consecrate, [phrase] creditor, custody, debt, dominion, [idiom] enough, [phrase] fellowship, force, [idiom] from, hand(-staves, -y work), [idiom] he, himself, [idiom] in, labour, [phrase] large, ledge, (left-) handed, means, [idiom] mine, ministry, near, [idiom] of, [idiom] order, ordinance, [idiom] our, parts, pain, power, [idiom] presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay, draw with strength, stroke, [phrase] swear, terror, [idiom] thee, [idiom] by them, [idiom] themselves, [idiom] thine own, [idiom] thou, through, [idiom] throwing, [phrase] thumb, times, [idiom] to, [idiom] under, [idiom] us, [idiom] wait on, (way-) side, where, [phrase] wide, [idiom] with (him, me, you), work, [phrase] yield, [idiom] yourselves. See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 7:19; Leviticus 14:22.
עֲמִיתֶ֑/ךָ
ʻâmîyth
H5997
"neighbor"
N-ms | Suff
This Hebrew word means a neighbor or companion, referring to someone you have a close relationship with, like a fellow worker or friend, as seen in the KJV translation of the Bible.
Definition: relation, neighbour, associate, fellow
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: another, fellow, neighbour. See also: Leviticus 5:21; Leviticus 24:19; Zechariah 13:7.
אַל
ʼal
H408
"not"
Part
Means not or nothing, used to express negation, as in the phrase do not or let not be.
Definition: 1) not, no, nor, neither, nothing (as wish or preference) 1a) do not, let not (with a verb) 1b) let there not be (with a verb understood) 1c) not, no (with substantive) 1d) nothing (as substantive) Aramaic equivalent: al (אַל "not" H0409)
Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: nay, neither, [phrase] never, no, nor, not, nothing (worth), rather than. See also: Genesis 13:8; Joshua 11:6; 1 Chronicles 22:13.
תּוֹנ֖וּ
yânâh
H3238
"to oppress"
V-Hiphil-Juss-2mp
To oppress or treat someone violently, often implying a sense of injustice or wrongdoing, as found in the KJV.
Definition: 1) to oppress, suppress, treat violently, maltreat, vex, do wrong 1a) (Qal) to oppress, suppress 1b) (Hiphil) to treat violently, maltreat
Usage: Occurs in 19 OT verses. KJV: destroy, (thrust out by) oppress(-ing, -ion, -or), proud, vex, do violence. See also: Exodus 22:20; Jeremiah 46:16; Psalms 74:8.
אִ֥ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
אָחִֽי/ו
ʼâch
H251
"brother"
N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a brother or male sibling, but it can also refer to a close relative, friend, or someone with a similar relationship. It is used to describe the bond between brothers, like the relationship between Cain and Abel in Genesis.
Definition: : male-sibling 1) brother 1a) brother of same parents 1b) half-brother (same father) 1c) relative, kinship, same tribe 1d) each to the other (reciprocal relationship) 1e) (fig.) of resemblance
Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: another, brother(-ly); kindred, like, other. Compare also the proper names beginning with 'Ah-' or 'Ahi-'. See also: Genesis 4:2; Genesis 42:13; Numbers 25:6.
Study Notes — Leviticus 25:14
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Leviticus 25:14 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Leviticus 25:14
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Leviticus 25:14
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Leviticus 25:14
- Trapp's Commentary on Leviticus 25:14
- Ellicott's Commentary on Leviticus 25:14
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Leviticus 25:14
- Cambridge Bible on Leviticus 25:14
- Barnes' Notes on Leviticus 25:14
- Whedon's Commentary on Leviticus 25:14
- Sermons on Leviticus 25:14
Context — Return of Property
12For it is a Jubilee; it shall be holy to you. You may eat only the crops taken directly from the field.
13In this Year of Jubilee, each of you shall return to his own property.
14If you make a sale to your neighbor or a purchase from him, you must not take advantage of each other.
15You are to buy from your neighbor according to the number of years since the last Jubilee; he is to sell to you according to the number of harvest years remaining. 16You shall increase the price in proportion to a greater number of years, or decrease it in proportion to a lesser number of years; for he is selling you a given number of harvests.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Leviticus 19:13 | You must not defraud your neighbor or rob him. You must not withhold until morning the wages due a hired hand. |
| 2 | Leviticus 25:17 | Do not take advantage of each other, but fear your God; for I am the LORD your God. |
| 3 | 1 Samuel 12:3–4 | Here I am. Bear witness against me before the LORD and before His anointed: Whose ox or donkey have I taken? Whom have I cheated or oppressed? From whose hand have I accepted a bribe and closed my eyes? Tell me, and I will restore it to you.” “You have not wronged us or oppressed us,” they replied, “nor have you taken anything from the hand of man.” |
| 4 | Isaiah 58:6 | Isn’t this the fast that I have chosen: to break the chains of wickedness, to untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and tear off every yoke? |
| 5 | Micah 2:2–3 | They covet fields and seize them; they take away houses. They deprive a man of his home, a fellow man of his inheritance. Therefore this is what the LORD says: “I am planning against this nation a disaster from which you cannot free your necks. Then you will not walk so proudly, for it will be a time of calamity. |
| 6 | Ezekiel 22:12–13 | In you they take bribes to shed blood. You engage in usury, take excess interest, and extort your neighbors. But Me you have forgotten, declares the Lord GOD. Now look, I strike My hands together against your unjust gain and against the blood you have shed in your midst. |
| 7 | James 5:1–5 | Come now, you who are rich, weep and wail over the misery to come upon you. Your riches have rotted and moths have eaten your clothes. Your gold and silver are corroded. Their corrosion will testify against you and consume your flesh like fire. You have hoarded treasure in the last days. Look, the wages you withheld from the workmen who mowed your fields are crying out against you. The cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord of Hosts. You have lived on earth in luxury and self-indulgence. You have fattened your hearts in the day of slaughter. |
| 8 | Amos 5:11–12 | Therefore, because you trample on the poor and exact from him a tax of grain, you will never live in the stone houses you have built; you will never drink the wine from the lush vineyards you have planted. For I know that your transgressions are many and your sins are numerous. You oppress the righteous by taking bribes; you deprive the poor of justice in the gate. |
| 9 | Amos 8:4–7 | Hear this, you who trample the needy, who do away with the poor of the land, asking, “When will the New Moon be over, that we may sell grain? When will the Sabbath end, that we may market wheat? Let us reduce the ephah and increase the shekel; let us cheat with dishonest scales. Let us buy the poor with silver and the needy for a pair of sandals, selling even the chaff with the wheat!” The LORD has sworn by the Pride of Jacob: “I will never forget any of their deeds. |
| 10 | Micah 6:10–12 | Can I forget any longer, O house of the wicked, the treasures of wickedness and the short ephah, which is accursed? Can I excuse dishonest scales or bags of false weights? For the wealthy of the city are full of violence, and its residents speak lies; their tongues are deceitful in their mouths. |
Leviticus 25:14 Summary
This verse, Leviticus 25:14, reminds us to be fair and honest in our business dealings with others, not taking advantage of them for our own gain. It's about treating others the way we want to be treated, as Jesus taught in Matthew 7:12. By being fair and honest, we reflect God's character and demonstrate our love for Him and for our neighbors, as seen in Leviticus 19:18 and Deuteronomy 10:12-13. As we conduct our daily interactions, we should strive to do so in a way that honors God and respects the dignity of those around us.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to not take advantage of each other in business transactions?
It means to conduct business fairly and honestly, without exploiting or cheating one another, as instructed in Leviticus 25:14 and supported by Proverbs 11:1, which says that the Lord detests dishonest scales.
How does this principle apply to modern business practices?
This principle still applies today, as seen in Matthew 7:12, which teaches us to treat others the way we want to be treated, and in 1 Thessalonians 4:6, which warns against wronging or taking advantage of a brother in business matters.
What is the motivation behind treating our neighbors fairly in business?
The motivation is to reflect God's character of justice, fairness, and love, as seen in Leviticus 19:18 and Deuteronomy 10:12-13, which command us to love our neighbors as ourselves and to fear God by walking in His ways.
How can we ensure we are not taking advantage of others in our daily interactions?
We can ensure this by being mindful of our actions and their impact on others, as instructed in Colossians 3:17, which says that whatever we do, we should do it in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I may be unintentionally taking advantage of others in my daily interactions, and how can I change this?
- How can I apply the principle of fairness and honesty in my business and personal relationships, as instructed in Leviticus 25:14?
- What does it mean to 'love my neighbor as myself' in the context of business transactions, and how can I demonstrate this in my life?
- In what ways can I reflect God's character of justice and fairness in my interactions with others, especially in situations where it may be easy to take advantage of them?
- How can I cultivate a heart of fairness, honesty, and compassion in my relationships, as encouraged by Scripture?
Gill's Exposition on Leviticus 25:14
And if thou sell ought unto thy neighbour,.... Any estate or possession, house or land, at any time before the year of jubilee: or buyest [ought] of thy neighbour's hand; of movable goods, as the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Leviticus 25:14
And if thou sell ought unto thy neighbour, or buyest ought of thy neighbour's hand, ye shall not oppress one another: No JFB commentary on these verses.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Leviticus 25:14
Neither the seller by requiring more, nor the buyer by taking the advantage from his brother’ s necessities to give him less than the worth of it.
Trapp's Commentary on Leviticus 25:14
Leviticus 25:14 And if thou sell ought unto thy neighbour, or buyest [ought] of thy neighbour’ s hand, ye shall not oppress one another:Ver. 14. Ye shall not oppress.] But proceed by that golden rule, "Whatever ye would that men should do to you, even so do ye to them."
Ellicott's Commentary on Leviticus 25:14
(14) Ye shall not oppress one another.—Better, ye shall not overreach any man his brother. Not only does the Law provide against the poor man losing his land for ever, but enjoins that in the temporary sales the buyer and seller are not to take undue advantage of each other’s circumstances. Hence it was enacted that if any one bought or sold anything for a sixth part more than its value the aggrieved party was entitled to have the excess returned to him, and if it amounted to more than a sixth part, the contract could be rescinded altogether. The fact that the phrase which is here translated “one another” in the Authorised Version is varied in the Hebrew in Leviticus 25:17, where it is likewise rendered “one another,” shows that it is not used in this idiomatic sense, but is designed to denote fellow-brethren, members of the same community, those who are related to each other by race and creed, as in Exodus 32:27, Jeremiah 31:34
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Leviticus 25:14
Verse 14. Ye shall not oppress one another] Ye shall take no advantage of each other's ignorance either in buying or selling; for he that buys an article at less than it is worth, or sells one for more than it is worth, taking advantage in both cases of the ignorance of the vender or buyer, is no better than a thief, as he actually robs his neighbour of as much property as he has bought the article at below or sold it above its current value.
Cambridge Bible on Leviticus 25:14
14. thou … ye] The variation in person indicates the combination of two sources. thy neighbour] An unusual Heb. word (‘âmîth), occurring in the H section eleven times, 5:21 (bis), Leviticus 18:20, Leviticus 19:11; Leviticus 19:15; Leviticus 19:17, Leviticus 24:19, Leviticus 25:14 (bis), Leviticus 25:15; Leviticus 25:17; only once outside Lev., in Zechariah 13:7.
Barnes' Notes on Leviticus 25:14
Sell ought - i. e., any piece of ground. Oppress one another - Rather, overreach one another. (Compare 1 Samuel 12:3-4).
Whedon's Commentary on Leviticus 25:14
RULES FOR THE SALE OF LAND, Leviticus 25:14-17. 14. If thou sell aught — This relates to real estate. Ye shall not oppress — R.V., not wrong one another.
Sermons on Leviticus 25:14
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Preparing the Way of the Lord in Our Church Life by Stewart Ruch | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of recognizing that our lives are a loan from God. He encourages Christians to take regular breaks from the busyness of life a |
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Precious in the Sight of God by K.P. Yohannan | K.P. Yohannan emphasizes the significance of fearing God, illustrating that this reverence is what makes individuals precious in His sight. He highlights Job as a prime example, no |
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Book of Acts Series - Part 34 | the Miracle Called Giving by Jim Cymbala | In this sermon, the pastor emphasizes the importance of giving and helping the weak. He compares the spiritual law of giving to the physical law of gravity, stating that when we gi |
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Xxxii to John Gordon of Cardoness, the Elder by Samuel Rutherford | Samuel Rutherford addresses a difficult parishioner, urging him to focus on his salvation and not be distracted by earthly matters. He emphasizes the importance of casting burdens |
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2 Corinthians 11:13 by St. John Chrysostom | John Chrysostom preaches about false apostles who deceive by pretending to be true messengers of Christ, warning against those who seek to manipulate and exploit others for persona |
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Prayer as a Way of Walking in Love - a Personal Journey by Francis Chan | This sermon emphasizes the importance of dwelling in the presence of God, seeking His beauty, and abiding in Him as the ultimate source of strength and peace. It highlights the nee |
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Beware When You Are Full by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the power and mercy of God in difficult situations. He references the book of Esther, where the people of God fasted and prayed in desperati |