Leviticus 25:25
Leviticus 25:25 in Multiple Translations
If your brother becomes impoverished and sells some of his property, his nearest of kin may come and redeem what his brother has sold.
¶ If thy brother be waxen poor, and hath sold away some of his possession, and if any of his kin come to redeem it, then shall he redeem that which his brother sold.
If thy brother be waxed poor, and sell some of his possession, then shall his kinsman that is next unto him come, and shall redeem that which his brother hath sold.
If your brother becomes poor, and has to give up some of his land for money, his nearest relation may come and get back that which his brother has given up.
If one of your people becomes poor and sells you some of their land, their close family can come and buy back what they have sold.
If thy brother be impouerished, and sell his possession, then his redeemer shall come, euen his neere kinsman, and bye out that which his brother solde.
'When thy brother becometh poor, and hath sold his possession, then hath his redeemer who is near unto him come, and he hath redeemed the sold thing of his brother;
“‘If your brother becomes poor, and sells some of his possessions, then his kinsman who is next to him shall come, and redeem that which his brother has sold.
If thy brother shall have become poor, and have sold some of his possession, and if any of his kin shall come to redeem it, then shall he redeem that which his brother sold.
If thy brother being impoverished sell his little possession, and his kinsman will, he may redeem what he had sold.
‘So, if one of your fellow Israelis becomes poor and sells some of his property to obtain some money, the person who is most closely related to him is permitted to come and buy that land for him.
Berean Amplified Bible — Leviticus 25:25
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 25:25 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כִּֽי
יָמ֣וּךְ
אָחִ֔י/ךָ
וּ/מָכַ֖ר
מֵ/אֲחֻזָּת֑/וֹ
וּ/בָ֤א
גֹֽאֲל/וֹ֙
הַ/קָּרֹ֣ב
אֵלָ֔י/ו
וְ/גָאַ֕ל
אֵ֖ת
מִמְכַּ֥ר
אָחִֽי/ו
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
יָמ֣וּךְ
mûwk
H4134
be poor
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
אָחִ֔י/ךָ
ʼâch
H251
brother
N-ms | Suff
וּ/מָכַ֖ר
mâkar
H4376
to sell
Conj | V-Qal-3ms
מֵ/אֲחֻזָּת֑/וֹ
ʼăchuzzâh
H272
possession
Prep | N-fs | Suff
וּ/בָ֤א
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
Conj | V-Qal-3ms
גֹֽאֲל/וֹ֙
gâʼal
H1350
to redeem
V-Qal | Suff
הַ/קָּרֹ֣ב
qârôwb
H7138
near
Art | Adj
אֵלָ֔י/ו
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep | Suff
וְ/גָאַ֕ל
gâʼal
H1350
to redeem
Conj | V-Qal-3ms
אֵ֖ת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
מִמְכַּ֥ר
mimkâr
H4465
sale
N-ms
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 25:25
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
"for"
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.
יָמ֣וּךְ
mûwk
H4134
"be poor"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
To be poor or lowly is the meaning of this word, often used to describe those in need. In Proverbs 28:11, it says the poor are shrewd, highlighting their resourcefulness. This concept emphasizes humility and dependence on God.
Definition: (Qal) to be low, grow poor, be depressed, be poor
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: be (waxen) poor(-er). See also: Leviticus 25:25; Leviticus 25:39; Leviticus 27:8.
אָחִ֔י/ךָ
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.
וּ/מָכַ֖ר
mâkar
H4376
"to sell"
Conj | V-Qal-3ms
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.
מֵ/אֲחֻזָּת֑/וֹ
ʼăchuzzâh
H272
"possession"
Prep | N-fs | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word refers to something owned or possessed, often land inherited from family. It appears in various books, including Genesis and Leviticus. This concept of possession is important in biblical times.
Definition: 1) possession, property 1a) land 1b) possession by inheritance
Usage: Occurs in 58 OT verses. KJV: possession. See also: Genesis 17:8; Numbers 32:5; Psalms 2:8.
וּ/בָ֤א
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
Conj | V-Qal-3ms
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
גֹֽאֲל/וֹ֙
gâʼal
H1350
"to redeem"
V-Qal | Suff
This Hebrew word means redemption, describing the act of a kinsman buying back a relative's property or marrying their widow, as seen in the story of Boaz in Ruth.
Definition: : redeem 1) to redeem, act as kinsman-redeemer, avenge, revenge, ransom, do the part of a kinsman 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to act as kinsman, do the part of next of kin, act as kinsman-redeemer 1a1a) by marrying brother's widow to beget a child for him, to redeem from slavery, to redeem land, to exact vengeance 1a2) to redeem (by payment) 1a3) to redeem (with God as subject) 1a3a) individuals from death 1a3b) Israel from Egyptian bondage 1a3c) Israel from exile 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to redeem oneself 1b2) to be redeemed
Usage: Occurs in 84 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] in any wise, [idiom] at all, avenger, deliver, (do, perform the part of near, next) kinsfolk(-man), purchase, ransom, redeem(-er), revenger. See also: Genesis 48:16; Job 3:5; Psalms 19:15.
הַ/קָּרֹ֣ב
qârôwb
H7138
"near"
Art | Adj
This Hebrew word means near, describing something close in place, time, or relationship. It is used in the book of Genesis to describe family relationships. The word is used to describe a close connection.
Definition: 1) near 1a) of place 1b) of time 1c) of personal relationship 1c1) kinship
Usage: Occurs in 76 OT verses. KJV: allied, approach, at hand, [phrase] any of kin, kinsfold(-sman), (that is) near (of kin), neighbour, (that is) next, (them that come) nigh (at hand), more ready, short(-ly). See also: Genesis 19:20; Psalms 75:2; Psalms 15:3.
אֵלָ֔י/ו
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
וְ/גָאַ֕ל
gâʼal
H1350
"to redeem"
Conj | V-Qal-3ms
This Hebrew word means redemption, describing the act of a kinsman buying back a relative's property or marrying their widow, as seen in the story of Boaz in Ruth.
Definition: : redeem 1) to redeem, act as kinsman-redeemer, avenge, revenge, ransom, do the part of a kinsman 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to act as kinsman, do the part of next of kin, act as kinsman-redeemer 1a1a) by marrying brother's widow to beget a child for him, to redeem from slavery, to redeem land, to exact vengeance 1a2) to redeem (by payment) 1a3) to redeem (with God as subject) 1a3a) individuals from death 1a3b) Israel from Egyptian bondage 1a3c) Israel from exile 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to redeem oneself 1b2) to be redeemed
Usage: Occurs in 84 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] in any wise, [idiom] at all, avenger, deliver, (do, perform the part of near, next) kinsfolk(-man), purchase, ransom, redeem(-er), revenger. See also: Genesis 48:16; Job 3:5; Psalms 19:15.
אֵ֖ת
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.
מִמְכַּ֥ר
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.
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 25:25
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Leviticus 25:25 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Leviticus 25:25
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Leviticus 25:25
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Leviticus 25:25
- Trapp's Commentary on Leviticus 25:25
- Ellicott's Commentary on Leviticus 25:25
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Leviticus 25:25
- Cambridge Bible on Leviticus 25:25
- Barnes' Notes on Leviticus 25:25
- Whedon's Commentary on Leviticus 25:25
- Sermons on Leviticus 25:25
Context — The Law of Redemption
23The land must not be sold permanently, because it is Mine, and you are but foreigners and residents with Me.
24Thus for every piece of property you possess, you must provide for the redemption of the land.
25If your brother becomes impoverished and sells some of his property, his nearest of kin may come and redeem what his brother has sold.
26Or if a man has no one to redeem it for him, but he prospers and acquires enough to redeem his land, 27he shall calculate the years since its sale, repay the balance to the man to whom he sold it, and return to his property.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ruth 2:20 | Then Naomi said to her daughter-in-law, “May he be blessed by the LORD, who has not withdrawn His kindness from the living or the dead.” Naomi continued, “The man is a close relative. He is one of our kinsman-redeemers. ” |
| 2 | Jeremiah 32:7–8 | Behold! Hanamel, the son of your uncle Shallum, is coming to you to say, ‘Buy for yourself my field in Anathoth, for you have the right of redemption to buy it.’ Then, as the LORD had said, my cousin Hanamel came to me in the courtyard of the guard and urged me, ‘Please buy my field in Anathoth in the land of Benjamin, for you own the right of inheritance and redemption. Buy it for yourself.’” Then I knew that this was the word of the LORD. |
| 3 | Ruth 3:12 | Yes, it is true that I am a kinsman-redeemer, but there is a redeemer nearer than I. |
| 4 | Ruth 3:9 | “Who are you?” he asked. “I am your servant Ruth,” she replied. “Spread the corner of your garment over me, for you are a kinsman-redeemer. ” |
| 5 | Revelation 5:9 | And they sang a new song: “Worthy are You to take the scroll and open its seals, because You were slain, and by Your blood You purchased for God those from every tribe and tongue and people and nation. |
| 6 | Ruth 4:4–6 | I thought I should inform you that you may buy it back in the presence of those seated here and in the presence of the elders of my people. If you want to redeem it, do so. But if you will not redeem it, tell me so I may know, because there is no one but you to redeem it, and I am next after you.” “I will redeem it,” he replied. Then Boaz said, “On the day you buy the land from Naomi and also from Ruth the Moabitess, you must also acquire the widow of the deceased in order to raise up the name of the deceased on his inheritance.” The kinsman-redeemer replied, “I cannot redeem it myself, or I would jeopardize my own inheritance. Take my right of redemption, because I cannot redeem it.” |
| 7 | 2 Corinthians 8:9 | For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, so that you through His poverty might become rich. |
| 8 | Hebrews 2:13–14 | And again: “I will put My trust in Him.” And once again: “Here am I, and the children God has given Me.” Now since the children have flesh and blood, He too shared in their humanity, so that by His death He might destroy him who holds the power of death, that is, the devil, |
| 9 | Ruth 3:2 | Now is not Boaz, with whose servant girls you have been working, a relative of ours? In fact, tonight he is winnowing barley on the threshing floor. |
Leviticus 25:25 Summary
Leviticus 25:25 is talking about a situation where someone in the community has become very poor and has to sell some of their land to survive. A close relative, like a brother or uncle, can come and buy back the land to help their family member. This is like a safety net to make sure the family doesn't lose their land forever. It's a reminder that, as Christians, we have a heavenly Father who is always looking out for us and wants to redeem us from the struggles of this life, as seen in Psalm 103:1-5 and Romans 8:14-17.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for someone to become impoverished in the context of Leviticus 25:25?
In this verse, becoming impoverished means that someone has fallen on hard times and is struggling financially, to the point where they have to sell some of their property to survive, as seen in the story of the prodigal son in Luke 15:11-32.
Who is considered the 'nearest of kin' in Leviticus 25:25?
The 'nearest of kin' refers to a close relative, such as a brother, uncle, or cousin, who is responsible for helping their family member in need, similar to the concept of family responsibility seen in Genesis 47:12 and Genesis 50:15-21.
What is the purpose of redeeming the sold property in Leviticus 25:25?
The purpose of redeeming the sold property is to restore the family's inheritance and prevent the permanent loss of their land, which is a theme that is also seen in the book of Ruth, particularly in Ruth 4:1-12, where Boaz redeems the land of Elimelech.
How does this concept of redemption relate to our lives as Christians?
As Christians, we can see a spiritual parallel in Leviticus 25:25, where Jesus Christ is our nearest of kin, who has redeemed us from the slavery of sin, as seen in Galatians 4:4-7 and Titus 2:14, and has given us an eternal inheritance in heaven, as promised in 1 Peter 1:3-5.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I can be a 'nearest of kin' to those around me, helping them in their time of need?
- How can I apply the principle of redeeming what has been lost to my own life, whether it's a relationship, a dream, or a part of my spiritual journey?
- What does it mean for me to trust in God's provision and redemption, even when I'm facing financial or emotional struggles, as seen in Philippians 4:19 and Psalm 23:1-4?
- How can I balance the need to provide for my own family with the call to help others in need, as seen in 1 Timothy 5:8 and Proverbs 19:17?
Gill's Exposition on Leviticus 25:25
If thy brother be waxen poor,.... Is brought very low, greatly reduced, and is in mean circumstances; hence Jarchi says, we learn, that no man may sell his field, unless his distress presses him and
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Leviticus 25:25
The land shall not be sold for ever: for the land is mine; for ye are strangers and sojourners with me. The land shall not be sold for ever - or, 'be quite cut off,' as the margin better renders it.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Leviticus 25:25
Some of his possession, to wit, in the fields, but not in cities, . If any of his kin come to redeem it; or, if the redeemer come, being near akin to him, to whom the right of redemption belonged, ,9,12 Jer 32:7, who in this act was an eminent type of Christ, who was made near akin to us by taking our flesh, that he might perform the work of redemption for us.
Trapp's Commentary on Leviticus 25:25
Leviticus 25:25 If thy brother be waxen poor, and hath sold away [some] of his possession, and if any of his kin come to redeem it, then shall he redeem that which his brother sold.Ver. 25. And if any of his kin.] Christ is our near kinsman, and so by propinquity, as man, had the right of redemption.
Ellicott's Commentary on Leviticus 25:25
(25) If thy brother be waxen poor, and hath sold . . . —As poverty is the only reason which the Law here supposes might lead one to part with his field, the authorities during the second Temple concluded, and hence enacted, that it is not allowable for any one to sell his patrimony on speculation. This will account for the horror which Naboth expressed to Ahab of selling his patrimony: “The Lord forbid it me that I should give the inheritance of my fathers to thee” (1 Kings 21:3). And if any of his kin come to redeem it, then shall he redeem.—Better, then his nearest kinsman shall come and redeem. If he has thus been compelled by pressure of poverty to sell part of his land, then it is the duty of the nearest relation, or, as the original literally denotes, “the redeemer that is nearest to him,” to redeem the property which his impoverished relative has been obliged to sell. The expression “redeemer” is applied in Hebrew to one who, by virtue of being the nearest of kin, had not only to redeem the patrimony of the family, but to marry the childless widow of his brother (Rth 3:13), and avenge the blood of his relative (Numbers 35:19-28; Deuteronomy 19:6-12).
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Leviticus 25:25
Verse 25. Any of his kin come to redeem it] The land that was sold might be redeemed, in the interim between jubilee and jubilee, by the former owner or by one of his kinsmen or relatives. This kinsman is called in the text גאל goel or redeemer; and was not this a lively emblem of the redemption of man by Christ Jesus? That he might have a right to redeem man, he took upon him human nature, and thus became a kinsman of the great family of the human race, and thereby possessed the right of redeeming that fallen nature of which he took part, and of buying back to man that inheritance which had been forfeited by transgression.
Cambridge Bible on Leviticus 25:25
25. be waxen poor] The original verb is almost confined to this ch., the one exception being Leviticus 27:8 (‘be poorer’). his kinsman that is next unto him] Cp. the more explicit statement in Leviticus 25:48 f. For the important term Gô’çl, here rendered ‘kinsman,’ lit. vindicator, cp. Jeremiah 32:8 ff.; Rth 4:1 ff., and Art. Goel in HDB.
Barnes' Notes on Leviticus 25:25
If thy brother be waxen poor - The Israelites never parted with their land except under the pressure of poverty. Compare the answer of Naboth, 1 Kings 21:3.
Whedon's Commentary on Leviticus 25:25
25. Any of his kin — Kranold observes that there is no record of the goel ever exercising his right till after the death of him who sold the field.
Sermons on Leviticus 25:25
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Kinsman Redeemer by Paris Reidhead | In this sermon, the preacher paints a vivid picture of a person in Israel who has lost their inheritance and is in chains, serving a cruel taskmaster. However, a relative or elder |
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The Blood of Christ - What It Does by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the significance of the blood of Jesus Christ in redeeming and justifying believers, highlighting how the blood cleanses from all sin, brings near to God, an |
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Ruth 3:9 by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith explores the concept of 'Goel,' or kinsman redeemer, emphasizing the biblical laws of redemption that allow a family member to reclaim lost land or responsibilities. He |
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Ruth From "The Numerical Bible" by F.W. Grant | F. W. Grant preaches on the Book of Ruth, highlighting the historical context during the times of the judges and its connection to David and the kingdom. The story shows how God's |
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Marriage Series #4 - Ruth & Boaz by Don McClure | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the book of Ruth and its significance in the context of the spiritual state of the children of Israel during that time. The book portrays a c |
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Evangelistic Conference 1978 by Clifford Hill | In this sermon, the speaker begins by describing a thrilling and dangerous experience of being pulled along in a speeding vehicle. He then relates this to the current state of evan |
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May the Lord Give You a Full Reward by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of receiving and showing kindness. He references the story of Ruth and Boaz, highlighting Ruth's choice to be kind even when |