Leviticus 25:35
Leviticus 25:35 in Multiple Translations
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.
¶ 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.
And if thy brother be waxed poor, and his hand fail with thee; then thou shalt uphold him: as a stranger and a sojourner shall he live with thee.
And if your brother becomes poor and is not able to make a living, then you are to keep him with you, helping him as you would a man from another country who is living among you.
If any of your people become poor and can't survive, you must help them in the same way you would help a foreigner or a stranger, so that they can go on living in your neighborhood.
Moreouer, if thy brother be impouerished, and fallen in decay with thee, thou shalt relieue him, and as a stranger and soiourner, so shall he liue with thee.
'And when thy brother is become poor, and his hand hath failed with thee, then thou hast kept hold on him, sojourner and settler, and he hath lived with thee;
“‘If your brother has become poor, and his hand can’t support himself among you, then you shall uphold him. He shall live with you like an alien and a temporary resident.
And if thy brother shall have become poor, and fallen in decay with thee; then thou shalt relieve him: yea, though he may be a stranger, or a sojourner; that he may live with thee.
If thy brother be impoverished, and weak of hand, and thou receive him as a stranger and sojourner, and he live with thee,
‘If one of your fellow Israelis becomes poor and is unable to buy what he needs [IDM], others of you must help him like you would help a foreigner who is living among you [DOU] temporarily.
Berean Amplified Bible — Leviticus 25:35
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 25:35 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/כִֽי
יָמ֣וּךְ
אָחִ֔י/ךָ
וּ/מָ֥טָה
יָד֖/וֹ
עִמָּ֑/ךְ
וְ/הֶֽחֱזַ֣קְתָּ
בּ֔/וֹ
גֵּ֧ר
וְ/תוֹשָׁ֛ב
וָ/חַ֖י
עִמָּֽ/ךְ
וְ/כִֽי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj | Conj
יָמ֣וּךְ
mûwk
H4134
be poor
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
אָחִ֔י/ךָ
ʼâch
H251
brother
N-ms | Suff
וּ/מָ֥טָה
môwṭ
H4131
to shake
Conj | V-Qal-3fs
יָד֖/וֹ
yâd
H3027
hand
N-cs | Suff
עִמָּ֑/ךְ
ʻim
H5973
with
Prep | Suff
וְ/הֶֽחֱזַ֣קְתָּ
châzaq
H2388
to strengthen
Conj | V-Hiphil-2ms
בּ֔/וֹ
Prep | Suff
גֵּ֧ר
gêr
H1616
sojourner
N-ms
וְ/תוֹשָׁ֛ב
tôwshâb
H8453
sojourner
Conj | N-ms
וָ/חַ֖י
châyâh
H2421
to live
Conj | V-Qal-3ms
עִמָּֽ/ךְ
ʻim
H5973
with
Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Leviticus 25:35
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.
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/מָ֥טָה
môwṭ
H4131
"to shake"
Conj | V-Qal-3fs
This Hebrew word means to shake or waver, like something that's unstable. It appears in books like Psalms and Proverbs, to describe things that are falling apart or unstable. The KJV translates it as 'be carried' or 'fall'.
Definition: 1) to totter, shake, slip 1a) (Qal) to totter, shake, slip 1b) (Niphal) to be shaken, be moved, be overthrown 1c) (Hiphil) to dislodge, let fall, drop 1d) (Hithpael) to be greatly shaken
Usage: Occurs in 36 OT verses. KJV: be carried, cast, be out of course, be fallen in decay, [idiom] exceedingly, fall(-ing down), be (re-) moved, be ready, shake, slide, slip. See also: Leviticus 25:35; Psalms 62:3; Psalms 10:6.
יָד֖/וֹ
yâd
H3027
"hand"
N-cs | Suff
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.
עִמָּ֑/ךְ
ʻim
H5973
"with"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means with or together, like when God is with his people in Exodus 33:14-15. It's used to describe accompaniment or association, and can also mean against or beside. The word is used to convey a sense of relationship or proximity between people or things.
Definition: 1) with 1a) with 1b) against 1c) toward 1d) as long as
Usage: Occurs in 919 OT verses. KJV: accompanying, against, and, as ([idiom] long as), before, beside, by (reason of), for all, from (among, between), in, like, more than, of, (un-) to, with(-al). See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 21:14; Deuteronomy 29:11.
וְ/הֶֽחֱזַ֣קְתָּ
châzaq
H2388
"to strengthen"
Conj | V-Hiphil-2ms
To strengthen means to be strong or courageous, and can also mean to seize or conquer, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: : strengthen/support/encourage 1) to strengthen, prevail, harden, be strong, become strong, be courageous, be firm, grow firm, be resolute, be sore 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be strong, grow strong 1a1a) to prevail, prevail upon 1a1b) to be firm, be caught fast, be secure 1a1c) to press, be urgent 1a1d) to grow stout, grow rigid, grow hard (bad sense) 1a1e) to be severe, be grievous 1a2) to strengthen 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to make strong 1b2) to restore to strength, give strength 1b3) to strengthen, sustain, encourage 1b4) to make strong, make bold, encourage 1b5) to make firm 1b6) to make rigid, make hard 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to make strong, strengthen 1c2) to make firm 1c3) to display strength 1c4) to make severe 1c5) to support 1c6) to repair 1c7) to prevail, prevail upon 1c8) to have or take or keep hold of, retain, hold up, sustain, support 1c9) to hold, contain 1d) (Hithpael) 1d1) to strengthen oneself 1d2) to put forth strength, use one's strength 1d3) to withstand 1d4) to hold strongly with
Usage: Occurs in 266 OT verses. KJV: aid, amend, [idiom] calker, catch, cleave, confirm, be constant, constrain, continue, be of good (take) courage(-ous, -ly), encourage (self), be established, fasten, force, fortify, make hard, harden, help, (lay) hold (fast), lean, maintain, play the man, mend, become (wax) mighty, prevail, be recovered, repair, retain, seize, be (wax) sore, strengthen (self), be stout, be (make, shew, wax) strong(-er), be sure, take (hold), be urgent, behave self valiantly, withstand. See also: Genesis 19:16; 1 Chronicles 22:13; Psalms 27:14.
בּ֔/וֹ
""
Prep | Suff
גֵּ֧ר
gêr
H1616
"sojourner"
N-ms
A sojourner is a foreigner or temporary resident, lacking inherited rights, but often given concessions in Israel. This term appears in the Bible to describe outsiders living among God's people.
Definition: 1) sojourner 1a) a temporary inhabitant, a newcomer lacking inherited rights 1b) of foreigners in Israel, though conceded rights
Usage: Occurs in 83 OT verses. KJV: alien, sojourner, stranger. See also: Genesis 15:13; Deuteronomy 10:19; Psalms 39:13.
וְ/תוֹשָׁ֛ב
tôwshâb
H8453
"sojourner"
Conj | N-ms
Tishbe refers to a resident alien or foreigner, as seen in the home of Elijah, who was known as the Tishbite. This term appears in various KJV translations, including foreigner and stranger. It signifies someone living outside their native land.
Definition: sojourner, stranger
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: foreigner, inhabitant, sojourner, stranger. See also: Genesis 23:4; Leviticus 25:40; Psalms 39:13.
וָ/חַ֖י
châyâh
H2421
"to live"
Conj | V-Qal-3ms
To live or have life is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which can also mean to revive or be quickened. It is used in the Bible to describe God's power to sustain life and restore people to health, as seen in the stories of the prophets and Jesus' miracles.
Definition: 1) to live, have life, remain alive, sustain life, live prosperously, live for ever, be quickened, be alive, be restored to life or health 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to live 1a1a) to have life 1a1b) to continue in life, remain alive 1a1c) to sustain life, to live on or upon 1a1d) to live (prosperously) 1a2) to revive, be quickened 1a2a) from sickness 1a2b) from discouragement 1a2c) from faintness 1a2d) from death 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to preserve alive, let live 1b2) to give life 1b3) to quicken, revive, refresh 1b3a) to restore to life 1b3b) to cause to grow 1b3c) to restore 1b3d) to revive 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to preserve alive, let live 1c2) to quicken, revive 1c2a) to restore (to health) 1c2b) to revive 1c2c) to restore to life
Usage: Occurs in 239 OT verses. KJV: keep (leave, make) alive, [idiom] certainly, give (promise) life, (let, suffer to) live, nourish up, preserve (alive), quicken, recover, repair, restore (to life), revive, ([idiom] God) save (alive, life, lives), [idiom] surely, be whole. See also: Genesis 5:3; 2 Samuel 16:16; Psalms 22:27.
עִמָּֽ/ךְ
ʻim
H5973
"with"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means with or together, like when God is with his people in Exodus 33:14-15. It's used to describe accompaniment or association, and can also mean against or beside. The word is used to convey a sense of relationship or proximity between people or things.
Definition: 1) with 1a) with 1b) against 1c) toward 1d) as long as
Usage: Occurs in 919 OT verses. KJV: accompanying, against, and, as ([idiom] long as), before, beside, by (reason of), for all, from (among, between), in, like, more than, of, (un-) to, with(-al). See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 21:14; Deuteronomy 29:11.
Study Notes — Leviticus 25:35
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Leviticus 25:35 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Leviticus 25:35
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Leviticus 25:35
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Leviticus 25:35
- Trapp's Commentary on Leviticus 25:35
- Ellicott's Commentary on Leviticus 25:35
- Cambridge Bible on Leviticus 25:35
- Barnes' Notes on Leviticus 25:35
- Whedon's Commentary on Leviticus 25:35
- Sermons on Leviticus 25:35
Context — Redemption of the Poor
33So whatever belongs to the Levites may be redeemed—a house sold in a city they possess—and must be released in the Jubilee, because the houses in the cities of the Levites are their possession among the Israelites.
34But the open pastureland around their cities may not be sold, for this is their permanent possession.
35Now 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.
36Do not take any interest or profit from him, but fear your God, that your countryman may live among you. 37You must not lend him your silver at interest or sell him your food for profit.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Deuteronomy 15:7–8 | If there is a poor man among your brothers within any of the gates in the land that the LORD your God is giving you, then you are not to harden your heart or shut your hand from your poor brother. Instead, you are to open your hand to him and freely loan him whatever he needs. |
| 2 | Acts 11:29 | So the disciples, each according to his ability, decided to send relief to the brothers living in Judea. |
| 3 | Leviticus 25:25 | If your brother becomes impoverished and sells some of his property, his nearest of kin may come and redeem what his brother has sold. |
| 4 | Deuteronomy 10:18–19 | He executes justice for the fatherless and widow, and He loves the foreigner, giving him food and clothing. So you also must love the foreigner, since you yourselves were foreigners in the land of Egypt. |
| 5 | Leviticus 19:34 | You must treat the foreigner living among you as native-born and love him as yourself, for you were foreigners in the land of Egypt. I am the LORD your God. |
| 6 | Exodus 23:9 | Do not oppress a foreign resident, since you yourselves know how it feels to be foreigners; for you were foreigners in the land of Egypt. |
| 7 | Luke 6:35 | But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them, expecting nothing in return. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for He is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. |
| 8 | Psalms 37:26 | They are ever generous and quick to lend, and their children are a blessing. |
| 9 | Proverbs 14:31 | Whoever oppresses the poor taunts their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors Him. |
| 10 | Deuteronomy 24:14–15 | Do not oppress a hired hand who is poor and needy, whether he is a brother or a foreigner residing in one of your towns. You are to pay his wages each day before sunset, because he is poor and depends on them. Otherwise he may cry out to the LORD against you, and you will be guilty of sin. |
Leviticus 25:35 Summary
[This verse teaches us to help those in need, just like we would help a stranger, so they can keep living among us. It's like what Jesus said in Matthew 25:40, 'Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.' We should show kindness and care to those around us who are struggling, just as we would want others to do for us if we were in their shoes. By doing so, we demonstrate our love and fear for God, and fulfill our responsibility to care for one another.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to help someone as you would a foreigner or stranger?
According to Leviticus 25:35, helping someone as you would a foreigner or stranger means showing them kindness and care, just as you would to someone who is not part of your family or community, as seen in Leviticus 19:34 and Deuteronomy 10:19.
Why is it important to help those in need among us?
Helping those in need among us is important because it reflects our love and fear for God, as stated in Leviticus 25:36, and demonstrates our commitment to caring for one another, as taught in Galatians 6:2 and Acts 2:45.
How can we apply this principle in our daily lives?
We can apply this principle by being willing to lend a helping hand to those around us who are struggling, whether it be a neighbor, friend, or family member, and by showing them the same kindness and compassion we would want to receive ourselves, as encouraged in Matthew 7:12 and Luke 6:31.
Is this command only for the Israelites or does it apply to us today?
While this command was originally given to the Israelites, the principle of caring for those in need and showing kindness to strangers is a universal command that applies to all believers, as seen in Hebrews 13:2 and Romans 12:13.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can show kindness and care to those in need around me, just as I would to a stranger?
- How can I balance my own needs and responsibilities with the command to help those who are destitute and cannot support themselves?
- What does it mean to 'fear God' in the context of helping those in need, and how can I cultivate this fear in my own life?
- How can I ensure that my actions are motivated by a genuine desire to help and care for others, rather than just a sense of duty or obligation?
Gill's Exposition on Leviticus 25:35
And if thy brother be waxen poor,.... An Israelite, as Aben Ezra, be reduced to a low estate, through afflictions in body, or in family, or through losses in trade, or want of business, or through
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Leviticus 25:35
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. If thy brother be waxen poor ... relieve him.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Leviticus 25:35
Fallen in decay, Heb. his hand wavereth, of faileth or is decayed so that he hath not power to get or keep wealth, as the phrase is, ; as on the contrary, when a man is able, his hand is said to attain and find sufficiency, as here above, . Relieve him, Heb. strengthen him, comfort his heart, and strengthen his hand. A sojourner; understand it of proselytes only, for of other strangers they were permitted to take usury, .
Trapp's Commentary on Leviticus 25:35
Leviticus 25:35 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.Ver. 35. That he may live with thee,] i.e., Live in good fashion; for a necessitous life is a lifeless life. Thus shall ye say to him that liveth. So John 4:50, "Thy son liveth."
Ellicott's Commentary on Leviticus 25:35
(35) And if thy brother be waxen poor.—This part of the jubile laws which relates to the manumission of the Israelites who through poverty are compelled to sell themselves as bondsmen (Leviticus 25:39-55) is introduced by a pathetic appeal to the benevolence of the people to bestow brotherly help to the poor (Leviticus 25:35-38). And fallen in decay with thee.—Literally, and his hand wavered with thee, that is, when it is weak and can no longer render support, or gain a livelihood. As the laws of jubile guard the future interests of the Israelite who is driven by stress of poverty to sell his patrimony, the Lawgiver now points out the duties of each member of the community to the impoverished brother who has to wait till the year of jubile for the restoration of his property, but who in the meantime is unable to support himself. Then thou shalt relieve him.—Literally, thou shalt lay hold of him. When his hand is thus trembling, it is the duty of every Israelite to support his weak hand, and enable it to gain a livelihood. Though he be a stranger, or a sojourner.—Better, as a stranger and a sojourner, that is, he is not to be treated like an outcast because he has been compelled by poverty to sell his patrimony, but is to receive the same consideration which strangers and sojourners receive, who, like the unfortunate Israelite, have no landed property. (See Leviticus 19:33-34.)
Cambridge Bible on Leviticus 25:35
35–38. Prohibition of usury in the case of a poor Israelite (H with perhaps a slight admixture of P)
Barnes' Notes on Leviticus 25:35
Rather, And if thy brother (an Israelite) becomes poor and falls into decay with thee, thou shalt assist him and let him live with thee like a resident foreigner.
Whedon's Commentary on Leviticus 25:35
MERCY TO THE POOR , Leviticus 25:35-43. 35. Thy brother — Of the seed of Abraham.
Sermons on Leviticus 25:35
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Christian Charity (Or the Duty of Charity to the Poor, Explained and Enforced) by Jonathan Edwards | Jonathan Edwards preaches about the duty of charity to the poor, emphasizing the importance of giving bountifully and willingly to those in need, regardless of their circumstances |
|
Sketches of Jewish Social Life - Part 3 by Alfred Edersheim | Alfred Edersheim delves into the intricate world of Pharisaism, shedding light on their strict adherence to religious laws and practices, their conspicuous devotions in public spac |
|
Lord, Give Me Your Heart - 2 by Jackie Pullinger | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of caring for the least fortunate in society. He uses the analogy of the long-haired and short-haired groups to represent thos |
|
The Gift of Giving by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith emphasizes the significance of the gift of giving as a manifestation of the Holy Spirit's power in believers. He illustrates how Jesus exemplified selfless giving, urgi |
|
|
Christian Cautions (Or the Necessity of Self-Examination) by Jonathan Edwards | Jonathan Edwards preaches about the importance of self-examination and living a life free from sin, focusing on various aspects such as the observance of the Sabbath, secret sins, |
|
Lend, Expecting Nothing by David Servant | David Servant delves into Jesus' command to 'lend, expecting nothing in return,' emphasizing the importance of lending without expecting repayment, especially to the poor and needy |
|
|
Jesus, the Greatest Prosperity Preacher by David Servant | David Servant preaches on the importance of giving with the right motives, emphasizing the need to interpret Scripture in context and not for personal gain. He highlights how Jesus |