Leviticus 25:47
Leviticus 25:47 in Multiple Translations
If a foreigner residing among you prospers, but your countryman dwelling near him becomes destitute and sells himself to the foreigner or to a member of his clan,
¶ And if a sojourner or stranger wax rich by thee, and thy brother that dwelleth by him wax poor, and sell himself unto the stranger or sojourner by thee, or to the stock of the stranger’s family:
And if a stranger or sojourner with thee be waxed rich, and thy brother be waxed poor beside him, and sell himself unto the stranger or sojourner with thee, or to the stock of the stranger’s family;
And if one from another nation living among you gets wealth, and your countryman, at his side, becomes poor and gives himself for money to the man from another nation or to one of his family;
If a foreigner among you becomes successful, and one of your people living nearby becomes poor and sells themselves to the foreigner or to a member of the foreigner's family,
If a soiourner or a stranger dwelling by thee get riches, and thy brother by him be impouerished, and sell him selfe vnto the stranger or soiourner dwelling by thee, or to the stocke of the strangers familie,
'And when the hand of a sojourner or settler with thee attaineth [riches], and thy brother with him hath become poor, and he hath been sold to a sojourner, a settler with thee, or to the root of the family of a sojourner,
“‘If an alien or temporary resident with you becomes rich, and your brother beside him has grown poor, and sells himself to the stranger or foreigner living among you, or to a member of the stranger’s family,
And if a sojourner or a stranger shall become rich by thee, and thy brother that dwelleth by him shall become poor, and sell himself to the stranger or sojourner by thee, or to the stock of the stranger's family:
If the hand of a stranger or a sojourner grow strong among you, and thy brother being impoverished sell himself to him, or to any of his race:
‘If a foreigner who is living among you [DOU] becomes rich, and if one of your fellow Israelis becomes poor and sells himself to that foreigner or to a member of his clan/family,
Berean Amplified Bible — Leviticus 25:47
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 25:47 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/כִ֣י
תַשִּׂ֗יג
יַ֣ד
גֵּ֤ר
וְ/תוֹשָׁב֙
עִמָּ֔/ךְ
וּ/מָ֥ךְ
אָחִ֖י/ךָ
עִמּ֑/וֹ
וְ/נִמְכַּ֗ר
לְ/גֵ֤ר
תּוֹשָׁב֙
עִמָּ֔/ךְ
א֥וֹ
לְ/עֵ֖קֶר
מִשְׁפַּ֥חַת
גֵּֽר
וְ/כִ֣י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj | Conj
תַשִּׂ֗יג
nâsag
H5381
to overtake
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3fs
יַ֣ד
yâd
H3027
hand
N-cs
גֵּ֤ר
gêr
H1616
sojourner
N-ms
וְ/תוֹשָׁב֙
tôwshâb
H8453
sojourner
Conj | N-ms
עִמָּ֔/ךְ
ʻim
H5973
with
Prep | Suff
וּ/מָ֥ךְ
mûwk
H4134
be poor
Conj | V-Qal-3ms
אָחִ֖י/ךָ
ʼâch
H251
brother
N-ms | Suff
עִמּ֑/וֹ
ʻim
H5973
with
Prep | Suff
וְ/נִמְכַּ֗ר
mâkar
H4376
to sell
Conj | V-Niphal-3ms
לְ/גֵ֤ר
gêr
H1616
sojourner
Prep | N-ms
תּוֹשָׁב֙
tôwshâb
H8453
sojourner
N-ms
עִמָּ֔/ךְ
ʻim
H5973
with
Prep | Suff
א֥וֹ
ʼôw
H176
or
Conj
לְ/עֵ֖קֶר
ʻêqer
H6133
descendant
Prep | N-ms
מִשְׁפַּ֥חַת
mishpâchâh
H4940
family
N-fs
גֵּֽר
gêr
H1616
sojourner
N-ms
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 25:47
וְ/כִ֣י
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.
תַשִּׂ֗יג
nâsag
H5381
"to overtake"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3fs
To overtake means to reach or catch up to something, like pursuing an enemy or attaining a goal. This verb is used in the Bible to describe physical and spiritual pursuits. It can also mean to be able to secure or have enough.
Definition: 1) to reach, overtake, take hold upon 1a) (Hiphil) 1a1) to overtake 1a2) to reach, attain to, cause to reach 1a3) to be able to secure, reach, have enough
Usage: Occurs in 47 OT verses. KJV: ability, be able, attain (unto), (be able to, can) get, lay at, put, reach, remove, wax rich, [idiom] surely, (over-) take (hold of, on, upon). See also: Genesis 31:25; 1 Samuel 14:26; Psalms 7:6.
יַ֣ד
yâd
H3027
"hand"
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.
גֵּ֤ר
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/תוֹשָׁב֙
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.
עִמָּ֔/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.
וּ/מָ֥ךְ
mûwk
H4134
"be poor"
Conj | V-Qal-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.
אָחִ֖י/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.
עִמּ֑/וֹ
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/נִמְכַּ֗ר
mâkar
H4376
"to sell"
Conj | V-Niphal-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.
לְ/גֵ֤ר
gêr
H1616
"sojourner"
Prep | 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.
תּוֹשָׁב֙
tôwshâb
H8453
"sojourner"
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.
עִמָּ֔/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.
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.
לְ/עֵ֖קֶר
ʻêqer
H6133
"descendant"
Prep | N-ms
A descendant is a person who comes from a particular family or group of people. In the Bible, this word is used to describe the offspring of a person or a tribe, like the descendants of Judah.
Definition: member, offspring, offshoot Aramaic equivalent: iq.qar (עִקַּר "root" H6136)
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: stock. See also: Leviticus 25:47.
מִשְׁפַּ֥חַת
mishpâchâh
H4940
"family"
N-fs
This word refers to a family or clan, and can also mean a tribe or nation, such as the people of Israel, emphasizing the importance of family ties.
Definition: 1) clan, family 1a) clan 1a1) family 1a2) tribe 1a3) people, nation 1b) guild 1c) species, kind 1d) aristocrats
Usage: Occurs in 224 OT verses. KJV: family, kind(-red). See also: Genesis 8:19; Numbers 26:41; Esther 9:28.
גֵּֽר
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.
Study Notes — Leviticus 25:47
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Leviticus 25:47 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Leviticus 25:47
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Leviticus 25:47
- Ellicott's Commentary on Leviticus 25:47
- Cambridge Bible on Leviticus 25:47
- Barnes' Notes on Leviticus 25:47
- Whedon's Commentary on Leviticus 25:47
- Sermons on Leviticus 25:47
Context — Redemption of Servants
45You may also purchase them from the foreigners residing among you or their clans living among you who are born in your land. These may become your property.
46You may leave them to your sons after you to inherit as property; you can make them slaves for life. But as for your brothers, the Israelites, no man may rule harshly over his brother.
47If a foreigner residing among you prospers, but your countryman dwelling near him becomes destitute and sells himself to the foreigner or to a member of his clan,
48he retains the right of redemption after he has sold himself. One of his brothers may redeem him: 49either his uncle or cousin or any close relative from his clan may redeem him. Or if he prospers, he may redeem himself.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | James 2:5 | Listen, my beloved brothers: Has not God chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom He promised those who love Him? |
| 2 | Leviticus 25:26 | Or if a man has no one to redeem it for him, but he prospers and acquires enough to redeem his land, |
| 3 | 1 Samuel 2:7–8 | The LORD sends poverty and wealth; He humbles and He exalts. He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap. He seats them among princes and bestows on them a throne of honor. For the foundations of the earth are the LORD’s, and upon them He has set the world. |
Leviticus 25:47 Summary
Leviticus 25:47 talks about a situation where a foreigner living among the Israelites becomes wealthy, but an Israelite nearby becomes so poor that they sell themselves to the foreigner. This shows how economic struggles could lead to difficult situations, but as seen in scriptures like Deuteronomy 15:7-8, God cares about those in need and wants us to help them. The concept of redemption in this verse, where an Israelite could be redeemed by a family member or even redeem themselves, points to the larger theme of freedom and redemption found throughout the Bible, such as in Exodus 21:2-6 and ultimately in Jesus Christ.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the context of a foreigner prospering in Leviticus 25:47?
In this verse, a foreigner prospering refers to a non-Israelite living among the Israelites who has become wealthy, as seen in Leviticus 25:45, where foreigners can be purchased as property, highlighting the economic and social dynamics at play.
Why would an Israelite sell himself to a foreigner in Leviticus 25:47?
An Israelite might sell himself to a foreigner due to destitution, highlighting the economic struggles and vulnerabilities of the time, a situation also addressed in Deuteronomy 15:7-8, where the Israelites are instructed to lend to those in need.
How does Leviticus 25:47 relate to the concept of slavery in the Bible?
This verse shows that while slaves could be purchased, there were provisions for the protection and potential redemption of Israelite slaves, as further explained in Exodus 21:2-6, emphasizing the importance of treating all people with dignity and respect.
What does Leviticus 25:47 teach about God's heart for the poor and vulnerable?
This verse, along with others like Proverbs 19:17, demonstrates God's concern for the poor and vulnerable, instructing the Israelites to care for those in need and providing mechanisms for their support and redemption, reflecting God's character of mercy and justice.
Reflection Questions
- How can we, as believers, demonstrate God's heart for the poor and vulnerable in our own communities, based on the principles found in Leviticus 25:47 and other scriptures?
- In what ways can we apply the concept of redemption, as seen in Leviticus 25:47-49, to our own lives and relationships, considering the ultimate redemption found in Jesus Christ?
- What does this verse teach us about the importance of economic justice and fairness, and how can we promote these values in our own societies, reflecting the teachings of scriptures like Amos 5:24?
- How does the provision for an Israelite to redeem himself or be redeemed by a family member in Leviticus 25:48-49 reflect God's desire for the well-being and freedom of His people, as seen in scriptures like Galatians 5:1?
Gill's Exposition on Leviticus 25:47
And if a sojourner or stranger wax rich by thee,.... An uncircumcised one, as the Targums, a proselyte of the gate, who by living among and trading with the Israelites, might grow rich and wealthy in
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Leviticus 25:47
The stock, Heb. root, i.e. one of the root or stock. So the word root is elsewhere used for the branch or progeny growing from it, as . He seems to note one of a foreign race and country, transplanted into the land of Israel, and there having taken root amongst the people of God; yet even such a one, though he hath some privilege by it, yet he shall not have power to keep a Hebrew servant from the benefit of redemption.
Ellicott's Commentary on Leviticus 25:47
(47) And if a sojourner or stranger wax rich by thee.—Better, And if the hand of a stranger, and that a sojourner, attain riches by thee, that is, a stranger who has become a sojourner, or who has taken up his abode among the Israelites, and become prosperous by trading. Such a one had only to submit to the seven commandments given to Noah, and hence had not joined the Jewish religion. For this reason the Chaldee Version translates it, “And if the hand of an uncircumcised sojourner with thee wax strong.” And thy brother that dwelleth by him wax poor.—Better, and thy brother by him wax poor, that is, the Israelite who traded with him is unfortunate in business, and is reduced to poverty. And sell himself unto the stranger or sojourner by thee.—Better, and sells himself unto the stranger-sojourner by thee. The two terms as before describe the same person—the stranger who has become a sojourner. Hence the Chaldee Version translates it, “and sells himself to the uncircumcised stranger who is with thee.” Or to the stock of the stranger’s family.—That is, the offshoot or descendant of a foreign family.
Cambridge Bible on Leviticus 25:47
47–55. The case of Israelites who are slaves of resident foreigners (H but with a large admixture of P) Such a person might be redeemed, or, if he acquired the means, might redeem himself, the price of redemption to be calculated according to the number of years intervening before the Jubile, as in the case of the redemption of land (Leviticus 25:27). In any case the bondage was limited by the law of the Jubile.
Barnes' Notes on Leviticus 25:47
A sojourner or stranger - Rather, a foreigner who has settled among you. See Leviticus 16:29, note; Exodus 20:10, note. Leviticus 25:54 In these years - More properly, by one of these means.
Whedon's Commentary on Leviticus 25:47
THE HEBREW SERVANT AND THE FOREIGN MASTER, Leviticus 25:47-55. 47. If a stranger wax rich — For his rights, see Leviticus 23:22, note. The ancient Hebrew master did not have a monopoly of money-making.
Sermons on Leviticus 25:47
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Just Vessels by Jackie Pullinger | This sermon emphasizes the importance of ministering to the poor, highlighting how God chooses the weak and needy to shame the strong, and how reaching out to the poor can lead to |
|
(Demonology) How the Warfare Goes by Willie Mullan | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the power of the devil and his influence over various realms, including the political, physical, mental, and spiritual realms. The preacher e |
|
Integrity: Prosperity Gospel by Femi Adeley by Femi Adeleye | This sermon addresses the dangers and misconceptions of the prosperity gospel, highlighting how it can lead to materialism, misinterpretation of Scripture, and a focus on personal |
|
(Beginnings) Faith by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of salvation and its connection to faith. He emphasizes that salvation in the New Testament is not just about being saved from hel |
|
|
Useful for the Master - Part 4 by Jackie Pullinger | This sermon emphasizes the importance of ministering to the poor as a fundamental requirement for all Christians, highlighting God's heart for the marginalized and the need to reac |
|
Little Foxes & Dead Flies by Bill McLeod | In this sermon, Bill McLeod shares a personal experience of a man named George Bell who was a successful witness and soul winner. Despite his initial envy towards George, God chall |
|
|
Judgment Could It Be? by Bill McLeod | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of recognizing and repenting for our sins. He references Romans 2:5, which asks if we despise the riches of God's goodness and |