Leviticus 25:11 (KJV)

What does Leviticus 25:11 mean?

Leviticus 25:11 says that the fiftieth year is to be a special year called the "jubile," during which the people of Israel must not plant crops, harvest what grows on its own, or pick grapes from untended vines. This verse sets out a time of rest for the land and a break from normal farming and gathering.

In this verse, God is speaking to the Israelites through Moses, giving instructions about the "jubile" (often called Jubilee) year. The context is a set of laws about how the Israelites should treat the land, their property, and each other. The fiftieth year is meant to be different from all others, emphasizing rest, release, and trust in God's provision.

The Hebrew behind Leviticus 25:11

• יובל (yovēl, "jubile"): This word refers to the Jubilee year, a time of release and restoration. It comes from a word for a ram’s horn, which was blown to announce this special year.
• חמשים (ḥămīšīm, "fiftieth"): This word marks the specific timing—after seven cycles of seven years, the fiftieth year is set apart.
• תזרעו (tizra‘u, "sow"): This verb means to plant seed. The command not to sow highlights the complete rest for the land.
• תקצרו (tik'tzoru, "reap"): This verb means to harvest. The instruction not to reap even what grows by itself shows that even accidental produce is not to be gathered for profit.
• תבצרו (tivtzoru, "gather"): This verb means to collect, especially grapes. The verse says not to gather grapes from "undressed" vines, meaning vines that have not been pruned or cared for, reinforcing the idea of leaving the land alone.

Why Leviticus 25:11 matters

• Leviticus 25:11 clarifies that the Jubilee year is not just a time for freeing slaves and returning land, but also a year when the land itself must rest completely from agriculture.
• This verse emphasizes the idea that the land ultimately belongs to God, and the people are caretakers who must trust God to provide during this year of rest.
• The instruction not to gather even what grows on its own shows the depth of the Sabbath principle, extending rest to the land and preventing people from taking advantage of what the land produces without work.