Question 1

What does Leviticus 25:11 mean?

Accepted Answer

Leviticus 25:11 commands the Israelites that the fiftieth year is to be a special "jubile" year, during which they must not plant crops, harvest what grows on its own, or gather grapes from untended vines. This verse sets apart the fiftieth year as a time of rest for the land and a break from normal agricultural work. In this verse, God is speaking to the Israelites through Moses, giving instructions about the "jubile" (a special year of release and restoration). The context is a set of laws about the land and property, where every fiftieth year is to be treated differently from the rest. The verse emphasizes that even food that grows by itself or from untended vines should not be harvested, highlighting the unique rest and trust in God required during this year.

Question 2

The Hebrew behind Leviticus 25:11

Accepted Answer

"jubile" (יֹבֵל, yovel): This word refers to the special fiftieth year, often called the "Year of Jubilee," marked by release, rest, and restoration. The term itself is connected to a ram's horn, which was blown to announce the year. "fiftieth" (חֲמִשִּׁים, chamishshim; שָׁנָה, shanah): The combination here means "fiftieth year," making it clear that this is a once-in-a-generation event, not an annual or regular occurrence. "sow" (זָרַע, zara): This verb means to plant seed, and its use here shows that even the basic act of planting crops is to be paused. "reap" (קָצַר, qatsar): This means to harvest, especially crops that grow by themselves without being planted, emphasizing that even volunteer crops are off-limits. "gather" (בָּצַר, batsar): This refers specifically to collecting grapes, and the instruction is to leave even the grapes from untended vines. "undressed" (נָזִיר, nazir): This word means "unpruned" or "left alone," showing that even vines not cared for should not be harvested, reinforcing the idea of complete rest for the land.

Question 3

Why Leviticus 25:11 matters

Accepted Answer

Leviticus 25:11 clarifies that the Jubilee year is not just about property and debt release, but also about giving the land itself a complete rest, which is a unique agricultural command. The verse stresses that even accidental or wild growth is not to be harvested, which would prevent people from quietly working around the rule and ensures the land truly rests. This command ties into the broader theme of trust in God's provision, since the people would need to rely on what God provided in previous years during this time of no planting or harvesting.

Leviticus 25:11 (KJV)