Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, When ye come into the land which I give you, then shall the land keep a sabbath unto the LORD.

LEVITICUS 25:2KJV
Know the Bible

Leviticus 25:2 (KJV)

What does Leviticus 25:2 mean?

Leviticus 25:2 commands the Israelites that when they enter the land God is giving them, the land itself must observe a sabbath rest dedicated to the LORD. This means the land is to have regular periods of rest, just as the people observe the weekly Sabbath.

In this verse, God is speaking to Moses, instructing him to tell the Israelites about a special practice they are to follow once they settle in the promised land. The focus is on the land itself, not just the people, highlighting that the land belongs to God and is to be treated with respect. This sets up the idea of the "sabbath year," where the land is left uncultivated every seventh year.

The Hebrew behind Leviticus 25:2

  • "Sabbath" (שַׁבָּת, shabbat): This word means "rest" or "ceasing." Here, it refers to a rest for the land, not just for people, showing that the principle of rest applies to all creation.
  • "Keep" (שָׁבַת, shavat): This verb means "to cease" or "to rest." The land is commanded to "rest," emphasizing that even the land participates in the rhythm of work and rest set by God.
  • "LORD" (יְהוָה, YHWH): The rest is specifically "unto the LORD," making it clear that this is not just an agricultural practice but an act of obedience and worship directed to God.

Why Leviticus 25:2 matters

  • Leviticus 25:2 clarifies that the sabbath principle is not limited to people but extends to the land itself, showing a broader sense of stewardship.
  • The verse introduces the concept of the sabbath year, which becomes a major theme in the following verses and shapes Israel’s relationship with the land.
  • This command reminds the Israelites that the land is ultimately God’s possession, and they are caretakers who must follow His instructions.

Where else these words appear

“keep” Hebrew H7673 · used in 67 verses

  • Genesis 2:2 And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made.
  • Nehemiah 4:11 And our adversaries said, They shall not know, neither see, till we come in the midst among them, and slay them, and cause the work to cease.
  • Jeremiah 48:35 Moreover I will cause to cease in Moab, saith the LORD, him that offereth in the high places, and him that burneth incense to his gods.

“sabbath” Hebrew H7676 · used in 89 verses

  • Exodus 16:23 And he said unto them, This is that which the LORD hath said, To morrow is the rest of the holy sabbath unto the LORD: bake that which ye will bake to day, and seethe that ye will seethe; and that which remaineth over lay up for you to be kept until the morning.
  • Leviticus 26:43 The land also shall be left of them, and shall enjoy her sabbaths, while she lieth desolate without them: and they shall accept of the punishment of their iniquity: because, even because they despised my judgments, and because their soul abhorred my statutes.
  • Nehemiah 13:22 And I commanded the Levites that they should cleanse themselves, and that they should come and keep the gates, to sanctify the sabbath day. Remember me, O my God, concerning this also, and spare me according to the greatness of thy mercy.