Leviticus 25:22 (KJV)

What does Leviticus 25:22 mean?

Leviticus 25:22 tells the Israelites that during the eighth year, they will plant crops again, but they will still be eating from the previous years’ stored food until the new harvest comes in the ninth year. This verse reassures them that their old supplies will last until fresh produce is ready.

God is speaking to the Israelites through Moses, explaining how the Sabbath year system will work. In the context, the people are being told not to plant or harvest in the seventh year (the Sabbath year), which could raise concerns about food supply. This verse specifically addresses those worries by promising that the stored food from earlier years will be enough until the new crops grow.

The Hebrew behind Leviticus 25:22

• The word for "sow" is זָרַע (zara‘, H2232), which means to plant or scatter seed. Its use here highlights the return to normal farming after the Sabbath year.
• "Old" is יָשָׁן (yashan, H3465), meaning something aged or stored from previous years. This emphasizes that the stored food will remain good and sufficient.
• "Fruit" is תְּבוּאָה (tevu’ah, H8393), which refers to produce or yield, not just fruit in the modern sense but all kinds of harvest. This shows the promise covers all their food needs, not just one crop.

Why Leviticus 25:22 matters

• This verse directly addresses a practical fear: how the people would survive if they did not plant or harvest for a whole year. It reassures them that God’s provision will be enough.
• Leviticus 25:22 connects to the larger theme of trust in God’s instructions for the Sabbath and Jubilee years, showing that obedience would not lead to lack.
• The verse clarifies that the Sabbath year was not just a spiritual idea but had real, practical implications for daily life, and God’s care covered those needs.