Leviticus 25:27 (KJV)

What does Leviticus 25:27 mean?

Leviticus 25:27 means that if someone wants to buy back land they sold, they must calculate the value based on the number of years since the sale and pay back the extra amount to the buyer, so they can reclaim their property. This ensures fairness between the seller and the buyer regarding the use of the land.

In this verse, God is giving instructions to Moses for the Israelites about land ownership and redemption. The situation is about someone who sold their land because of financial need and now has the means to buy it back before the Year of Jubilee. The verse sets up a fair process for returning land to its original family, reflecting the importance of family inheritance and community stability in ancient Israel.

The Hebrew behind Leviticus 25:27

• "Count" (חָשַׁב, chashav) means to calculate or reckon. Here, it emphasizes that the price to buy back the land should be carefully figured out, not guessed or assumed.
• "Restore" (שׁוּב, shuv) means to return or give back. The use of this word highlights the idea of restoring things to their rightful state, not just making a payment.
• "Overplus" (הַנּוֹתָר, hanotar) refers to the surplus or remainder. This word points to the extra value the buyer gained from the years they held the land, which must be repaid to make things even.

Why Leviticus 25:27 matters

• Leviticus 25:27 clarifies that land in Israel was not to be permanently lost by a family; there was always a way to reclaim it, keeping family inheritance intact.
• The verse shows that fairness was central to Israel’s economic life, with both the seller and buyer protected from being cheated.
• This instruction fits into the wider context of Leviticus 25, which is about the Year of Jubilee and God’s concern for justice, mercy, and the well-being of the whole community.