Then let him count the years of the sale thereof, and restore the overplus unto the man to whom he sold it; that he may return unto his possession.

LEVITICUS 25:27KJV
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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.

Where else these words appear

“overplus” Hebrew H5736 · used in 8 verses

  • Exodus 16:18 And when they did mete it with an omer, he that gathered much had nothing over, and he that gathered little had no lack; they gathered every man according to his eating.
  • Exodus 26:12 And the remnant that remaineth of the curtains of the tent, the half curtain that remaineth, shall hang over the backside of the tabernacle.
  • Numbers 3:46 And for those that are to be redeemed of the two hundred and threescore and thirteen of the firstborn of the children of Israel, which are more than the Levites;

“sale” Hebrew H4465 · used in 10 verses

  • Leviticus 25:14 And if thou sell ought unto thy neighbour, or buyest ought of thy neighbour's hand, ye shall not oppress one another:
  • Leviticus 25:29 And if a man sell a dwelling house in a walled city, then he may redeem it within a whole year after it is sold; within a full year may he redeem it.
  • Deuteronomy 18:8 They shall have like portions to eat, beside that which cometh of the sale of his patrimony.

“possession” Hebrew H272 · used in 58 verses

  • Genesis 17:8 And I will give unto thee, and to thy seed after thee, the land wherein thou art a stranger, all the land of Canaan, for an everlasting possession; and I will be their God.
  • Leviticus 25:45 Moreover of the children of the strangers that do sojourn among you, of them shall ye buy, and of their families that are with you, which they begat in your land: and they shall be your possession.
  • Joshua 22:4 And now the LORD your God hath given rest unto your brethren, as he promised them: therefore now return ye, and get you unto your tents, and unto the land of your possession, which Moses the servant of the LORD gave you on the other side Jordan.

“sold” Hebrew H4376 · used in 74 verses

  • Genesis 25:31 And Jacob said, Sell me this day thy birthright.
  • Leviticus 25:42 For they are my servants, which I brought forth out of the land of Egypt: they shall not be sold as bondmen.
  • Nehemiah 5:8 And I said unto them, We after our ability have redeemed our brethren the Jews, which were sold unto the heathen; and will ye even sell your brethren? or shall they be sold unto us? Then held they their peace, and found nothing to answer.