Leviticus 25:29 (KJV)

What does Leviticus 25:29 mean?

Leviticus 25:29 says that if someone sells a house in a city that has walls around it, the original owner has one full year to buy it back. After that year, the chance to redeem or reclaim the house is lost.

This instruction comes from God, given through Moses, to the Israelites as part of the laws about property and redemption in the land of Canaan. The verse specifically addresses houses in walled cities, setting them apart from country homes or land, which have different rules. The focus is on giving the seller a fair opportunity to regain their home, but only for a limited time.

The Hebrew behind Leviticus 25:29

• "Redeem" (גָּאַל, ga'al): This word means to buy back or reclaim something that was lost or sold. In this verse, it refers to the right of the original owner to repurchase the house.
• "Walled" (חֹמָה, chomah): This word means a city with protective walls. The law here is different for walled cities compared to unwalled villages or rural property, highlighting the special status of urban homes.
• "Whole" (תָּמִים, tamim): This word means complete or entire. The phrase "within a whole year" stresses that the redemption period is exactly one year, not just part of a year.

Why Leviticus 25:29 matters

• Leviticus 25:29 clarifies that houses in walled cities are treated differently from rural land in terms of redemption, emphasizing the unique value and permanence of city property.
• The verse shows that the law balances the rights of both buyer and seller, allowing a fair window for redemption but also providing certainty after a year.
• This rule fits into the larger context of Leviticus 25, which is about the Year of Jubilee and the restoration of property, helping the Israelites maintain family inheritance and social stability.