Leviticus 25:35 (KJV)

What does Leviticus 25:35 mean?

Leviticus 25:35 instructs the Israelites to support a fellow Israelite who becomes poor and cannot support himself, even if that person is a foreigner or temporary resident, so that he can continue to live among them. The verse emphasizes practical help and compassion for anyone in need within the community.

In this part of Leviticus, God is giving Moses laws to share with the Israelites about how to treat each other, especially regarding fairness and mercy. The situation described is someone in the community falling into poverty or hardship, and the command is to “relieve” or help that person, regardless of whether they are a native Israelite or a foreigner living among them. This law is part of a larger section about the Year of Jubilee and caring for the vulnerable.

The Hebrew behind Leviticus 25:35

• "brother" (אָח, 'ach): This word often refers to a fellow Israelite, but in this context, the command is broadened to include even a "stranger" or "sojourner," showing the scope of compassion.
• "poor" (מוּךְ, mūkh): This word means to become poor or to sink down, highlighting a real loss of means or status, not just a temporary setback.
• "decay" (מוֹט, môt): This word carries the sense of tottering or slipping, painting a picture of someone whose life is becoming unstable or who is at risk of collapse.
• "relieve" (חָזַק, chazaq): This word means to strengthen or support, suggesting active help to stabilize the person, not just a passive allowance.
• "stranger" (גֵּר, ger) and "sojourner" (תוֹשָׁב, toshav): These words refer to non-Israelites living among the people, showing that the law’s protection and care extend beyond ethnic or national boundaries.

Why Leviticus 25:35 matters

• Leviticus 25:35 clarifies that the call to help is not limited to family or close friends but extends to anyone living among the Israelites, including foreigners and temporary residents.
• The verse emphasizes practical action—giving real support—rather than just feeling pity, highlighting the responsibility to ensure everyone in the community can live with dignity.
• This command fits into the broader context of Leviticus 25, which is about justice, mercy, and the restoration of people who fall into hardship, showing that the community’s well-being depends on caring for its most vulnerable members.