I am the LORD your God, which brought you forth out of the land of Egypt, to give you the land of Canaan, and to be your God.

LEVITICUS 25:38KJV
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Leviticus 25:38 (KJV)

What does Leviticus 25:38 mean?

Leviticus 25:38 is a reminder from God to the Israelites that He is the LORD (the personal, covenant name for God) who brought them out of Egypt, gave them the land of Canaan, and established Himself as their God. This verse underlines God’s authority and the special relationship He has with the people of Israel, grounding the instructions in this chapter in His past actions and promises.

In the context of Leviticus 25, God is speaking to the Israelites through Moses, giving laws about the land, rest years, and fair treatment of others. By stating that He is the one who brought them out of Egypt and gave them Canaan, God is reminding them of their history and why they should obey His commands about the land and their community life.

The Hebrew behind Leviticus 25:38

  • LORD (יְהוָה, Yahweh): This is the personal name of God, often understood as highlighting His covenant relationship and faithfulness to Israel. Its use here stresses that these commands come from the God who has acted powerfully on their behalf.
  • God (אֱלֹהִים, Elohim): This word emphasizes God’s power and authority. In this context, it reinforces that the one giving these laws is not just any deity, but the supreme God.
  • forth (יָצָא, yatsa’): This verb means “to bring out” or “to lead out.” It points to the Exodus, the defining act of deliverance for Israel, reminding them of their liberation from slavery.
  • give (נָתַן, natan): This word means “to give” or “to grant.” It highlights that the land of Canaan is not something Israel earned, but a gift from God.

Why Leviticus 25:38 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the laws about land and community life are rooted in God’s past actions and promises, not just arbitrary rules.
  • It reminds readers that the land of Canaan is a gift, not a right, shaping how the Israelites are to treat it and each other.
  • By connecting the commands to the Exodus and God’s identity, the verse ties obedience to gratitude and trust in God’s ongoing relationship with His people.

Where else these words appear

“Canaan” Hebrew H3667 · used in 91 verses

  • Genesis 9:18 And the sons of Noah, that went forth of the ark, were Shem, and Ham, and Japheth: and Ham is the father of Canaan.
  • Genesis 45:17 And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, Say unto thy brethren, This do ye; lade your beasts, and go, get you unto the land of Canaan;
  • Numbers 35:14 Ye shall give three cities on this side Jordan, and three cities shall ye give in the land of Canaan, which shall be cities of refuge.