After that he is sold he may be redeemed again; one of his brethren may redeem him:

LEVITICUS 25:48KJV
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Leviticus 25:48 (KJV)

What does Leviticus 25:48 mean?

Leviticus 25:48 says that if an Israelite has been sold into servitude, he still has the right to be bought back, or redeemed, after the sale; a close relative is allowed to pay to free him. This verse sets out a way for family members to help restore someone who has lost their freedom due to debt or hardship.

In this part of Leviticus, God is giving laws to Moses for the Israelites about how to treat one another, especially when someone becomes poor and has to sell himself as a servant. The verse emphasizes that even after being sold, the person’s family has a responsibility and a right to intervene and restore his freedom, showing the value placed on family ties and dignity.

The Hebrew behind Leviticus 25:48

  • "After" (אַחֲרֵי, 'acharei): This word means "after" or "following," making it clear that redemption is possible even after the sale has already happened, not just before.
  • "Sold" (מָכַר, makar): This word refers to being sold, usually into servitude. It highlights the seriousness of the situation—this is not just about property, but about a person’s freedom.
  • "Again" (גְּאֻלָּה, ge'ullah): This word is related to redemption or being bought back. It shows that redemption is not a one-time chance; it can happen after the fact.
  • "Brethren" (אָח, ach): This word means "brother" or close relative. The law is not just about strangers helping, but specifically about family responsibility.
  • "Redeem" (גָּאַל, ga'al): This verb means "to redeem" or "to buy back." It is a legal and relational term, pointing to the duty and privilege of family members to restore one another.

Why Leviticus 25:48 matters

  • Leviticus 25:48 clarifies that redemption is not limited by time; a person can be redeemed even after being sold, which protects the vulnerable from permanent loss of freedom.
  • The verse highlights the responsibility of family, showing that relatives are expected to step in and help restore someone’s freedom, which reinforces the importance of kinship in Israelite society.
  • This law fits into the wider context of Leviticus 25, where God sets out protections for the poor and safeguards against generational poverty, emphasizing mercy and restoration over permanent servitude.

Where else these words appear

“again” Hebrew H1353 · used in 13 verses

  • Leviticus 25:24 And in all the land of your possession ye shall grant a redemption for the land.
  • Leviticus 25:32 Notwithstanding the cities of the Levites, and the houses of the cities of their possession, may the Levites redeem at any time.
  • Ruth 4:7 Now this was the manner in former time in Israel concerning redeeming and concerning changing, for to confirm all things; a man plucked off his shoe, and gave it to his neighbour: and this was a testimony in Israel.

“sold” Hebrew H4376 · used in 74 verses

  • Genesis 25:31 And Jacob said, Sell me this day thy birthright.
  • Leviticus 25:39 And if thy brother that dwelleth by thee be waxen poor, and be sold unto thee; thou shalt not compel him to serve as a bondservant:
  • 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.

“redeem” Hebrew H1350 · used in 84 verses

  • Genesis 48:16 The Angel which redeemed me from all evil, bless the lads; and let my name be named on them, and the name of my fathers Abraham and Isaac; and let them grow into a multitude in the midst of the earth.
  • Joshua 20:5 And if the avenger of blood pursue after him, then they shall not deliver the slayer up into his hand; because he smote his neighbour unwittingly, and hated him not beforetime.
  • Isaiah 41:14 Fear not, thou worm Jacob, and ye men of Israel; I will help thee, saith the LORD, and thy redeemer, the Holy One of Israel.