Leviticus 25:5 (KJV)

What does Leviticus 25:5 mean?

Leviticus 25:5 tells the Israelites not to harvest crops that grow on their own or gather grapes from untended vines during a special year of rest for the land. This verse commands the people to let the land rest and not treat its natural produce as a regular harvest.

In this verse, God is speaking to the Israelites through Moses, giving instructions about the "Sabbath year," which is every seventh year. During this year, the land itself is to have a break from farming, and people are not to work the fields or vineyards as usual. The focus is on trusting God to provide and respecting the land's need for rest.

The Hebrew behind Leviticus 25:5

• "Rest" (שַׁבָּתוֹן, shabbaton): This word means a special kind of rest or sabbath, emphasizing that the land is to have a true break, not just a reduction in work. It is not just about people resting, but the land itself.
• "Undressed" (נָזִיר, nazir): This word often means "set apart" or "unpruned." Here, it highlights that the vineyard is left alone, not cared for or harvested in the usual way, reinforcing the idea of leaving things untouched.
• "Harvest" (קָצִיר, qatsir): This word refers to the regular, organized gathering of crops. The verse is not forbidding all use of what grows, but specifically the act of treating it as a normal harvest.

Why Leviticus 25:5 matters

• Leviticus 25:5 clarifies that the Sabbath year is not just about stopping work, but also about not claiming ownership over what the land produces naturally during that time.
• This verse connects to the broader theme of Leviticus 25, where God teaches the Israelites about rhythms of work and rest, and about trusting Him for provision.
• The instructions here help prevent overuse of the land, showing an early concern for sustainability and care for creation.