Leviticus 25:6 (KJV)

What does Leviticus 25:6 mean?

Leviticus 25:6 says that during the sabbath year, when the land is allowed to rest and no crops are planted or harvested in the usual way, whatever the land naturally produces will be food for everyone in the community—owners, servants, hired workers, and foreigners living among them. The verse makes clear that the sabbath year’s produce is not just for the landowner but for all people connected to the household.

In this part of Leviticus, God is speaking to the Israelites through Moses, giving instructions about the sabbath year—a special year every seventh year when the land itself is to rest. The verse explains that the food that grows on its own during this year is meant to be shared widely, not hoarded or reserved for only a few. This rule reflects a concern for fairness and care for everyone, including those who might otherwise be overlooked.

The Hebrew behind Leviticus 25:6

• שַׁבָּת (shabbat, H7676): This word means "rest" or "sabbath." Here, it refers to the sabbath of the land, showing that the land itself is to have a period of rest, not just people.
• אֶרֶץ (erets, H776): This word means "land." The focus is on the land of Israel, which is to be treated with respect and allowed to rest, emphasizing the land’s role as a living part of the community.
• אָכְלָה (okhlah, H402): Translated as "meat" in the KJV, this word actually means "food." The verse is not talking about animal meat but about whatever the land produces for eating.
• עֶבֶד (eved, H5650) and שִׁפְחָה (shifchah, H519): These words mean "servant" (male and female). The verse includes both, showing that everyone in the household, regardless of status or gender, is provided for.
• שָׂכִיר (sakhir, H7916): This word means "hired servant" or "worker." Including hired workers highlights that even temporary or wage-earning members of the community are to benefit.
• תוֹשָׁב (toshav, H8453) and גּוּר (gur, H1481): "Stranger" and "sojourneth" refer to foreigners or non-Israelites living among the people. Their inclusion shows that the sabbath year’s provision is for everyone present, not just native Israelites.

Why Leviticus 25:6 matters

• Leviticus 25:6 clarifies that the sabbath year is not just about letting the land rest, but also about making sure everyone—regardless of social status or origin—has access to food.
• The verse emphasizes fairness and community responsibility, showing that God’s laws are meant to protect the vulnerable and ensure no one is left out.
• This instruction ties into the broader theme of Leviticus 25, which is about justice, mercy, and the idea that the land ultimately belongs to God, not to any one person.