Leviticus 25:20 Meaning and Explanation
“And if ye shall say, What shall we eat the seventh year? behold, we shall not sow, nor gather in our increase:”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →An anticipated objection: if no sowing or harvesting occurs in the seventh year, how will people eat?
The Context of Leviticus 25:20
The objection sets up the answer: God provides for those who keep the Sabbath year.
What Does Leviticus 25:20 Mean?
This verse gives voice to the reasonable fear that frames the challenge. The Sabbath year seems economically irrational—no work, no harvest, yet people must eat. The verse's tone is sympathetic; it does not mock the concern but acknowledges its legitimacy.
By posing the question directly, the law invites faith. The reader is drawn into the tension: how can rest and provision coexist? The next verse will answer: through God's command and blessing, not human labor.
Frequently Asked Questions About Leviticus 25:20
What does Leviticus 25:20 mean?
An anticipated objection: if no sowing or harvesting occurs in the seventh year, how will people eat?
What is the context of Leviticus 25:20?
The objection sets up the answer: God provides for those who keep the Sabbath year.