Leviticus 25:28 Meaning and Explanation
“But if he be not able to restore it to him, then that which is sold shall remain in the hand of him that hath bought it until the year of jubile: and in the jubile it shall go out, and he shall return unto his possession.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →If a person cannot afford to redeem his land, it remains with the buyer until the jubilee, when it automatically reverts.
The Context of Leviticus 25:28
Unable to redeem individually, landless poor receive their land back at the jubilee.
What Does Leviticus 25:28 Mean?
If redemption is beyond reach, the law sets an endpoint: the jubilee. The buyer's ownership is valuable but temporary. No one can be permanently dispossessed, no matter how poor or how long ago the sale. The jubilee guarantees reversion.
This safety net prevents desperation from becoming permanent servitude. A person who cannot find kinsman help or earn enough to redeem is not abandoned; the jubilee law ensures his inheritance returns. The poorest person in Israel knows that in 50 years, his family's land will be restored.
Frequently Asked Questions About Leviticus 25:28
What does Leviticus 25:28 mean?
If a person cannot afford to redeem his land, it remains with the buyer until the jubilee, when it automatically reverts.
What is the context of Leviticus 25:28?
Unable to redeem individually, landless poor receive their land back at the jubilee.