Leviticus 25:30 Meaning and Explanation
“And if it be not redeemed within the space of a full year, then the house that is in the walled city shall be established for ever to him that bought it throughout his generations: it shall not go out in the jubile.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →If a city house is not redeemed within one year, it becomes the buyer's permanent possession, unaffected by the jubilee.
The Context of Leviticus 25:30
Unredeemed city houses become the buyer's permanent possession.
What Does Leviticus 25:30 Mean?
Once the one-year period expires, the sale is permanent. The buyer's heirs inherit the house; jubilee does not force its return. This is a stark contrast to agricultural land, which always reverts at jubilee. Urban property is essentially privatized and permanent after the redemption window closes.
The logic may reflect that city houses support commerce and skilled trades more than subsistence farming. Permanent ownership incentivizes investment in urban structures. The difference in treatment acknowledges that land-based livelihood and city-based livelihoods operate under different economic principles.
Frequently Asked Questions About Leviticus 25:30
What does Leviticus 25:30 mean?
If a city house is not redeemed within one year, it becomes the buyer's permanent possession, unaffected by the jubilee.
What is the context of Leviticus 25:30?
Unredeemed city houses become the buyer's permanent possession.