Leviticus 25:31 Meaning and Explanation
“But the houses of the villages which have no wall round about them shall be counted as the fields of the country: they may be redeemed, and they shall go out in the jubile.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Houses in unwalled villages are treated like agricultural land and revert to original owners at the jubilee.
The Context of Leviticus 25:31
Unwalled village houses follow the jubilee law like agricultural land.
What Does Leviticus 25:31 Mean?
Villages without defensive walls are treated as extensions of the rural, agricultural sphere. Their houses are subject to the jubilee law. A family can redeem the house before jubilee, and if not, the jubilee automatically restores it. This treats rural dwellings as part of the covenantal land system, not as urban commodities.
The distinction—walled city versus unwalled village—probably reflects settlement patterns and economic structure. Walled cities are administrative centers tied to commerce; villages are agricultural communities tied to family land. The law distinguishes them accordingly, using different redemption terms.
Frequently Asked Questions About Leviticus 25:31
What does Leviticus 25:31 mean?
Houses in unwalled villages are treated like agricultural land and revert to original owners at the jubilee.
What is the context of Leviticus 25:31?
Unwalled village houses follow the jubilee law like agricultural land.