Leviticus 25:34 Meaning and Explanation
“But the field of the suburbs of their cities may not be sold; for it is their perpetual possession.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The fields surrounding Levite cities cannot be sold at all; they are permanently Levite property.
The Context of Leviticus 25:34
Levite suburban fields cannot be sold; they are eternally Levite property.
What Does Leviticus 25:34 Mean?
While Levite city houses have special redemption rules, their surrounding fields are inalienable—they can never be sold. These suburb fields, presumably used for grazing, gardens, and overflow settlement, are locked into Levite ownership forever. No need for redemption because transfer itself is prohibited.
This reflects a hierarchy of protection: Levite fields are the most protected (never saleable), their city houses are highly protected (always redeemable and jubilee-guaranteed), while other city houses are least protected (one-year window). The law scales protection to the Levites' indispensable religious function.
Leviticus 25:34 in the Original Language
migrash (מִגְרָשׁ), 'suburbs' or 'open land' — the pasture and fields beyond the city walls.
Frequently Asked Questions About Leviticus 25:34
What does Leviticus 25:34 mean?
The fields surrounding Levite cities cannot be sold at all; they are permanently Levite property.
What is the context of Leviticus 25:34?
Levite suburban fields cannot be sold; they are eternally Levite property.