Leviticus 25:38 Meaning and Explanation
“I am the LORD your God, which brought you forth out of the land of Egypt, to give you the land of Canaan, and to be your God.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →God's salvation history—the exodus and the gift of land—grounds the obligation to treat the poor justly.
The Context of Leviticus 25:38
The exodus and covenant ground all commands about justice and provision.
What Does Leviticus 25:38 Mean?
This verse anchors economic law in the exodus. God freed Israel from slavery, provided the land, and established covenant. All other commands flow from this foundational relationship. Israel's treatment of the poor echoes God's treatment of Israel: deliverance from oppression, restoration to land, and ongoing care.
The phrase 'to be your God' expresses the intimacy of covenant. God does not merely rule or demand; God is bonded to Israel as their God. In response, Israel is bonded to care for the vulnerable as God has cared for them.
Frequently Asked Questions About Leviticus 25:38
What does Leviticus 25:38 mean?
God's salvation history—the exodus and the gift of land—grounds the obligation to treat the poor justly.
What is the context of Leviticus 25:38?
The exodus and covenant ground all commands about justice and provision.