Leviticus 25:6 Meaning and Explanation
“And the sabbath of the land shall be meat for you; for thee, and for thy servant, and for thy maid, and for thy hired servant, and for thy stranger that sojourneth with thee,”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →What the land produces on its own during the Sabbath year is food for all—landowner, servants, and resident aliens alike.
The Context of Leviticus 25:6
During the Sabbath year, the land's natural produce belongs to all inhabitants.
What Does Leviticus 25:6 Mean?
Although the farmer may not harvest, the land's spontaneous growth becomes common food for everyone. This inverts normal property rights: the landowner cannot claim exclusive use. Servants, hired workers, and foreigners all share the land's rest-year provision, creating an equity that transcends ordinary labor contracts.
The redistribution of the Sabbath year's bounty prevents poverty and domination. By law, the vulnerable gain access to food from the land without owing labor in return. This transforms rest from privilege (for the landowner alone) into justice (for the whole community).
Frequently Asked Questions About Leviticus 25:6
What does Leviticus 25:6 mean?
What the land produces on its own during the Sabbath year is food for all—landowner, servants, and resident aliens alike.
What is the context of Leviticus 25:6?
During the Sabbath year, the land's natural produce belongs to all inhabitants.