Leviticus 25:35

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

And if thy brother be waxen poor, and fallen in decay with thee; then thou shalt relieve him: [yea, though he be] a stranger, or a sojourner; that he may live with thee.

Complete Jewish Bible:

"'If a member of your people has become poor, so that he can't support himself among you, you are to assist him as you would a foreigner or a temporary resident, so that he can continue living with you.

Berean Standard Bible:

Now if your countryman becomes destitute and cannot support himself among you, then you are to help him as you would a foreigner or stranger, so that he can continue to live among you.

American Standard Version:

And if thy brother be waxed poor, and his hand fail with thee; then thou shalt uphold him: as a stranger and a sojourner shall he live with thee.

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

And if thy brother^{H251} be waxen poor^{H4134}, and fallen in decay^{H4131} with thee^{H3027}; then thou shalt relieve^{H2388} him: yea, though he be a stranger^{H1616}, or a sojourner^{H8453}; that he may live^{H2416} with thee.

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Commentary for Leviticus 25:35

1. Themes of Leviticus 25:35:
- Care for the Poor and Vulnerable: The verse emphasizes the responsibility of the community to support individuals who have become impoverished, ensuring they can maintain their livelihood.
- Compassion and Charity: It calls for an act of kindness and generosity, not just towards fellow Israelites but also towards strangers and sojourners.
- Social Justice: The command underscores the importance of social justice and equality within the community, advocating for the fair treatment of all individuals regardless of their social or economic status.
- Brotherhood and Unity: The verse promotes a sense of brotherhood and solidarity, suggesting that the well-being of one is the concern of all.

2. Historical Context:
- The Law of Moses: Leviticus is part of the Pentateuch, traditionally ascribed to Moses, and contains laws given to the Israelites after their exodus from Egypt.
- Ancient Israelite Society: The laws were given in the context of a society transitioning from a nomadic to an agrarian lifestyle in the land of Canaan, with a need for social structures to protect the less fortunate.
- The Year of Jubilee: Leviticus 25 introduces the Year of Jubilee, a time every 50 years when debts were to be forgiven, and land returned to its original owners, to prevent the accumulation of wealth and land in the hands of a few and to ensure economic equality.
- Economic Cycles: The verse reflects an understanding of the cyclical nature of economic fortune, acknowledging that anyone could fall into poverty and thus the community must be prepared to offer support.

In summary, Leviticus 25:35 is a directive within the broader context of the Law of Moses, which promotes communal support for the poor and emphasizes the inclusion of foreign residents, reflecting the values of compassion, social justice, and unity in ancient Israelite society.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

1. Strong's Number: H251
   There are 636 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: אָח
   Transliteration: ʼâch
   Pronunciation: awkh
   Description: a primitive word; a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance (like father)); another, brother(-ly); kindred, like, other. Compare also the proper names beginning with 'Ah-' or 'Ahi-'.
   
2. Strong's Number: H4134
   There are 5 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: מוּךְ
   Transliteration: mûwk
   Pronunciation: mook
   Description: a primitive root; to become thin, i.e. (figuratively) be impoverished; be (waxen) poor(-er).
   
3. Strong's Number: H4131
   There are 36 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: מוֹט
   Transliteration: môwṭ
   Pronunciation: mote
   Description: a primitive root; to waver; by implication, to slip, shake, fall; be carried, cast, be out of course, be fallen in decay, [idiom] exceedingly, fall(-ing down), be (re-) moved, be ready, shake, slide, slip.
   
4. Strong's Number: H3027
   There are 1447 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: יָד
   Transliteration: yâd
   Pronunciation: yawd
   Description: a primitive word; in distinction from כַּף, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great variety of applications, both literally and figuratively, both proximate and remote (as follows); a hand (the open one (indicating power, means, direction, etc.),; ([phrase] be) able, [idiom] about, [phrase] armholes, at, axletree, because of, beside, border, [idiom] bounty, [phrase] broad, (broken-) handed, [idiom] by, charge, coast, [phrase] consecrate, [phrase] creditor, custody, debt, dominion, [idiom] enough, [phrase] fellowship, force, [idiom] from, hand(-staves, -y work), [idiom] he, himself, [idiom] in, labour, [phrase] large, ledge, (left-) handed, means, [idiom] mine, ministry, near, [idiom] of, [idiom] order, ordinance, [idiom] our, parts, pain, power, [idiom] presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay, draw with strength, stroke, [phrase] swear, terror, [idiom] thee, [idiom] by them, [idiom] themselves, [idiom] thine own, [idiom] thou, through, [idiom] throwing, [phrase] thumb, times, [idiom] to, [idiom] under, [idiom] us, [idiom] wait on, (way-) side, where, [phrase] wide, [idiom] with (him, me, you), work, [phrase] yield, [idiom] yourselves.
   
5. Strong's Number: H2388
   There are 266 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: חָזַק
   Transliteration: châzaq
   Pronunciation: khaw-zak'
   Description: a primitive root; to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restrain, conquer; aid, amend, [idiom] calker, catch, cleave, confirm, be constant, constrain, continue, be of good (take) courage(-ous, -ly), encourage (self), be established, fasten, force, fortify, make hard, harden, help, (lay) hold (fast), lean, maintain, play the man, mend, become (wax) mighty, prevail, be recovered, repair, retain, seize, be (wax) sore, strengthen (self), be stout, be (make, shew, wax) strong(-er), be sure, take (hold), be urgent, behave self valiantly, withstand.
   
6. Strong's Number: H1616
   There are 83 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: גֵּר
   Transliteration: gêr
   Pronunciation: gare
   Description: or (fully) geyr (gare); from גּוּר; properly, a guest; by implication, a foreigner; alien, sojourner, stranger.
   
7. Strong's Number: H8453
   There are 13 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: תּוֹשָׁב
   Transliteration: tôwshâb
   Pronunciation: to-shawb'
   Description: or תֹּשָׁב; (1 Kings 17:1), from יָשַׁב; a dweller (but not outlandish (נׇכְרִי)); especially (as distinguished from a native citizen (active participle of יָשַׁב) and a temporary inmate (גֵּר) or mere lodger (לוּן)); resident alien; foreigner, inhabitant, sojourner, stranger.
   
8. Strong's Number: H2416
   There are 452 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: חַי
   Transliteration: chay
   Pronunciation: khah'-ee
   Description: from חָיָה; alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or living thing), whether literally or figuratively; [phrase] age, alive, appetite, (wild) beast, company, congregation, life(-time), live(-ly), living (creature, thing), maintenance, [phrase] merry, multitude, [phrase] (be) old, quick, raw, running, springing, troop.