(The Lord speaking is red text)
If [there be] yet many years [behind], according unto them he shall give again the price of his redemption out of the money that he was bought for.
If many years remain, according to them will he refund the amount for his redemption from the amount he was bought for.
If many years remain, he must pay for his redemption in proportion to his purchase price.
If there be yet many years, according unto them he shall give back the price of his redemption out of the money that he was bought for.
If there be yet many{H7227} years{H8141} behind, according{H6310} unto them he shall give again{H7725} the price of his redemption{H1353} out of the money{H3701} that he was bought{H4736} for.
Leviticus 25:51 is part of a larger section in the book of Leviticus that deals with the Year of Jubilee, a significant socio-economic and religious institution in ancient Israel. The Year of Jubilee occurred every 50 years, and its regulations were designed to prevent the permanent loss of land within the tribes of Israel and to ensure that no family became permanently impoverished or enslaved.
**Themes:**
1. **Redemption of Property:** The verse addresses the situation where an Israelite has sold part of his ancestral land or has been forced to sell himself into servitude due to poverty. It emphasizes the right of redemption, allowing the original owner or his family to buy back the property or freedom.
2. **Social Equity:** The laws in Leviticus 25 aim to maintain social and economic balance among the Israelites. They protect individuals from destitution and ensure that wealth does not become overly concentrated in the hands of a few.
3. **The Year of Jubilee:** The broader context of this verse is the Year of Jubilee, which mandated that all land be returned to its original tribal owners and all Israelite slaves be freed, regardless of how many years were left in their service.
4. **Valuation of Time:** The verse specifies that the redemption price should be adjusted according to the number of years remaining until the Jubilee. This reflects a recognition of the value of time and labor, ensuring fair compensation for the service rendered.
**Historical Context:**
Leviticus 25 is set within the context of the Israelites' journey from slavery in Egypt to becoming a settled nation in the Promised Land. The laws given in this chapter reflect God's concern for the welfare of the people and the land. They were designed to create a society that was radically different from those surrounding it, with a strong emphasis on the holiness and justice of God.
The Year of Jubilee was a radical economic policy that sought to prevent long-term inequality and ensure that each family had the means to sustain itself. It was a tangible expression of the belief that the land belonged to God and that the Israelites were merely stewards of it. The Jubilee laws were meant to reinforce the temporary nature of human ownership and the permanent relationship between the people of Israel and their God.
In summary, Leviticus 25:51 is part of a unique system of social welfare and economic justice that sought to protect the rights of the poor and maintain a level of social equality in ancient Israel. It reflects the broader themes of redemption, stewardship, and divine justice that are central to the theology of the Pentateuch.
*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)