Leviticus 19:25

KJV

And in the fifth year shall ye eat of the fruit thereof, that it may yield unto you the increase thereof: I [am] the LORD your God.

KJV (with Strong's)

And in the fifth {H2549} year {H8141} shall ye eat {H398} of the fruit {H6529} thereof, that it may yield {H3254} unto you the increase {H8393} thereof: I am the LORD {H3068} your God {H430}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But in the fifth year you may eat its fruit, so that it will produce even more for you; I am ADONAI your God.

Berean Standard Bible

But in the fifth year you may eat its fruit; thus your harvest will be increased. I am the LORD your God.

American Standard Version

And in the fifth year shall ye eat of the fruit thereof, that it may yield unto you the increase thereof: I am Jehovah your God.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 19:25 presents a specific ordinance within the broader Holiness Code, detailing the precise timing for the consumption of fruit from newly planted trees in the Promised Land. This instruction mandates a three-year period during which the fruit is considered forbidden, followed by a fourth year where all fruit is to be consecrated as an offering of praise to the Lord. Only in the fifth year is the fruit permissible for the Israelite owner to eat, a practice designed to ensure both the tree's healthy maturation and the people's patient reliance on divine provision. This law profoundly instills principles of patience, trust in God's ultimate ownership, and the consecration of firstfruits, all underscored by the foundational declaration, "I am the LORD your God."

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 19:25 serves as the culmination of a specific agricultural statute concerning newly planted fruit trees, directly following [Leviticus 19:23-24](/leviticus/19-23-24 "Leviticus 19:23-24 - Law of Fruit Trees"). These preceding verses establish a progressive system for harvesting. For the initial three years, the fruit was deemed "uncircumcised" (Hebrew: _orlah_), signifying its ritual impurity or unreadiness for consumption. This prohibition was not merely ceremonial but also held practical agricultural wisdom, allowing young trees to develop robust root systems and produce healthier, more abundant yields in subsequent years. In the fourth year, all the fruit was to be "holy for giving praise to the LORD" ([Leviticus 19:24](/leviticus/19-24 "Leviticus 19:24 - Fruit for the Lord")), indicating its dedication to God, likely brought to the sanctuary for a communal feast or designated for priestly consumption. It is only after this period of prohibition and consecration that the fruit could be eaten by the owner in the fifth year, as specified in [Leviticus 19:25](/leviticus/19-25 "Leviticus 19:25 - Fifth Year Fruit"). This sequence illustrates a profound theological progression from initial prohibition to sanctified dedication, culminating in blessed enjoyment, all under divine instruction.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** This law was imparted to the Israelites as they stood on the threshold of entering and settling the [Promised Land](/deuteronomy/8-7 "Deuteronomy 8:7 - A Land of Abundance"), a fertile region where agriculture would be central to their sustenance and economy. In the broader ancient Near East, immediate exploitation of resources was common, often intertwined with pagan fertility rites that sought to manipulate divine favor rather than trust in it. The command in [Leviticus 19](/leviticus/19 "Leviticus 19 - The Holiness Code") as a whole, and this agricultural ordinance specifically, served to distinguish Israel from surrounding nations. By mandating a waiting period and the dedication of the fourth year's harvest, God instilled in His people the virtues of patience, long-term stewardship, and unwavering trust in His provision. It was a tangible expression of the covenant relationship, reminding them that the land and its productivity ultimately belonged to Him, and their prosperity was contingent upon their obedient submission to their divine Landlord, the [LORD their God](/exodus/20-2 "Exodus 20:2 - I Am the LORD Your God").
* **Key Themes:** Leviticus 19:25 contributes significantly to several overarching themes central to the book of Leviticus and the Pentateuch. Foremost is the theme of **Holiness**, as the law dictates a process of sanctification for the fruit, moving from "uncircumcised" to "holy," reflecting God's call for His people to be holy in all aspects of their lives ([Leviticus 19:2](/leviticus/19-2 "Leviticus 19:2 - Be Holy, for I Am Holy")). It underscores **Divine Ownership and Sovereignty**, asserting God's ultimate claim over the land and its produce, teaching Israel that all blessings flow from Him and are to be received with gratitude and acknowledgment of His authority. The law also emphasizes **Patience and Trust in God's Timing**, countering human tendencies toward immediate gratification and fostering a dependence on God's long-term provision rather than human ingenuity alone. Finally, the dedication of the fourth year's fruit highlights the theme of **Firstfruits and Consecration**, a principle seen throughout the Old Testament where the best and first of one's produce or increase is offered to God as an act of worship and recognition of His blessing ([Proverbs 3:9-10](/proverbs/3-9-10 "Proverbs 3:9-10 - Honor the Lord with your wealth")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Fruit (Hebrew, _pᵉrî_ H6529):** This term, derived from a root meaning "to be fruitful," refers to the produce of trees or plants. In this context, it specifically denotes the edible yield of newly planted fruit trees. The law's detailed regulation of its consumption underscores God's meticulous concern for every facet of His people's lives, including their daily sustenance and agricultural practices. The careful handling of _pᵉrî_ highlights its sacredness and reinforces the theological principle that all blessings, including food, are gracious provisions from God.
* **Increase (Hebrew, _tᵉbûwʼâh_ H8393):** This word signifies "income" or "produce," referring to the yield or gain derived from the land. The phrase "that it may yield unto you the increase thereof" functions as a divine promise of blessing and abundance directly linked to obedience. It implies that by adhering to God's prescribed timing and dedication, the Israelites would experience greater productivity and sustainability from their orchards, a tangible reward for their patience and faithfulness, demonstrating God's desire for their flourishing.
* **The LORD your God (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh ʼĕlôhîym_ H3068, H430):** This concluding declaration is a quintessential covenant formula, serving as the divine warrant for the entire command. "Yᵉhôvâh" (the LORD) is God's personal, covenantal name, emphasizing His faithfulness, self-existence, and redemptive character. "ʼĕlôhîym" (God) highlights His supreme power and authority, while the possessive "your" underscores the exclusive and intimate relationship He has established with Israel. This phrase transforms a practical agricultural regulation into a profound theological statement, grounding obedience in the absolute sovereignty and loving relationship of the God who delivered them and faithfully provides for them.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And in the fifth year shall ye eat of the fruit thereof":** This clause marks the culmination of the prescribed waiting period, signifying the moment when the fruit from newly planted trees becomes permissible for general consumption by the Israelite farmer and his household. After three years of prohibition and one year of exclusive dedication to the Lord, this timing emphasizes God's methodical approach to blessing and the importance of delayed gratification in receiving His provisions.
* **"that it may yield unto you the increase thereof":** This phrase articulates the purpose and inherent promise embedded within the law. The waiting period and the act of dedication were not arbitrary restrictions but were divinely designed to ensure a greater, more sustainable, and ultimately more blessed yield. This "increase" is understood as both a natural consequence of allowing the tree to mature properly and a direct divine blessing upon the people's obedience, demonstrating God's desire for their long-term prosperity when they live in accordance with His ways.
* **"I [am] the LORD your God":** This powerful concluding statement serves as the divine signature, attesting to the ultimate authority and source of the entire command. It powerfully reminds Israel of their covenant relationship, God's absolute sovereignty over all creation, and His inherent right to dictate the terms of their lives and their use of the land. It elevates a seemingly simple agricultural regulation into a profound theological declaration, rooting all obedience in the very identity of their faithful, powerful, and loving God.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 19:25, read in conjunction with the preceding verses (23-24), employs several significant literary devices that deepen its theological impact. **Symbolism** is profoundly present, as the "uncircumcised" fruit of the first three years (v. 23) symbolizes impurity, immaturity, or unreadiness for human consumption, while the "holy" fruit of the fourth year (v. 24) symbolizes dedication, consecration, and the acknowledgment of divine ownership. The act of waiting itself for five years is **symbolic** of patience, trust in God's timing, and the spiritual principle that delayed gratification, when rooted in obedience, leads to a greater, sanctified blessing. The phrase "that it may yield unto you the increase thereof" functions as a clear **promise** or a **blessing formula**, directly linking obedience and patient waiting to tangible, abundant prosperity. Finally, the concluding declaration, "I am the LORD your God," is a powerful example of a **covenant formula** or **divine self-attestation**. This **repetition** of God's personal name and His unique relationship with Israel throughout the Holiness Code serves as a consistent reminder of the divine authority behind every command, reinforcing the central **thematic** emphasis on God's absolute sovereignty and Israel's unique, privileged relationship with Him.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 19:25 encapsulates profound theological themes centered on divine ownership, the nature of holiness, and the blessings that flow from obedient trust. It teaches that all creation, including the land and its abundant produce, ultimately belongs to God, and humanity is merely its steward, called to manage it according to His divine will. The prescribed waiting period and the dedication of the fourth year's fruit underscore that true and lasting prosperity comes not from immediate exploitation or human striving, but from patient reliance on God's timing and the honoring of His sovereignty through "firstfruits" offerings. This law elevates a seemingly mundane agricultural practice into a profound act of worship and dependence, demonstrating that holiness is not confined to sacred rituals but permeates every aspect of life, from the most solemn ceremonies to the daily work of farming and sustenance.

* [Proverbs 3:9-10](/proverbs/3-9-10 "Honor the Lord with your wealth and the firstfruits of all your produce")
* [Deuteronomy 8:18](/deuteronomy/8-18 "Remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you power to get wealth")
* [Malachi 3:10](/malachi/3-10 "Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Leviticus 19:25, though originating from an ancient agricultural law, offers timeless and profoundly relevant principles for contemporary believers. It directly challenges our pervasive inclination towards instant gratification and calls us to cultivate a posture of patience and unwavering trust in God's perfect timing. In a culture that often prioritizes immediate returns, rapid growth, and quick success, this verse serves as a powerful reminder that true "increase" and lasting fruitfulness often emerge from seasons of patient waiting, dedicated consecration, and allowing processes to mature according to God's wise design. It also powerfully reinforces the foundational concept of divine ownership: all that we possess—our talents, financial resources, time, relationships, and even our physical bodies—are precious gifts from God, entrusted to us to be stewarded faithfully according to His will. Intentionally dedicating our "firstfruits" to Him, whether it be our initial time in prayer, our finances through generous giving, or our abilities in service, is a tangible act of worship that acknowledges His supreme sovereignty and invites His abundant blessing and true, spiritual increase into every facet of our lives. This perspective shifts our focus from what we can gain to how we can honor the Giver of all good things, fostering a life characterized by deep gratitude, humble dependence, and joyful obedience.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of your life are you currently struggling with impatience, and how might intentionally trusting God's timing (much like the five-year fruit law) bring greater peace and spiritual "increase"?**
* **How does the principle of God's ultimate ownership of all things (including your resources, talents, and time) shape your daily approach to stewardship and generosity?**
* **What "firstfruits"—whether it be time, talent, or treasure—can you intentionally dedicate to the Lord in your life today, acknowledging His provision before partaking yourself?**

### FAQ

**Why was there a four-year waiting period before the fruit could be eaten by the owner?**

Answer: The four-year waiting period served a multifaceted purpose, encompassing both practical agricultural wisdom and profound theological instruction. The first three years, during which the fruit was considered "uncircumcised" or forbidden ([Leviticus 19:23](/leviticus/19-23 "Leviticus 19:23 - Uncircumcised Fruit")), allowed the young fruit tree to establish deep roots, mature properly, and develop strength, leading to healthier and more abundant yields in subsequent years. This was a wise horticultural practice. The fourth year's fruit was to be entirely consecrated to the Lord as an offering of praise ([Leviticus 19:24](/leviticus/19-24 "Leviticus 19:24 - Fruit for the Lord")). This act of dedication was not merely ritualistic; it taught the Israelites patience, cultivated their trust in God's long-term provision, and instilled a deep recognition of His ultimate ownership of the land and its produce. It also ensured that the very first mature harvest was given back to God, thereby sanctifying the entire future yield from the tree. Only in the fifth year, after this period of natural maturation and spiritual consecration, could the fruit be consumed by the owner, with the promise of increased yield.

**Is this law still relevant for believers today, given that we are not under the Mosaic Law?**

Answer: While believers today are indeed not under the ceremonial and civil laws of the Old Testament Mosaic covenant in the same way as ancient Israel, the underlying spiritual principles embedded in [Leviticus 19:25](/leviticus/19-25 "Leviticus 19:25 - Fifth Year Fruit") remain profoundly relevant and applicable. This law powerfully teaches us about the virtues of patience, the wisdom of delayed gratification, and the necessity of trusting in God's perfect timing (e.g., [James 5:7-8](/james/5-7 "James 5:7-8 - Patience of the Farmer")). It emphatically underscores God's ultimate ownership of all resources and the paramount importance of acknowledging Him as the benevolent source of all blessings. The principle of "firstfruits"—dedicating the best and first of our time, talents, and material resources to God—is a timeless act of worship, dependence, and obedience, a concept echoed and transformed in the New Testament's call to generous and cheerful stewardship (e.g., [2 Corinthians 9:7](/2_corinthians/9-7 "2 Corinthians 9:7 - God Loves a Cheerful Giver")). Therefore, the law's spiritual intent, fostering a mindset of humble dependence and profound gratitude towards God, continues to shape and enrich the lives of believers in Christ.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 19:25, with its profound emphasis on patient waiting, consecrated dedication, and the promise of ultimate increase, finds its most complete and glorious Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. The "uncircumcised" fruit of the initial years and the "holy" fruit of the fourth year, dedicated entirely to the Lord, foreshadow the journey of spiritual maturity and the ultimate act of consecration. Christ Himself is the ultimate "fruit" of God's redemptive plan, the one who perfectly embodies the principles of patience and obedience, waiting for the appointed time of His public ministry and, ultimately, His perfect sacrifice on the cross. He is the true vine ([John 15:1](/john/15-1 "John 15:1 - Jesus the True Vine")), and those who abide in Him are promised to "bear much fruit" ([John 15:5](/john/15-5 "John 15:5 - Abiding in the Vine")), a spiritual increase that far surpasses any agricultural yield. The dedication of the fourth year's fruit to the Lord powerfully anticipates Christ's complete and unreserved consecration of Himself, offering His life as the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice for sin ([Hebrews 9:26](/hebrews/9-26 "Hebrews 9:26 - Christ's Sacrifice")). Through His triumphant death and glorious resurrection, Jesus became the "firstfruits" of those who sleep ([1 Corinthians 15:20](/1_corinthians/15-20 "1 Corinthians 15:20 - Christ the Firstfruits")), guaranteeing the future harvest of all believers who will be raised to eternal life. Thus, the "increase" promised in the fifth year is ultimately realized in the spiritual abundance, eternal life, and overflowing grace that flow to us through Christ, who perfectly fulfilled the law's demands and provides true, lasting sustenance for all who believe in Him ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus the Bread of Life")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Haggai 1:9

Ye looked for much, and, lo, [it came] to little; and when ye brought [it] home, I did blow upon it. Why? saith the LORD of hosts. Because of mine house that [is] waste, and ye run every man unto his own house.

Haggai 1:11

And I called for a drought upon the land, and upon the mountains, and upon the corn, and upon the new wine, and upon the oil, and upon [that] which the ground bringeth forth, and upon men, and upon cattle, and upon all the labour of the hands.

Malachi 3:8

Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings.

Malachi 3:10

Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that [there shall] not [be room] enough [to receive it].

Ecclesiastes 11:1

¶ Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days.

Ecclesiastes 11:2

Give a portion to seven, and also to eight; for thou knowest not what evil shall be upon the earth.

Proverbs 3:9

Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase: