Leviticus 25:10

KJV

And ye shall hallow the fiftieth year, and proclaim liberty throughout [all] the land unto all the inhabitants thereof: it shall be a jubile unto you; and ye shall return every man unto his possession, and ye shall return every man unto his family.

KJV (with Strong's)

And ye shall hallow {H6942} the fiftieth {H2572}{H8141} year {H8141}, and proclaim {H7121} liberty {H1865} throughout all the land {H776} unto all the inhabitants {H3427} thereof: it shall be a jubile {H3104} unto you; and ye shall return {H7725} every man {H376} unto his possession {H272}, and ye shall return {H7725} every man {H376} unto his family {H4940}.

Complete Jewish Bible

and you are to consecrate the fiftieth year, proclaiming freedom throughout the land to all its inhabitants. It will be a yovel for you; you will return everyone to the land he owns, and everyone is to return to his family.

Berean Standard Bible

So you are to consecrate the fiftieth year and proclaim liberty in the land for all its inhabitants. It shall be your Jubilee, when each of you is to return to his property and to his clan.

American Standard Version

And ye shall hallow the fiftieth year, and proclaim liberty throughout the land unto all the inhabitants thereof: it shall be a jubilee unto you; and ye shall return every man unto his possession, and ye shall return every man unto his family.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 25:10 serves as the foundational decree for the Year of Jubilee, a divinely ordained fiftieth year in Israel's liturgical and social calendar. This sacred year mandated a sweeping proclamation of liberty throughout the land for all its inhabitants, signifying a comprehensive release from debt, freedom from servitude, and the restoration of ancestral land to its original families. This institution profoundly reinforced God's ultimate sovereignty over the land and His covenant people, ensuring social equity, preventing permanent economic disparity, and periodically resetting the nation's economic and social landscape according to divine principles.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 25 is entirely dedicated to the intricate laws governing the Sabbatical Year and the Year of Jubilee, building upon the broader themes of holiness, covenant faithfulness, and God's ownership of the land and His people, which permeate the book of Leviticus. The preceding verses detail the regulations for the Sabbatical Year ([Leviticus 25:1-7](/leviticus/25-1-7 "Leviticus 25:1-7 - Laws of the Sabbatical Year")), where the land was commanded to lie fallow every seventh year, and its produce was for common consumption. The Jubilee, occurring after seven cycles of seven Sabbatical years ([Leviticus 25:8-9](/leviticus/25-8-9 "Leviticus 25:8-9 - Calculation and Proclamation of Jubilee")), represents the culmination of these cyclical restorations, extending the principles of rest and release from the land to the people and their possessions. It is intricately linked with the agricultural and social life of Israel, ensuring that the covenant blessings of the land were not permanently monopolized by a few but periodically redistributed, reflecting God's justice and provision for all, thereby preventing the permanent impoverishment of any Israelite family.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The institution of the Jubilee Year was a unique social and economic mechanism given exclusively to ancient Israel, profoundly distinguishing them from surrounding nations. In the broader ancient Near East, debt slavery and permanent land dispossession were common, leading to significant social stratification, the concentration of wealth, and the perpetual impoverishment of certain families. God's law, however, sought to prevent the formation of a permanent underclass and to ensure that the tribal land allotments, given as an inheritance from God during the conquest ([Joshua 13-21](/joshua/13-21 "Joshua 13-21 - Division of the Land")), remained within families. The Jubilee served as a profound and tangible reminder that the land ultimately belonged to God ([Leviticus 25:23](/leviticus/25-23 "Leviticus 25:23 - God's Ownership of the Land") declares, "The land shall not be sold permanently, for the land is mine; with me you are only foreigners and strangers."). This system was designed to maintain social equity, prevent the unchecked concentration of wealth and power, and periodically reset the economic playing field, fostering a society rooted in covenant faithfulness, mutual care, and dependence on divine provision rather than human avarice.

* **Key Themes:** Leviticus 25:10 contributes significantly to several major theological and narrative themes within the book of Leviticus and the broader Pentateuch. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **God's Sovereignty and Ownership**, particularly over the land of Israel. The Jubilee's provisions make it clear that the land is not a commodity to be permanently bought and sold, but a divine gift held in stewardship. Secondly, it highlights God's unwavering commitment to **Justice and Equity** for His people. By mandating the release of debts, freedom for slaves, and the return of land, the Jubilee actively counteracted economic oppression and ensured that every Israelite family had a fair chance at prosperity and dignity, preventing the creation of a permanent underclass. Thirdly, the theme of **Redemption and Restoration** is central, as the Jubilee provided a mechanism for individuals and families to be restored to their original status, possessions, and familial relationships, echoing God's redemptive work in bringing Israel out of slavery in Egypt and into the Promised Land. Finally, it reinforces the principle of **Sabbath and Rest**, extending the concept of rest from the weekly Sabbath and the Sabbatical Year to a grand, societal scale, emphasizing God's provision and the need for humanity to trust in His care rather than relentless toil and accumulation.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Hallow (Hebrew, _qâdash'_):** This verb (H6942) signifies "to be (causatively, make, pronounce or observe as) clean (ceremonially or morally); appoint, bid, consecrate, dedicate, defile, hallow, (be, keep) holy(-er, place), keep, prepare, proclaim, purify, sanctify(-ied one, self), [idiom] wholly." In the context of Leviticus 25:10, to "hallow" the fiftieth year means to set it apart as sacred, to consecrate it to God's purposes. It was not merely a secular decree but a divinely instituted observance, reflecting God's character and His redemptive plan for His people. The act of hallowing the year underscored its divine origin and the spiritual significance of the Jubilee's provisions.

* **Liberty (Hebrew, _dᵉrôwr'_):** This noun (H1865) is derived from an unused root meaning "to move rapidly," and conveys the meaning of "freedom; hence, spontaneity of outflow, and so clear; liberty, pure." In this verse, _dᵉrôwr_ denotes a comprehensive and sweeping emancipation. It implies a release from various forms of bondage: release from financial debts, freedom for those who had sold themselves into indentured servitude, and the restoration of ancestral land to its original owners. The proclamation of _dᵉrôwr_ throughout the land was a profound act of divine grace, ensuring that no Israelite would be permanently dispossessed or enslaved due to economic hardship, thereby affirming their status as God's redeemed people and maintaining social equity.

* **Jubile (Hebrew, _yôwbêl'_):** This noun (H3104) or _yôbêl_ is apparently from a root meaning "to flow" or "to bring," and refers to "the blast of a horn (from its continuous sound); specifically, the signal of the silver trumpets; hence, the instrument itself and the festival thus introduced; jubile, ram's horn, trumpet." The term "jubile" is derived from the Hebrew word for "ram's horn" or "trumpet," specifically the _shofar_. The sounding of the ram's horn on the Day of Atonement ([Leviticus 25:9](/leviticus/25-9 "Leviticus 25:9 - Proclamation of Jubilee")) marked the beginning of this special year. Thus, "jubile" refers not only to the year itself but also to the instrument whose loud, public, and unmistakable blast announced its arrival, symbolizing a sweeping declaration of freedom and restoration.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And ye shall hallow the fiftieth year":** This initial command establishes the profound sacredness of the Jubilee. It was not merely a legal or economic policy but a spiritual observance, set apart by God Himself as distinct and holy. To "hallow" it meant to recognize its divine origin and purpose, treating it with reverence and obedience, reflecting God's character and His redemptive plan for His people.

* **"and proclaim liberty throughout [all] the land unto all the inhabitants thereof":** This is the central, defining command and characteristic of the Jubilee. The "proclamation of liberty" (_dᵉrôwr_) was a universal declaration, extending to every person living in the land of Israel, regardless of their social or economic standing. This encompassed a comprehensive release from all forms of debt, the freedom of indentured servants, and the restoration of ancestral land to its original families. This was a sweeping act of social and economic reset, ensuring that no one was permanently marginalized or dispossessed within the covenant community.

* **"it shall be a jubile unto you":** This phrase identifies the nature of the fiftieth year—it is the "Jubilee," characterized by the sounding of the ram's horn and the comprehensive release and restoration it entailed. It was a unique and foundational institution for the Israelites, a time of profound national restoration, celebration of God's provision, and demonstration of His justice and compassion among His people.

* **"and ye shall return every man unto his possession":** A key practical outcome of the Jubilee was the mandatory return of all land to its original tribal and family allotments. While land could be sold or leased, it was understood that such transactions were temporary, effective only until the next Jubilee, at which point it reverted to its original owner. This prevented the permanent accumulation of land by a few powerful families and ensured that every family retained their God-given inheritance, maintaining the integrity of the tribal land distribution.

* **"and ye shall return every man unto his family":** This clause addresses the restoration of personal and familial relationships and structures. Those who had sold themselves or their children into indentured servitude due to poverty were released from their obligations and returned to their families. This ensured the preservation of family units and tribal structures, preventing the permanent dissolution of families due to economic hardship and upholding the dignity and covenant status of every Israelite.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 25:10 employs several significant literary devices to convey its profound message. **Symbolism** is prominently featured, particularly with the "fiftieth year" and the "proclamation of liberty." The fiftieth year, following seven cycles of seven, symbolizes completion, divine order, and a new beginning, echoing the Sabbath principle on a grander, societal scale. The "proclamation" itself, likely accompanied by the blowing of the ram's horn (shofar), is a powerful auditory symbol of a sweeping, undeniable decree from God, signaling a profound shift in the social and economic order. The concept of "liberty" (_dᵉrôwr_) is also deeply symbolic, representing not just economic freedom but a holistic restoration to one's rightful place in the community and before God. The verse also utilizes **Repetition** with the phrase "ye shall return every man," emphasizing the comprehensive and individual nature of the restoration—each person was to be personally affected by the return to possession and family. This repetition underscores the profound impact of the Jubilee on every aspect of Israelite life, highlighting God's meticulous care for the well-being and equity of His covenant people.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The Jubilee Year, as decreed in Leviticus 25:10, is a profound theological statement about God's character and His divine vision for His covenant people. It powerfully underscores His absolute sovereignty over the land of Israel and its inhabitants, serving as a perpetual reminder that the Israelites were merely stewards of His inheritance, not ultimate owners. The institution of Jubilee reveals God's deep commitment to justice, equity, and compassion, providing a divinely mandated mechanism to prevent the permanent disenfranchisement of the poor and to ensure periodic social and economic resets. It teaches that true freedom, security, and flourishing come from aligning with God's righteous design, which prioritizes human dignity, familial integrity, and communal well-being over unchecked accumulation of wealth or power. The Jubilee is, therefore, a testament to God's redemptive nature, providing a tangible framework for release and restoration within the earthly realm, while simultaneously foreshadowing a greater, ultimate liberation yet to come.

* [Deuteronomy 15:1-2](/deuteronomy/15-1-2 "Deuteronomy 15:1-2 - The Sabbatical Year of Release")
* [Isaiah 61:1-2](/isaiah/61-1-2 "Isaiah 61:1-2 - The Anointed One Proclaims Liberty")
* [Jeremiah 34:8-17](/jeremiah/34-8-17 "Jeremiah 34:8-17 - Breaking the Covenant of Release")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The profound principles embedded within the Jubilee Year continue to resonate deeply for believers today, even though its specific legal mandates are not literally observed in the New Covenant era. This ancient decree challenges us to critically examine our own relationship with possessions, wealth, and the pursuit of social justice. Do we truly recognize God's ultimate ownership of all things, holding our resources with open hands, ready to share, release, and redistribute as His faithful stewards? The Jubilee's resounding call to "proclaim liberty" compels us to actively seek the freedom, flourishing, and restoration of others, especially those marginalized by economic hardship, systemic injustice, or social disparity. It cultivates a spirit of radical generosity, encourages the forgiveness of debts (both financial and relational), and fosters a profound commitment to repairing brokenness and fostering reconciliation in our communities and families. Ultimately, the Jubilee invites us to live in hopeful anticipation of God's final, perfect restoration, when all things will be made new, and true, eternal liberty will be fully realized in Christ's kingdom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways do I need to release my grip on possessions, control, or personal agendas, acknowledging God's ultimate ownership and sovereignty?**
* **How can I, in my own sphere of influence and with the resources God has entrusted to me, actively "proclaim liberty" or work towards justice and restoration for others?**
* **What "debts" or burdens, whether spiritual, emotional, or relational, might I need to release or seek release from to experience greater freedom and reconciliation?**
* **How does the concept of "returning to possession and family" speak to the importance of embracing my spiritual inheritance in Christ and fostering relational reconciliation within my church and biological family?**

### FAQ
**What was the primary purpose of the Jubilee Year?**

Answer: The primary purpose of the Jubilee Year was multifaceted, serving as a divinely mandated social and economic reset for ancient Israel. Its core aims were to prevent the permanent accumulation of wealth and land by a few, to ensure that no Israelite became permanently enslaved due to poverty or debt, and to periodically restore ancestral land to its original families and tribes. It reinforced God's ultimate ownership of the land and His desire for justice, equity, and compassion among His covenant people. By ensuring that the blessings of the Promised Land were periodically redistributed, the Jubilee prevented the formation of a permanent underclass and maintained the integrity of family and tribal inheritances, fostering a more egalitarian society.

**How often did the Jubilee Year occur, and what was its significance in the Israelite calendar?**

Answer: The Jubilee Year occurred every fiftieth year, immediately following seven cycles of seven Sabbatical Years, as outlined in [Leviticus 25:8-9](/leviticus/25-8-9 "Leviticus 25:8-9 - Calculation and Proclamation of Jubilee"). Its significance was profound and unparalleled in the Israelite calendar. It was a time of universal release, a "year of the Lord's favor," where all debts were canceled, all Israelite indentured servants were freed, and all ancestral lands that had been sold or leased reverted to their original owners. It also mandated a year of rest for the land, similar to the Sabbatical Year, but with broader and more comprehensive implications for personal, familial, and property liberation, symbolizing a grand reset of the entire nation's social and economic order.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 25:10, with its resounding call to "proclaim liberty throughout all the land," finds its ultimate and spiritual fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. While the earthly Jubilee provided a temporary, physical, and economic release from bondage, Jesus inaugurated a spiritual Jubilee that offers permanent freedom from the deepest forms of human captivity. When Jesus stood in the synagogue in Nazareth and read from [Isaiah 61:1-2](/isaiah/61-1-2 "Isaiah 61:1-2 - The Anointed One Proclaims Liberty"), declaring, "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor" ([Luke 4:18-19](/luke/4-18-19 "Luke 4:18-19 - Jesus Proclaims His Mission")), He was unequivocally announcing Himself as the long-awaited Messiah, the bringer of the ultimate, eternal Jubilee. Through His atoning sacrifice on the cross, Christ releases us from the crushing debt of sin that held us captive ([Colossians 2:13-14](/colossians/2-13-14 "Colossians 2:13-14 - Christ Cancels Our Debt")), restores us to our true and imperishable inheritance as children of God ([Romans 8:17](/romans/8-17 "Romans 8:17 - Heirs with Christ")), and reunites us with our heavenly family, the body of Christ. In Christ, the promise of return to our "possession" and "family" is realized as we are reconciled to God and brought into His eternal kingdom, experiencing a profound and lasting liberty that transcends all earthly limitations and physical bondage.

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

Jeremiah 34:8

¶ [This is] the word that came unto Jeremiah from the LORD, after that the king Zedekiah had made a covenant with all the people which [were] at Jerusalem, to proclaim liberty unto them;

Isaiah 63:4

For the day of vengeance [is] in mine heart, and the year of my redeemed is come.

1 Peter 2:16

As free, and not using [your] liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God.

Leviticus 25:13

In the year of this jubile ye shall return every man unto his possession.

Galatians 5:13

¶ For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only [use] not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.

Isaiah 61:1

¶ The Spirit of the Lord GOD [is] upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to [them that are] bound;

Isaiah 61:3

To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified.