Leviticus 25:12

KJV

For it [is] the jubile; it shall be holy unto you: ye shall eat the increase thereof out of the field.

KJV (with Strong's)

For it is the jubile {H3104}; it shall be holy {H6944} unto you: ye shall eat {H398} the increase {H8393} thereof out of the field {H7704}.

Complete Jewish Bible

because it is a yovel. It will be holy for you; whatever the fields produce will be food for all of you.

Berean Standard Bible

For it is a Jubilee; it shall be holy to you. You may eat only the crops taken directly from the field.

American Standard Version

For it is a jubilee; it shall be holy unto you: ye shall eat the increase thereof out of the field.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 25:12 profoundly declares the fiftieth year, the Jubilee, as a divinely instituted and sacred period for the nation of Israel. This verse underscores its holy designation and reveals God's miraculous promise of provision, ensuring His people would be sustained by the natural increase of the land even without conventional agricultural labor. It serves as a foundational statement emphasizing divine sovereignty, the principle of rest, and the radical dependence Israel was called to cultivate upon their faithful and benevolent Provider.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 25:12 is intricately woven into a larger legislative framework concerning the Sabbath year (Leviticus 25:1-7) and the climactic Year of Jubilee (Leviticus 25:8-55). The preceding verses meticulously detail the timing and purpose of the Jubilee: it was to be solemnly proclaimed on the Day of Atonement in the 49th year, marking the culmination of seven cycles of seven Sabbath years, as outlined in [Leviticus 25:8-9](/leviticus/25-8-9 "Leviticus 25:8-9 - Proclamation of the Jubilee on the Day of Atonement"). The foundational principles of the Jubilee—universal liberty for all inhabitants, the return of ancestral land to original families, and the freeing of indentured servants—are powerfully introduced in [Leviticus 25:10](/leviticus/25-10 "Leviticus 25:10 - Liberty Proclaimed for All Inhabitants"). Verse 11 explicitly prohibits sowing, reaping, or gathering grapes during the Jubilee, thereby setting the crucial stage for the divine promise of sustenance found in verse 12. This entire chapter powerfully reiterates God's ultimate ownership of both the land and His people, a truth famously declared in [Leviticus 25:23](/leviticus/25-23 "Leviticus 25:23 - The Land Belongs to God").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Year of Jubilee represented a revolutionary socio-economic and spiritual institution, unparalleled in the ancient Near East. Unlike the land tenure systems of surrounding nations, Israel's was intrinsically linked to tribal and family inheritances, designed to prevent the permanent accumulation of wealth by a select few and the perpetual destitution of others. The Jubilee functioned as a divinely mandated "reset" mechanism every fifty years, ensuring that economic disparities did not become irreversible. It actively prevented the emergence of a landless proletariat and meticulously maintained the integrity of family inheritances, which were vital for identity, social stability, and spiritual continuity in an agrarian society. The command to "eat the increase thereof out of the field" in [Leviticus 25:12](/leviticus/25-12 "Leviticus 25:12 - Provision During the Jubilee") directly parallels the provisions for the Sabbath year found in [Leviticus 25:6-7](/leviticus/25-6-7 "Leviticus 25:6-7 - Provision During the Sabbath Year"), profoundly reinforcing the principle of radical dependence on God's supernatural provision rather than solely on human labor. This practice was a profound act of national faith, teaching Israel that their security and sustenance originated from God, not merely from their own efforts or the inherent fertility of the land itself.

* **Key Themes:** Leviticus 25:12 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Leviticus and the broader Pentateuch. **Divine Sovereignty** is paramount, as God dictates the terms of land ownership, economic activity, and even the natural yield, asserting His ultimate authority over all creation. The theme of **Rest** is central, extending the principle of the weekly Sabbath and the Sabbath year to a grander, societal scale, demonstrating God's design for humanity and creation to periodically cease labor and rely on His provision. **Holiness** is explicitly declared for the Jubilee, signifying that this time was set apart by God for a sacred purpose, demanding a distinct mode of living characterized by trust and obedience. Furthermore, the verse highlights **Radical Dependence on God**, challenging Israel to trust in His supernatural ability to provide, even when conventional means of sustenance are suspended. Finally, it underscores **Redemption and Restoration**, as the Jubilee ultimately aimed to restore individuals and families to their original positions of freedom and inheritance, reflecting God's desire for justice and wholeness among His people.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Jubile (Hebrew, _yôwbêl'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to flow" or "to bring," this term specifically refers to the blast of a horn, particularly the ram's horn trumpet blown on the Day of Atonement to inaugurate the Jubilee year, as seen in [Leviticus 25:9](/leviticus/25-9 "Leviticus 25:9 - The Trumpet of the Jubilee"). By extension, it names the year itself, embodying concepts of freedom, release, restoration, and a return to an original, divinely ordained state. The sound of the _yôwbêl_ was a powerful declaration of liberty, signaling a profound societal reset rooted in God's sovereign decree.
* **Holy (Hebrew, _qôdesh'_):** The declaration "it shall be holy unto you" signifies that the Jubilee year was consecrated to God, set apart for a sacred purpose. It was not merely a secular economic policy but a divinely ordained time, distinct from ordinary years, during which Israel was to acknowledge God's absolute sovereignty over their time, land, and possessions. This inherent holiness demanded a particular way of life characterized by profound trust, intentional rest, and unwavering obedience to divine commands.
* **Increase (Hebrew, _tᵉbûwʼâh'_):** This word refers to the produce, yield, or revenue derived from the land. In the specific context of the Jubilee, it denotes the spontaneous growth or volunteer crops that sprang up without human sowing, cultivation, or harvesting. God's promise to provide the "increase" meant that Israel would be sustained by the natural, uncultivated bounty of the land, serving as a powerful testament to His miraculous and faithful provision even in the complete absence of conventional agricultural labor.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For it [is] the jubile":** This opening clause emphatically identifies the fiftieth year as "the Jubilee," establishing its unique and distinct identity within Israel's sacred calendar. It underscores that the specific rules, provisions, and spiritual significance for this year are intrinsically tied to its identity as the divinely appointed year of release, restoration, and radical dependence.
* **"it shall be holy unto you":** This declaration establishes the consecrated nature of the Jubilee year. It was not merely a civil or economic regulation but a time set apart by God for His people, imbued with sacred significance. This holiness implied a divine mandate for its strict observance and required Israel to approach it with reverence, obedience, and a profound recognition of God's ultimate ownership and sovereign design over all aspects of their lives.
* **"ye shall eat the increase thereof out of the field":** This is the practical instruction and the divine promise concerning sustenance during the Jubilee. It explicitly prohibits human agricultural labor (sowing, reaping, gathering) and instead directs the people to subsist entirely on the natural, uncultivated produce of the land. This command served as a profound and tangible lesson in radical dependence, vividly demonstrating God's unfailing ability to provide abundantly for His people even when they ceased their conventional efforts, directly mirroring the miraculous provision experienced during the Sabbath year.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 25:12 employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound theological and practical message. Foremost is **Divine Command/Legislation**, as the verse is an integral part of God's direct, authoritative instructions to Israel, establishing a non-negotiable law for their societal and spiritual life. There is significant **Symbolism** embedded within the very concept of the Jubilee itself: it symbolizes ultimate freedom from all forms of bondage (debt, servitude, lost land), the restoration of God's original order for creation, and the reestablishment of human society according to His just and merciful design. The phrase "ye shall eat the increase thereof out of the field" presents a compelling **Paradox** or **Irony** of provision: sustenance is guaranteed not through diligent human labor and striving, but through radical rest and unwavering trust in God's supernatural faithfulness. This powerfully highlights the **Thematic Emphasis** on divine sovereignty over human effort and self-sufficiency. Furthermore, the entire passage functions as a profound **Foreshadowing** of a greater, spiritual rest and liberation, pointing beyond the physical and temporal Jubilee to an ultimate, eternal redemption.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 25:12 is rich with profound theological significance, primarily emphasizing God's absolute sovereignty over creation, time, and human affairs. The Jubilee, explicitly declared "holy," underscores that God's economic and social principles are not arbitrary but are deeply rooted in His righteous character, designed to reflect His justice, mercy, and abundant provision. It teaches Israel that the land ultimately belongs to Him ([Leviticus 25:23](/leviticus/25-23 "Leviticus 25:23 - The Land Belongs to God")), and their prosperity and well-being are contingent on their obedience and radical trust, not solely on their own strenuous efforts. The command to live off the land's natural increase is a profound lesson in radical dependence, echoing the miraculous provision of manna in the wilderness and preparing them for a life lived by faith. This divine provision during a period of mandated rest vividly illustrates God's unwavering faithfulness to sustain His people when they courageously prioritize His commands above their perceived needs or conventional wisdom.

* [Exodus 16:29](/exodus/16-29 "Exodus 16:29 - Manna on the Sabbath")
* [Deuteronomy 15:1-2](/deuteronomy/15-1-2 "Deuteronomy 15:1-2 - Release of Debts")
* [Psalm 24:1](/psalm/24-1 "Psalm 24:1 - The Earth is the Lord's")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The principles embedded in Leviticus 25:12, though part of an ancient legal code for Israel, resonate deeply with profound relevance for contemporary life. The concept of the Jubilee as a "holy" time challenges us to critically examine how we consecrate our time, our financial resources, and even our professional endeavors to God. It calls us to cultivate a radical and counter-cultural trust in God's provision, especially when circumstances demand that we step back from conventional efforts, or when we feel overwhelmed by the relentless pressure to "produce" and achieve. In a society often driven by relentless striving, insatiable accumulation, and the pursuit of self-sufficiency, the Jubilee's emphasis on divinely mandated rest and supernatural sustenance serves as a powerful reminder that our ultimate security, worth, and provision are found not in our labor or possessions, but solely in the faithful and benevolent hand of God. It prompts us to engage in thoughtful reflection on our stewardship of resources, our commitment to economic justice and equity, and our willingness to release what we tightly grasp, trusting that God's economy of grace will always provide abundantly for those who obey and trust Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of my life do I struggle most to trust God's provision, feeling an overwhelming need to constantly strive, control, and accumulate?**
* **How can I practically and intentionally incorporate principles of "rest" and "release" into my personal finances, my professional work, and my relationships, thereby reflecting God's divine design for renewal and restoration?**
* **What does it truly mean for me to live a life "set apart" or "holy" to God, particularly in how I view, acquire, and utilize my material possessions and precious time?**
* **How does the profound concept of God's miraculous provision, even in the absence of conventional human labor, challenge and reshape my understanding of true success, security, and abundance?**

### FAQ

**What was the primary purpose of the Jubilee's agricultural rules?**

Answer: The primary purpose of the Jubilee's agricultural rules was profoundly twofold: first, to enforce a radical and demonstrable dependence on God's supernatural provision, and second, to allow the land itself to experience a period of vital rest and regeneration. By strictly prohibiting sowing, reaping, and gathering during the Jubilee, God meticulously taught Israel that their sustenance originated entirely from His hand, not solely from their diligent labor or agricultural techniques. This also ensured agricultural sustainability and symbolized a deep spiritual renewal, consistently reminding the Israelites of God's design for rest and His unfailing ability to provide abundantly even in the cessation of human effort, mirroring the provisions of the Sabbath year found in [Leviticus 25:4-7](/leviticus/25-4-7 "Leviticus 25:4-7 - The Sabbath Year's Agricultural Rules").

**How did the Israelites survive for two consecutive years without farming (the 49th Sabbath year and the 50th Jubilee year)?**

Answer: God explicitly promised to provide supernaturally for His people. [Leviticus 25:20-22](/leviticus/25-20-22 "Leviticus 25:20-22 - God's Promise of Supernatural Provision") directly addresses this very practical concern. God promised to send His extraordinary blessing in the sixth year (the year immediately preceding the Sabbath year) so that it would yield an unprecedented amount of produce—enough to cover the needs for three full years: the sixth year itself, the subsequent Sabbath year, and the Jubilee year that followed. This miraculous and abundant provision would miraculously cover all their needs until the next harvest, powerfully demonstrating His unwavering faithfulness and omnipotent power to sustain His people even outside conventional agricultural means.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 25:12, with its declaration of the Jubilee as a holy time of radical rest and miraculous provision, finds its ultimate, profound, and eternal fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The earthly Jubilee, with its promises of release from crushing debt, freedom for those enslaved, and the restoration of lost inheritance, served as a powerful and divinely orchestrated foreshadowing of the spiritual and eternal liberation offered exclusively through Christ. He is the one who truly proclaims "the year of the Lord's favor" ([Luke 4:18-19](/luke/4-18-19 "Luke 4:18-19 - Jesus Proclaims His Mission")), echoing the resounding trumpet blast of the _yôwbêl_ that announced freedom and new beginnings. Through His perfect and atoning sacrifice on the cross, Christ provides the ultimate release from the bondage and crushing debt of sin ([Colossians 2:13-14](/colossians/2-13-14 "Colossians 2:13-14 - Forgiveness and Cancellation of Debt")), decisively canceling the spiritual ledger of our transgressions against us. He sovereignly restores our true and eternal inheritance as adopted children of God ([Romans 8:17](/romans/8-17 "Romans 8:17 - Heirs with Christ")), bringing us back into perfect fellowship with our Heavenly Father's house. Furthermore, Jesus Himself is our ultimate and complete rest; He tenderly invites all who are weary and burdened by the weight of life and sin to come to Him and find profound rest for their souls ([Matthew 11:28](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28 - Come to Me, All Who Are Weary")). Just as the Jubilee promised sustenance without human labor, Christ offers salvation and spiritual sustenance as a free, unmerited gift of grace, received solely through faith, not by any works or human effort ([Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8-9 "Ephesians 2:8-9 - Salvation by Grace Through Faith")), thereby truly embodying the "holy" and divinely provided increase for all who believe in Him.

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

Leviticus 25:6

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,

Leviticus 25:7

And for thy cattle, and for the beast that [are] in thy land, shall all the increase thereof be meat.