Leviticus 25:13

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

In the year {H8141} of this jubile {H3104} ye shall return {H7725} every man {H376} unto his possession {H272}.

Complete Jewish Bible

In this year of yovel, every one of you is to return to the land he owns.

Berean Standard Bible

In this Year of Jubilee, each of you shall return to his own property.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 25:13 unveils a cornerstone principle of the Mosaic Law: the Year of Jubilee, a divinely ordained fifty-year cycle designed to restore all inherited land to its original family ownership. This profound ordinance ensured that no Israelite household could be permanently dispossessed of their ancestral tribal allotment, serving as a powerful declaration of God's ultimate sovereignty over the land and His unwavering commitment to economic justice, social equity, and the enduring well-being of His covenant people, thereby preventing the perpetual accumulation of wealth and the entrenchment of poverty.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** The book of Leviticus, situated at the heart of the Pentateuch, meticulously delineates the divine laws and rituals given to Israel, underscoring the nation's sacred call to holiness as God's chosen people. Chapter 25 specifically details the Sabbath laws pertaining to the land, introducing both the Sabbatical Year (every seventh year, when the land was to lie fallow) and the climactic Year of Jubilee (every fiftieth year). The instructions for the Jubilee commence in [Leviticus 25:8-12](/leviticus/25-8-12 "Leviticus 25:8-12 - Proclamation of the Jubilee"), which describes its solemn proclamation on the Day of Atonement, heralded by the resounding blast of a ram's horn (the _shofar_). Following this momentous declaration, verse 13, "In the year of this jubile ye shall return every man unto his possession," delivers the central, non-negotiable command for universal land restoration. This foundational directive is then elaborated upon in subsequent verses, such as [Leviticus 25:14-17](/leviticus/25-14-17 "Leviticus 25:14-17 - Regulations for Land Transactions"), which provide practical guidelines for land transactions, emphasizing that sales were essentially leases whose value diminished as the next Jubilee approached. The chapter concludes with divine assurances of provision and stern warnings against disobedience, thereby underscoring the profound spiritual and covenantal significance of these socio-economic laws.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, land was far more than a mere commodity; it was a sacred inheritance, a tangible manifestation of God's covenant faithfulness to Abraham and his descendants, as promised in passages like [Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - God's Promise of Land to Abraham"). Each tribe and family received a specific, divinely apportioned allotment in the Promised Land, meticulously detailed in books such as [Numbers 34](/numbers/34 "Numbers 34 - Boundaries of the Promised Land") and [Joshua 13-21](/joshua/13 "Joshua 13-21 - Division of the Land"). This inheritance was intended to be perpetual, ensuring a stable economic foundation and a distinct identity for each household. However, the realities of economic hardship, accumulating debt, or even famine could compel families to sell their ancestral land or even themselves into servitude. The Jubilee system was a radical, divinely instituted socio-economic mechanism specifically designed to counteract these forces. It prevented the permanent accumulation of land by a wealthy few and the perpetual impoverishment of others. It functioned as a periodic "reset button," powerfully affirming God's ultimate ownership of the land (as explicitly stated in [Leviticus 25:23](/leviticus/25-23 "Leviticus 25:23 - The Land Belongs to God")), and ensuring that every fifty years, the original, divinely ordained distribution of land was meticulously restored. This system was vital for preserving the tribal and family structures, promoting social cohesion, and upholding equity within the covenant community.

* **Key Themes:** Leviticus 25:13 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book and broader Pentateuch. Foremost is the theme of **God's Sovereignty and Ownership**, particularly over the land. The Jubilee unequivocally declares that the land belongs to God, and human possession is merely stewardship, preventing any family from claiming absolute, permanent ownership. This reinforces the idea that Israel lives as tenants under God's benevolent rule. Closely related is the theme of **Justice and Equity**, as the Jubilee system actively counteracted economic disparities, ensuring that the poor had a pathway to regain their inheritance and dignity, preventing a permanently landless class. It embodies God's concern for the vulnerable and His desire for a society characterized by fairness. Furthermore, the Jubilee highlights **Redemption and Restoration**, providing a mechanism for release from debt and servitude, and a return to one's original state of inheritance. This prefigures the ultimate redemption offered through Christ. Finally, it underscores the theme of **Covenant Faithfulness**, as obedience to these laws was an act of trust in God's provision and a demonstration of Israel's commitment to living as a holy nation, distinct from the surrounding cultures that often perpetuated cycles of poverty and oppression.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Jubile (Hebrew, _yôwbêl'_):** This term, _yôwbêl_ (H3104), refers to the blast of a horn, specifically the signal of the silver trumpets, and by extension, the instrument itself and the festival thus introduced. In this context, it signifies the unique fiftieth year, emphasizing the auditory and public proclamation that heralded liberation and restoration. The word choice underscores the momentous, divinely ordained nature of this event, a societal reset announced with a distinct sound, marking a time of profound release.
* **Possession (Hebrew, _ʼăchuzzâh'_):** The Hebrew word _ʼăchuzzâh_ (H272) is a feminine passive participle from a root meaning "to seize." It denotes something seized, specifically a possession, most notably of land. It refers to an inherited, permanent, and inalienable landed property. This term emphasizes the deep, enduring connection between a family and their God-given portion of the land, signifying a perpetual, ancestral inheritance that was to be restored in the Jubilee, ensuring a secure legacy.
* **Return (Hebrew, _shûwb'_):** The verb _shûwb_ (H7725) is a primitive root meaning "to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively." In the context of Leviticus 25:13, it signifies a mandatory reversal or turning back to an original state or condition. This is not merely an option but a divine command for a comprehensive restoration, the undoing of temporary transactions, and the re-establishment of the initial inheritance, representing a profound social and spiritual realignment with God's original design.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"In the year of this jubile":** This opening phrase precisely establishes the temporal context for the mandated action. The "year of this jubile" refers to the fiftieth year, which was solemnly proclaimed after seven cycles of seven Sabbatical years. This specific temporal marker highlights the systematic and divinely ordained nature of the Jubilee, emphasizing that it was not an arbitrary or occasional event, but a fixed, recurring point in Israel's calendrical and socio-economic life, meticulously designed to regularly reassert God's established order and principles of justice.
* **"ye shall return":** The verb "return" (שׁוּב, _shûwb_) carries profound significance. It denotes a reversal, a turning back to an original state or condition. In this context, it implies a mandatory, comprehensive restoration, not merely an option or a suggestion. It is a direct divine command for the entire community to participate actively in the undoing of temporary land transactions and the re-establishment of the initial, God-given inheritance. This return is not just a physical reoccupation of land but also a symbolic act, representing a spiritual and social realignment with God's original design for His people and their land.
* **"every man":** This universal quantifier emphasizes the comprehensive and inclusive scope of the Jubilee's impact. It applies without exception to all Israelite men (and by extension, their families), ensuring that no one is excluded from the profound benefits of this restorative year. This phrase highlights the principle of equity and the collective responsibility of the community to uphold God's justice, guaranteeing that every family, regardless of their current economic standing or the circumstances that led to their land's alienation, had the opportunity to reclaim their ancestral legacy.
* **"unto his possession":** This concluding phrase specifies the precise destination and purpose of the return: the _ʼăchuzzâh_, the inherited land. It unequivocally reinforces the primary objective of the Jubilee as a divinely instituted mechanism to preserve the original tribal land distribution, thereby preventing permanent land alienation and the creation of a landless class. This "possession" was the bedrock of a family's economic stability, their identity, and their tangible connection to God's covenant promises. Its restoration ensured the continuity of family lines and their ability to sustain themselves within the Promised Land, underscoring the sacredness of the land as a divine gift and a perpetual inheritance.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several significant **Literary Devices** that contribute to its profound impact. **Legal Language** is paramount, evident in the direct, declarative command ("ye shall return") and the precise definition of terms like "jubile" and "possession," reflecting the authoritative and prescriptive nature of the Mosaic Law. The very concept of the Jubilee functions as powerful **Symbolism**, representing divine freedom, redemption, and a cosmic reset. It symbolizes God's ultimate ownership of all things and His unwavering commitment to justice and equity, serving as a tangible reminder that human systems of ownership are temporary and subordinate to His eternal decree. Furthermore, there is an element of **Anticipation** built into the fifty-year cycle, creating a profound sense of hope and periodic renewal for those who had fallen into debt or servitude, knowing that a time of release and restoration was certainly coming. The entire system embodies a profound **Theological Metaphor** for God's restorative power, hinting at a greater, ultimate liberation from the bondage of sin and its pervasive consequences.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 25:13 profoundly articulates God's theological commitment to justice, equity, and the preservation of covenant blessings within the community of Israel. It underscores the foundational principle that all land ultimately belongs to God, and human ownership is merely stewardship, subject to His divine will and purposes. The Jubilee served as a periodic, powerful reminder that economic systems were not to lead to permanent disparity or oppression, but rather to meticulously reflect God's character of generosity, compassion, and unwavering care for the vulnerable. It was a practical outworking of the covenant, meticulously ensuring that the inheritance given by God remained accessible to all generations, actively preventing the concentration of wealth and power and fostering a society rooted in mutual support and shared well-being. This divinely ordained system was meticulously designed to prevent the formation of a permanently landless class and to perpetually re-establish the foundational economic and social structures that God had ordained for His covenant people.

* [Psalm 24:1](/psalm/24-1 "Psalm 24:1 - The Earth is the Lord's and the Fullness Thereof")
* [Micah 4:4](/micah/4-4 "Micah 4:4 - Every Man Under His Vine and Fig Tree")
* [Isaiah 61:1-2](/isaiah/61-1-2 "Isaiah 61:1-2 - The Spirit of the Lord GOD is Upon Me")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The mandate of the Jubilee in Leviticus 25:13, though specific to the socio-economic structure of ancient Israel, resonates with timeless and universal principles that call believers to a deeper understanding of God's character and our indispensable role in His unfolding kingdom. It profoundly challenges our contemporary notions of absolute ownership, serving as a powerful reminder that all we possess—our material resources, our unique talents, our precious time, and even our very lives—are ultimately sacred gifts entrusted to us by God for His purposes and glory. The Jubilee compels us to critically consider how we can actively participate in acts of restoration and justice within our own spheres of influence, whether through advocating for the marginalized, practicing radical and generous stewardship, or extending forgiveness and grace to those who owe us. It invites us to cultivate a heart that prioritizes the holistic well-being of others, especially the vulnerable and oppressed, over personal accumulation and self-interest, thereby aligning our economic and social practices with God's compassionate and just heart. The spirit of the Jubilee calls us to be faithful agents of healing, reconciliation, and liberation, diligently working towards a world where dignity is restored, burdens are lifted, and all people can flourish in the abundant provision and grace of God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what tangible ways do I view my possessions and resources as ultimately belonging to God rather than solely to myself, and how does this perspective influence my decisions?**
* **How can I actively participate in promoting economic justice and alleviating poverty in my local community or through my broader sphere of influence, reflecting the spirit of the Jubilee?**
* **What "debts" or "bondages," whether spiritual, emotional, or relational, might I need to release or seek release from to experience a deeper sense of God's restorative power in my life?**
* **How does the principle of periodic "reset" or "restoration" challenge my long-term financial planning, my approach to wealth accumulation, or my understanding of generational legacy?**

### FAQ
**Was the Year of Jubilee ever fully observed by ancient Israel?**

Answer: Biblical scholars and historians extensively debate the extent to which the Year of Jubilee was consistently and fully observed throughout Israel's history. While the laws are clearly and meticulously articulated in [Leviticus 25](/leviticus/25 "Leviticus 25 - The Sabbatical Year and Year of Jubilee"), there is remarkably little direct historical evidence in the Old Testament narratives confirming its widespread and continuous practice. Some passages, such as [Jeremiah 34:8-17](/jeremiah/34-8-17 "Jeremiah 34:8-17 - Release of Slaves and Covenant Breaking"), strongly suggest that the laws regarding the release of slaves (which were closely related to the Jubilee and Sabbatical year principles) were frequently neglected. The immense complexity of its implementation, the significant economic implications for all societal strata, and the profound need for communal faith and widespread cooperation likely presented considerable challenges to its full and consistent observance. However, despite potential historical inconsistencies in practice, the *ideal* of the Jubilee remained a profoundly powerful theological concept, continually pointing to God's ultimate sovereignty, His unwavering commitment to justice, and His divine vision for a truly equitable and compassionate society.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The Year of Jubilee, with its radical and transformative provisions for release, restoration, and return to original possession, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. While the Mosaic Jubilee addressed physical and economic bondage, Jesus inaugurates a spiritual and eternal Jubilee that liberates humanity from the far greater and more pervasive bondage of sin, death, and spiritual alienation. When Jesus began His public ministry, He famously quoted from [Isaiah 61:1-2](/isaiah/61-1-2 "Isaiah 61:1-2 - The Spirit of the Lord GOD is Upon Me"), proclaiming in [Luke 4:18-19](/luke/4-18-19 "Luke 4:18-19 - Jesus Proclaims His Mission") that He had come "to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, to preach the acceptable year of the Lord." This "acceptable year of the Lord" is the spiritual Jubilee, a permanent and universally accessible reality established through faith in Him. Through Christ, we are not merely returned to an earthly possession, but to our rightful spiritual inheritance as beloved children of God, fully reconciled to our Creator (cf. [Romans 8:17](/romans/8-17 "Romans 8:17 - Heirs with Christ")). He is the ultimate Redeemer who pays the ultimate price for our freedom (cf. [1 Peter 1:18-19](/1_peter/1-18-19 "1 Peter 1:18-19 - Redeemed by the Precious Blood of Christ")), restoring our broken relationship with God and granting us an eternal "possession" and an imperishable inheritance in the heavenly kingdom (cf. [Ephesians 1:11-14](/ephesians/1-11-14 "Ephesians 1:11-14 - Our Inheritance in Christ")). In Him, the ancient echoes of the shofar find their eternal resonance, announcing a liberation that transcends time and earthly limitations, offering true rest, an eternal inheritance, and complete restoration to all who believe.

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 25:10

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.

Leviticus 27:17

If he sanctify his field from the year of jubile, according to thy estimation it shall stand.

Leviticus 27:24

In the year of the jubile the field shall return unto him of whom it was bought, [even] to him to whom the possession of the land [did belong].

Numbers 36:4

And when the jubile of the children of Israel shall be, then shall their inheritance be put unto the inheritance of the tribe whereunto they are received: so shall their inheritance be taken away from the inheritance of the tribe of our fathers.