Leviticus 25:17

KJV

Ye shall not therefore oppress one another; but thou shalt fear thy God: for I [am] the LORD your God.

KJV (with Strong's)

Ye shall not therefore oppress {H3238} one {H376} another {H5997}; but thou shalt fear {H3372} thy God {H430}: for I am the LORD {H3068} your God {H430}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Thus you are not to take advantage of each other, but you are to fear your God; for I am ADONAI your God.

Berean Standard Bible

Do not take advantage of each other, but fear your God; for I am the LORD your God.

American Standard Version

And ye shall not wrong one another; but thou shalt fear thy God: for I am Jehovah your God.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 25:17 delivers a fundamental ethical command within the intricate framework of Israel's Sabbatical and Jubilee laws, explicitly prohibiting the oppression or exploitation of fellow Israelites. This injunction is not merely a social guideline but is profoundly rooted in the imperative to revere God, underscoring that just and equitable treatment of others is a direct manifestation of one's fear of and obedience to the sovereign LORD, the covenant God of Israel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 25 meticulously details God's economic and social legislation for the nation of Israel, centered on the Sabbatical Year (every seventh year) and the Year of Jubilee (every fiftieth year). These divinely ordained cycles were designed to prevent the permanent accumulation of land and wealth, ensure periodic redistribution, and continually remind the Israelites that the land ultimately belonged to God, as explicitly stated in [Leviticus 25:23](/leviticus/25-23 "Leviticus 25:23 - The Land Belongs to God"). The verses immediately preceding [Leviticus 25:17](/leviticus/25-17 "Leviticus 25:17 - Prohibition Against Oppression"), specifically [Leviticus 25:14-16](/leviticus/25-14-16 "Leviticus 25:14-16 - Regulations for Buying and Selling Land"), address the intricacies of buying and selling land, emphasizing that the price should be adjusted based on the number of years remaining until the next Jubilee, when property would revert to its original owners. Verse 17 serves as a crucial ethical principle embedded within this economic framework, providing the moral imperative against exploitation in such transactions. It directly warns against taking advantage of another's misfortune, ignorance, or the complexities inherent in these unique divine economic laws.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Near Eastern societies were often characterized by significant disparities in wealth and power, frequently leading to the systemic oppression of the poor and vulnerable. In stark contrast, Israel's legal code, revealed by God, aimed to establish a remarkably just and compassionate society. The Sabbatical and Jubilee laws were revolutionary economic mechanisms intended to prevent perpetual debt-slavery, ensure that families would not permanently lose their ancestral land, and maintain a degree of social equity. Within this system, there was a significant temptation to exploit those in distress who might be forced to sell land or even themselves into temporary servitude. The command in [Leviticus 25:17](/leviticus/25-17 "Leviticus 25:17 - Prohibition Against Oppression") directly addresses this human propensity for greed and the abuse of power. The "fear of God" (yârêʼ) was not a concept of terror, but a profound reverence and awe that acknowledged God's sovereignty, holiness, and justice, serving as the ultimate motivation for ethical behavior within the covenant community. This deep reverence was intended to regulate all social and economic interactions, ensuring that the divine intent for a just and equitable society was upheld.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Leviticus and the broader Pentateuch. It reinforces the theme of **Holiness and Separation**, demonstrating that God's people are called to live differently from surrounding nations, reflecting His righteous character in their social dealings. It highlights **Divine Sovereignty over the Land and People**, reminding Israel that all land belongs to God ([Leviticus 25:23](/leviticus/25-23 "Leviticus 25:23 - The Land Belongs to God")) and that their economic practices must align with His will, not human greed. The verse also emphasizes **Justice and Compassion for the Vulnerable**, a recurring motif throughout the Law, seen in commands to care for the poor, the sojourner, and the widow ([Leviticus 19:9-10](/leviticus/19-9-10 "Leviticus 19:9-10 - Care for the Poor and Sojourner")). Finally, it underscores the theme of **Obedience Rooted in Reverence for God**, asserting that ethical conduct towards one's neighbor is a direct outflow of one's relationship with and "fear" of the LORD.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Oppress (Hebrew, _yânâh'_):** From H3238, this primitive root signifies "to rage or be violent; by implication, to suppress, to maltreat." It encompasses actions that unjustly burden, exploit, defraud, or cause grief. In the context of Leviticus 25, it specifically refers to manipulating prices or terms in land transactions, or exploiting a person's financial vulnerability, especially in light of the impending Sabbatical or Jubilee years. It denotes the active infliction of harm or disadvantage upon someone, moving beyond mere neglect to deliberate exploitation and treachery.
* **Fear (Hebrew, _yârêʼ'_):** From H3372, this primitive root means "to fear; morally, to revere; caus. to frighten." In this context, it denotes a profound reverence, awe, and respect for God's character, holiness, and commands, rather than mere terror. It implies a deep understanding that God sees all actions, holds His people accountable, and is the ultimate judge. This "fear" is the foundational motivation for righteous living, compelling individuals to act justly and compassionately towards others, knowing that their conduct reflects their relationship with the sovereign God. It is a fear that leads to obedience and wisdom.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** From H3068, this is the sacred, covenant name of God, often transliterated as "Yahweh" or "Jehovah." It signifies God's self-existent, eternal nature and His active, faithful presence in the covenant relationship with Israel. By declaring "I am the LORD your God," God asserts His ultimate authority, His unwavering commitment to His people, and His expectation of their obedience based on His identity as their deliverer, provider, and righteous judge. This declaration serves as the ultimate justification and enforcement of the command, reminding Israel that their ethical conduct is an act of acknowledging God's unique and supreme identity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Ye shall not therefore oppress one another;":** This clause presents a direct, negative imperative, unequivocally prohibiting any form of exploitation, injustice, or unfair dealing among the Israelites. The adverb "therefore" critically links this command to the preceding regulations concerning land sales and the Sabbatical/Jubilee laws, indicating that the potential for oppression arises specifically from economic transactions within this unique system. It calls for mutual respect, honesty, and fairness in all dealings, ensuring that no one is unduly burdened, defrauded, or impoverished by the actions of another, especially the vulnerable.
* **"but thou shalt fear thy God:":** This clause provides the essential theological and motivational grounding for avoiding oppression. It shifts the focus from external behavior to an internal disposition of the heart. The "fear of God" is presented as the primary deterrent against exploitation, implying that a genuine, profound reverence for God will naturally lead to righteous and just treatment of fellow human beings. This fear is not merely intellectual assent or a feeling of dread, but a transformative awe that actively shapes one's moral compass and actions, compelling obedience to divine standards.
* **"for I [am] the LORD your God.":** This concluding phrase serves as the ultimate divine authority and enforcement for the entire command. It is a powerful covenant formula, reminding Israel of God's sovereign identity (Yᵉhôvâh) and His unique, intimate relationship with them as "your God." Obedience to the prohibition against oppression is thus presented not merely as a social rule for communal harmony, but as an act of acknowledging God's lordship, His inherent character of justice and righteousness, and the binding nature of His covenant. Their ethical conduct is a direct reflection of their covenant relationship with the living, holy God.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 25:17 employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound message. The primary device is the **Imperative**, seen in the opening "Ye shall not... oppress," which issues a direct, non-negotiable command, emphasizing the absolute and binding nature of the prohibition. This is immediately followed by a **Motivational Clause**, "but thou shalt fear thy God," which provides the internal, spiritual impetus for obedience. This clause highlights that ethical action stems from a right relationship with God, rather than mere external compliance or fear of human reprisal. Finally, the verse concludes with a powerful **Covenant Formula** or **Divine Self-Attestation**: "for I [am] the LORD your God." This declaration serves as the ultimate ground for the command's authority, reminding the audience of God's unique identity, His sovereignty, and His covenant relationship with Israel, thereby making the ethical command an integral part of their theological identity and commitment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 25:17 profoundly connects the practical ethics of human interaction with the fundamental nature of God. It teaches that justice and compassion are not optional social ideals but are intrinsically tied to the character of the LORD Himself. The prohibition against oppression stems directly from God's own righteousness and His desire for a just society where the vulnerable are protected. The "fear of God" is presented as the wellspring of true morality, indicating that our reverence for the divine directly influences how we treat our fellow human beings. This verse thus links vertical piety (fear of God) with horizontal ethics (justice towards others), demonstrating that genuine worship manifests in righteous living within the community.

* [Deuteronomy 10:12-13](/deuteronomy/10-12-13 "Deuteronomy 10:12-13 - What the LORD Requires")
* [Micah 6:8](/micah/6-8 "Micah 6:8 - What Does the LORD Require?")
* [Proverbs 28:27](/proverbs/28-27 "Proverbs 28:27 - Giving to the Poor")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Leviticus 25:17 holds enduring relevance for believers today, challenging us to embody God's justice and compassion in all spheres of life. It calls us to examine our interactions, particularly in economic and social contexts, to ensure we are not exploiting others, whether through unfair business practices, deceptive dealings, or taking advantage of someone's vulnerability. This verse reminds us that our ethical conduct is a direct reflection of our reverence for God. A genuine "fear of God" should compel us to act with integrity, fairness, and generosity, recognizing that every person bears the image of God and is worthy of dignified treatment. It fosters a community where mutual respect and care prevent individuals from being taken advantage of, reflecting God's own character of justice and compassion in our collective life. This divine command serves as a timeless call to cultivate a society marked by equity and dignity, driven by a profound awe for the God who champions the oppressed.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life, particularly economic or social interactions, might I be tempted to "oppress" or take unfair advantage of others, even subtly?**
* **How does my understanding of the "fear of God" practically influence my decisions and actions towards those around me, especially those who are vulnerable?**
* **What specific steps can I take to promote justice and prevent exploitation within my community or workplace, reflecting the principles of this verse?**

### FAQ

**What does "fear thy God" truly mean in this context, and how does it relate to not oppressing others?**

Answer: In this context, "fear thy God" (Hebrew: *yârêʼ*) does not imply being terrified of God, but rather holding Him in profound reverence, awe, and respect. It signifies acknowledging His absolute authority, His holiness, and His role as the righteous judge who sees all actions. This deep reverence for God is presented as the primary motivation for ethical behavior. When one truly fears God, they understand that God desires justice and compassion for all people, especially the vulnerable. Therefore, to oppress another person would be to act directly against God's character and commands, demonstrating a lack of true reverence for Him. The fear of God compels one to align their actions with His will, leading to just and fair treatment of others, knowing that God is watching and will hold His people accountable.

**How does the prohibition against oppression in Leviticus 25:17 apply to modern economic systems and social justice?**

Answer: While the specific context of [Leviticus 25:17](/leviticus/25-17 "Leviticus 25:17 - Prohibition Against Oppression") relates to ancient Israelite land laws, its underlying principle is timeless: God abhors exploitation and injustice in all forms. In modern economic systems, this principle calls believers to conduct all business and financial dealings with integrity, avoiding deceit, predatory lending, unfair labor practices, or any form of manipulation that takes advantage of another's need or ignorance. It challenges employers to pay fair wages, employees to work diligently, and consumers to be mindful of ethical sourcing. On a broader societal level, it advocates for policies and practices that protect the vulnerable, ensure equitable access to resources, and promote social justice, reflecting God's desire for a society where no one is unduly burdened or impoverished. This timeless command resonates with the prophetic call for justice to "roll down like waters" as seen in [Amos 5:24](/amos/5-24 "Amos 5:24 - Let Justice Roll Down Like Waters").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 25:17, with its dual command to avoid oppression and to fear God, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament law exposed humanity's inability to perfectly live out such commands, Jesus perfectly embodied both the fear of God and flawless love for humanity. He taught that the entire Law and Prophets hang on the two great commandments: to love God with all one's heart, soul, mind, and strength, and to love one's neighbor as oneself ([Matthew 22:37-39](/matthew/22-37-39 "Matthew 22:37-39 - The Greatest Commandment")). The prohibition against oppression is a direct outflow of loving one's neighbor, and the motivation to "fear God" is fulfilled in Christ's perfect obedience and reverence for the Father ([John 8:29](/john/8-29 "John 8:29 - Jesus Always Does What Pleases the Father")). Furthermore, Jesus did not merely teach against oppression; He actively ministered to the oppressed, the poor, and the marginalized, demonstrating God's heart for justice and liberation as proclaimed in His Nazareth manifesto ([Luke 4:18-19](/luke/4-18-19 "Luke 4:18-19 - Jesus' Mission Statement")). Through His atoning sacrifice, Christ frees us from the oppression of sin and empowers us by His Spirit to live lives of justice and love, enabling us to truly "fear God" by obeying His commands and to "not oppress one another" by living out the [golden rule](/matthew/7-12 "Matthew 7:12 - The Golden Rule") in all our interactions ([Galatians 5:13-14](/galatians/5-13-14 "Galatians 5:13-14 - Love Fulfills the Law")). He is the ultimate Jubilee, bringing true freedom and restoration from all forms of spiritual and social 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

Leviticus 19:14

Thou shalt not curse the deaf, nor put a stumblingblock before the blind, but shalt fear thy God: I [am] the LORD.

Leviticus 19:32

Thou shalt rise up before the hoary head, and honour the face of the old man, and fear thy God: I [am] the LORD.

Leviticus 25:43

Thou shalt not rule over him with rigour; but shalt fear thy God.

Exodus 20:20

And Moses said unto the people, Fear not: for God is come to prove you, and that his fear may be before your faces, that ye sin not.

Genesis 42:18

And Joseph said unto them the third day, This do, and live; [for] I fear God:

Proverbs 1:7

¶ The fear of the LORD [is] the beginning of knowledge: [but] fools despise wisdom and instruction.

Jeremiah 22:16

He judged the cause of the poor and needy; then [it was] well [with him: was] not this to know me? saith the LORD.