Leviticus 25:20

KJV

And if ye shall say, What shall we eat the seventh year? behold, we shall not sow, nor gather in our increase:

KJV (with Strong's)

And if ye shall say {H559}, What shall we eat {H398} the seventh {H7637} year {H8141}? behold, we shall not sow {H2232}, nor gather {H622} in our increase {H8393}:

Complete Jewish Bible

"'If you ask, "If we aren't allowed to sow seed or harvest what our land produces, what are we going to eat the seventh year?"

Berean Standard Bible

Now you may wonder, ‘What will we eat in the seventh year if we do not sow or gather our produce?’

American Standard Version

And if ye shall say, What shall we eat the seventh year? behold, we shall not sow, nor gather in our increase;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 25:20 captures the profound human concern and pragmatic anxiety of the ancient Israelites regarding the observance of the Sabbatical Year, or *Shemitah*. Having received the divine command to allow their land to lie fallow every seventh year, the people voice their immediate apprehension: "What shall we eat the seventh year? behold, we shall not sow, nor gather in our increase:" This verse encapsulates a pivotal moment of tension between human logic and the radical demands of divine obedience, setting the stage for God's profound assurance of supernatural provision.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 25:20 is strategically placed within a comprehensive section of Leviticus (chapters 25-27) that meticulously details the laws concerning the Sabbatical Year and the Year of Jubilee. Specifically, it follows God's initial, foundational command for the land to observe a "Sabbath of solemn rest" every seventh year, during which no sowing or pruning was permitted, as outlined in [Leviticus 25:1-7](/leviticus/25-1-7 "Leviticus 25:1-7 - Laws of the Sabbatical Year"). The rhetorical question posed in verse 20 directly anticipates and sets the stage for God's gracious response and powerful promise of provision, found immediately in the subsequent verses of [Leviticus 25:21-22](/leviticus/25-21-22 "Leviticus 25:21-22 - God's Promise of Triple Provision"). This human query serves to highlight the perceived dilemma from the people's perspective, making God's subsequent promise all the more impactful as a demonstration of His covenant faithfulness and sovereign care.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Israel was fundamentally an agrarian society, with their very sustenance and economic stability directly dependent on the consistent cultivation of their land. In this context, the concept of letting the land lie fallow for an entire year was economically counter-intuitive and, from a purely human standpoint, seemed to invite famine and destitution. The Sabbatical Year (Hebrew: *Shemitah*, meaning "release" or "letting go") was a unique divine institution designed to teach Israel radical dependence on God, rather than self-reliance or human ingenuity. It served as a profound test of faith, a tangible reminder of God's ultimate ownership of the land, as declared in [Leviticus 25:23](/leviticus/25-23 "Leviticus 25:23 - The Land Belongs to God"), and a practice that fostered social justice by allowing the poor and wild animals to eat from what grew spontaneously, as also commanded in [Exodus 23:10-11](/exodus/23-10-11 "Exodus 23:10-11 - The Sabbatical Year for the Poor and Animals"). The question articulated in Leviticus 25:20 thus reflects the genuine anxiety of a people whose very survival was inextricably tied to their harvests, underscoring the revolutionary and faith-challenging nature of God's command within their agricultural reality.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching theological and narrative themes within Leviticus and the broader Pentateuch. Foremost among these is the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Provision**, demonstrating God's absolute authority over creation and His faithfulness to sustain His people, even when their obedience seems to defy natural laws. It highlights the tension between **Human Anxiety and Divine Command**, showcasing the human tendency to question God's wisdom when His instructions seem to contradict practical survival. Furthermore, it underscores the theme of **Radical Obedience and Trust**, inviting Israel to move beyond self-reliance and place their complete trust in God's unconventional methods of provision. This passage also subtly reinforces the concept of **Covenant Faithfulness**, as God's subsequent promise of a triple harvest in the sixth year (found in [Leviticus 25:21](/leviticus/25-21 "Leviticus 25:21 - God's Promise of Provision")) is a direct demonstration of His commitment to His covenant people.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Say (Hebrew, _ʼâmar'_):** This primitive root (H559) signifies the act of speaking or uttering, used with broad latitude to express declaration, command, thought, or inquiry. In this context, it introduces the direct speech of the Israelites, highlighting their vocalized concern and anticipated doubt. The use of "say" here emphasizes that this is not merely an internal thought but an expressed, communal question, demonstrating God's foreknowledge of their human anxieties and His willingness to address them directly.
* **Eat (Hebrew, _ʼâkal'_):** Derived from a primitive root (H398), this verb denotes the fundamental act of consuming food for sustenance, whether literally or figuratively. Here, it underscores the most basic human need for survival. The Israelites' question, "What shall we eat?", is not about luxury or abundance, but about sheer physical maintenance. It expresses their immediate, practical concern for daily bread, revealing the gravity of their perceived dilemma when faced with a command that seems to cut off their primary means of provision.
* **Increase (Hebrew, _tᵉbûwʼâh'_):** This noun (H8393), derived from the verb "to come," refers to income, produce, yield, or revenue, particularly from agricultural endeavors. It encompasses everything that grows from their fields and vineyards that would typically be gathered for food and sustenance. The phrase "nor gather in our increase" reinforces the comprehensive nature of the Sabbatical Year's restriction. It signifies not only the prohibition against initiating new growth through sowing but also against collecting any spontaneous growth, which would normally constitute their "increase." This emphasizes the complete cessation of their usual agricultural yield and the depth of their perceived vulnerability.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And if ye shall say,"**: This introductory clause sets the stage for a direct, rhetorical question from the people. It acknowledges a foreseeable human reaction to the divine command, demonstrating God's understanding of His people's practical concerns and anxieties. It implies a divine anticipation of their doubt, preparing the ground for a powerful divine answer.
* **"What shall we eat the seventh year?"**: This is the core of the Israelites' concern, a question born of immediate and pressing need for sustenance. It expresses their anxiety over basic provision when faced with a command that seems to contradict their conventional means of survival. It represents a fundamental challenge of faith versus human logic, questioning the very premise of God's ability or willingness to provide in an unconventional manner.
* **"behold, we shall not sow,"**: This clause articulates their understanding and commitment to the first part of the Sabbatical Year command—the cessation of agricultural labor and planting. The interjection "behold" emphasizes the stark reality of their situation. It shows they grasp the implications of obedience, namely, the deliberate abstention from their primary method of food production.
* **"nor gather in our increase:"**: This further clarifies the comprehensive nature of their obedience and the resulting dilemma. Not only will they not plant new crops, but they also will not harvest any natural yield that might spontaneously arise, emphasizing the complete reliance on God's unconventional provision. This highlights the radical nature of the command and the depth of their perceived vulnerability, as their customary sources of food would be entirely absent.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 25:20 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey the human dilemma and set the stage for divine resolution. The most prominent is the **Rhetorical Question**: "What shall we eat the seventh year?" This is not a genuine query seeking information from God, but rather an expression of deep anxiety, a voiced protest, or an anticipated human doubt. By articulating this question through the narrator, God demonstrates His foreknowledge of His people's practical concerns, thereby validating their feelings while simultaneously preparing the audience for His powerful assurance of provision in the subsequent verses. This device creates a strong sense of **Anticipation**, building tension and suspense before the divine resolution is revealed. Furthermore, the use of **Direct Speech** ("What shall we eat... we shall not sow...") lends immediacy and authenticity to the human dilemma, making the Israelites' concern palpable and relatable to the reader. The verse also subtly employs **Contrast**, setting human anxiety and logical limitations against the backdrop of divine command and supernatural capability, which God will soon reveal as the ultimate source of security and sustenance.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 25:20 is a profound theological statement on divine sovereignty, the nature of faith, and God's covenantal faithfulness. It posits a scenario where human effort is intentionally curtailed by divine command, forcing an absolute reliance on God's provision. This challenges the deeply ingrained human tendency towards self-sufficiency, control, and reliance on visible resources, redirecting trust from one's own labor and accumulated wealth to the unwavering faithfulness of the Creator. The underlying theological theme is that obedience to God, even when seemingly illogical, economically disadvantageous, or practically impossible from a human perspective, unlocks a supernatural dimension of divine care and provision. This passage powerfully teaches that true security and sustenance come not from the abundance of one's own harvest or the diligence of one's own hands, but from the unwavering faithfulness of God, who owns the land and sustains all life. It is a foundational text for understanding radical trust in God.

* [Deuteronomy 8:3](/deuteronomy/8-3 "Deuteronomy 8:3 - Man Lives by Every Word of God")
* [Matthew 6:25-34](/matthew/6-25-34 "Matthew 6:25-34 - Do Not Worry About Your Life")
* [Philippians 4:19](/philippians/4-19 "Philippians 4:19 - God Will Supply All Your Needs")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Leviticus 25:20 resonates powerfully with the human condition across all ages, speaking directly to our innate desire for security and our often-struggling faith when faced with seemingly insurmountable challenges. In a world that frequently equates productivity with worth, and financial stability with peace of mind, this ancient text challenges us to re-evaluate the ultimate source of our provision. It prompts us to consider moments in our lives when God calls us to a "sabbatical" of sorts—a cessation from our usual efforts, a letting go of control, or a step of faith that defies conventional wisdom. Whether it's taking a Sabbath rest from work, tithing from limited resources, pursuing a calling that seems financially risky, or simply trusting God in a season of unemployment or unexpected loss, the question "What shall we eat?" becomes our own. This verse encourages us to surrender our anxieties, remembering that the God who commanded the Sabbatical Year is the same God who promised to provide supernaturally for His people, demonstrating His unwavering faithfulness to those who obey and trust in Him. It calls us to cultivate a radical dependence on divine grace rather than human ingenuity alone.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What areas of my life am I most tempted to rely solely on my own efforts or accumulated resources, rather than trusting God's provision?**
* **In what ways might God be calling me to "rest" or "let go" of something that feels essential to my security or identity?**
* **How does my response to perceived scarcity or lack reflect my true understanding of God's sovereignty and faithfulness in my daily life?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a deeper and more consistent trust in God's provision, even when circumstances seem uncertain or contradictory to my plans?**

### FAQ
**Why did God command the Sabbatical Year, and was it truly observed by Israel?**

Answer: God commanded the Sabbatical Year for several profound and interconnected reasons, all designed to shape Israel's identity and relationship with Him. Primarily, it was to teach Israel radical dependence on Him for their sustenance, reminding them that the land and its produce ultimately belonged to Him, not to them ([Leviticus 25:23](/leviticus/25-23 "Leviticus 25:23 - The Land Belongs to God")). It also served to provide necessary rest for the land, preventing its exhaustion and promoting ecological sustainability, and to ensure social justice by allowing the poor, the needy, and even wild animals to eat from what grew spontaneously during that year ([Exodus 23:10-11](/exodus/23-10-11 "Exodus 23:10-11 - The Sabbatical Year for the Poor and Animals")). While the law was clearly articulated, historical evidence and prophetic condemnations suggest that its observance was often sporadic and challenging for the Israelites. The prophets frequently rebuked Israel for their disobedience, including their failure to observe the Sabbatical Years, which ultimately led to their seventy-year exile in Babylon, fulfilling the land's "rest" for the neglected Sabbaths ([2 Chronicles 36:21](/2_chronicles/36-21 "2 Chronicles 36:21 - The Land Enjoys Its Sabbaths")). This historical struggle highlights the perennial human challenge with radical obedience and the consequences of neglecting God's commands.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 25:20, with its anxious human question and God's subsequent promise of supernatural provision, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The Sabbatical Year, a divine law designed to cultivate Israel's dependence on God for physical sustenance, foreshadows Christ as the true and ultimate source of all provision—both physical and, more importantly, spiritual. Jesus Himself declares, "I am the [bread of life](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life"); whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst" ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")). His teaching in the Sermon on the Mount directly addresses the very anxiety expressed in Leviticus 25:20, urging His disciples not to worry about "what you will eat or what you will drink" ([Matthew 6:25](/matthew/6-25 "Matthew 6:25 - Do Not Worry About Your Life")), but rather to "seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well" ([Matthew 6:33](/matthew/6-33 "Matthew 6:33 - Seek First the Kingdom of God")). Christ embodies the perfect trust and obedience that the Sabbatical Year sought to cultivate in Israel. Through His atoning work on the cross, He provides the ultimate rest from our futile labors to earn salvation, inviting us into His eternal Sabbath rest ([Hebrews 4:9-10](/hebrews/4-9-10 "Hebrews 4:9-10 - A Sabbath Rest for the People of God")). He is the faithful God who provides abundantly for His people, not according to their limited sowing or gathering, but according to His infinite riches in glory through Christ Jesus ([Philippians 4:19](/philippians/4-19 "Philippians 4:19 - God Will Supply All Your Needs")), satisfying every need beyond human comprehension.

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

Luke 12:29

And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind.

Leviticus 25:4

But in the seventh year shall be a sabbath of rest unto the land, a sabbath for the LORD: thou shalt neither sow thy field, nor prune thy vineyard.

Philippians 4:6

Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

Matthew 6:25

¶ Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?

Matthew 6:34

Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day [is] the evil thereof.

Hebrews 13:5

[Let your] conversation [be] without covetousness; [and be] content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

Hebrews 13:6

So that we may boldly say, The Lord [is] my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.