Leviticus 25:22

KJV

And ye shall sow the eighth year, and eat [yet] of old fruit until the ninth year; until her fruits come in ye shall eat [of] the old [store].

KJV (with Strong's)

And ye shall sow {H2232} the eighth {H8066} year {H8141}, and eat {H398} yet of old {H3465} fruit {H8393} until the ninth {H8671} year {H8141}; until her fruits {H8393} come in {H935} ye shall eat {H398} of the old {H3465} store.

Complete Jewish Bible

The eighth year you will sow seed but eat the the old, stored produce until the ninth year; that is, until the produce of the eighth year comes in, you will eat the old, stored food.

Berean Standard Bible

While you are sowing in the eighth year, you will be eating from the previous harvest, until the ninth year’s harvest comes in.

American Standard Version

And ye shall sow the eighth year, and eat of the fruits, the old store; until the ninth year, until its fruits come in, ye shall eat the old store.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 25:22 provides a divine guarantee of sustenance to the Israelites, specifically addressing their concerns about food during the Sabbatical Year cycle. It assures them that even as they resume agricultural activity by sowing in the eighth year, they will continue to be nourished by the miraculous surplus from the sixth year's harvest. This divinely extended provision will last until the new crops, sown in the eighth year, mature and become ready for consumption in the ninth year, thereby underscoring God's unfailing faithfulness and His meticulous care for His covenant people when they obey His unique commands regarding the land.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 25 meticulously outlines God's distinctive economic and social legislation for the nation of Israel, centered on the Sabbatical Year (Shemitah) and the climactic Year of Jubilee. The Sabbatical Year, a commandment detailed in [Leviticus 25:1-7](/leviticus/25-1-7 "Leviticus 25:1-7 - The Law of the Sabbatical Year"), mandated that the land lie fallow every seventh year, prohibiting sowing, pruning, or harvesting. This unique agricultural pause naturally raised profound practical anxieties regarding sustenance. God directly anticipates and addresses these fears in [Leviticus 25:20-22](/leviticus/25-20-22 "Leviticus 25:20-22 - God's Promise of Provision for the Sabbatical Year"). Specifically, [Leviticus 25:21](/leviticus/25-21 "Leviticus 25:21 - The Three-Year Harvest Blessing") promises a supernatural blessing on the sixth year's harvest, making it yield enough for three years' consumption. Verse 22 then extends and clarifies this promise, assuring the people that even as they recommence the normal agricultural cycle in the eighth year, they will continue to be sustained by the "old store" from the sixth year's abundance until the new harvest of the ninth year becomes available. This sequence of divine instruction and assurance highlights God's comprehensive foresight and His unwavering commitment to His people's well-being in the context of their obedience.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, societies were overwhelmingly agrarian, with their very survival intrinsically linked to consistent and abundant agricultural output. The concept of intentionally allowing arable land to lie fallow for an entire year, let alone for two consecutive years (as would occur when a Sabbatical Year immediately preceded a Jubilee Year), would have been economically unfathomable and a profound source of existential anxiety for any other nation. Neighboring cultures practiced continuous cultivation, maximizing yield at all costs. God's command for the Sabbatical Year was revolutionary, designed not only to teach Israel profound dependence on Him but also to assert His ultimate ownership of the land, as declared in [Leviticus 25:23](/leviticus/25-23 "Leviticus 25:23 - The Land Belongs to God"). It also fostered social justice by ensuring that the poor, the sojourner, and even wild animals could eat from what grew naturally during the fallow period. The promise in [Leviticus 25:22](/leviticus/25-22 "Leviticus 25:22 - Continued Provision During Sowing") directly counteracts the natural human inclination to fear scarcity, demanding an extraordinary act of faith from a people whose entire existence was predicated on the land's fruitfulness. It served as a powerful demonstration that God's economy operated on principles superior to human logic, prioritizing covenantal obedience and trust over conventional productivity.

* **Key Themes:** Leviticus 25:22 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Leviticus and the broader Pentateuch. Foremost among these is the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Provision**. God, as the ultimate owner of the land and the sustainer of life, demonstrates His ability to provide for His people outside of conventional agricultural means, reinforcing that their well-being is dependent on His blessing, not solely on their labor. This ties into the theme of **Obedience and Blessing**, where God explicitly links His supernatural provision to Israel's faithful adherence to His commandments, particularly the challenging Sabbatical laws (cf. [Deuteronomy 28:1-14](/deuteronomy/28-1-14 "Deuteronomy 28:1-14 - Blessings for Obedience")). The verse also highlights **Trust and Dependence**, compelling the Israelites to relinquish their natural anxieties about scarcity and to place their full reliance on God's promises. Furthermore, it subtly introduces the theme of **Rest and Renewal**, not just for the land but implicitly for the people, demonstrating that true security comes from aligning with God's rhythms rather than from ceaseless human striving. The concept of the "old store" lasting until the "new fruits" also speaks to God's **Faithfulness in Transition**, ensuring a seamless provision through changing seasons of life and obedience.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Sow (Hebrew, _zâraʻ'_):** The Hebrew verb זָרַע (_zâraʻ_) signifies the act of planting seeds. In [Leviticus 25:22](/leviticus/25-22 "Leviticus 25:22 - Continued Provision During Sowing"), it marks the resumption of normal agricultural activity in the eighth year, following the Sabbatical Year (the seventh year) when no sowing was permitted. This word highlights the return to human labor and responsibility in God's covenantal economy, even as divine provision continues to bridge the gap until the new harvest. It underscores the partnership between human effort and divine blessing.
* **Eat (Hebrew, _ʼâkal'_):** The Hebrew verb אָכַל (_ʼâkal_) means "to eat" or "to consume." Its repeated use in this verse ("ye shall eat," "ye shall eat") emphasizes the practical concern of sustenance and God's direct assurance that their physical needs will be met. The word points to the tangible reality of God's provision, demonstrating that despite the land's rest, the people will not go hungry. It signifies the fulfillment of God's promise to sustain their lives.
* **Old (Hebrew, _yâshân'_):** The Hebrew word יָשָׁן (_yâshân_) means "old," "ancient," or "stored up." In this context, "old fruit" or "old store" refers to the produce from previous harvests, specifically the supernaturally abundant yield of the sixth year, which God promised would last for three years ([Leviticus 25:21](/leviticus/25-21 "Leviticus 25:21 - God's Three-Year Harvest Provision")). The term emphasizes that the sustenance provided is not from a new, naturally occurring crop of the eighth year, but from a divinely preserved and extended surplus. This highlights the miraculous nature of God's provision, demonstrating His power to make a harvest last far beyond its natural lifespan, thereby alleviating the Israelites' fears of famine during the fallow years. The "old store" thus becomes a tangible sign of God's faithfulness and His ability to sustain His people outside of conventional means.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And ye shall sow the eighth year":** This clause signifies the end of the Sabbatical Year's mandatory agricultural rest (the seventh year) and the recommencement of the regular cycle of cultivation. It indicates that the people are to return to their normal farming practices, planting seeds as they would in any other non-Sabbatical year. This is the human action component, demonstrating their obedience in resuming work after a period of commanded inactivity.
* **"and eat [yet] of old fruit until the ninth year;":** This is the core promise of continued divine sustenance. Despite the land having rested in the seventh year and the people now sowing in the eighth, they would not immediately eat from the newly sown crops. Instead, they would continue to consume the "old fruit"—referring to the miraculously abundant harvest from the sixth year, which God had promised would be sufficient for three years (covering the sixth, seventh, and eighth years). This phrase assures them that the provision would not run out prematurely but would extend well into the new agricultural cycle.
* **"until her fruits come in ye shall eat [of] the old [store].":** This final clause reiterates and reinforces both the duration and the source of the provision. It precisely specifies that the "old store" (the supernaturally preserved yield from the sixth year) would last exactly until the new crops, which were sown in the eighth year, matured and became ready for harvest in the ninth year. This eliminates any ambiguity about the timeline, guaranteeing a seamless transition from the miraculous, extended provision to the new, naturally grown sustenance, all orchestrated by God's perfect timing and unwavering faithfulness.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 25:22 primarily employs **Divine Assurance** and **Symbolism**. The entire passage, particularly this verse, is a direct promise from God, providing explicit reassurance against the natural anxieties associated with the Sabbatical Year. This direct address from the Lord serves to build profound trust and encourage unwavering obedience, demonstrating that His commands are always accompanied by His faithful provision. The concept of the "old store" functions as powerful **Symbolism**, representing God's supernatural ability to provide abundantly beyond human expectation and natural limitations. It symbolizes His overflowing grace, the sufficiency of His resources, and His meticulous care for His covenant people. Furthermore, the promise of sustained provision through a period of rest and renewed sowing subtly employs **Foreshadowing**, hinting at the spiritual principle that true abundance and security come not from relentless human effort alone, but from trusting in God's economy and His perfect timing.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 25:22 profoundly illustrates God's unwavering faithfulness and His commitment to provide for His people when they walk in obedience to His commands. It reveals a divine economy that transcends human logic and natural limitations, emphasizing that God's resources are inexhaustible and His care meticulously detailed. The passage teaches that true security is found not in self-reliance or ceaseless labor, but in trusting God's promises and aligning with His rhythms of rest and work. This principle extends beyond agricultural provision to all areas of life, reminding believers that God is the ultimate source of all sustenance and blessing, and that obedience to Him unlocks supernatural provision and peace.

* [Deuteronomy 28:12](/deuteronomy/28-12 "Descriptive Title")
* [Philippians 4:19](/philippians/4-19 "Descriptive Title")
* [Matthew 6:33](/matthew/6-33 "Descriptive Title")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Leviticus 25:22 offers a powerful and enduring lesson in divine provision and the necessity of radical trust for believers today. In a world that relentlessly pressures us towards constant productivity, accumulation, and self-sufficiency, this verse challenges us to embrace a counter-cultural posture of faith and dependence. It invites us to release our anxieties about the future, whether they concern finances, health, career, or personal security, and to lean fully on God's proven faithfulness. Just as the Israelites had to trust that God would supernaturally sustain them through the fallow years, we are called to trust that God will provide for our needs as we seek to obey Him and live according to His principles, even when those principles seem to defy conventional wisdom or economic logic. This passage encourages us to find profound rest in God's unfailing provision, knowing that His timing is perfect and His resources are limitless, thereby empowering us to steward our lives with peace, generosity, and confident faith rather than panic or scarcity mentality.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What specific areas of your life cause you the most anxiety about future provision, and how might the promise in Leviticus 25:22 encourage you to trust God more deeply in those areas?**
* **How does the concept of "rest" (both for the land and for people) as a pathway to provision challenge your current understanding of productivity, success, and personal striving?**
* **In what practical, tangible ways can you demonstrate your trust in God's provision this week, especially when it feels counter-intuitive or requires stepping out in faith?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of the "eighth year" in this verse?**

Answer: The "eighth year" signifies the resumption of normal agricultural activity after the Sabbatical Year (the seventh year), during which the land was commanded to lie fallow and no sowing or reaping was permitted. The Israelites were to begin sowing their fields again in the eighth year, re-engaging in their agricultural labor. The profound significance of [Leviticus 25:22](/leviticus/25-22 "Leviticus 25:22 - Continued Provision During Sowing") is that even as they started this new cycle of work, God promised they would continue to eat from the "old store" (the supernaturally abundant harvest of the sixth year) until the new crops, sown in the eighth year, matured and were ready for harvest in the ninth year. This ensured a seamless and continuous transition of provision, demonstrating God's meticulous care for their sustenance through the entire cycle of obedience and renewed labor.

**How does this verse relate to God's faithfulness?**

Answer: This verse is a profound and tangible testament to God's unwavering faithfulness. The command for the Sabbatical Year required immense and radical trust from the Israelites, as it meant foregoing a year's harvest and relying entirely on divine intervention. God's promise in [Leviticus 25:21](/leviticus/25-21 "Leviticus 25:21 - God's Three-Year Harvest Provision") and [Leviticus 25:22](/leviticus/25-22 "Leviticus 25:22 - Continued Provision During Sowing") directly addresses their natural anxieties, assuring them that He would supernaturally provide for their needs. The "old fruit" lasting until the ninth year is a concrete demonstration that God keeps His promises, sustaining His people even when their obedience to His commands seems to defy conventional wisdom, natural means, or human logic. It underscores that His provision is inextricably tied to their obedience and His covenant loyalty, proving Him to be utterly trustworthy.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 25:22, with its promise of sustained provision through the "old store" until the new harvest, beautifully foreshadows the ultimate and eternal provision found in Jesus Christ. Just as the Israelites relied on a miraculous, extended supply of physical food from a past harvest, believers today rely on Christ as the true "Bread of Life" ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")), who offers spiritual sustenance that never runs out and satisfies eternally. The temporary, earthly manna in the wilderness and the "old fruit" of Leviticus point to Jesus, who declared, "I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever" ([John 6:51](/john/6-51 "John 6:51 - Jesus, the Living Bread")). He is the ultimate provision, not just for a season, but for eternity, satisfying our deepest spiritual hunger and thirst with living water that springs up to eternal life ([John 4:14](/john/4-14 "John 4:14 - Living Water")). Furthermore, Christ's finished work on the cross provides a complete and lasting "store" of grace, forgiveness, righteousness, and eternal life, covering us fully and perfectly until His glorious return, ensuring that we are never left wanting for spiritual nourishment or security in Him ([Philippians 4:19](/philippians/4-19 "Philippians 4:19 - God Will Supply All Your Needs")). He is the faithful God who sustains His people through every season, fulfilling all the promises and provisions of the Old Covenant in His person and redemptive work.

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 26:10

And ye shall eat old store, and bring forth the old because of the new.

2 Kings 19:29

And this [shall be] a sign unto thee, Ye shall eat this year such things as grow of themselves, and in the second year that which springeth of the same; and in the third year sow ye, and reap, and plant vineyards, and eat the fruits thereof.

Isaiah 37:30

And this [shall be] a sign unto thee, Ye shall eat [this] year such as groweth of itself; and the second year that which springeth of the same: and in the third year sow ye, and reap, and plant vineyards, and eat the fruit thereof.

Joshua 5:11

And they did eat of the old corn of the land on the morrow after the passover, unleavened cakes, and parched [corn] in the selfsame day.

Joshua 5:12

And the manna ceased on the morrow after they had eaten of the old corn of the land; neither had the children of Israel manna any more; but they did eat of the fruit of the land of Canaan that year.