Leviticus 25:23

KJV

¶ The land shall not be sold for ever: for the land [is] mine; for ye [are] strangers and sojourners with me.

KJV (with Strong's)

The land {H776} shall not be sold {H4376} for ever {H6783}: for the land {H776} is mine; for ye are strangers {H1616} and sojourners {H8453} with me.

Complete Jewish Bible

"'The land is not to be sold in perpetuity, because the land belongs to me -you are only foreigners and temporary residents with me.

Berean Standard Bible

The land must not be sold permanently, because it is Mine, and you are but foreigners and residents with Me.

American Standard Version

And the land shall not be sold in perpetuity; for the land is mine: for ye are strangers and sojourners with me.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 25:23 establishes a foundational principle for land ownership in ancient Israel: the land ultimately belongs to God, not to humans. This verse, situated within the comprehensive laws of the Sabbatical and Jubilee years, prohibits the permanent sale of land, asserting that the Israelites are merely temporary residents—strangers and sojourners—under God's supreme authority. It profoundly underscores divine sovereignty over all creation and humanity's role as stewards, fostering economic justice, preventing perpetual poverty, and continually reminding Israel of their dependent, covenantal relationship with their divine Landlord.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 25:23 serves as the theological bedrock for the intricate land laws detailed in [Leviticus 25](/leviticus/25 "Leviticus 25 - Laws of the Sabbatical and Jubilee Years"). These laws govern the Sabbatical Year (every seventh year) and the Jubilee Year (every fiftieth year), both designed to prevent the permanent accumulation of land by a few, ensure social and economic equity, and continually remind the Israelites of God's absolute sovereignty over their inheritance. The Sabbatical year mandated that the land lie fallow, allowing it to rest and debts to be released, as outlined in [Deuteronomy 15:1-2](/deuteronomy/15-1-2 "Deuteronomy 15:1-2 - Release of Debts and Servants"). The Jubilee year, occurring every 50th year, commanded the return of all ancestral land to its original families and the release of all Israelite slaves, as powerfully declared in [Leviticus 25:10](/leviticus/25-10 "Leviticus 25:10 - Proclamation of Liberty for the Jubilee"). Verse 23 provides the ultimate divine rationale for these radical economic and social provisions: since the land belongs to God, human transactions involving it can only be temporary leases, not permanent sales. This divine ownership ensures that the land, given as a covenant inheritance, would always revert to its original tribal and family allotments, preventing the disenfranchisement of future generations and preserving the social fabric of Israel.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, land was the primary source of wealth, status, and security. Permanent land ownership was a deeply ingrained concept, and its loss often meant perpetual servitude or destitution. However, Israel's land tenure system, as outlined in Leviticus, radically diverged from this norm. The Promised Land was not acquired through conquest alone but was a divine gift, an inheritance (`nachalah`) from Yahweh to each tribe and family, meticulously allotted as described in [Numbers 26:52-56](/numbers/26-52-56 "Numbers 26:52-56 - Allotment of Land by Lot"). This meant that land was not merely property but a sacred trust, intrinsically linked to their covenant identity and relationship with God. The laws of Jubilee and Sabbatical years, therefore, served as a theological and practical safeguard against the concentration of wealth and power, ensuring that no Israelite family could be permanently dispossessed of their ancestral inheritance. By declaring the Israelites "strangers and sojourners," God was redefining their status not as absolute owners, but as tenants in His land, utterly dependent on Him for their sustenance and security, much like the patriarchs who lived as sojourners in the land before its full inheritance, as seen with Abraham in [Genesis 23:4](/genesis/23-4 "Genesis 23:4 - Abraham as a Sojourner in Canaan"). This unique system promoted social stability, prevented the formation of a permanently landless class, and underscored a profound theological truth: God is the ultimate Landlord, and humanity lives by His grace and provision.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several major theological and narrative themes found throughout Leviticus and the broader Pentateuch. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Ownership**, asserting God's absolute dominion over all creation, particularly the Promised Land. This directly challenges human claims of ultimate ownership, reframing them as temporary stewardship. Secondly, it reinforces the theme of **Covenant Faithfulness and Obedience**, as Israel's continued enjoyment of the land was conditional upon their adherence to God's laws, including these economic statutes, as emphasized in [Leviticus 26:3-5](/leviticus/26-3-5 "Leviticus 26:3-5 - Blessings for Obedience"). Thirdly, the verse undergirds the theme of **Economic and Social Justice**, providing a unique system to prevent the permanent disenfranchisement of families and ensure a more equitable distribution of wealth, reflecting God's compassionate character and concern for the vulnerable within His community. Finally, it highlights the theme of **Israel's Identity as God's People**, reminding them that their true security and identity are rooted in their relationship with Yahweh, not in their earthly possessions or status, echoing the transient nature of their forefathers' lives in the land before the Exodus, as described in [Genesis 12:1-3](/genesis/12-1-3 "Genesis 12:1-3 - The Call of Abram").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Sold (Hebrew, _mâkar'_ H4376) for ever (Hebrew, _tsᵉmîythuth'_ H6783):** The verb _mâkar_ means "to sell," encompassing transactions from merchandise to persons into slavery. The adverbial noun _tsᵉmîythuth_ signifies "excision," "destruction," or "perpetually," used here with a prepositional prefix to mean "to extinction." Combined, "sold for ever" (לַצְּמִיתֻת) signifies an irreversible, absolute alienation or permanent cutting off of the land from its original owner. The law explicitly forbids such a transaction, emphasizing that no human sale can sever the land from its divine owner or its designated family inheritance. This term highlights the radical nature of God's prohibition, ensuring that the land's original allocation remains fundamentally intact, even if temporarily transferred.
* **Land (Hebrew, _ʼerets'_ H776):** This versatile term refers to "the earth (at large, or partitively a land)," "country," or "ground." In this context, it specifically denotes the Promised Land, the territory God covenanted to give to Israel. The repeated use of "the land" emphasizes its central role in Israel's identity and covenant relationship with God. By declaring "the land is mine," God asserts His ultimate proprietary rights over this specific territory, establishing the theological basis for all subsequent land laws and for Israel's unique relationship to their inheritance.
* **Strangers (Hebrew, _gêr'_ H1616) and sojourners (Hebrew, _tôwshâb'_ H8453):** These two terms together define Israel's status in the land. A _gêr_ is properly a "guest" or "foreigner" who has settled in the land, often dependent on the hospitality and protection of the native inhabitants. A _tôwshâb_ is a "dweller" or "resident alien" who resides in a place for a limited time, without permanent rights or full citizenship, distinguished from a native citizen. By applying these terms to Israel, God defines their relationship to the land not as absolute owners but as temporary residents, guests in His house. This status fosters humility, prevents arrogance, and reminds them that their true security and identity are rooted in their relationship with God, not in their earthly possessions.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The land shall not be sold for ever":** This clause issues a direct legal prohibition against the permanent alienation of land. It mandates that any transaction involving land is to be understood as a temporary lease for a specified period, not an outright, irreversible sale. The purpose is to ensure that the land, which was allotted to families as an inheritance from God, would eventually revert to its original owners in the Jubilee year, thus preventing the accumulation of vast estates by a few and the perpetual impoverishment of others. This provision was a cornerstone of Israel's unique economic and social justice system.
* **"for the land [is] mine":** This is the profound theological justification for the preceding prohibition. God declares His absolute, ultimate, and inherent ownership of the land. This statement establishes that human claims to ownership are always subordinate to God's supreme dominion. Since God is the true Landlord and Creator, He has the sovereign right to dictate the terms of its use and transfer, which includes the Jubilee system of reversion. This principle highlights God's supreme sovereignty over all creation and His covenant relationship with Israel, emphasizing that the land is a gift, not an entitlement.
* **"for ye [are] strangers and sojourners with me":** This clause further explains the nature of Israel's relationship to the land, reinforcing the idea of divine ownership and their dependent status. By calling them "strangers and sojourners," God defines their status as temporary residents or tenants in His land, guests in His divine household. This perspective fosters a deep sense of stewardship rather than absolute possession, reminding the Israelites that their tenure is conditional and their true home, security, and identity are found in God Himself, not in earthly property. It also implies a responsibility to care for the land and its inhabitants in a way that reflects God's character and generosity.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 25:23 masterfully employs several literary techniques to convey its profound theological and legal message. The opening phrase, "The land shall not be sold for ever," is a clear example of **Legal Language**, characteristic of the Mosaic Law, establishing an unequivocal prohibition that governs human conduct regarding property. This is immediately followed by a powerful **Divine Assertion**: "for the land is mine." This declarative statement functions as the ultimate theological rationale, grounding the entire legal system concerning land in God's supreme authority and ownership. The subsequent description of Israel as "strangers and sojourners with me" utilizes a profound **Metaphor** to define their relationship to both God and the land, casting God as the ultimate Landlord and Israel as His temporary tenants or guests. This metaphor reinforces the concepts of stewardship, humility, and dependence, creating a rich theological framework for economic and social justice within the covenant community.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 25:23 articulates a profound theological truth: God's ultimate sovereignty over all creation, particularly the Promised Land, and by extension, over all human possessions and endeavors. This principle challenges any notion of absolute human ownership, reframing it as temporary stewardship under the divine Landlord. It underscores that all we possess is a gift from God, entrusted to us for a season, to be managed according to His will and for His glory. This perspective cultivates humility, dependence on God, and an eternal mindset, reminding us that our true security and identity are found in Him, not in earthly wealth or possessions. The verse also lays the groundwork for radical economic justice, ensuring that no family would be permanently dispossessed, reflecting God's heart for equity and the care of the vulnerable within His covenant community, echoing the broader biblical call to care for the poor and marginalized.

* [Psalm 24:1](/psalm/24-1 "Psalm 24:1 - The Earth is the Lord's")
* [Deuteronomy 8:18](/deuteronomy/8-18 "Deuteronomy 8:18 - God Gives Power to Get Wealth")
* [1 Chronicles 29:15](/1_chronicles/29-15 "1 Chronicles 29:15 - David's Prayer of Transience")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Leviticus 25:23 offers timeless wisdom for how we view and manage our resources in the modern world. In a culture often driven by accumulation, consumerism, and the pursuit of permanent ownership, this verse calls us to a radical reorientation: everything we have—our homes, finances, talents, time, and even our very lives—is ultimately God's. We are merely stewards, entrusted with these gifts for a season, to be used for His purposes and glory. This understanding fosters profound humility and liberates us from the anxiety of clinging to possessions. It encourages radical generosity, reminding us that since God is the ultimate provider, we can freely share what He has given us, participating in His heart for justice and compassion, especially towards the marginalized and those in need. Furthermore, recognizing our status as "strangers and sojourners" on earth shifts our focus from building earthly empires to investing in eternal values and seeking our true citizenship in heaven, living with an eternal perspective that shapes our daily choices and priorities and cultivates a deep trust in God's provision.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the principle of God's ultimate ownership of all things challenge your personal view of your possessions and wealth, and how might it change your approach to financial planning or charitable giving?**
* **In what practical ways can you live more intentionally as a "stranger and sojourner" in this world, rather than seeking permanent security and identity in earthly things?**
* **Considering God's heart for justice as expressed in the Jubilee laws, what steps can you take to exercise better stewardship over the resources God has entrusted to you, aligning with His desire for equity and care for the vulnerable?**

### FAQ

**What does "the land shall not be sold for ever" mean in a practical sense for ancient Israel?**

Answer: In a practical sense, this meant that while a piece of land could be "sold," it was actually more akin to a long-term lease. The price of the land would be calculated based on the number of years remaining until the next Jubilee year, when all land would revert to its original family ownership ([Leviticus 25:15-16](/leviticus/25-15-16 "Leviticus 25:15-16 - Calculation of Land Value and Return")). This prevented families from being permanently dispossessed of their ancestral inheritance and ensured that the tribal allotments, established when Israel entered the Promised Land, would be maintained. It was a divine safeguard against the concentration of wealth and the creation of a permanently landless class, promoting social equity, economic stability, and the preservation of family legacies within the covenant community.

**How can we apply the concept of being "strangers and sojourners" today when we own homes and property?**

Answer: While we may legally own homes and property in modern society, the spiritual principle of being "strangers and sojourners" still applies profoundly to believers. It means recognizing that our ultimate citizenship is not of this world but is in heaven ([Philippians 3:20](/philippians/3-20 "Philippians 3:20 - Our Citizenship is in Heaven")), and our time on earth, along with all our possessions, is temporary and provisional. This perspective encourages us to hold earthly possessions lightly, understanding that they are gifts from God to be stewarded for His glory and purposes, not ends in themselves. It fosters a detachment from materialism and a greater focus on eternal values, reminding us that our true security and inheritance are found in Christ, not in what we own ([Hebrews 11:13-16](/hebrews/11-13-16 "Hebrews 11:13-16 - Pilgrims on Earth Awaiting a Heavenly City")). This mindset shapes our priorities, encourages generosity, and cultivates a longing for our true, eternal home.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 25:23 finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who embodies the truth that "the land is mine." This declaration points to Christ as the very Creator and Sustainer of all things, the one through whom and for whom all things were made, and in whom all things hold together ([Colossians 1:16-17](/colossians/1-16-17 "Colossians 1:16-17 - Christ as Creator and Sustainer")). He is the true and ultimate Landlord, and His dominion extends not just over a physical land but over all creation and all humanity, for all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Him ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Jesus")). Furthermore, the concept of Israel as "strangers and sojourners" in God's land powerfully foreshadows the New Testament believer's identity as a "sojourner and pilgrim" in this world, whose true citizenship is in heaven ([1 Peter 2:11](/1_peter/2-11 "1 Peter 2:11 - Abstain from Fleshly Lusts") and [Philippians 3:20](/philippians/3-20 "Philippians 3:20 - Our Citizenship is in Heaven")). We are no longer merely temporary residents in a physical land, but spiritual sojourners awaiting our eternal inheritance in the new heavens and new earth, which Christ secures for us through His redemptive work ([2 Peter 3:13](/2_peter/3-13 "2 Peter 3:13 - New Heavens and New Earth") and [Revelation 21:1-4](/revelation/21-1-4 "Revelation 21:1-4 - The New Heaven and New Earth")). The Jubilee's promise of land returning to its original family and the release of debts finds its spiritual reality in Christ, who proclaims true liberty to the captives, releases us from the crushing debt of sin, and restores us to our true spiritual inheritance as children of God and co-heirs with Him ([Luke 4:18-19](/luke/4-18-19 "Luke 4:18-19 - Jesus Proclaims Good News") and [Galatians 4:7](/galatians/4-7 "Galatians 4:7 - Heirs Through God")). In Him, our ultimate and eternal "land" is secured, not through temporary leases, but through an everlasting covenant established by His blood, guaranteeing an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for us ([1 Peter 1:3-4](/1_peter/1-3-4 "1 Peter 1:3-4 - A Living Hope")).

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

1 Peter 2:11

Dearly beloved, I beseech [you] as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul;

Psalms 39:12

Hear my prayer, O LORD, and give ear unto my cry; hold not thy peace at my tears: for I [am] a stranger with thee, [and] a sojourner, as all my fathers [were].

1 Chronicles 29:15

For we [are] strangers before thee, and sojourners, as [were] all our fathers: our days on the earth [are] as a shadow, and [there is] none abiding.

Ezekiel 48:14

And they shall not sell of it, neither exchange, nor alienate the firstfruits of the land: for [it is] holy unto the LORD.

Psalms 24:1

¶ A Psalm of David. The earth [is] the LORD'S, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.

Deuteronomy 32:43

Rejoice, O ye nations, [with] his people: for he will avenge the blood of his servants, and will render vengeance to his adversaries, and will be merciful unto his land, [and] to his people.

Exodus 19:5

Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth [is] mine: