Leviticus 25:33

KJV

And if a man purchase of the Levites, then the house that was sold, and the city of his possession, shall go out in [the year of] jubile: for the houses of the cities of the Levites [are] their possession among the children of Israel.

KJV (with Strong's)

And if a man purchase {H1350} of the Levites {H3881}, then the house {H1004} that was sold {H4465}, and the city {H5892} of his possession {H272}, shall go out {H3318} in the year of jubile {H3104}: for the houses {H1004} of the cities {H5892} of the Levites {H3881} are their possession {H272} among {H8432} the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478}.

Complete Jewish Bible

If someone purchases a house from one of the L'vi'im, then the house he sold in the city where he owns property will still revert to him in the yovel; because the houses in the cities of the L'vi'im are their tribe's possession among the people of Isra'el.

Berean Standard Bible

So whatever belongs to the Levites may be redeemed—a house sold in a city they possess—and must be released in the Jubilee, because the houses in the cities of the Levites are their possession among the Israelites.

American Standard Version

And if one of the Levites redeem, then the house that was sold, and the city of his possession, shall go out in the jubilee; for the houses of the cities of the Levites are their possession among the children of Israel.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 25:33 establishes a unique and critical provision within the broader Jubilee legislation, specifically safeguarding the property rights of the Levites. Unlike other Israelites whose urban dwellings, if sold, generally became the permanent possession of the buyer after a year unless redeemed, this verse mandates that any house sold by a Levite in one of their designated cities must automatically revert to the original Levite owner in the Year of Jubilee. This divine decree underscores the inalienable nature of Levite urban properties, affirming their perpetual possession as a direct provision from God for their sacred service among the tribes of Israel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 25 is a foundational chapter in the Pentateuch, detailing the laws of the Sabbath year (verses 1-7) and the Year of Jubilee (verses 8-55). These laws establish a divinely ordained rhythm of rest, release, and restoration for the land, its people, and their possessions. The overarching purpose is to prevent the permanent accumulation of wealth and land by a few, ensuring that tribal inheritances remain intact and that no Israelite is perpetually enslaved or dispossessed. Verses 29-31 specifically address the sale and redemption of houses, distinguishing between those in walled cities (which, if not redeemed within a year, become permanent possessions) and those in unwalled villages (which are treated like fields and revert in the Jubilee). Leviticus 25:33 then introduces a crucial exception to the rule for walled cities, applying it specifically to the Levites, thereby highlighting their distinct status and the unique divine protection over their urban dwellings. This verse is immediately followed by [Leviticus 25:34](/leviticus/25-34 "Leviticus 25:34 - Levites' Pasturelands"), which further reinforces the inviolability of Levite property by stating that their pasturelands could never be sold, solidifying the perpetual nature of their designated inheritance.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Israelite society was divinely structured around the principle of perpetual tribal land inheritances, designed to maintain social stability, prevent the rise of a landless underclass, and ensure the economic viability of families. The Levites, however, were unique among the tribes. Set apart for exclusive service in the Tabernacle and later the Temple, they did not receive a territorial land inheritance like the other tribes, as explicitly stated in [Numbers 18:24](/numbers/18-24 "Numbers 18:24 - The Levites' Inheritance"). Instead, God provided for them through tithes and offerings from the other tribes, and by allotting them 48 cities scattered throughout the territories of Israel, along with surrounding pasturelands for their livestock. This arrangement is detailed in [Numbers 35:1-8](/numbers/35 "Numbers 35 - Cities for the Levites") and later confirmed in [Joshua 21:41-42](/joshua/21-41 "Joshua 21:41-42 - Distribution of Levite Cities"). These cities served as their permanent residences and operational bases for their spiritual ministry. The specific Jubilee laws concerning the Levites in [Leviticus 25:32-34](/leviticus/25-32-34 "Leviticus 25:32-34 - Levites and the Jubilee") underscore God's special provision and protection for those consecrated to His service, ensuring their stability and enabling them to fulfill their sacred duties without the perpetual threat of homelessness or economic insecurity.
* **Key Themes:** Leviticus 25:33 contributes significantly to several key themes within the broader book of Leviticus and the Pentateuch. Firstly, it emphasizes **Divine Provision and Sovereignty**, demonstrating God's meticulous care for His chosen people, particularly those dedicated to His service. God, as the ultimate owner of all land ([Leviticus 25:23](/leviticus/25-23 "Leviticus 25:23 - The Land is Mine")), establishes laws that reflect His righteous character and ensure the well-being of all. Secondly, it highlights the **Unique Status of the Levites**, distinguishing them from other tribes and providing them with a secure, inalienable inheritance of urban dwellings despite their lack of a territorial portion. This reinforces their sacred calling and ensures their ability to minister effectively. Thirdly, the verse reinforces the theme of **Restoration and Redemption** inherent in the Jubilee, extending its protective reach even to urban properties for the Levites, ensuring that their designated homes would always revert to them, preventing permanent dispossession and upholding the divine order for their tribe. This also subtly touches upon **Social Justice and Equity**, as the Jubilee laws generally aimed to prevent the permanent impoverishment of families and the concentration of wealth.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Purchase (Hebrew, _gâʼal'_):** While the KJV translates this as "purchase," the Hebrew root H1350 (_gâʼal_) carries the primary meaning "to redeem (according to the Oriental law of kinship), i.e.; to be the next of kin (and as such to buy back a relative's property, marry his widow, etc.)." This implies more than a simple commercial transaction; it suggests a potential act of redemption or acquisition within a system that recognized kinship obligations. In this context, it refers to the act of acquiring property from a Levite, which would then be subject to the unique Jubilee provisions, highlighting the special nature of these transactions.
* **Jubile (Hebrew, _yôwbêl'_):** H3104 (_yôwbêl_) refers to the fiftieth year, announced by the blowing of the _yobel_ (ram's horn trumpet). It signifies a year of liberation, restoration, and return to original inheritances. In the context of Leviticus 25:33, it denotes the specific, divinely appointed time when Levite houses, even if sold, would automatically revert to their original Levite owners, emphasizing the divine decree for the perpetual nature of their designated dwellings, irrespective of any prior sale or redemption.
* **Possession (Hebrew, _ʼăchuzzâh'_):: ** H272 (_ʼăchuzzâh_) denotes "something seized, i.e. a possession (especially of land)." It refers to a permanent, hereditary holding or property, often signifying a family's inalienable inheritance of land. Its use here, "the houses of the cities of the Levites [are] their possession," is crucial. It elevates these urban dwellings from mere temporary residences or redeemable properties to fundamental, inalienable assets, akin to the tribal land inheritances of other Israelites, essential for the Levites' stability and continuity in their sacred role.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And if a man purchase of the Levites":** This opening clause sets the scenario, acknowledging the possibility of a transaction where a house within a Levite city is acquired from a Levite owner. The term "purchase" (from _gâʼal_) implies a formal acquisition, whether by a non-Levite or another Levite, thereby establishing the premise for the subsequent unique legal stipulation.
* **"then the house that was sold, and the city of his possession, shall go out in [the year of] jubile":** This is the core legal provision of the verse. Unlike the general rule for houses in walled cities (Leviticus 25:29-30), which became permanent if not redeemed within a year, Levite houses are explicitly mandated to "go out" (revert) to the original owner in the Jubilee year. The phrase "city of his possession" clarifies that these houses are located within the Levites' designated urban centers, which are themselves part of their unique, divinely appointed inheritance. This highlights the automatic and unconditional reversion.
* **"for the houses of the cities of the Levites [are] their possession among the children of Israel":** This concluding clause provides the divine rationale and justification for the special rule. It declares that these specific houses are not merely temporary residences but are considered the Levites' permanent, inalienable "possession" or inheritance (_ʼăchuzzâh_). This underscores God's direct and protective provision for the Levites, ensuring their stability and ability to perform their sacred duties without the threat of permanent dispossession from their homes, which were vital for their family life, communal identity, and ministry among the other tribes.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs **Legal Language** and **Divine Rationale** to establish a unique and protective statute. The precise, prescriptive phrasing ("And if a man purchase... then the house... shall go out...") is characteristic of legal codes found throughout the Pentateuch, leaving no ambiguity regarding the divine command and its application. The inclusion of "for the houses of the cities of the Levites [are] their possession among the children of Israel" serves as a **Justification** or **Explanatory Clause**, providing the theological underpinning for the exception. This direct explanation reinforces the **Thematic Significance** of divine provision and the distinct, consecrated status of the Levites. The repetition of the concept of "possession" (implied in "city of his possession" and explicit in "their possession") functions as **Emphasis**, highlighting the inalienable and perpetual nature of these dwellings for the Levite tribe, underscoring their importance for the Levites' stability and ministry.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 25:33 profoundly illustrates God's meticulous care and unwavering provision for those dedicated to His service, particularly the Levites, who had no tribal land inheritance. This special Jubilee provision ensured their stability and ability to perform their sacred duties without the threat of permanent homelessness or economic destitution. It highlights a broader theological principle: God always provides for His ministers and ensures the means for them to fulfill their calling, demonstrating His faithfulness to those who faithfully serve Him. This specific law also reinforces the concept of divine ownership over all land and property, demonstrating God's sovereign right to establish and re-establish equitable distribution, preventing the permanent accumulation of wealth and power in a few hands and upholding the dignity and security of all His people. The Levites' unique status and the divine protection of their homes serve as a powerful testament to God's covenantal faithfulness and His commitment to sustaining His chosen instruments of worship and instruction.

* [Numbers 35:1-8](/numbers/35-1-8 "Numbers 35:1-8 - Cities for the Levites")
* [Deuteronomy 18:1-2](/deuteronomy/18-1-2 "Deuteronomy 18:1-2 - The Priests' and Levites' Inheritance")
* [Nehemiah 13:10-12](/nehemiah/13-10-12 "Nehemiah 13:10-12 - Provision for the Levites")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This ancient law from Leviticus 25:33 carries profound contemporary relevance for believers today, especially concerning the church's responsibility towards those in full-time ministry. It reminds us of God's unwavering commitment to providing for His people, particularly those called into vocational service. Just as God ensured the Levites had secure homes and a stable base for their service, He continues to be the ultimate provider for His church and its workers. This divine precedent should inspire confidence in those who serve, knowing that God cares for their practical needs and will ensure their provision. Furthermore, it challenges the broader community of faith to actively consider how it supports those dedicated to ministry, ensuring they are not left vulnerable, economically insecure, or dispossessed. It also speaks to the principle of responsible stewardship and the importance of preventing permanent economic hardship within the community of faith, reflecting God's heart for justice, equity, and the well-being of all His children. We are called to be instruments of God's provision, ensuring that no one, especially those serving the Lord, is left without the necessary resources to live and minister effectively, thereby enabling the flourishing of the gospel.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's specific provision for the Levites in this verse inform our understanding of His care for those in ministry today, and what practical implications does this have for the church?**
* **In what ways can the church community practically embody the principle of ensuring stability and provision for those dedicated to God's service, mirroring the divine care for the Levites?**
* **How does the concept of "inalienable possession" for the Levites' homes relate to our understanding of spiritual inheritance or our secure standing in Christ, and what does this mean for our sense of belonging and purpose?**

### FAQ
**Why did the Levites not receive a tribal land inheritance like the other tribes?**

Answer: The Levites did not receive a territorial land inheritance because they were set apart by God for exclusive service in the Tabernacle and later the Temple. Their inheritance was the Lord Himself, meaning they were to be supported by the tithes and offerings of the other tribes, as well as by the 48 cities and their surrounding pasturelands allotted to them throughout Israel. This arrangement ensured their dedication to spiritual duties without the distraction of agricultural labor or land management, allowing them to focus entirely on teaching God's law, leading worship, and mediating between God and His people, as detailed in [Numbers 18:20-24](/numbers/18-20-24 "Numbers 18:20-24 - The Levites' Portion").

**What was the purpose of the Year of Jubilee, and how did it apply to other Israelites' property?**

Answer: The Year of Jubilee, occurring every fiftieth year, was a divinely ordained institution designed to restore social and economic equity in Israel. Its primary purposes were to prevent permanent poverty, maintain tribal land inheritances, and ensure the freedom of indentured servants. For other Israelites, land sold would revert to its original family in the Jubilee, and debts would be forgiven, ensuring that no family would be permanently dispossessed of their ancestral land. However, houses in walled cities generally did not revert to their original owners unless redeemed within a year of sale, becoming the permanent possession of the buyer, as outlined in [Leviticus 25:29-30](/leviticus/25-29-30 "Leviticus 25:29-30 - Redemption of Houses"). The special rule for Levite houses in [Leviticus 25:33](/leviticus/25-33 "Leviticus 25:33 - Levites' Houses in Jubilee") highlights their unique and protected status within this broader framework.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 25:33, with its meticulous provision for the Levites' inalienable homes, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate and eternal provision found in Jesus Christ. The Levites' secure possession of their homes, guaranteed by the Jubilee, speaks to the divine assurance of a permanent dwelling for God's people. In Christ, believers are granted an eternal inheritance that can never be lost, alienated, or taken away. Just as the Levites' cities were their "possession" for their sacred service, so too are believers, through Christ, granted a spiritual inheritance and a secure place in God's eternal kingdom. Jesus Himself declares, "In my Father's house are many rooms... I am going there to prepare a place for you" ([John 14:2](/john/14-2 "John 14:2 - Jesus Prepares a Place for Believers")). Our ultimate "possession" is not a physical house or earthly land but a spiritual reality in Christ, where we are made citizens of heaven ([Philippians 3:20](/philippians/3-20 "Philippians 3:20 - Our Citizenship in Heaven")) and co-heirs with Him ([Romans 8:17](/romans/8-17 "Romans 8:17 - Heirs with Christ")). The security of the Levites' homes in the Jubilee points to the far greater security of our eternal home and inheritance, purchased not by law or human effort but by the precious blood of the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), ensuring that all who are in Christ will never be dispossessed from their true and lasting dwelling.

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

Numbers 18:20

¶ And the LORD spake unto Aaron, Thou shalt have no inheritance in their land, neither shalt thou have any part among them: I [am] thy part and thine inheritance among the children of Israel.

Numbers 18:24

But the tithes of the children of Israel, which they offer [as] an heave offering unto the LORD, I have given to the Levites to inherit: therefore I have said unto them, Among the children of Israel they shall have no inheritance.

Deuteronomy 18:1

¶ The priests the Levites, [and] all the tribe of Levi, shall have no part nor inheritance with Israel: they shall eat the offerings of the LORD made by fire, and his inheritance.

Deuteronomy 18:2

Therefore shall they have no inheritance among their brethren: the LORD [is] their inheritance, as he hath said unto them.