Leviticus 25:34

KJV

But the field of the suburbs of their cities may not be sold; for it [is] their perpetual possession.

KJV (with Strong's)

But the field {H7704} of the suburbs {H4054} of their cities {H5892} may not be sold {H4376}; for it is their perpetual {H5769} possession {H272}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The fields in the open land around their cities may not be sold, because that is their permanent possession.

Berean Standard Bible

But the open pastureland around their cities may not be sold, for this is their permanent possession.

American Standard Version

But the field of the suburbs of their cities may not be sold; for it is their perpetual possession.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 25:34 establishes a unique and unalterable provision for the Levites, decreeing that the pasturelands surrounding their designated cities were to remain their permanent, inalienable possession. Unlike other tribal lands, which reverted to their original families in the Year of Jubilee, these Levitical "suburbs" could never be sold or permanently alienated, ensuring the priestly tribe's ongoing sustenance and stability as they fulfilled their sacred duties to the Lord.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 25 is a pivotal chapter in the Pentateuch, detailing God's laws concerning the Sabbatical Year and the Year of Jubilee. These ordinances were designed to regulate land ownership, prevent the permanent accumulation of wealth, ensure social equity, and remind Israel that the land ultimately belonged to God ([Leviticus 25:23](/leviticus/25-23 "Leviticus 25:23 - The Land Belongs to God")). The general principle was that all land sales were temporary, with property reverting to its original family in the Jubilee year ([Leviticus 25:10](/leviticus/25-10 "Leviticus 25:10 - Proclamation of Liberty in the Jubilee")). However, the Levites presented a unique case. They were not allotted a tribal land inheritance like the other eleven tribes, as the Lord Himself was declared to be their inheritance ([Numbers 18:20](/numbers/18-20 "Numbers 18:20 - The Lord is the Levites' Inheritance")). Instead, they were given forty-eight cities scattered throughout Israel, along with their surrounding pasturelands, to dwell in and support their livestock ([Numbers 35:1-8](/numbers/35 "Numbers 35 - Cities for the Levites and Cities of Refuge")). Leviticus 25:34 specifically addresses these "suburbs" or pasturelands, setting them apart from the general land laws of Jubilee.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, land was the primary source of wealth, identity, and security, directly linked to tribal and family inheritance. The system of land distribution under Joshua ensured that each family had an ancestral plot. The Sabbatical and Jubilee years were revolutionary social and economic reforms intended to prevent the rise of a landless class, reduce poverty, and maintain the original tribal allotments, reflecting God's commitment to justice and equity within the covenant community. The Levites, however, occupied a distinct position. As the tribe set apart for priestly and temple service, they were to be supported by the tithes and offerings of the other tribes ([Numbers 18:21-24](/numbers/18-21 "Numbers 18:21-24 - Support for the Levites")). Their lack of a territorial inheritance meant they needed a different form of provision. The provision of cities and their surrounding pasturelands, as detailed in [Numbers 35](/numbers/35 "Numbers 35 - Levitical Cities and Cities of Refuge"), ensured they had a place to live and a means to sustain themselves through livestock, allowing them to focus on their sacred duties without being burdened by agricultural labor or the fear of destitution. The inalienable nature of these pasturelands, as stated in [Leviticus 25:34](/leviticus/25-34 "Leviticus 25:34 - Levitical Pasturelands Inalienable"), underscored their unique status and God's perpetual commitment to their welfare.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Suburbs (Hebrew, מִגְרָשׁ, _migrash'_):** This term refers specifically to the open land or pastureland surrounding the Levitical cities. It was distinct from the agricultural fields (_sadeh_) that could be cultivated. The _migrash_ was designated for grazing livestock, for general use by the city's inhabitants, and as an open area around the city walls. Its inalienable status ensured that the Levites always had space for their animals, which were a vital part of their livelihood, and maintained the integrity of their living spaces.
* **Perpetual Possession (Hebrew, אֲחֻזַּת עוֹלָם, _achuzzat olam'_):** This phrase signifies an absolute and enduring ownership, distinguishing it from other land rights that were temporary and subject to reversion in the Jubilee. The term _achuzzat_ denotes a firm, secure possession, while _olam_ emphasizes its everlasting or perpetual nature. For the Levitical pasturelands, this meant they could never be permanently alienated from the Levites, even if sold temporarily (which was generally forbidden for these lands, as the verse explicitly states "may not be sold"). This divine decree guaranteed the Levites' stability and sustenance for all generations.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But the field of the suburbs of their cities may not be sold;":** This clause introduces a specific prohibition concerning the pasturelands (_migrash_) surrounding the cities allotted to the Levites. Unlike other lands in Israel, which could be sold (albeit with a reversion clause for the Jubilee), these particular fields were explicitly forbidden from being sold. This demonstrates a unique, protected status for Levitical property, highlighting their distinct role and God's special provision for them.
* **"for it [is] their perpetual possession.":** This second clause provides the divine rationale for the prohibition. The pasturelands were designated as an "eternal possession" for the Levites. This foundational declaration ensured that the Levites would always have a secure base for their families and livestock, allowing them to fulfill their sacred duties without the threat of losing their homes or means of sustenance. It was a testament to God's unwavering commitment to His chosen servants.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 25:34 employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. The most prominent is **Legal Language**, characterized by its prescriptive and declarative nature ("may not be sold," "it is their perpetual possession"). This precise legal phrasing leaves no room for ambiguity regarding the inalienable status of the Levitical pasturelands, underscoring the divine authority behind the command. There is also a clear element of **Divine Mandate**, as this law is presented as a direct decree from God, reflecting His meticulous ordering of Israelite society and His specific care for the Levites. The verse also functions as a **Contrast** to the preceding and surrounding laws of Jubilee, which generally allowed for temporary land sales with eventual reversion. By explicitly stating that these specific lands "may not be sold," the text highlights the exceptional nature of the Levitical provision. Finally, there is an underlying **Symbolism** of God's unwavering faithfulness and provision for those dedicated to His service. The perpetual possession of these lands symbolizes the enduring nature of God's covenant care for His ministers.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 25:34 profoundly illustrates God's meticulous care and provision for those dedicated to His service. By ensuring the inalienable nature of the Levitical pasturelands, God guaranteed the material stability of the priestly tribe, allowing them to focus on their spiritual duties without the anxieties of land ownership or economic insecurity. This law underscores the principle that those who minister for the Lord should be adequately supported and secured, reflecting God's commitment to the well-being of His servants and the integrity of His worship. It also highlights the sacredness of resources set apart for divine purposes, emphasizing that some things are not for sale or subject to human transactional whims.

* [Numbers 18:20](/numbers/18-20 "Numbers 18:20 - The Lord is the Levites' Inheritance")
* [Numbers 35:1-8](/numbers/35-1 "Numbers 35:1-8 - Cities for the Levites")
* [Deuteronomy 10:9](/deuteronomy/10-9 "Deuteronomy 10:9 - No Inheritance for Levi")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Leviticus 25:34 offers enduring lessons for believers today, particularly concerning the support of ministry and the stewardship of our spiritual inheritance. Just as God meticulously provided for the Levites, ensuring their stability so they could serve Him wholeheartedly, so too does He call His people to support those who dedicate their lives to gospel ministry. This verse reminds us that the Church has a responsibility to care for its spiritual leaders and workers, providing for their physical needs so they can focus on their calling without undue material burdens. Furthermore, the concept of "perpetual possession" can be applied spiritually: there are certain truths, values, and aspects of our faith that are inalienable—they are not for sale, compromise, or abandonment. Our core doctrines, our commitment to Christ, and our eternal inheritance in Him are perpetual possessions that we must guard fiercely.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the principle of God's provision for the Levites inform our understanding of supporting those in full-time ministry today?**
* **What "perpetual possessions" (spiritual truths, values, commitments) in your faith are you called to guard and never "sell" or compromise?**
* **In what ways can we, as individuals and as a community, ensure the stability and well-being of those who serve God's people?**

### FAQ

**Why couldn't the Levites sell their pasturelands, unlike other tribes?**

Answer: The Levites had a unique status in Israel. Unlike the other tribes, they did not receive a territorial land inheritance because the Lord Himself was their inheritance and portion ([Numbers 18:20](/numbers/18-20 "Numbers 18:20 - The Lord is the Levites' Inheritance")). Instead, they were given specific cities to live in, along with surrounding pasturelands for their livestock ([Numbers 35:1-8](/numbers/35-1 "Numbers 35:1-8 - Cities for the Levites")). These pasturelands were considered their "perpetual possession" ([Leviticus 25:34](/leviticus/25-34 "Leviticus 25:34 - Levitical Pasturelands Inalienable")) to ensure their permanent sustenance and stability. This divine provision allowed them to focus entirely on their sacred duties in the Tabernacle and later the Temple, without the economic pressures of land management or the risk of destitution.

**What does "suburbs" mean in this context?**

Answer: In Leviticus 25:34, "suburbs" translates the Hebrew word _migrash_ (מִגְרָשׁ). This term refers to the open, uncultivated land or pastureland immediately surrounding the Levitical cities. It was distinct from agricultural fields (_sadeh_) used for growing crops. The _migrash_ was specifically designated for grazing livestock (which was a primary source of livelihood for the Levites) and for general use by the city's inhabitants. Its inalienable status ensured that the Levites always had the necessary space and resources to support themselves.

**How does this law for the Levites relate to the general laws of the Year of Jubilee?**

Answer: The law concerning the Levitical pasturelands in [Leviticus 25:34](/leviticus/25-34 "Leviticus 25:34 - Levitical Pasturelands Inalienable") is an exception to the general rules of the Year of Jubilee. While most land in Israel could be sold temporarily and would revert to its original family in the Jubilee year ([Leviticus 25:10](/leviticus/25-10 "Leviticus 25:10 - Proclamation of Liberty in the Jubilee")), the Levitical pasturelands were explicitly declared "perpetual possession" and "may not be sold." This meant they were entirely exempt from the Jubilee's reversion mechanism because they were never to be alienated from the Levites in the first place. This unique provision underscored the Levites' distinct role and God's unwavering commitment to their ongoing support.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 25:34, with its emphasis on the inalienable provision for the Levites, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the New Covenant. While the Old Covenant Levites served as mediators and caretakers of the Tabernacle, their provision foreshadows the secure and eternal inheritance that believers have in Christ. Jesus Himself is our ultimate "perpetual possession" and the source of our spiritual sustenance, far surpassing any earthly land or provision. Just as the Levites were set apart for sacred service and provided for, so too are all believers in Christ now a "royal priesthood" ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Royal Priesthood")) called to sacred service. Our inheritance is not a plot of land, but eternal life and spiritual blessings in the heavenly realms through Christ ([Ephesians 1:3](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3 - Spiritual Blessings in Christ")). Furthermore, Christ's work on the cross secures for us an inheritance that is "imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you" ([1 Peter 1:4](/1_peter/1-4 "1 Peter 1:4 - An Imperishable Inheritance")), an inheritance that can never be sold, lost, or alienated, unlike any earthly possession. This divine guarantee in Christ ensures that those who serve Him, whether in formal ministry or as part of the general priesthood of believers, are eternally provided for, allowing them to focus on their mission with unwavering confidence in their Savior's unfailing care.

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 25:23

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

Acts 4:36

And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which is, being interpreted, The son of consolation,) a Levite, [and] of the country of Cyprus,

Acts 4:37

Having land, sold [it], and brought the money, and laid [it] at the apostles' feet.

Numbers 35:2

Command the children of Israel, that they give unto the Levites of the inheritance of their possession cities to dwell in; and ye shall give [also] unto the Levites suburbs for the cities round about them.

Numbers 35:5

And ye shall measure from without the city on the east side two thousand cubits, and on the south side two thousand cubits, and on the west side two thousand cubits, and on the north side two thousand cubits; and the city [shall be] in the midst: this shall be to them the suburbs of the cities.