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.

But in the seventh {H7637} year {H8141} shall be a sabbath {H7676} of rest {H7677} unto the land {H776}, a sabbath {H7676} for the LORD {H3068}: thou shalt neither sow {H2232} thy field {H7704}, nor prune {H2168} thy vineyard {H3754}.

But in the seventh year is to be a Shabbat of complete rest for the land, a Shabbat for ADONAI; you will neither sow your field nor prune your grapevines.

But in the seventh year there shall be a Sabbath of complete rest for the land—a Sabbath to the LORD. You are not to sow your field or prune your vineyard.

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

Commentary

Leviticus 25:4 introduces the specific regulation for the Sabbatical year (also known as the Shmita year) within the broader framework of God's laws for ancient Israel. This verse commands that every seventh year, the land itself must be given a complete rest, free from agricultural labor. It's a "sabbath of rest unto the land," explicitly designated as "a sabbath for the LORD," emphasizing its divine origin and purpose. During this year, the Israelites were forbidden from sowing their fields or pruning their vineyards, highlighting a radical dependence on God's provision rather than human toil.

Historical and Cultural Context

This verse is part of the extensive legal code given to Moses on Mount Sinai, specifically within Leviticus chapter 25, which outlines the laws concerning the Sabbath year and the Year of Jubilee. The Sabbatical year was a foundational aspect of Israelite agricultural and economic life, echoing the command first given in Exodus 23:10-11. In a society deeply rooted in agriculture, this was a profound act of faith and obedience. It challenged the natural human inclination to constantly produce and accumulate, instead calling for a year of complete cessation from primary farming activities.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Trust in God's Provision: The command to let the land lie fallow for an entire year required immense faith. It meant trusting that God would supernaturally provide enough harvest in the sixth year to sustain them through the seventh, and even into the eighth year until the new harvest came in. This demonstrated God's desire for His people to depend on Him, not solely on their own efforts.
  • Stewardship of Creation: The Sabbatical year was a practical application of good stewardship over the land. It allowed the soil to recover its fertility, preventing exhaustion and promoting long-term sustainability. This highlights God's concern not just for humanity, but for the entire creation.
  • Holiness and Obedience: Designating the rest as "a sabbath for the LORD" underscored its sacred nature. Observing this command was an act of worship and submission to God's authority, recognizing Him as the ultimate owner of the land and the provider of all blessings.
  • Social and Economic Justice: While not explicitly stated in this verse, the broader context of the Sabbath year (e.g., Leviticus 25:6-7) indicates that the produce of the land that grew naturally during this year was available to all, including the poor, strangers, and livestock, fostering a sense of community and care for the vulnerable.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "sabbath" (shabbat) means "to cease" or "to rest." This term is directly linked to the weekly Sabbath day and, more broadly, to the concept of God resting on the seventh day after creation. Applying "sabbath" to the land emphasizes that the land itself has a right to rest, mirroring the divine pattern of work and cessation.

Practical Application

For believers today, Leviticus 25:4 offers profound insights into modern life. It calls us to consider:

  • The Importance of Rest: Just as the land needed rest, so do we. This applies not only to physical rest but also to spiritual and mental renewal, stepping back from constant production and trusting God for our sustenance.
  • Stewardship of Resources: We are stewards, not owners, of the resources God has given us. This verse encourages sustainable practices and respect for the environment, recognizing that creation needs care and renewal.
  • Trust in God: In a world that often values ceaseless effort and self-reliance, the Sabbatical year is a powerful reminder to trust in God's faithfulness and provision. It challenges us to release control and depend on Him for our needs.
  • Breaking Cycles of Greed: The command to refrain from sowing and pruning during the seventh year serves as a spiritual discipline against endless accumulation and the idolatry of work. Historically, failure to observe these Sabbaths led to severe consequences, as seen in Israel's exile, where the land finally enjoyed its neglected Sabbaths.

This ancient law remains a timeless lesson in faith, stewardship, and the divine pattern of rest and renewal.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 2 Chronicles 36:21

    To fulfil the word of the LORD by the mouth of Jeremiah, until the land had enjoyed her sabbaths: [for] as long as she lay desolate she kept sabbath, to fulfil threescore and ten years.

  • Leviticus 25:20

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

  • Leviticus 25:23

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

  • Exodus 23:10

    ¶ And six years thou shalt sow thy land, and shalt gather in the fruits thereof:

  • Exodus 23:11

    But the seventh [year] thou shalt let it rest and lie still; that the poor of thy people may eat: and what they leave the beasts of the field shall eat. In like manner thou shalt deal with thy vineyard, [and] with thy oliveyard.

  • Leviticus 26:34

    Then shall the land enjoy her sabbaths, as long as it lieth desolate, and ye [be] in your enemies' land; [even] then shall the land rest, and enjoy her sabbaths.

  • Leviticus 26:35

    As long as it lieth desolate it shall rest; because it did not rest in your sabbaths, when ye dwelt upon it.