Leviticus 25:54

KJV

And if he be not redeemed in these [years], then he shall go out in the year of jubile, [both] he, and his children with him.

KJV (with Strong's)

And if he be not redeemed {H1350} in these years, then he shall go out {H3318} in the year {H8141} of jubile {H3104}, both he, and his children {H1121} with him.

Complete Jewish Bible

"'If he has not been redeemed by any of these procedures, nevertheless he will go free in the year of yovel -he and his children with him.

Berean Standard Bible

Even if he is not redeemed in any of these ways, he and his children shall be released in the Year of Jubilee.

American Standard Version

And if he be not redeemed by these means, then he shall go out in the year of jubilee, he, and his children with him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 25:54 functions as the ultimate divine safeguard within the Mosaic legislation of the Jubilee, guaranteeing that any Israelite who had entered into servitude due to economic distress would inevitably regain their freedom, along with their children, in the fiftieth year. This verse powerfully underscores God's unwavering commitment to the foundational principles of liberty, social justice, and the restoration of dignity and ancestral inheritance within the covenant community, thereby preventing the permanent disenfranchisement of any family.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed at the culmination of the detailed regulations concerning the Year of Jubilee within [Leviticus 25](/leviticus/25 "Leviticus 25 - The Laws of the Sabbatical and Jubilee Years"). The broader chapter meticulously outlines the divine statutes for both the Sabbatical Year (every seventh year, involving land rest and debt remission) and the Jubilee (every fiftieth year, a grand societal reset). The preceding verses, particularly [Leviticus 25:39-55](/leviticus/25-39-55 "Leviticus 25:39-55 - Laws Concerning Israelite Servitude"), specifically address the conditions under which an Israelite might sell themselves into temporary servitude, whether to a fellow Israelite or to a foreign resident. The law explicitly mandates that such individuals were not to be treated as chattel slaves but rather as hired servants or sojourners, with their service functioning as a temporary means of survival or debt repayment. Various provisions for earlier redemption by a family member or by the servant themselves are detailed in [Leviticus 25:48-52](/leviticus/25-48-52 "Leviticus 25:48-52 - Redemption of an Israelite Servant"). Leviticus 25:54 serves as the final, non-negotiable clause, acting as a divine failsafe that guarantees freedom even if no kinsman-redeemer could be found or if the period of service had not expired before the Jubilee. It is the capstone of God's comprehensive provision for liberty and social equity.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, economic hardship frequently compelled individuals or entire families to sell themselves into servitude as a means of survival. However, the Mosaic Law, particularly the institution of the Jubilee, stands in radical contrast to the often harsh and permanent practices of surrounding nations by imposing strict limits on the duration and nature of such servitude. Israelite society was fundamentally structured around the theological premise that the land ultimately belonged to God, and the people were merely His tenants or sojourners ([Leviticus 25:23](/leviticus/25-23 "Leviticus 25:23 - The Land Belongs to God")). This divine ownership meant that neither land nor personal freedom could be permanently alienated. The Jubilee system was a revolutionary economic and social policy meticulously designed to prevent the permanent concentration of wealth and land in the hands of a few, ensuring that every family retained their ancestral inheritance and that extreme poverty would not lead to perpetual bondage. This provided a crucial safety net, fostering a more equitable and compassionate society and reinforcing the covenant relationship between God and His people, who had themselves been miraculously delivered from slavery in [Egypt](/exodus/1 "Exodus 1 - The Enslavement of Israel in Egypt").
* **Key Themes:** Leviticus 25:54 contributes significantly to several overarching theological and narrative themes within the book of Leviticus and the broader Pentateuch. Foremost among these is the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Ownership**, emphasizing that God is the ultimate owner of all land and all people, thereby limiting human claims to permanent possession or control. This undergirds the theme of **Justice and Equity**, as the Jubilee system was designed to prevent the accumulation of wealth and the perpetuation of poverty, ensuring a periodic redistribution of resources and restoration of family dignity. The verse also highlights the theme of **Redemption and Liberation**, both physical and economic, as God provides a guaranteed mechanism for release from servitude, echoing Israel's own liberation from Egyptian bondage. Furthermore, it reinforces the theme of **Covenant Faithfulness**, demonstrating God's commitment to the well-being of His covenant people and His provision for their flourishing within the land He had given them, as seen throughout the laws of [Deuteronomy](/deuteronomy/1 "Deuteronomy - The Second Law"). The Jubilee is a powerful expression of God's grace, providing a fresh start and preventing the erosion of the tribal and family structures essential to Israelite society.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **redeemed (Hebrew, _gâʼal'_ H1350):** This verb carries profound theological significance, meaning "to buy back," "to reclaim," "to set free," or "to act as a kinsman-redeemer." In the context of Leviticus 25, it refers to the act by which a family member (the _go'el_) could pay a sum to release a relative from servitude before the Jubilee. The _go'el_ was a specific, vital role within Israelite society, responsible for protecting the family's integrity, property, and lineage. The fact that the Jubilee provides an automatic "redemption" even without a human _go'el_ highlights God's ultimate role as the divine Redeemer, ensuring liberty when human means or resources fail.
* **go out (Hebrew, _yâtsâʼ'_ H3318):** A primitive root meaning "to go (causatively, bring) out," "to depart," or "to issue forth." In this verse, "he shall go out" signifies a definitive, physical departure from the state of servitude and a return to one's original state of liberty and independence. It implies a complete cessation of the bond of service, a release from obligation, and a re-entry into full societal and familial rights. This action is not conditional but a divinely mandated liberation, underscoring the absolute nature of the Jubilee's provisions.
* **jubile (Hebrew, _yôwbêl'_ H3104):** Derived from the word for "ram's horn" or "trumpet," the _yôwbêl_ refers to the specific instrument used to announce the beginning of this fiftieth year. The sound of the _shofar_ (ram's horn) was a public, unmistakable declaration, signifying a momentous, divinely ordained reset. This auditory signal underscored the universal and undeniable nature of the freedom and restoration proclaimed. It was a year of "liberty throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof" ([Leviticus 25:10](/leviticus/25-10 "Leviticus 25:10 - Proclamation of Liberty in the Jubilee")), a time of profound societal transformation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And if he be not redeemed in these [years]":** This initial clause acknowledges the real-world possibility that the provisions for earlier redemption by a kinsman (as detailed in [Leviticus 25:48-52](/leviticus/25-48-52 "Leviticus 25:48-52 - Redemption of an Israelite Servant")) or by the servant themselves (through accumulated earnings) might not materialize. Despite the various opportunities for an earlier release, circumstances such as extreme poverty, lack of a capable kinsman, or prolonged hardship could prevent such a redemption from occurring. This phrase highlights the inherent vulnerability of the impoverished individual and the potential for their difficult situation to persist without a final, overarching divine intervention.
* **"then he shall go out in the year of jubile":** This is the core declaration of the verse, emphasizing the absolute, unconditional, and non-negotiable nature of the Jubilee release. Regardless of the remaining term of service, the amount of outstanding debt, or the failure of human-initiated redemption efforts, the arrival of the Jubilee year automatically triggered freedom. The phrase "he shall go out" signifies a physical departure from servitude and a return to one's original state of liberty, dignity, and independence. This was not a matter for negotiation or discretion but a divinely mandated, universal liberation, enforced by God's decree.
* **"[both] he, and his children with him":** This crucial addition underscores the comprehensive and generational nature of the restoration provided by the Jubilee. The freedom extended beyond the individual servant to encompass their entire family unit, specifically their children. This ensured that the next generation would not inherit the burden of their parents' servitude but would begin their lives in freedom, with the opportunity to return to their ancestral land and re-establish their family's heritage and economic stability. It profoundly reflects God's concern for generational blessing, the prevention of cycles of poverty and disenfranchisement, and the preservation of the family unit as the foundational structure of Israelite society.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 25:54 employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound and compassionate message. The most prominent is **Divine Mandate**, evident in the declarative, unconditional language ("then he shall go out"), which underscores God's sovereign authority in establishing and enforcing these laws. This is not a suggestion or a recommendation but a firm command, highlighting the non-negotiable nature of the Jubilee's provisions. **Symbolism** is central, with the "year of jubile" serving as a powerful symbol of ultimate liberation, comprehensive restoration, and a divinely ordained societal reset. It represents God's ideal for a just and equitable community, where cycles of poverty and permanent dispossession are broken. The release of the individual and, crucially, their children, also carries the **symbolism** of a new beginning, the preservation of family lineage, and the restoration of ancestral inheritance, reflecting God's commitment to the holistic well-being and future flourishing of the entire household. The structure of the verse, moving from a potential negative (not redeemed) to an assured positive (shall go out), creates a sense of **Divine Assurance**, emphasizing God's ultimate guarantee of freedom.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 25:54 encapsulates several foundational theological principles that reveal the very character of God. It underscores His nature as a God of profound justice and boundless mercy, who actively intervenes to protect the vulnerable, alleviate suffering, and ensure equity within His covenant community. The Jubilee laws, culminating in this verse, reveal God's ultimate ownership of both the land and His people, meaning that no human could permanently enslave another or permanently alienate land that ultimately belonged to the Creator. This system was meticulously designed to prevent the concentration of wealth and power, fostering a society where dignity, freedom, and ancestral inheritance were periodically restored, reflecting God's desire for holistic well-being and the breaking of oppressive cycles. It highlights the theme of **redemption** as a core aspect of God's relationship with humanity, demonstrating His active role in setting His people free, both physically and spiritually, from various forms of bondage.

* [Isaiah 61:1](/isaiah/61-1 "Isaiah 61:1 - The Spirit of the Lord and Proclamation of Liberty to the Captives")
* [Deuteronomy 15:12-15](/deuteronomy/15-12-15 "Deuteronomy 15:12-15 - Laws for the Release of Hebrew Servants")
* [Nehemiah 5:1-13](/nehemiah/5-1-13 "Nehemiah 5:1-13 - Nehemiah Addresses Social Injustice and Calls for Restitution")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The profound principles embedded in Leviticus 25:54 resonate deeply with believers today, inviting us to reflect on God's enduring heart for freedom, justice, and comprehensive restoration. Just as the Jubilee provided a guaranteed release from physical and economic bondage, it points to a deeper, spiritual liberation that God desires for all humanity. This verse challenges us to examine our own lives and societies, prompting us to ask how we might embody God's compassion for the oppressed and actively work towards alleviating systemic injustices and breaking cycles of poverty and marginalization. It calls us to recognize that true freedom is not merely the absence of external constraints but a holistic state of being, rooted in our right relationship with God and our commitment to His kingdom values of equity and abundant life. The ultimate and unconditional release promised in the Jubilee offers a powerful metaphor for the hope we have in Christ, who secures our eternal freedom and an imperishable inheritance.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's commitment to guaranteed freedom in the Jubilee challenge my understanding of liberty and justice in contemporary society, particularly regarding economic and social disparities?**
* **In what practical ways can I, as a follower of Christ, actively participate in bringing about restoration and alleviating oppression in my community, reflecting the spirit and principles of the Jubilee?**
* **How does the ultimate and unconditional release offered in the Jubilee deepen my appreciation for the spiritual redemption and freedom I have received through Christ, and how should this shape my gratitude and service?**

### FAQ

**What was the primary purpose of the Year of Jubilee?**

Answer: The primary purpose of the Year of Jubilee, observed every fiftieth year, was to serve as a comprehensive societal reset for Israel, ensuring the periodic restoration of land, liberty, and family inheritance. It was designed to prevent the permanent concentration of wealth and land in the hands of a few, to alleviate extreme poverty, and to ensure that no Israelite would remain in perpetual servitude. The Jubilee reinforced the theological principle that the land and the people ultimately belonged to God ([Leviticus 25:23](/leviticus/25-23 "Leviticus 25:23 - The Land Belongs to God")) and that humans were merely stewards. It provided a crucial mechanism for families to regain their dignity, ancestral property, and freedom, fostering a more equitable and compassionate society in line with God's covenant with Israel.

**How did the Jubilee differ from the Sabbatical Year?**

Answer: While both the Sabbatical Year (Shemitah) and the Jubilee were years of rest and release, they had distinct purposes, frequencies, and scopes. The Sabbatical Year occurred every seventh year ([Leviticus 25:1-7](/leviticus/25-1-7 "Leviticus 25:1-7 - Laws of the Sabbatical Year")), requiring the land to lie fallow, debts to be remitted ([Deuteronomy 15:1-2](/deuteronomy/15-1-2 "Deuteronomy 15:1-2 - Release of Debts")), and Hebrew servants to be released ([Deuteronomy 15:12](/deuteronomy/15-12 "Deuteronomy 15:12 - Release of Hebrew Servants")). The Jubilee, on the other hand, occurred every fiftieth year (after seven cycles of seven years, [Leviticus 25:8-10](/leviticus/25-8-10 "Leviticus 25:8-10 - Proclamation of the Jubilee")). Its provisions were broader and more comprehensive: not only were debts remitted and servants released, but all ancestral lands that had been sold were returned to their original families, and all Israelite bondservants, along with their children, were set free, regardless of when their servitude began ([Leviticus 25:13](/leviticus/25-13 "Leviticus 25:13 - Return to Possessions in the Jubilee")). The Jubilee was a grander, more encompassing reset, symbolizing a complete restoration of social and economic order, ensuring that no family would be permanently dispossessed.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 25:54, with its promise of ultimate, guaranteed release in the Year of Jubilee, powerfully foreshadows the spiritual liberation accomplished through Jesus Christ. Just as the Jubilee provided freedom from physical and economic bondage, Christ offers a far greater and eternal freedom from the bondage of sin, spiritual death, and the curse of the law. The concept of the *go'el*, or kinsman-redeemer, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus, who, being fully God and fully man, became our Kinsman and paid the ultimate price to redeem us, not with perishable things like silver or gold, but with His precious blood ([1 Peter 1:18-19](/1_peter/1-18-19 "1 Peter 1:18-19 - Redemption through Christ's Precious Blood")). His life, sacrificial death, and glorious resurrection inaugurated the true "Year of the Lord's favor," as prophesied in [Isaiah 61:1-2](/isaiah/61-1-2 "Isaiah 61:1-2 - The Spirit of the Lord and Proclamation of Liberty"), a passage Jesus Himself proclaimed as fulfilled in His ministry in [Luke 4:18-19](/luke/4-18-19 "Luke 4:18-19 - Jesus Proclaims His Mission in Nazareth"). Through Him, we are set free from the slavery of sin ([John 8:34-36](/john/8-34-36 "John 8:34-36 - Freedom from Sin through the Son")), reconciled to God, and granted an eternal, imperishable inheritance that can never be lost or taken away ([Ephesians 1:11](/ephesians/1-11 "Ephesians 1:11 - Our Inheritance in Christ")). The Jubilee's restoration of ancestral land and family connection points to our spiritual restoration and our secure, permanent place in God's eternal family, inheriting the kingdom prepared for us from the foundation of the world ([Matthew 25:34](/matthew/25-34 "Matthew 25:34 - Inheriting the Kingdom Prepared")).

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

Exodus 21:2

If thou buy an Hebrew servant, six years he shall serve: and in the seventh he shall go out free for nothing.

Exodus 21:3

If he came in by himself, he shall go out by himself: if he were married, then his wife shall go out with him.

Isaiah 49:9

That thou mayest say to the prisoners, Go forth; to them that [are] in darkness, Shew yourselves. They shall feed in the ways, and their pastures [shall be] in all high places.

Isaiah 49:25

But thus saith the LORD, Even the captives of the mighty shall be taken away, and the prey of the terrible shall be delivered: for I will contend with him that contendeth with thee, and I will save thy children.

Leviticus 25:40

[But] as an hired servant, [and] as a sojourner, he shall be with thee, [and] shall serve thee unto the year of jubile:

Leviticus 25:41

And [then] shall he depart from thee, [both] he and his children with him, and shall return unto his own family, and unto the possession of his fathers shall he return.

Isaiah 52:3

For thus saith the LORD, Ye have sold yourselves for nought; and ye shall be redeemed without money.