Leviticus 25:7

KJV

And for thy cattle, and for the beast that [are] in thy land, shall all the increase thereof be meat.

KJV (with Strong's)

And for thy cattle {H929}, and for the beast {H2416} that are in thy land {H776}, shall all the increase {H8393} thereof be meat {H398}.

Complete Jewish Bible

your livestock and the wild animals on your land; everything the land produces may be used for food.

Berean Standard Bible

and for your livestock and the wild animals in your land. All its growth may serve as food.

American Standard Version

And for thy cattle, and for the beasts that are in thy land, shall all the increase thereof be for food.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 25:7 articulates God's comprehensive provision during the Sabbatical year, extending the spontaneous yield of the land to sustain not only human inhabitants but also all domestic cattle and wild beasts within the territory. This divine command underscores God's meticulous care for His entire creation, demonstrating His faithfulness to provide abundantly for all living things even when human agricultural efforts cease, and reinforcing the foundational principle that the land, like humanity, ultimately belongs to Him and requires sacred rest.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 25:7 is an integral component of the elaborate legislation concerning the Sabbatical year, meticulously detailed in [Leviticus 25:1-7](/leviticus/25-1-7 "Leviticus 25:1-7 - Laws of the Sabbatical Year"). The preceding verses establish the foundational command that every seventh year, the land must lie fallow, with no sowing or pruning permitted ([Leviticus 25:4](/leviticus/25-4 "Leviticus 25:4 - Rest for the Land")). This period of agricultural cessation was not intended to result in scarcity, but rather to serve as a profound demonstration of God's miraculous and faithful provision. Specifically, [Leviticus 25:6](/leviticus/25-6 "Leviticus 25:6 - Provision for People in the Sabbatical Year") stipulates that the spontaneous produce of the land during this Sabbath year was to be food for the landowner, their servants, hired workers, resident foreigners, and even their livestock. Verse 7 expands this provision further, explicitly including all "beast that are in thy land," thereby completing the picture of comprehensive sustenance for all inhabitants of the land, human and animal alike. This progressive revelation of God's care highlights the all-encompassing nature of the Sabbath principle, moving from human provision to universal creaturely sustenance.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Sabbatical year (or *Shmita*) represented a truly radical concept within the agrarian societies of the ancient Near East. Unlike neighboring cultures that might practice crop rotation or fallowing for purely agricultural reasons, Israel's *Shmita* was a divinely mandated religious observance, deeply rooted in the covenant relationship between God and His people. It demanded an extraordinary act of faith for an agricultural people to forgo an entire year's harvest, trusting solely in God's explicit promise to provide sufficiently from the sixth year's yield and the land's spontaneous growth in the seventh ([Leviticus 25:20-22](/leviticus/25-20-22 "Leviticus 25:20-22 - God's Promise of Provision")). This law served as a powerful, tangible reminder that the land ultimately belonged to God ([Leviticus 25:23](/leviticus/25-23 "Leviticus 25:23 - The Land Belongs to God")) and that human dominion was stewardship, not absolute ownership. By extending the provision even to wild animals, the law further underscored a unique aspect of Israelite theology: God's concern extended beyond humanity to the entire created order, challenging the anthropocentric (human-centered) views common in the ancient world and fostering a profound respect for the natural environment as God's domain.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching theological and narrative themes within Leviticus and the broader Pentateuch. Foremost is the theme of **God's Holistic Provision**, demonstrating His benevolent care for all living things, not just humanity. It showcases His faithfulness to sustain His creation even when human labor ceases, fostering a deep sense of **Dependence and Trust** in His sovereignty. The Sabbatical year legislation, including this verse, also emphasizes the **Sanctity of Rest**, not only for humans but for the land itself, reflecting a divine rhythm of work and cessation. Furthermore, it powerfully illustrates the theme of **Divine Ownership and Human Stewardship**, reminding Israel that the land is God's, and they are merely temporary residents ([Leviticus 25:23](/leviticus/25-23 "Leviticus 25:23 - The Land Belongs to God")), called to manage it according to His divine will. Finally, the inclusion of wild animals highlights a profound **Respect for All Creation**, challenging anthropocentric perspectives and fostering an understanding of the interconnectedness of all life under God's sovereign rule.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Cattle (Hebrew, _bᵉhêmâh'_):** From H929, this term refers to "a dumb beast; especially any large quadruped or animal (often collective); beast, cattle." In this context, it specifically denotes domesticated animals such as oxen, sheep, and goats, which were crucial for Israel's livelihood, providing food, labor, and sacrificial offerings. Their inclusion highlights God's comprehensive care for the economic well-being and sustenance of the Israelite household, ensuring that even their most valuable assets would be sustained during the Sabbatical year.
* **Beast (Hebrew, _chay'_):** From H2416, this word means "alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or living thing)... (wild) beast." Distinct from "cattle," this term denotes wild animals, those that roam freely in the land. Its inclusion is highly significant, demonstrating that God's provision and the Sabbath principle extend beyond human-controlled domains to the untamed wilderness. This emphasizes a holistic understanding of creation and God's sovereignty over all living things, not just those directly benefiting human enterprise.
* **Land (Hebrew, _ʼerets'_):** From H776, meaning "the earth (at large, or partitively a land); [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land." The phrase "in thy land" specifies the geographical scope of this provision, limiting it to the territory given to Israel. This reinforces the covenantal context of the law, where God's promises and provisions are specifically tied to His people and the land He has allotted to them, though the principle of His universal care remains implicit.
* **Increase (Hebrew, _tᵉbûwʼâh'_):** From H8393, meaning "income, i.e. produce (literally or figuratively); fruit, gain, increase, revenue." In the context of the Sabbatical year, this "increase" refers specifically to what sprouts or grows spontaneously from the ground without human cultivation. It denotes the volunteer growth of the land during its fallow period, which was not to be harvested in the usual manner but was available for common consumption. This highlights the miraculous nature of God's provision—sustenance coming directly from the land's natural yield, unassisted by human effort, underscoring dependence on divine grace.
* **Meat (Hebrew, _ʼâkal'_):** From H398, a primitive root meaning "to eat (literally or figuratively); [idiom] at all, burn up, consume, devour(-er, up), dine, eat(-er, up), feed (with), food, [idiom] freely, [idiom] in...wise(-deed, plenty), (lay) meat." In the KJV, "meat" often translates to "food" or "sustenance" in a general sense, not exclusively animal flesh. Here, it refers to the edible produce of the land—fruits, grains, and vegetables that grew naturally during the Sabbatical year. This clarifies that the animals were to "eat" (the verb `ʼâkal`) the "increase" (plant-based food) of the land, reinforcing the idea of the land's spontaneous bounty providing for all.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And for thy cattle,"**: This opening clause specifies the first category of beneficiaries: the domesticated animals belonging to the Israelites. It demonstrates God's concern for the well-being of the entire household, including its valuable economic assets, ensuring their sustenance even when human agricultural activity ceased. This provision is not merely utilitarian but reflects a divine mandate for comprehensive care.
* **"and for the beast that [are] in thy land,"**: This clause significantly expands the scope of provision beyond the immediate household to include wild animals. This highlights God's universal and impartial care for all creatures within the land, emphasizing a comprehensive and inclusive understanding of divine sustenance that transcends human utility or ownership. It underscores that the land's rest benefits the entire ecosystem.
* **"shall all the increase thereof be meat."**: This final clause clarifies the source of sustenance: "all the increase thereof," referring to the spontaneous, uncultivated produce of the land during the Sabbatical year. This "increase" (the `tᵉbûwʼâh` or natural yield) would serve as "meat" (food/sustenance, from the root `ʼâkal` meaning "to eat") for both domestic and wild animals, underscoring God's ability to provide abundantly and naturally, without human intervention, during the land's mandated rest.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several significant literary devices that enrich its meaning. **Inclusivity** is paramount, as the verse explicitly extends the land's spontaneous provision from humans (as detailed in preceding verses) to domesticated animals and then to wild beasts, illustrating God's comprehensive and impartial care for all of creation. This demonstrates a profoundly **holistic** worldview, where the well-being of the entire ecosystem is divinely considered and provided for. Furthermore, the concept of the land "resting" and spontaneously producing "increase" can be seen as a form of subtle **personification**, imbuing the land with a need for rest akin to humans and the capacity to yield without labor, highlighting its inherent vitality and divine design. The entire Sabbatical year, and this verse within it, serves as a powerful **symbolism** of trust in divine provision, radical dependence on God's sovereignty, and the sacredness of creation, challenging human self-sufficiency and promoting a divinely ordained rhythm of rest and renewal.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 25:7 profoundly articulates God's faithful and comprehensive provision, extending His care not only to humanity but to all living creatures. It underscores the theological truth that the entire creation belongs to God, and He is ultimately its sustainer. The Sabbatical year, culminating in this verse's inclusive provision, teaches profound lessons about radical trust, responsible stewardship, and the inherent value of rest for both humanity and the natural world. It challenges an anthropocentric view, reminding us that God's covenantal care encompasses the flourishing of the whole earth, reflecting His character as a benevolent and sovereign Creator who ensures the well-being of all He has made. This principle of holistic care foreshadows a broader redemptive scope that extends beyond humanity, embracing the entire cosmos.

* [Psalm 104:27-28](/psalms/104-27-28 "Psalm 104:27-28 - God Provides for All Creatures")
* [Matthew 6:26](/matthew/6-26 "Matthew 6:26 - God's Care for Birds and Humanity")
* [Romans 8:20-22](/romans/8-20-22 "Romans 8:20-22 - Creation's Groaning and Hope")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Leviticus 25:7 offers enduring wisdom for contemporary life, calling us to cultivate a deeper trust in God's unfailing provision. In a world driven by constant productivity, consumption, and the relentless pursuit of more, this verse reminds us that true security comes not from ceaseless striving but from resting in God's ability to sustain us, even when we pause our efforts. It challenges us to embrace rhythms of rest—personally, professionally, and even in our relationship with the earth—recognizing that true flourishing often emerges from periods of intentional cessation and renewal, where we acknowledge our limits and God's boundless sufficiency. Furthermore, this passage compels us to re-evaluate our role as stewards of creation, fostering a profound respect for the natural world and all its inhabitants. It encourages sustainable practices and a recognition of the interconnectedness of all life, moving us beyond mere exploitation to a posture of care, reverence, and gratitude for God's magnificent handiwork, knowing that He provides for every creature.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you struggle to trust God's provision, feeling the need to constantly strive or control outcomes?**
* **How can you intentionally incorporate more "rest" into your personal and professional rhythms, allowing for renewal and trusting God with the results?**
* **What practical steps can you take to demonstrate better stewardship of the environment and a greater appreciation for God's creation?**
* **How does the idea of God providing for "the beast that are in thy land" challenge or expand your understanding of God's love and care?**

### FAQ

**Why was it important for the Sabbatical year provision to include animals, both domestic and wild?**

Answer: Including animals in the Sabbatical year provision was crucial for several profound reasons. First, it demonstrated the comprehensive nature of God's covenantal care, extending beyond humanity to all of His creation. This underscored the theological principle that the land and its creatures ultimately belong to Him ([Leviticus 25:23](/leviticus/25-23 "Leviticus 25:23 - The Land Belongs to God")). Second, for an agrarian society, the well-being of domestic animals (cattle) was directly tied to human survival and prosperity, providing food, labor, and resources; thus, their sustenance was a practical necessity for the continued flourishing of the Israelite household. Third, the inclusion of wild animals (beasts) emphasized the holistic scope of the Sabbath principle, highlighting that the land's rest benefited the entire ecosystem, not just human endeavors. It fostered a sense of responsibility and reverence for the natural world, challenging anthropocentric views and promoting a deeper appreciation for God's design and provision for all living things.

**How does the concept of the land's "increase" (spontaneous growth) relate to God's miraculous provision?**

Answer: The "increase" or `tᵉbûwʼâh` (H8393) refers to the natural, spontaneous growth of the land during the Sabbatical year, without human sowing or cultivation. This concept is central to understanding God's miraculous provision because it required the Israelites to trust that God would supernaturally provide enough from the sixth year's harvest and the seventh year's volunteer growth to sustain them and their animals ([Leviticus 25:20-22](/leviticus/25-20-22 "Leviticus 25:20-22 - God's Promise of Provision")). It was a tangible demonstration that sustenance ultimately comes from God's blessing, not solely from human labor. This challenged their self-reliance and cultivated a profound dependence on divine faithfulness, proving that God could sustain them even when conventional means of production ceased. It highlighted His sovereignty over creation and His ability to provide abundantly outside of human effort, fostering a deep trust in His sustaining power.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 25:7, with its profound emphasis on God's holistic provision for all creation during the land's sacred rest, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Jesus Christ. He is the preeminent expression of God's sustaining grace, the true "increase" who provides eternal "meat" for the world. Just as the land's spontaneous yield sustained life during the Sabbatical year, Christ offers Himself as the [Bread of Life](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life"), the ultimate sustenance for spiritual and eternal life, satisfying the deepest hunger of humanity ([John 6:51](/john/6-51 "John 6:51 - Jesus Gives His Flesh for the Life of the World")). Moreover, Jesus embodies the true Sabbath rest, inviting all who are weary and burdened to find [rest for their souls in Him](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28 - Come to Me, All Who Are Weary"), a rest that transcends mere physical cessation and brings spiritual renewal. His redemptive work extends beyond humanity, encompassing the entire groaning creation, which eagerly awaits its liberation from the bondage of decay through Him ([Romans 8:19-21](/romans/8-19-21 "Romans 8:19-21 - Creation Groans for Redemption")). In Christ, God's comprehensive care for "thy cattle and for the beast that are in thy land" is fully realized, as He is the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God") who not only takes away the sin of the world but also upholds and sustains all things by the word of His power ([Hebrews 1:3](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - Christ Upholds All Things")). He is the ultimate provision, the true rest, and the redeemer of all creation, ensuring that God's benevolent purposes for the entire cosmos are brought to fruition through His saving work.

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.