Leviticus 25:3

Six years thou shalt sow thy field, and six years thou shalt prune thy vineyard, and gather in the fruit thereof;

Six {H8337} years {H8141} thou shalt sow {H2232} thy field {H7704}, and six {H8337} years {H8141} thou shalt prune {H2168} thy vineyard {H3754}, and gather {H622} in the fruit {H8393} thereof;

Six years you will sow your field; six years you will prune your grapevines and gather their produce.

For six years you may sow your field and prune your vineyard and gather its crops.

Six years thou shalt sow thy field, and six years thou shalt prune thy vineyard, and gather in the fruits thereof;

Commentary

Leviticus 25:3 introduces a foundational aspect of Israelite agricultural law, setting the stage for the Sabbatical Year, known as the Shemitah. This verse outlines the standard pattern of six years of cultivation, emphasizing diligence in farming and vineyard management before the land was to observe a mandated rest.

Context

This verse is part of a larger section in Leviticus 25 detailing the laws concerning the Sabbatical Year and the Jubilee Year. These laws were given to the Israelites as they prepared to enter the Promised Land, establishing principles for their relationship with the land and with God. The instruction to work the land for six years was a prerequisite to understanding the command for the seventh year's rest, as detailed in Leviticus 25:4. This cycle was not merely agricultural but deeply spiritual, reminding the people of God's sovereignty and their dependence on His provision, rather than solely on their labor.

Key Themes

  • Divine Instruction for Agriculture: God provides specific guidance for the practical aspects of daily life, including farming. This demonstrates His involvement in every detail of their existence and His desire for an ordered society.
  • Rhythm of Work and Rest: The six-year cycle of labor followed by a year of rest for the land mirrors the weekly Sabbath principle (Exodus 20:9), extending it to the agricultural calendar. It teaches a divinely ordained rhythm that balances human effort with periods of cessation.
  • Stewardship and Ownership: While the Israelites were to work the land, the very concept of a mandated rest year underscored that the land ultimately belonged to God (Leviticus 25:23). They were stewards, not absolute owners, called to manage resources according to divine decree.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew words for "sow" (ื–ืจืข, zara') and "prune" (ื–ืžืจ, zamar) indicate active, intentional agricultural practices. "Sow" refers to planting seeds, while "prune" involves cutting back vines to promote healthier growth and better yields. The phrase "gather in the fruit thereof" (ื•ืืกืคืช ืืช ืชื‘ื•ืืชื”, v'asafta et t'vu'atah) emphasizes the expected outcome of diligent labor: a plentiful harvest from the cultivated land.

Practical Application

For believers today, Leviticus 25:3, though part of ancient ceremonial law, offers enduring principles:

  • Diligence in Work: The verse encourages consistent and dedicated effort in our vocations. God expects us to be productive and responsible in our spheres of influence.
  • Trust in God's Provision: Understanding this verse in its full context (leading to the Sabbatical year) reminds us that while we work diligently, our ultimate provision comes from God. We are called to trust Him even when it means stepping back from our efforts, as seen in the promise of abundant harvests to sustain them through the rest years.
  • Rhythm and Rest: The principle of cycles of work and rest remains vital. In a fast-paced world, this verse subtly reinforces the need for intentional breaks and spiritual rejuvenation, recognizing that endless toil is not God's design for humanity.
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Cross-References

  • Exodus 23:10 (3 votes)

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