Old Testament
Leviticus 25:23
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"Land must never be sold permanently, because the land belongs to me. You are just foreigners and temporary residents on my land.
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The land shall not be sold for ever: for the land is mine; for ye are strangers and sojourners with me.
What Leviticus 25:23 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Leviticus 25:23, God emphasizes the importance of land ownership and its divine origin. The verse teaches that land is not merely a commodity to be bought and sold indefinitely; rather, it is a sacred trust from God. The Israelites are reminded that they are temporary residents on this land, which ultimately belongs to God. This perspective encourages a sense of stewardship rather than ownership, urging people to care for the land responsibly. The concept of land as a divine gift also highlights the need for community and support among the people, as they are all part of God's creation. This understanding fosters a deeper respect for the environment and the resources provided by God, reinforcing the idea that humans are caretakers of the earth rather than its absolute owners. Thus, the verse calls for a balance between human needs and divine principles, ensuring that land remains a shared blessing rather than a source of greed or exploitation.
How to apply Leviticus 25:23 to your life
This verse encourages us to view our possessions, especially land and resources, as gifts from God. We should practice stewardship by caring for what we have and sharing it with others. This mindset fosters community and ensures that we use resources wisely and ethically.
Curated for this public verse page. Leviticus Summary
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At a Glance — the Book of Leviticus
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites in the wilderness
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Leviticus 25:23 mean?
Leviticus 25:23 means that land is ultimately owned by God and should not be sold permanently. It emphasizes that people are temporary residents on the land, which is a sacred trust that requires responsible stewardship.
What is the meaning of stewardship in Leviticus 25:23?
Stewardship in Leviticus 25:23 refers to the responsibility of caring for the land as a gift from God. It encourages people to use and manage resources wisely, recognizing that they do not own the land outright.
How does Leviticus 25:23 relate to community responsibility?
Leviticus 25:23 highlights community responsibility by reminding individuals that they share the land as a gift from God. This perspective encourages cooperation and support among people to care for the land together.
Why should we respect the land according to Leviticus 25:23?
We should respect the land according to Leviticus 25:23 because it belongs to God and is entrusted to us as temporary residents. This respect fosters a sense of stewardship and ethical use of resources.
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