Old Testament

Leviticus 25:27

Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.

ClearClear Bible Translation

they should calculate the years since the sale, refund the difference to the buyer, and take back their property.

Compare translations
KJVKing James Version

Then let him count the years of the sale thereof, and restore the overplus unto the man to whom he sold it; that he may return unto his possession.

What Leviticus 25:27 means

Plain-English insight for readers

In Leviticus 25:27, the instruction is about how to handle the sale of property among the Israelites. If someone sells their land, they must keep track of how many years have passed since the sale. When the time comes for the seller to reclaim their property, they need to calculate the difference in value based on the years that have elapsed. This means they should refund the buyer for the years they did not own the land, ensuring fairness in the transaction. This practice reflects the importance of maintaining family land and the concept of redemption, allowing individuals to return to their ancestral possessions. It emphasizes accountability and fairness in financial dealings, ensuring that no one is unjustly enriched at the expense of another. This principle also highlights the value of community and the importance of preserving one's heritage and property rights within the Israelite society.

How to apply Leviticus 25:27 to your life

This verse teaches us the importance of fairness in our transactions and relationships. We should ensure that our dealings with others are just and transparent, allowing for reconciliation and restoration when necessary. It encourages us to value our heritage and support one another in maintaining our rightful possessions.

Curated for this public verse page. Leviticus Summary

Explore more of the Bible

Learn the Bible through its people and places

Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.

A painting of Samuel anointing the young David in Bethlehem

Illustrated scene from David's story: Samuel Anoints David (1 Samuel 16:1–13)

Meet the people of the Bible

Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.

David

An old color photograph of Hebron on a hillside above olive groves.

Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002724987). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Hebron, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.

Explore the places of the Bible

See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.

Hebron

Where Abraham lived and buried Sarah, and where David was first made king.

Get full access with one subscription

Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.

See Plans

Ask AI about Leviticus 25:27

Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.

Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter

Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.

Keep studying Leviticus 25:27

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 25:27 teach about property sales?

Leviticus 25:27 provides guidelines for Israelites on how to manage property sales. It emphasizes the need to track the years since the sale and calculate the refund owed to the buyer when reclaiming the property. This ensures fairness in transactions and reflects the importance of maintaining family land and heritage.

How does Leviticus 25:27 relate to the concept of redemption?

The verse illustrates the principle of redemption by allowing individuals to reclaim their ancestral property after a sale. It underscores the idea that land should remain within families and that there is a structured process for returning to one's rightful possessions, promoting a sense of community and continuity.

What is the significance of fairness in Leviticus 25:27?

Fairness is a key theme in Leviticus 25:27, as it requires sellers to refund buyers based on the years they did not own the land. This principle prevents unjust enrichment and promotes accountability in financial dealings, ensuring that all parties are treated equitably.

How can we apply the lessons from Leviticus 25:27 today?

We can apply the lessons from Leviticus 25:27 by ensuring fairness and transparency in our transactions. This includes being accountable for our agreements and valuing our heritage. It encourages us to support one another in maintaining rightful possessions and resolving disputes amicably.

Daily Verse — straight to your inbox

A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.