Old Testament
Leviticus 25:31
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
But houses in unwalled villages are treated like open farmland — they can be bought back, and they must be returned in the Jubilee.
Compare translations
But the houses of the villages which have no wall round about them shall be counted as the fields of the country: they may be redeemed, and they shall go out in the jubile.
What Leviticus 25:31 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Leviticus 25:31, the text discusses the status of houses located in unwalled villages compared to those in fortified cities. Unlike houses in walled cities, which have more permanent ownership rights, houses in unwalled villages are treated similarly to agricultural land. This means that they can be redeemed or bought back by their original owners if they fall into debt or financial trouble. Additionally, these houses must be returned to their original owners during the Jubilee year, which occurs every fifty years. The Jubilee is a time of restoration and freedom, emphasizing God's desire for His people to have opportunities for renewal and to prevent perpetual poverty. This provision reflects God's concern for justice and equity within the community, ensuring that families can maintain their heritage and land, even in difficult times.
How to apply Leviticus 25:31 to your life
This verse encourages us to consider how we handle our possessions and the importance of community support. It reminds us to create systems that allow for redemption and restoration, ensuring that no one is permanently disadvantaged. We should strive to help others regain what they have lost, fostering a spirit of generosity and compassion.
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.
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
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 PlansAsk AI about Leviticus 25:31
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 25:31
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
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 25:31 say about unwalled villages?
Leviticus 25:31 explains that houses in unwalled villages are treated like open farmland, meaning they can be redeemed or bought back by their original owners. This contrasts with houses in walled cities, which have more permanent ownership rights. The verse emphasizes that these houses must be returned to their original owners during the Jubilee year, highlighting the importance of restoration and equity in property ownership.
How does the Jubilee year relate to property ownership?
The Jubilee year, occurring every fifty years, is a time of restoration in which land and property are returned to their original owners. Leviticus 25:31 indicates that houses in unwalled villages must be returned during this time, ensuring that families do not lose their heritage and that community equity is maintained. This practice reflects God's desire for justice and the prevention of perpetual poverty among His people.
What is the significance of redeeming property in Leviticus 25:31?
The act of redeeming property, as mentioned in Leviticus 25:31, signifies the importance of community support and the ability for individuals to recover from financial difficulties. This provision allows families to reclaim their homes and maintain their heritage, promoting a sense of justice and compassion within the community. It underscores the biblical principle that everyone should have the opportunity for renewal and restoration.
How can we apply the principles of Leviticus 25:31 today?
We can apply the principles of Leviticus 25:31 by fostering a community spirit that prioritizes support and redemption for those in need. This might involve creating systems that help individuals regain lost possessions or providing assistance during financial hardships. By promoting generosity and compassion, we can ensure that no one is permanently disadvantaged and that everyone has a chance for renewal.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.