Old Testament
Leviticus 25:5
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In Leviticus 25:5, God instructs the Israelites to allow the land to rest during the sabbatical year.
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites in the wilderness
Don't harvest whatever grows on its own from the previous crop, and don't pick grapes from your untended vines. It's a year of rest for the land.
That which groweth of its own accord of thy harvest thou shalt not reap, neither gather the grapes of thy vine undressed: for it is a year of rest unto the land.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In Leviticus 25:5, God instructs the Israelites to allow the land to rest during the sabbatical year. This means they should not harvest crops that grow naturally or pick grapes from vines that have not been tended. The purpose of this command is to give the land a break, allowing it to rejuvenate and restore its fertility. This practice emphasizes the importance of sustainability and care for the environment. By not harvesting during this year, the people are reminded of their dependence on God for provision and the need to respect the natural cycles of the earth. It also serves as a reminder to prioritize rest and renewal, not just for the land but for themselves as well. This principle can be applied to modern life by recognizing the importance of taking breaks and allowing time for recovery in our busy lives, both personally and in our communities.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Leviticus 25:5 to your life
This verse encourages us to take breaks and allow for rest in our lives. Just as the land needs time to recover, we too should prioritize rest and renewal. This can mean setting aside time for self-care, family, and spiritual reflection, ensuring we maintain balance in our busy lives.
Curated for this public verse page. Leviticus Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Leviticus 25:5 mean?
Leviticus 25:5 instructs the Israelites to let the land rest during the sabbatical year by not harvesting crops that grow naturally or picking grapes from untended vines. This practice emphasizes the importance of sustainability and the need for the land to rejuvenate.
What is the significance of allowing the land to rest in Leviticus 25:5?
The significance of allowing the land to rest in Leviticus 25:5 is to promote environmental stewardship and sustainability. It serves as a reminder of the natural cycles of the earth and the importance of taking breaks for renewal.
How does Leviticus 25:5 relate to modern life?
Leviticus 25:5 relates to modern life by encouraging individuals to prioritize rest and renewal. It suggests that just as the land needs time to recover, people should also take breaks for self-care and reflection.
What themes are present in Leviticus 25:5?
Themes present in Leviticus 25:5 include Sabbath rest, land stewardship, divine provision, sustainability, renewal, and community care. These themes emphasize the balance between work and rest in both personal and environmental contexts.

The Book of Leviticus
Leviticus 1: The Burnt Offering
The LORD calls to Moses from the tabernacle and gives instructions for the burnt offering. A man who brings a burnt offering from the herd presents a male without blemish at the door of the tabernacle. He lays his hand on the head of the offering, kills it, and Aaron's sons the priests sprinkle the blood around the altar. The animal is flayed and cut into pieces, and the whole is burned on the altar as a sweet savor to the LORD.
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