Old Testament
Leviticus 25:51
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If many years remain until the Jubilee, they must pay back a larger portion of the original purchase price.
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If there be yet many years behind, according unto them he shall give again the price of his redemption out of the money that he was bought for.
What Leviticus 25:51 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Leviticus 25:51, the text addresses the situation of a person who has sold themselves into servitude due to debt. If the Jubilee year, a time of liberation and restoration, is still far off, the individual must repay a larger portion of the original price they were sold for. This means that the longer they remain in servitude before the Jubilee, the more they must pay to regain their freedom. This principle ensures fairness in the redemption process, reflecting the value of time and the circumstances surrounding the sale. It emphasizes the importance of justice and equity in financial dealings, particularly in the context of servitude and redemption. The verse highlights the need for careful consideration of the terms of servitude and the obligations that come with it, ensuring that individuals are treated fairly and given the opportunity to regain their freedom when possible.
How to apply Leviticus 25:51 to your life
This verse teaches us about the importance of fairness in our financial dealings and relationships. It encourages us to consider the long-term implications of our agreements and to ensure that we treat others justly, especially in situations involving debt or servitude. We should strive to create equitable solutions that allow for restoration and freedom.
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 25:51 teach about servitude?
Leviticus 25:51 addresses the conditions under which a person who has sold themselves into servitude due to debt can regain their freedom. It specifies that if the Jubilee year is still far off, the individual must repay a larger portion of the original purchase price. This reflects the principle of fairness in financial dealings, ensuring that the longer someone remains in servitude, the more they must pay to redeem themselves.
How does the concept of Jubilee relate to Leviticus 25:51?
The Jubilee year, occurring every 50 years, is a time of liberation and restoration in the biblical context. In Leviticus 25:51, the verse highlights that if many years remain until the next Jubilee, the individual in servitude must repay a larger amount to regain their freedom. This connection emphasizes the importance of the Jubilee as a time for resetting debts and restoring social equity.
What are the implications of this verse for modern financial practices?
Leviticus 25:51 encourages fairness and justice in financial dealings, particularly in situations involving debt. For modern practices, it serves as a reminder to consider the long-term effects of financial agreements and to treat others justly. It suggests that individuals and institutions should create equitable solutions that allow for restoration and freedom, especially for those in difficult financial situations.
Why is fairness emphasized in Leviticus 25:51?
Fairness is emphasized in Leviticus 25:51 to ensure that individuals are treated justly in their financial obligations. The verse reflects a broader biblical principle that values equity and justice, particularly in the context of servitude and redemption. By requiring a larger repayment based on the time remaining until Jubilee, it underscores the importance of considering the circumstances surrounding financial agreements.
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