Leviticus 25:11

Authorized King James Version

A jubile shall that fiftieth year be unto you: ye shall not sow, neither reap that which groweth of itself in it, nor gather the grapes in it of thy vine undressed.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
יוֹבֵ֣ל
A jubile
the blast of a horn (from its continuous sound); specifically, the signal of the silver trumpets; hence, the instrument itself and the festival thus i
#2
הִ֗וא
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
#3
שָׁנָ֖ה
year
a year (as a revolution of time)
#4
הַֽחֲמִשִּׁ֥ים
shall that fiftieth
fifty
#5
שָׁנָ֖ה
year
a year (as a revolution of time)
#6
תִּֽהְיֶ֣ה
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#7
לָכֶ֑ם
H0
#8
לֹ֣א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#9
תִזְרָ֔עוּ
be unto you ye shall not sow
to sow; figuratively, to disseminate, plant, fructify
#10
וְלֹ֤א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#11
תִקְצְרוּ֙
neither reap
to dock off, i.e., curtail (transitive or intransitive, literal or figurative); especially to harvest (grass or grain)
#12
אֶת
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc
#13
סְפִיחֶ֔יהָ
that which groweth
something (spontaneously) falling off, i.e., a self-sown crop; figuratively, a freshet
#14
וְלֹ֥א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#15
תִבְצְר֖וּ
of itself in it nor gather
to gather grapes; also to be isolated (i.e., inaccessible by height or fortification)
#16
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#17
נְזִרֶֽיהָ׃
the grapes in it of thy vine undressed
separate, i.e., consecrated (as prince, a nazirite); hence (figuratively from the latter) an unpruned vine (like an unshorn nazirite)

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Leviticus. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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