Leviticus 25:14

Authorized King James Version

PDF

And if thou sell ought unto thy neighbour, or buyest ought of thy neighbour's hand, ye shall not oppress one another:

Original Language Analysis

וְכִֽי H3588
וְכִֽי
Strong's: H3588
Word #: 1 of 13
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
תִמְכְּר֤וּ And if thou sell H4376
תִמְכְּר֤וּ And if thou sell
Strong's: H4376
Word #: 2 of 13
to sell, literally (as merchandise, a daughter in marriage, into slavery), or figuratively (to surrender)
מִמְכָּר֙ ought H4465
מִמְכָּר֙ ought
Strong's: H4465
Word #: 3 of 13
merchandise; abstractly, a selling
עֲמִיתֶ֑ךָ ought of thy neighbour's H5997
עֲמִיתֶ֑ךָ ought of thy neighbour's
Strong's: H5997
Word #: 4 of 13
companionship; hence (concretely) a comrade or kindred man
א֥וֹ H176
א֥וֹ
Strong's: H176
Word #: 5 of 13
desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if
קָנֹ֖ה or buyest H7069
קָנֹ֖ה or buyest
Strong's: H7069
Word #: 6 of 13
to erect, i.e., create; by extension, to procure, especially by purchase (causatively, sell); by implication to own
מִיַּ֣ד hand H3027
מִיַּ֣ד hand
Strong's: H3027
Word #: 7 of 13
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
עֲמִיתֶ֑ךָ ought of thy neighbour's H5997
עֲמִיתֶ֑ךָ ought of thy neighbour's
Strong's: H5997
Word #: 8 of 13
companionship; hence (concretely) a comrade or kindred man
אַל H408
אַל
Strong's: H408
Word #: 9 of 13
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
תּוֹנ֖וּ ye shall not oppress H3238
תּוֹנ֖וּ ye shall not oppress
Strong's: H3238
Word #: 10 of 13
to rage or be violent; by implication, to suppress, to maltreat
אִ֥ישׁ one H376
אִ֥ישׁ one
Strong's: H376
Word #: 11 of 13
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
אֶת H853
אֶת
Strong's: H853
Word #: 12 of 13
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
אָחִֽיו׃ another H251
אָחִֽיו׃ another
Strong's: H251
Word #: 13 of 13
a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])

Analysis & Commentary

And if thou sell ought unto thy neighbour, or buyest ought of thy neighbour's hand, ye shall not oppress one another:

This verse falls within the section on Sabbath Year and Jubilee. Sabbath year rest for land and Year of Jubilee releasing debts and slaves, teaching trust in God's provision.


What Leviticus portrayed through types and shadows, Christ fulfilled in reality through His incarnation, perfect life, atoning death, and resurrection.

Historical Context

Sabbath year rest for land and Year of Jubilee releasing debts and slaves, teaching trust in God's provision. Chapters 17-27, often called the 'Holiness Code,' expand covenant obligations beyond ritual to encompass all of life—sexuality, economics, justice, and relationships. The repeated refrain 'I am the LORD' grounds these laws in God's character and covenant relationship with Israel. Israel received these laws while encamped at Sinai, before entering Canaan. The laws prepared them for life in the promised land, distinguishing them from Canaanite practices and establishing their identity as God's holy nation. The portable tabernacle, central to Levitical worship, accompanied them through wilderness wanderings and eventually found permanent form in Solomon's temple. Ancient texts like the Code of Hammurabi show that law codes were common in the ancient Near East, but biblical law uniquely grounded ethics in God's character rather than merely social convention.

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

Study Resources