Leviticus 25 32

Leviticus 25:32 kjv

Notwithstanding the cities of the Levites, and the houses of the cities of their possession, may the Levites redeem at any time.

Leviticus 25:32 nkjv

Nevertheless the cities of the Levites, and the houses in the cities of their possession, the Levites may redeem at any time.

Leviticus 25:32 niv

"?'The Levites always have the right to redeem their houses in the Levitical towns, which they possess.

Leviticus 25:32 esv

As for the cities of the Levites, the Levites may redeem at any time the houses in the cities they possess.

Leviticus 25:32 nlt

"The Levites always have the right to buy back a house they have sold within the towns allotted to them.

Leviticus 25 verses

Leviticus 25 32 Meaning

Leviticus 25:32 provides a unique exception to the general laws of property redemption within the Jubilee system. While houses in walled cities (outside of Levitical cities) could only be redeemed for one year before becoming permanently sold (Lev 25:29-31), this verse declares that houses within the cities designated for the Levites could be redeemed by the Levites themselves at any time. This ensured that the Levites, who received no tribal land inheritance, would always have stable dwellings, recognizing their special role and dependence on divine provision for their sustenance and ability to fulfill their sacred duties.

Leviticus 25 32 Context

Leviticus chapter 25 details the laws of the Sabbath Year and the Year of Jubilee. These laws establish an economic system unique to Israel, preventing the permanent accumulation of land by a few and ensuring that ancestral property would eventually revert to its original families every fifty years. This system emphasized God's ultimate ownership of the land and promoted social equity and care for the poor. Verses 29-31 specifically address the redemption of houses within walled cities, stipulating a strict one-year redemption period, after which the house would become permanently owned by the buyer, distinguishing urban dwellings from agricultural land. Leviticus 25:32 then introduces a critical exception to this one-year rule, explicitly for the benefit of the Levites, who had a distinct land allocation strategy. Historically and culturally, the Levites were set apart for service in the Tabernacle and Temple, teaching the Law, and judging, receiving no tribal land inheritance like the other tribes but rather a scattered allocation of 48 cities within Israel, along with pasture lands for their livestock. This exception was crucial to ensure their basic security and ability to perform their divine duties without the constant threat of losing their dwellings.

Leviticus 25 32 Word analysis

• Nevertheless (אַךְ - `ak`): This Hebrew particle signifies "but," "only," "however," indicating a strong contrast or exception to the preceding rules, specifically those regarding houses in walled cities (Lev 25:29-31). It flags an important modification to the general law.
• the cities of the Levites (עָרֵי הַלְוִיִּם - `arey halewiyim`): Refers to the specific 48 cities assigned to the Levite tribe across Israel's territories (Numbers 35, Joshua 21). This precise designation indicates the unique nature and divine allocation of these settlements.
• and the houses (וּבָתֵּי - `u'batey`): Emphasizes that this rule specifically applies to dwellings, confirming the focus is on their place of residence within these cities.
• of the cities of their possession (עָרֵי אֲחֻזָּתָם - `arey 'achuzzatam`): The word 'achuzzah (אֲחֻזָּה) denotes a "possession" or "holding," often referring to a permanent, inherited property. This stresses that these houses, despite being within cities, were considered a fundamental and indispensable part of the Levites' allocated, unalienable property for their sustenance.
• may the Levites redeem (יִגְאָלוּ הַלְוִיִּם - `yig'alu halewiyim`): The verb גָּאַל (`ga'al`) means "to redeem," "to ransom," "to buy back," indicating the legal right to reacquire property. The passive form expresses the Levites' inherent ability and privilege to reclaim.
• at any time (בְּכָל עֵת - `b'khol 'et`): Literally "in all time" or "at every time." This is the most crucial phrase, explicitly removing the time limitations imposed on other properties. It grants perpetual redeemability, meaning their houses could never be permanently lost to them, reinforcing their long-term security.

• "Nevertheless the cities of the Levites, and the houses of the cities of their possession": This phrase establishes a crucial divine provision and exception. It explicitly delineates the beneficiaries (the Levites) and the specific nature of the protected assets (houses within their designated cities, treated as foundational "possessions"). This demonstrates God's tailored legislative foresight for His chosen ministers.
• "may the Levites redeem at any time": This legal declaration grants an extraordinary, indefinite right of redemption. It highlights a unique divine safeguard, guaranteeing permanent housing for the Levites. This unlimited timeframe directly counters the stringent one-year limit for houses in other walled cities, emphasizing the indispensable nature of these dwellings for the Levites' perpetual service.

Leviticus 25 32 Bonus section

• Polemics and Divine Provision: This law subtly counters any societal tendency to neglect or disenfranchise a priestly class, as was common in some ancient cultures. By divine decree, the Levites were to have guaranteed secure housing, emphasizing God's direct responsibility for His ministers' welfare and providing a standard of care. It's a testament to the divine order prioritizing the well-being of those committed to sacred service.
• Theological Principle for Ministry Support: While the Levitical priesthood has passed (superseded by Christ's eternal priesthood, Heb 7), the underlying principle endures. It exemplifies the biblical pattern of providing for those dedicated to spiritual work. The modern church can draw from this a clear directive: those who minister the Gospel should be adequately supported, including having secure living conditions, so they can focus on their calling without undue material anxiety (1 Cor 9:14; 1 Tim 5:17-18).
• Holiness and Separation: The permanent redeemability of Levitical homes further underlines their distinctive status and separation for holy service. Their properties, unlike others, reflected an enduring commitment that was divinely sustained, ensuring that the function they served—mediating between God and Israel—would not be hindered by economic vulnerability.

Leviticus 25 32 Commentary

Leviticus 25:32 serves as a pivotal clarification within the Jubilee legislation, highlighting God's distinctive care for the Levites. As a tribe, they were uniquely prohibited from possessing an inheritable land share alongside the other tribes (Num 18:20-21; Deut 10:9). Their livelihood depended instead on tithes, offerings, and designated cities with pasture lands scattered throughout Israel (Num 35; Josh 21). This verse underscores that their assigned houses within these cities were not subject to the normal one-year redemption period for city dwellings (Lev 25:29-31) nor the Jubilee reversion common for agricultural land. Instead, they maintained an indefinite right to redeem their homes. This ensures that their fundamental base of operations and living space would never be permanently alienated, protecting their ability to perform their sacred duties of worship, teaching, and administrative service without being displaced. It reveals God's meticulous provision for those consecrated to His full-time service, ensuring their stability and enabling their dedication.