Leviticus 25:32
Leviticus 25:32 in Multiple Translations
As for the cities of the Levites, the Levites always have the right to redeem their houses in the cities they possess.
Notwithstanding the cities of the Levites, and the houses of the cities of their possession, may the Levites redeem at any time.
Nevertheless the cities of the Levites, the houses of the cities of their possession, may the Levites redeem at any time.
But the houses in the towns of the Levites may be got back by the Levites at any time.
However, the Levites always have the right to buy back their houses in the towns that belong to them.
Notwithstanding, the cities of the Leuites, and the houses of the cities of their possession, may the Leuites redeeme at all seasons.
'As to cities of the Levites — houses of the cities of their possession — redemption age-during is to the Levites;
“‘Nevertheless, in the cities of the Levites, the Levites may redeem the houses in the cities of their possession at any time.
Notwithstanding the cities of the Levites, and the houses of the cities of their possession, may the Levites redeem at any time.
The houses of Levites, which are in cities, may always be redeemed:
‘If any descendants of Levi sell their houses in the towns in which they live, they are permitted to buy them back at any time.
Berean Amplified Bible — Leviticus 25:32
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Leviticus 25:32 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/עָרֵי֙
הַ/לְוִיִּ֔ם
בָּתֵּ֖י
עָרֵ֣י
אֲחֻזָּתָ֑/ם
גְּאֻלַּ֥ת
עוֹלָ֖ם
תִּהְיֶ֥ה
לַ/לְוִיִּֽם
וְ/עָרֵי֙
ʻîyr
H5892
excitement
Conj | N-fp
הַ/לְוִיִּ֔ם
Lêvîyîy
H3881
Levi
Art | Ngmpa
בָּתֵּ֖י
bayith
H1004
place
N-mp
עָרֵ֣י
ʻîyr
H5892
excitement
N-fp
אֲחֻזָּתָ֑/ם
ʼăchuzzâh
H272
possession
N-fs | Suff
גְּאֻלַּ֥ת
gᵉʼullâh
H1353
redemption
N-fs
עוֹלָ֖ם
ʻôwlâm
H5769
forever
N-ms
תִּהְיֶ֥ה
hâyâh
H1961
to be
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
לַ/לְוִיִּֽם
Lêvîyîy
H3881
Levi
Prep | Ngmpa
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Leviticus 25:32
וְ/עָרֵי֙
ʻîyr
H5892
"excitement"
Conj | N-fp
In the Bible, this word refers to a city or town, often a place with a wall or a watchman. It is used to describe a settlement or encampment, like the city of Ai, which is mentioned in the book of Joshua. The word is used to identify specific locations in the Bible.
Definition: 1) excitement, anguish 1a) of terror
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: Ai (from margin), city, court (from margin), town. See also: Genesis 4:17; Deuteronomy 3:6; Joshua 14:12.
הַ/לְוִיִּ֔ם
Lêvîyîy
H3881
"Levi"
Art | Ngmpa
A Levite is a descendant of Levi, one of Jacob's 12 sons, mentioned in Genesis 29:34. Levi's brothers include Reuben, Simeon, and Judah. His descendants played a key role in Israel's spiritual life.
Definition: Someone from the tribe of Levi living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.29.34; son of: Israel (H3478) and Leah (H3812); brother of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Judah (H3063), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074) and Dinah (H1783); half-brother of: Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); father of: Gershon (H1648), Kohath (H6955), Merari (H4847) and Jochebed (H3115) Another name of le.vi (לֵוִי "Levi" H3878) § Levite, of Levi "joined to" 1) the descendants of Levi, the 3rd son of Jacob by Leah 1a) the tribe descended from Levi specially set aside by God for His service
Usage: Occurs in 258 OT verses. KJV: Leviite. See also: Exodus 4:14; 1 Chronicles 6:33; Ezra 6:20.
בָּתֵּ֖י
bayith
H1004
"place"
N-mp
The Hebrew word for house refers to a dwelling place, including a family home, temple, or even the human body. It appears in various contexts, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the household of a family. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a place of worship or a family's living space.
Definition: nm place, origin, between
Usage: Occurs in 1712 OT verses. KJV: court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out). See also: Genesis 6:14; Exodus 8:5; Numbers 1:45.
עָרֵ֣י
ʻîyr
H5892
"excitement"
N-fp
In the Bible, this word refers to a city or town, often a place with a wall or a watchman. It is used to describe a settlement or encampment, like the city of Ai, which is mentioned in the book of Joshua. The word is used to identify specific locations in the Bible.
Definition: 1) excitement, anguish 1a) of terror
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: Ai (from margin), city, court (from margin), town. See also: Genesis 4:17; Deuteronomy 3:6; Joshua 14:12.
אֲחֻזָּתָ֑/ם
ʼăchuzzâh
H272
"possession"
N-fs | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word refers to something owned or possessed, often land inherited from family. It appears in various books, including Genesis and Leviticus. This concept of possession is important in biblical times.
Definition: 1) possession, property 1a) land 1b) possession by inheritance
Usage: Occurs in 58 OT verses. KJV: possession. See also: Genesis 17:8; Numbers 32:5; Psalms 2:8.
גְּאֻלַּ֥ת
gᵉʼullâh
H1353
"redemption"
N-fs
In the book of Ruth, this word refers to the right of a family member to redeem or buy back a relative's property, as seen in Ruth 3:9. It's about redeeming or saving something, and it's also related to family relationships.
Definition: 1) kindred, redemption, right of redemption, price of redemption 1a) kin, kindred 1b) redemption 1c) right of redemption 1d) price of redemption, redemption price
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: kindred, redeem, redemption, right. See also: Leviticus 25:24; Leviticus 25:51; Jeremiah 32:7.
עוֹלָ֖ם
ʻôwlâm
H5769
"forever"
N-ms
This word means forever or always, describing something that lasts an eternity. It is used in the Bible to describe God's eternal nature and his lasting promises.
Definition: : old/ancient 1) long duration, antiquity, futurity, for ever, ever, everlasting, evermore, perpetual, old, ancient, world 1a) ancient time, long time (of past) 1b) (of future) 1b1) for ever, always 1b2) continuous existence, perpetual 1b3) everlasting, indefinite or unending future, eternity
Usage: Occurs in 413 OT verses. KJV: alway(-s), ancient (time), any more, continuance, eternal, (for, (n-)) ever(-lasting, -more, of old), lasting, long (time), (of) old (time), perpetual, at any time, (beginning of the) world ([phrase] without end). Compare H5331 (נֶצַח), H5703 (עַד). See also: Genesis 3:22; 1 Kings 8:13; Psalms 5:12.
תִּהְיֶ֥ה
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
לַ/לְוִיִּֽם
Lêvîyîy
H3881
"Levi"
Prep | Ngmpa
A Levite is a descendant of Levi, one of Jacob's 12 sons, mentioned in Genesis 29:34. Levi's brothers include Reuben, Simeon, and Judah. His descendants played a key role in Israel's spiritual life.
Definition: Someone from the tribe of Levi living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.29.34; son of: Israel (H3478) and Leah (H3812); brother of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Judah (H3063), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074) and Dinah (H1783); half-brother of: Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); father of: Gershon (H1648), Kohath (H6955), Merari (H4847) and Jochebed (H3115) Another name of le.vi (לֵוִי "Levi" H3878) § Levite, of Levi "joined to" 1) the descendants of Levi, the 3rd son of Jacob by Leah 1a) the tribe descended from Levi specially set aside by God for His service
Usage: Occurs in 258 OT verses. KJV: Leviite. See also: Exodus 4:14; 1 Chronicles 6:33; Ezra 6:20.
Study Notes — Leviticus 25:32
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Leviticus 25:32 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Leviticus 25:32
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Leviticus 25:32
- Trapp's Commentary on Leviticus 25:32
- Ellicott's Commentary on Leviticus 25:32
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Leviticus 25:32
- Cambridge Bible on Leviticus 25:32
- Barnes' Notes on Leviticus 25:32
- Whedon's Commentary on Leviticus 25:32
- Sermons on Leviticus 25:32
Context — The Law of Redemption
30If it is not redeemed by the end of a full year, then the house in the walled city is permanently transferred to its buyer and his descendants. It is not to be released in the Jubilee.
31But houses in villages with no walls around them are to be considered as open fields. They may be redeemed, and they shall be released in the Jubilee.
32As for the cities of the Levites, the Levites always have the right to redeem their houses in the cities they possess.
33So whatever belongs to the Levites may be redeemed—a house sold in a city they possess—and must be released in the Jubilee, because the houses in the cities of the Levites are their possession among the Israelites. 34But the open pastureland around their cities may not be sold, for this is their permanent possession.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Joshua 21:1–45 | Now the family heads of the Levites approached Eleazar the priest, Joshua son of Nun, and the heads of the other tribes of Israel at Shiloh in the land of Canaan and said to them, “The LORD commanded through Moses that we be given cities in which to live, together with pasturelands for our livestock.” So by the command of the LORD, the Israelites gave the Levites these cities and their pasturelands out of their own inheritance: The first lot came out for the Kohathite clans. The Levites who were descendants of Aaron the priest received thirteen cities by lot from the tribes of Judah, Simeon, and Benjamin. The remaining descendants of Kohath received ten cities by lot from the tribes of Ephraim, Dan, and the half-tribe of Manasseh. The descendants of Gershon received thirteen cities by lot from the tribes of Issachar, Asher, Naphtali, and the half-tribe of Manasseh in Bashan. And the descendants of Merari received twelve cities from the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and Zebulun. So the Israelites allotted to the Levites these cities, together with their pasturelands, as the LORD had commanded through Moses. From the tribes of Judah and Simeon, they designated these cities by name to the descendants of Aaron from the Kohathite clans of the Levites, because the first lot fell to them: They gave them Kiriath-arba (that is, Hebron), with its surrounding pasturelands, in the hill country of Judah. (Arba was the father of Anak.) But they had given the fields and villages around the city to Caleb son of Jephunneh as his possession. So to the descendants of Aaron the priest they gave these cities, together with their pasturelands: Hebron, a city of refuge for the manslayer, Libnah, Jattir, Eshtemoa, Holon, Debir, Ain, Juttah, and Beth-shemesh—nine cities from these two tribes, together with their pasturelands. And from the tribe of Benjamin they gave them Gibeon, Geba, Anathoth, and Almon—four cities, together with their pasturelands. In all, thirteen cities, together with their pasturelands, were given to the priests, the descendants of Aaron. The remaining Kohathite clans of the Levites were allotted these cities: From the tribe of Ephraim they were given Shechem in the hill country of Ephraim (a city of refuge for the manslayer), Gezer, Kibzaim, and Beth-horon—four cities, together with their pasturelands. From the tribe of Dan they were given Elteke, Gibbethon, Aijalon, and Gath-rimmon—four cities, together with their pasturelands. And from the half-tribe of Manasseh they were given Taanach and Gath-rimmon—two cities, together with their pasturelands. In all, ten cities, together with their pasturelands, were given to the rest of the Kohathite clans. This is what the Levite clans of the Gershonites were given: From the half-tribe of Manasseh they were given Golan in Bashan, a city of refuge for the manslayer, and Beeshterah—two cities, together with their pasturelands. From the tribe of Issachar they were given Kishion, Daberath, Jarmuth, and En-gannim—four cities, together with their pasturelands. From the tribe of Asher they were given Mishal, Abdon, Helkath, and Rehob—four cities, together with their pasturelands. And from the tribe of Naphtali they were given Kedesh in Galilee (a city of refuge for the manslayer), Hammoth-dor, and Kartan—three cities, together with their pasturelands. In all, thirteen cities, together with their pasturelands, were given to the Gershonite clans. This is what the Merarite clan (the rest of the Levites) were given: From the tribe of Zebulun they were given Jokneam, Kartah, Dimnah, and Nahalal—four cities, together with their pasturelands. From the tribe of Reuben they were given Bezer, Jahaz, Kedemoth, and Mephaath—four cities, together with their pasturelands. And from the tribe of Gad they were given Ramoth in Gilead, a city of refuge for the manslayer, Mahanaim, Heshbon, and Jazer—four cities in all, together with their pasturelands. In all, twelve cities were allotted to the clans of Merari, the remaining Levite clans. For the Levites, then, there were forty-eight cities in all, together with their pasturelands, within the territory of the Israelites. Each of these cities had its own surrounding pasturelands; this was true for all the cities. Thus the LORD gave Israel all the land He had sworn to give their fathers, and they took possession of it and settled in it. And the LORD gave them rest on every side, just as He had sworn to their fathers. None of their enemies could stand against them, for the LORD delivered all their enemies into their hand. Not one of all the LORD’s good promises to the house of Israel had failed; everything was fulfilled. |
| 2 | Numbers 35:1–8 | Again the LORD spoke to Moses on the plains of Moab by the Jordan across from Jericho: “Command the Israelites to give, from the inheritance they will possess, cities for the Levites to live in and pasturelands around the cities. The cities will be for them to live in, and the pasturelands will be for their herds, their flocks, and all their other livestock. The pasturelands around the cities you are to give the Levites will extend a thousand cubits from the wall on every side. You are also to measure two thousand cubits outside the city on the east, two thousand on the south, two thousand on the west, and two thousand on the north, with the city in the center. These areas will serve as larger pasturelands for the cities. Six of the cities you give the Levites are to be appointed as cities of refuge, to which a manslayer may flee. In addition to these, give the Levites forty-two other cities. The total number of cities you give the Levites will be forty-eight, with their corresponding pasturelands. The cities that you apportion from the territory of the Israelites should be given to the Levites in proportion to the inheritance of each tribe: more from a larger tribe and less from a smaller one.” |
Leviticus 25:32 Summary
[This verse is saying that the Levites, who were the priests in Israel, had a special right to buy back their houses in the cities where they lived, even if they had sold them before, as stated in Leviticus 25:32. This was important because the Levites did not have their own land like the other tribes, and their houses were a big part of their inheritance, as seen in Joshua 21:1-45. It's like having a safety net, knowing that they could always get their homes back if they needed to, which is also connected to the concept of the Jubilee year in Leviticus 25:28. This shows that God cares about the Levites and wants to make sure they are taken care of, just like He wants to take care of us, as promised in Matthew 6:33.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for the Levites to have the right to redeem their houses in the cities they possess?
This means that the Levites, who were the priestly tribe in Israel, had the privilege of buying back their houses in the cities that were given to them, as stated in Leviticus 25:32, even if they had previously sold them, and this right is also supported by Leviticus 25:33.
Why were the Levites given this special right to redeem their houses?
The Levites were given this right because they did not have a permanent inheritance of land like the other tribes of Israel, as stated in Deuteronomy 18:1-2, and therefore their houses in the cities were especially important to them.
How does this verse relate to the concept of the Jubilee year?
The right of the Levites to redeem their houses is connected to the concept of the Jubilee year, as stated in Leviticus 25:28 and Leviticus 25:33, in which all sold property was to be returned to its original owners, emphasizing God's concern for justice and equality among His people.
What can we learn from this verse about God's care for the Levites?
This verse shows that God was particularly concerned with the well-being of the Levites, who were responsible for ministering to Him and teaching His law to the people, as seen in Malachi 2:4-7, and He made special provisions for their needs and protection.
Reflection Questions
- What does this verse reveal about God's heart for justice and equality among His people, and how can I apply this to my own life?
- In what ways can I, like the Levites, trust in God's provision and care for my needs, even when I feel uncertain or insecure?
- How does this verse help me understand the importance of the Levites' role in Israelite society, and what can I learn from their example of faithfulness and devotion to God?
- What are some ways that I can, in my own life, prioritize God's kingdom and His people, just as the Levites were called to do?
Gill's Exposition on Leviticus 25:32
Notwithstanding, the cities of the Levites,.... The six cities of refuge, and forty two others; these and the houses in them are excepted from the above law, and only they; not such as they might
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Leviticus 25:32
Notwithstanding the cities of the Levites, and the houses of the cities of their possession, may the Levites redeem at any time.
Trapp's Commentary on Leviticus 25:32
Leviticus 25:32 Notwithstanding the cities of the Levites, [and] the houses of the cities of their possession, may the Levites redeem at any time.Ver. 32. May the Levites redeem at any time.] They were ever counted privileged persons: and it was but reason. See Leviticus 25:33-34.
Ellicott's Commentary on Leviticus 25:32
(32) Notwithstanding the cities of the Levites, and the houses.—Better, And as to the cities of the Levites, the houses, that is, the houses which belong to the Levites, in the forty-eight cities given to them (see Numbers 35:1-8; Joshua 21:1-3), are to be exempt from this general law of house property. May the Levites redeem at any time.—Having the same value to the Levites as landed property has to the other tribes, these houses are to be subject to the jubile laws for fields, and hence may be redeemed at any time.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Leviticus 25:32
Verse 32. The cities of the Levites] The law in this and the following verses was also a very wise one. A Levite could not ultimately sell his house: if sold he could redeem it at any time tn the interim between the two jubilees; but if not redeemed, it must go out at the following jubilee. And why? "Because Moses framed his laws so much in favour of the priesthood, that they had peculiar privileges?" &c. Just the reverse: they were so far from being peculiarly favoured that they had no inheritance in Israel, only their cities, to dwell in: and because their houses in these cities were the whole that they could call their own, therefore these houses could not be ultimately alienated. All that they had to live on besides was from that most precarious source of support, the freewill-offerings of the people, which depended on the prevalence of pure religion in the land.
Cambridge Bible on Leviticus 25:32
29–34. Law in respect to the redemption of houses (P) Houses in a walled town, if sold, and not redeemed within a year, were (with the exception of those belonging to the Levites) to be unaffected by the Jubile, and remain the permanent possession of the buyer, but for houses elsewhere there was no restriction as to the time within which they might be redeemed, and in any case the Jubile law was to be in force.
Barnes' Notes on Leviticus 25:32
Rather, And concerning the cities of the Levites, the houses in the cities of their possession, etc. If one of the Levites redeems a house in the city, etc.
Whedon's Commentary on Leviticus 25:32
32. The Levites may redeem — Here is the first hint of the mode of maintaining the Levites in cities.
Sermons on Leviticus 25:32
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Palestine for the Young - the Tribe of Levi by Andrew Bonar | Andrew Bonar emphasizes the fulfillment of Jacob's prophecy regarding the Tribe of Levi, highlighting their unique role as servants of God scattered throughout Israel. Unlike other |
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God's Judgement & Mercy by Alan Redpath | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of God's judgment and the target of that judgment. He emphasizes that listening to the law only makes people desire to break it, |
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Christ Our City of Refuge by Hoseah Wu | In this sermon, Richard from Elizabeth introduces his brother Levine to say a few words. Levine expresses his love for bagels and locks and praises the inspiring words written by a |