Leviticus 25:48
Leviticus 25:48 in Multiple Translations
he retains the right of redemption after he has sold himself. One of his brothers may redeem him:
After that he is sold he may be redeemed again; one of his brethren may redeem him:
after that he is sold he may be redeemed: one of his brethren may redeem him;
After he has given himself he has the right to be made free, for a price, by one of his brothers,
they still have the right of being bought back after the sale. A member of their family can buy them back—
After that he is solde, he may be bought out: one of his brethren may bye him out,
after he hath been sold, there is a right of redemption to him; one of his brethren doth redeem him,
after he is sold he may be redeemed. One of his brothers may redeem him;
After that he is sold he may be redeemed again; one of his brethren may redeem him:
After the sale he may be redeemed. He that will of his brethren shall redeem him:
it is permitted for someone to pay for him to be freed. It is permitted for one of his relatives to pay for him to be released:
Berean Amplified Bible — Leviticus 25:48
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 25:48 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אַחֲרֵ֣י
נִמְכַּ֔ר
גְּאֻלָּ֖ה
תִּהְיֶה
לּ֑/וֹ
אֶחָ֥ד
מֵ/אֶחָ֖י/ו
יִגְאָלֶֽ/נּוּ
אַחֲרֵ֣י
ʼachar
H310
after
Prep
נִמְכַּ֔ר
mâkar
H4376
to sell
V-Niphal-Perf-3ms
גְּאֻלָּ֖ה
gᵉʼullâh
H1353
redemption
N-fs
תִּהְיֶה
hâyâh
H1961
to be
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
לּ֑/וֹ
Prep | Suff
אֶחָ֥ד
ʼechâd
H259
one
Adj
מֵ/אֶחָ֖י/ו
ʼâch
H251
brother
Prep | N-mp | Suff
יִגְאָלֶֽ/נּוּ
gâʼal
H1350
to redeem
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Leviticus 25:48
אַחֲרֵ֣י
ʼachar
H310
"after"
Prep
Achar means backwards or after, used to describe something that happens later or in the rear. It is used in various senses in the Bible, including in 1 Kings 12:18.
Definition: 1) after the following part, behind (of place), hinder, afterwards (of time) 1a) as an adverb 1a1) behind (of place) 1a2) afterwards (of time) 1b) as a preposition 1b1) behind, after (of place) 1b2) after (of time) 1b3) besides 1c) as a conjunction 1c) after that 1d) as a substantive 1d1) hinder part 1e) with other prepositions 1e1) from behind 1e2) from following after
Usage: Occurs in 664 OT verses. KJV: after (that, -ward), again, at, away from, back (from, -side), behind, beside, by, follow (after, -ing), forasmuch, from, hereafter, hinder end, [phrase] out (over) live, [phrase] persecute, posterity, pursuing, remnant, seeing, since, thence(-forth), when, with. See also: Genesis 5:4; Exodus 18:2; Joshua 8:14.
נִמְכַּ֔ר
mâkar
H4376
"to sell"
V-Niphal-Perf-3ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to sell something or someone, like a merchant selling goods or a father selling his daughter into marriage. It appears in books like Genesis and Exodus. The word can also mean to surrender or give something up.
Definition: 1) to sell 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to sell 1a2) seller (participle) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be sold 1b2) to sell oneself 1b3) to be given over to death 1c) (Hithpael) to sell oneself
Usage: Occurs in 74 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, sell (away, -er, self). See also: Genesis 25:31; Deuteronomy 32:30; Psalms 44:13.
גְּאֻלָּ֖ה
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.
תִּהְיֶה
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.
לּ֑/וֹ
""
Prep | Suff
אֶחָ֥ד
ʼechâd
H259
"one"
Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means one or united, and is used to describe something that is single or unique. It is often translated as one, first, or alone. For example, in Genesis 1:5, God calls the light day and the darkness night, and separates them into one thing from another.
Definition: 1) one (number) 1a) one (number) 1b) each, every 1c) a certain 1d) an (indefinite article) 1e) only, once, once for all 1f) one...another, the one...the other, one after another, one by one 1g) first 1h) eleven (in combination), eleventh (ordinal)
Usage: Occurs in 739 OT verses. KJV: a, alike, alone, altogether, and, any(-thing), apiece, a certain, (dai-) ly, each (one), [phrase] eleven, every, few, first, [phrase] highway, a man, once, one, only, other, some, together, See also: Genesis 1:5; Exodus 36:26; Numbers 7:70.
מֵ/אֶחָ֖י/ו
ʼâch
H251
"brother"
Prep | N-mp | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a brother or male sibling, but it can also refer to a close relative, friend, or someone with a similar relationship. It is used to describe the bond between brothers, like the relationship between Cain and Abel in Genesis.
Definition: : male-sibling 1) brother 1a) brother of same parents 1b) half-brother (same father) 1c) relative, kinship, same tribe 1d) each to the other (reciprocal relationship) 1e) (fig.) of resemblance
Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: another, brother(-ly); kindred, like, other. Compare also the proper names beginning with 'Ah-' or 'Ahi-'. See also: Genesis 4:2; Genesis 42:13; Numbers 25:6.
יִגְאָלֶֽ/נּוּ
gâʼal
H1350
"to redeem"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms | Suff
This Hebrew word means redemption, describing the act of a kinsman buying back a relative's property or marrying their widow, as seen in the story of Boaz in Ruth.
Definition: : redeem 1) to redeem, act as kinsman-redeemer, avenge, revenge, ransom, do the part of a kinsman 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to act as kinsman, do the part of next of kin, act as kinsman-redeemer 1a1a) by marrying brother's widow to beget a child for him, to redeem from slavery, to redeem land, to exact vengeance 1a2) to redeem (by payment) 1a3) to redeem (with God as subject) 1a3a) individuals from death 1a3b) Israel from Egyptian bondage 1a3c) Israel from exile 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to redeem oneself 1b2) to be redeemed
Usage: Occurs in 84 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] in any wise, [idiom] at all, avenger, deliver, (do, perform the part of near, next) kinsfolk(-man), purchase, ransom, redeem(-er), revenger. See also: Genesis 48:16; Job 3:5; Psalms 19:15.
Study Notes — Leviticus 25:48
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — Redemption of Servants
46You may leave them to your sons after you to inherit as property; you can make them slaves for life. But as for your brothers, the Israelites, no man may rule harshly over his brother.
47If a foreigner residing among you prospers, but your countryman dwelling near him becomes destitute and sells himself to the foreigner or to a member of his clan,
48he retains the right of redemption after he has sold himself. One of his brothers may redeem him:
49either his uncle or cousin or any close relative from his clan may redeem him. Or if he prospers, he may redeem himself. 50He and his purchaser will then count the time from the year he sold himself up to the Year of Jubilee. The price of his sale will be determined by the number of years, based on the daily wages of a hired hand.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nehemiah 5:5 | We and our children are just like our countrymen and their children, yet we are subjecting our sons and daughters to slavery. Some of our daughters are already enslaved, but we are powerless to redeem them because our fields and vineyards belong to others.” |
| 2 | Hebrews 2:11–13 | For both the One who sanctifies and those who are sanctified are of the same family. So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers. He says: “I will proclaim Your name to My brothers; I will sing Your praises in the assembly.” And again: “I will put My trust in Him.” And once again: “Here am I, and the children God has given Me.” |
| 3 | Leviticus 25:35 | Now if your countryman becomes destitute and cannot support himself among you, then you are to help him as you would a foreigner or stranger, so that he can continue to live among you. |
| 4 | Leviticus 25:25 | If your brother becomes impoverished and sells some of his property, his nearest of kin may come and redeem what his brother has sold. |
| 5 | Nehemiah 5:8 | and said, “We have done our best to buy back our Jewish brothers who were sold to foreigners, but now you are selling your own brothers, that they may be sold back to us!” But they remained silent, for they could find nothing to say. |
| 6 | Galatians 4:4–5 | But when the time had fully come, God sent His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive our adoption as sons. |
Leviticus 25:48 Summary
Leviticus 25:48 tells us that even if an Israelite has sold himself to someone else, he still has the right to be bought back and set free. This is a reminder that God cares about our well-being and wants us to be treated with dignity and respect (as seen in Leviticus 25:42). Just like the Israelites, we can be 'redeemed' or bought back from the slavery of sin through Jesus Christ (Galatians 3:13, Romans 6:17-18). This verse encourages us to reflect on how we can help others who are struggling and to trust in God's plan of redemption for our own lives.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to retain the right of redemption after being sold?
According to Leviticus 25:48, even after an Israelite has sold himself to a foreigner, he still has the right to be redeemed, which means to be bought back and set free, as seen in the concept of redemption in Exodus 21:8 and Deuteronomy 15:12.
Who can redeem an Israelite who has sold himself?
As stated in Leviticus 25:48, one of his brothers may redeem him, which includes his close relatives such as his uncle or cousin, as further explained in Leviticus 25:49.
Why is it significant that an Israelite can be redeemed after being sold?
This highlights God's concern for the well-being and dignity of His people, as seen in Leviticus 25:42, where it is stated that the Israelites are God's servants, and He does not want them to be treated harshly or permanently enslaved.
How does this concept of redemption relate to our spiritual lives?
The idea of redemption in Leviticus 25:48 points to the spiritual redemption we have in Jesus Christ, who bought us back from the slavery of sin, as described in Galatians 3:13 and Romans 6:17-18.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways in which I may be 'sold' into spiritual bondage, and how can I be redeemed?
- How can I, like the relatives of an Israelite, help to 'redeem' others who are struggling or trapped in difficult situations?
- In what ways can I reflect God's heart of redemption and concern for the well-being of others in my own life and relationships?
- How does the concept of redemption in Leviticus 25:48 encourage or challenge me in my own walk with God?
Gill's Exposition on Leviticus 25:48
After that he is sold he may be redeemed again,.... Though an Heathen, sold to an Israelite, was to be a bondman for ever, and could not be released by the year of jubilee, yet an Israelite sold to
Ellicott's Commentary on Leviticus 25:48
(48) He may be redeemed again.—The law which applies to a heathen who sold himself to a Hebrew is reversed in this case. Whilst the heathen cannot be redeemed, and is to remain a bondman for ever, the Israelite who sells himself to a heathen may be redeemed. Indeed, according to the interpretation which obtained during the second Temple, this passage enjoins it upon his relations and the congregation to redeem him as soon as possible. Hence the ancient Chaldee Version translates it, “his redemption must be effected forthwith.”
Cambridge Bible on Leviticus 25:48
47–55. The case of Israelites who are slaves of resident foreigners (H but with a large admixture of P) Such a person might be redeemed, or, if he acquired the means, might redeem himself, the price of redemption to be calculated according to the number of years intervening before the Jubile, as in the case of the redemption of land (Leviticus 25:27). In any case the bondage was limited by the law of the Jubile.
Whedon's Commentary on Leviticus 25:48
48. He may be redeemed again — At any time.
Sermons on Leviticus 25:48
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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The Kinsman Redeemer by Paris Reidhead | In this sermon, the preacher paints a vivid picture of a person in Israel who has lost their inheritance and is in chains, serving a cruel taskmaster. However, a relative or elder |
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What the Wall Speaks Of by T. Austin-Sparks | T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the spiritual significance of Nehemiah's rebuilding of the wall of Jerusalem, illustrating the need for the Lord's people to recover their testimony of |
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(John - Part 24): The Wonder and Mystery of the Eternal Christ Identifying With Man by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher begins by posing a hypothetical scenario of a man being sentenced to death for murder. He then transitions to describing the beauty of nature and how m |
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Hebrews 1, 2 & 3 - Part 1 by T. Austin-Sparks | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of looking again at Jesus and understanding the greatness of Christ. The speaker encourages the audience to recognize that the |
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Hold Not Thy Peace, O God of My Praise by Carter Conlon | This sermon based on Psalms 109 focuses on the power of God's voice amidst the other voices that surround us. It emphasizes the importance of hearing God's voice, trusting in His p |
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Partners by T. Austin-Sparks | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the concept of partnership in the house of God. He compares the difference between being an employee and being a partner. The letter to the H |
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Test of Sound Doctrine by William MacDonald | In this sermon, the preacher tells a story about a young man who owes everything he has to his mother. The young man helps his mother get ready for an event and brings her along wi |