Leviticus 25:11
A jubilee 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.
Leviticus 25:11 · King James Version
Meaning
The verse "A jubilee 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" comes from the book of Leviticus in the Old Testament and is part of the instructions given to the Israelites regarding the Year of Jubilee. The Year of Jubilee was a special year that occurred every 50 years in which debts were forgiven, slaves were set free, and land that had been sold returned to its original owners. During this year, the land was to rest, and no agricultural work was to be done. This was a time for the people to focus on God, trust in Him to provide for their needs, and for the land to replenish and rejuvenate itself. It was a time of celebration, reflection, and restoration, emphasizing the importance of faith, community, and stewardship of the land.
Theological Overview
One of the key theological interpretations of the verse from Leviticus 25:11 revolves around the concept of the Jubilee year. The Jubilee year was a special time in the Hebrew calendar that occurred every fifty years. During this time, the land was to lie fallow, and the people were not to sow, reap, or gather the crops that grew on their own. This was a practice designed to rest the land and allow it to rejuvenate, as well as to provide a period of rest for the people. It was also a time for forgiveness and release, as debts were to be forgiven, slaves were to be set free, and land that had been sold was to be returned to its original owner. This special year was symbolic of God's provision and care for His people, emphasizing the importance of trust in His provision and obedience to His commands. Through the observance of the Jubilee year, the Israelites were reminded of God's faithfulness and the need to depend on Him for all their needs.
Leviticus 25:11 in other translations
American Standard Version
A jubilee 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 the undressed vines.
World English Bible
That fiftieth year shall be a jubilee to you. In it you shall not sow, neither reap that which grows of itself, nor gather from the undressed vines.
Douay-Rheims
Because it is the jubilee and the fiftieth year. You shall not sow, nor reap the things that grow in the field of their own accord, neither shall you gather the firstfruits of the vines,
Geneva Bible (1599)
This fiftieth yeere shalbe a yeere of Iubile vnto you: ye shall not sowe, neither reape that which groweth of it selfe, neither gather the grapes thereof, that are left vnlaboured.