If many years remainThis phrase refers to the context of the Year of Jubilee, a time every 50 years when liberty was proclaimed throughout the land (
Leviticus 25:10). The concept of time remaining is crucial in determining the redemption price for a person who has sold themselves into servitude due to debt. The longer the time until the Jubilee, the higher the redemption price, reflecting the value of the labor that would be lost by the master. This principle underscores the importance of the Jubilee as a time of restoration and freedom, reflecting God's desire for His people to live in liberty and equality.
he must pay for his redemption
Redemption here involves the act of buying back one's freedom. This reflects the broader biblical theme of redemption, where God redeems His people from slavery and sin. The concept of redemption is central to the Christian faith, with Jesus Christ being the ultimate Redeemer who pays the price for humanity's sins (Ephesians 1:7). In the context of Leviticus, redemption is a legal and economic transaction, but it also points to the spiritual redemption that Christ provides.
in proportion to his purchase price
The redemption price is calculated based on the original purchase price and the number of years remaining until the Jubilee. This ensures fairness and justice in economic transactions, reflecting God's concern for equity and righteousness. The principle of proportionality is seen throughout Scripture, emphasizing that God's laws are just and balanced. This also foreshadows the idea that Christ's sacrifice is sufficient and perfectly proportionate to cover the sins of humanity, fulfilling the law's demands completely (Romans 3:24-26).
Persons / Places / Events
1.
IsraelitesThe primary audience of Leviticus, receiving laws and instructions from God through Moses.
2.
Jubilee YearA significant event in Israelite society occurring every 50 years, where slaves were freed, debts forgiven, and land returned to original owners.
3.
MosesThe prophet and leader through whom God delivered the laws to the Israelites.
4.
Promised LandThe land of Canaan, which God promised to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
5.
RedeemerA person who could buy back a relative sold into slavery, reflecting the concept of redemption.
Teaching Points
Understanding RedemptionRedemption involves a cost, reflecting the value and dignity of the individual. In our spiritual lives, Christ paid the ultimate price for our redemption.
The Principle of ProportionalityThe redemption price was proportional to the time remaining until Jubilee, teaching us about fairness and justice in our dealings with others.
Freedom and RestorationThe Jubilee Year symbolizes God's desire for freedom and restoration, encouraging us to seek reconciliation and restoration in our relationships.
The Role of a RedeemerJust as a kinsman-redeemer would act on behalf of a relative, Christ acts as our Redeemer, offering us spiritual freedom and restoration.
Living in Light of RedemptionAs those redeemed by Christ, we are called to live lives that reflect His grace and mercy, extending forgiveness and freedom to others.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Leviticus 25:51?
2.How does Leviticus 25:51 illustrate God's principles of fairness and justice?
3.What does Leviticus 25:51 teach about redemption and its importance in God's law?
4.How can we apply the concept of redemption in Leviticus 25:51 today?
5.What connections exist between Leviticus 25:51 and Christ's redemptive work in the New Testament?
6.How does understanding Leviticus 25:51 deepen our appreciation for God's provision and mercy?
7.How does Leviticus 25:51 reflect God's view on justice and fairness in economic transactions?
8.What historical context influenced the laws in Leviticus 25:51?
9.How does Leviticus 25:51 relate to the concept of redemption in Christian theology?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Leviticus 25?
11.What is the Holy of Holies in the Bible?
12.What is a kinsman redeemer in the Book of Ruth?
13.Jeremiah 34:11-17 - How does God's condemnation of re-enslavement align with other passages where slavery was permitted (e.g., Leviticus 25)?
14.How can we proclaim liberty to the captives?What Does Leviticus 25:51 Mean
If many years remainLeviticus 25:51 states, “If many years remain, he must pay for his redemption in proportion to his purchase price.”
• The verse sits in the Jubilee regulations (Leviticus 25:8-55), where every fiftieth year debts are canceled and land is returned (Leviticus 25:10-13).
• “Many years remain” points to a long stretch of time until the next Jubilee. The longer the period, the higher the remaining value of the servant’s labor.
• Scripture consistently ties time to value: a Hebrew servant served six years, with freedom in the seventh (Exodus 21:2;Deuteronomy 15:12). The closer to that release point, the lower the price.
• God’s law guards both parties:
– The owner is not cheated out of years of service he lawfully purchased.
– The servant is assured he will never be exploited beyond the actual worth of those years (Leviticus 25:14-16).
He must pay for his redemption• Redemption is possible before Jubilee. The servant, or a near relative, can initiate it (Leviticus 25:47-49).
• Personal responsibility is emphasized—he “must pay.” The freedom God provides still carries a cost that must be met, echoing the kinsman-redeemer principle later illustrated inRuth 2:20 and perfected by Christ’s payment for believers (1 Peter 1:18-19).
• Redemption underscores dignity: even in servitude, an Israelite is seen as having the right—and duty—to regain his liberty (Leviticus 25:42).
• Practical outworking:
– A family might pool resources to cover the amount (Leviticus 25:49).
– The transaction is public and recorded at the city gate (Ruth 4:1-11 models this process).
In proportion to his purchase price• The price is prorated: remaining years ÷ total years × original purchase price. This guarantees a just rate (Leviticus 25:15-16).
• God demands honest scales (Deuteronomy 25:15). By tying redemption to a clear formula, He removes arbitrary bargaining.
• An example:
– Original term: 20 years of work for 20 shekels.
– Years left: 15.
– Redemption price = 15 ÷ 20 × 20 shekels = 15 shekels.
• The valuation system inLeviticus 27:2-8 shows a similar sliding scale, proving God’s concern for equity in financial dealings.
• Spiritually, the proportional payment foreshadows the precise, sufficient ransom Christ paid—“the Son of Man… to give His life as a ransom for many” (Matthew 20:28), satisfying every requirement in full (1 Corinthians 6:20).
summaryLeviticus 25:51 teaches that when plenty of time remains until Jubilee, an Israelite servant (or his family) must calculate a fair redemption price based on the years left and pay it. The clause protects both servant and master, reflects God’s justice, and previews the exact, costly redemption later fulfilled perfectly in Jesus Christ.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
Ifאִם־(’im-)Conjunction
Strong's 518:Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, notmanyרַבּ֖וֹת(rab·bō·wṯ)Adjective - feminine plural
Strong's 7227:Much, many, greatyearsבַּשָּׁנִ֑ים(baš·šā·nîm)Preposition-b, Article | Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 8141:A yearremain,ע֥וֹד(‘ō·wḏ)Adverb
Strong's 5750:Iteration, continuance, again, repeatedly, still, morehe must payיָשִׁ֣יב(yā·šîḇ)Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7725:To turn back, in, to retreat, againfor his redemptionגְּאֻלָּת֔וֹ(gə·’ul·lā·ṯōw)Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 1353:Redemption, relationshipin proportion toלְפִיהֶן֙(lə·p̄î·hen)Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person feminine plural
Strong's 6310:The mouth, edge, portion, side, according tohis purchaseמִקְנָתֽוֹ׃(miq·nā·ṯōw)Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 4736:A buying, acquisition, a piece of property, the sum paidprice.מִכֶּ֖סֶף(mik·ke·sep̄)Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3701:Silver, money
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OT Law: Leviticus 25:51 If there are yet many years according (Le Lv Lev.) 
