Leviticus 25:47-55

Can a foreign purchaser prevent an Israelite’s redemption?

Berean Standard Bible

47 If 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, 48 he retains the right of redemption after he has sold himself. One of his brothers may redeem him: 49 either his uncle or cousin or any close relative from his clan may redeem him. Or if he prospers, he may redeem himself. 50 He 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. 51 If many years remain, he must pay for his redemption in proportion to his purchase price. 52 If only a few years remain until the Year of Jubilee, he is to calculate and pay his redemption according to his remaining years. 53 He shall be treated like a man hired from year to year, but a foreign owner must not rule over him harshly in your sight. 54 Even if he is not redeemed in any of these ways, he and his children shall be released in the Year of Jubilee. 55 For the Israelites are My servants. They are My servants, whom I brought out of the land of Egypt. I am the LORD your God.

What is the context?

The final case concerns a countryman who sells himself to a prosperous resident foreigner or that person’s family. A brother or other close relative may redeem him, or he may redeem himself if he gains the means.

The payment is calculated according to the remaining years, and harsh rule must not be allowed. Even without an earlier redemption, he and his children go free at Jubilee. The conclusion repeats the reason: Israelites belong to the Lord who brought them from Egypt.

How is this passage commonly understood?

Wesley stresses the community’s responsibility to prevent harsh treatment rather than simply observing it. The USCCB notes place the case among the laws responding to poverty. The purchaser’s foreign origin does not remove the Israelite’s stated right of recovery and release.

What is our position?

We don't have a position on this passage yet. When our study reaches a conclusion the text supports, it will appear here.

Where can I study this further?

No deeper study linked yet.

A Living Study And Exchange

This site is a living study effort. Thoughtful feedback is welcome, and future study may lead to clarification, correction, or revision.

Public comments, when enabled, will be reviewed before appearing on the site so discussion remains respectful and relevant. The goal is to grow in understanding, test everything by Scripture, and remain willing to change where the text requires it.