Leviticus 25:11That 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.
The setting
Sinai Peninsula, ~1445 BC. After proclaiming freedom, God commands total rest. No farming, no harvesting — complete trust that God will provide during the jubilee year.
The emotion here: trembling at recording such radical dependence on God's provision
The original word
shamat (שָׁמַט) — to let drop, release, let go completely
Why it matters
Israel never fully observed the jubilee, which led to their 70-year exile — one year for each sabbath year they skipped
Read with care
What most readers miss in Leviticus 25:11
This wasn't just agricultural rest — it was a test of faith in God's provision
Common misconceptionPeople think this is about environmental care, but it was about forcing total dependence on God — a year-long test of faith in His provision.
The thread continues
Verses that echo Leviticus 25:11
Bible Genome reading
Leviticus 25:11 — Bible Genome reading
Emotional genome
Leviticus 25:11 comes from the book of Leviticus, written during the exodus period. These words are attributed to God. The dominant emotion in this verse is resting, with a comfort power of 40% and a tone that is commanding. It belongs to the law genre of biblical literature. Key themes include rest, trust, jubilee. Notable phrases: fiftieth year; jubilee; not sow. This verse contains a command.
Emotionally similar
Verses that meet the same resting
“Love is patient and is kind; love doesn't envy. Love doesn't brag, is not proud,”
— 1 Corinthians 13:4
“When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, "It is finished." He bowed his head, and gave up his spirit.”
— John 19:30
“Yahweh is my shepherd: I shall lack nothing.”
— Psalms 23:1
“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me. Your rod and your staff, they comfor…”
— Psalms 23:4
“"Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations. I will be exalted in the earth."”
— Psalms 46:10
Your reflection
What does Leviticus 25:11 mean to you, today?
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