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Leviticus 25:12 - Jubilee: Divine land reset

Leviticus 25:12 - ויקרא 25:12

Hebrew Text

כִּי יוֹבֵל הִוא קֹדֶשׁ תִּהְיֶה לָכֶם מִן־הַשָּׂדֶה תֹּאכְלוּ אֶת־תְּבוּאָתָהּ׃

English Translation

For it is the jubilee; it shall be holy to you: you shall eat its increase out of the field.

Transliteration

Ki yovel hi kodesh tihye lakhem min-hasadeh tokhlu et-tevuatah.

Hebrew Leining Text

כִּ֚י יוֹבֵ֣ל הִ֔וא קֹ֖דֶשׁ תִּהְיֶ֣ה לָכֶ֑ם מִ֨ן־הַשָּׂדֶ֔ה תֹּאכְל֖וּ אֶת־תְּבוּאָתָֽהּ׃
כִּ֚י יוֹבֵ֣ל הִ֔וא קֹ֖דֶשׁ תִּהְיֶ֣ה לָכֶ֑ם מִ֨ן־הַשָּׂדֶ֔ה תֹּאכְל֖וּ אֶת־תְּבוּאָתָֽהּ׃

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Parasha Commentary

The Sanctity of the Yovel (Jubilee) Year

The verse (Vayikra 25:12) emphasizes the holiness of the Yovel year, stating "כִּי יוֹבֵל הִוא קֹדֶשׁ תִּהְיֶה לָכֶם" ("For it is the jubilee; it shall be holy to you"). Rashi explains that the term "קֹדֶשׁ" (holy) indicates that the Yovel year is set apart for special sanctity, similar to the sanctity of Shabbat and Yom Tov. The Sforno adds that this holiness requires abstaining from agricultural labor, as the land must rest during this year just as it does during Shemitah.

Eating from the Field During Yovel

The verse continues: "מִן־הַשָּׂדֶה תֹּאכְלוּ אֶת־תְּבוּאָתָהּ" ("you shall eat its increase out of the field"). The Ramban explains that this teaches that while ownership of produce is relinquished during Yovel (as all land returns to its original owners), Hashem promises sustenance directly from the field—similar to the manna in the wilderness. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 39a) connects this to the idea of divine providence, where one who trusts in Hashem will be sustained without personal toil.

Key Halachic Implications

  • Prohibition of Sowing and Reaping: The Rambam (Hilchot Shemitah v’Yovel 10:8) rules that just as in Shemitah, agricultural work is forbidden, reinforcing the land’s sanctity.
  • Equal Access to Produce: The Torat Kohanim teaches that the phrase "תֹּאכְלוּ אֶת־תְּבוּאָתָהּ" implies that all people—owners, servants, and even animals—may partake freely, emphasizing social equity.
  • Trust in Divine Provision: The Midrash (Vayikra Rabbah 1:1) links this verse to the broader theme of emunah (faith), as the Yovel year tests one’s reliance on Hashem’s promise of sustenance.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Arakhin 29b
The verse is discussed in the context of the laws of the Jubilee year, particularly regarding the sanctity of the year and the permissibility of eating from the field's produce.
📖 Rosh Hashanah 9a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the timing and sanctity of the Jubilee year, emphasizing its holy status and the agricultural laws associated with it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the meaning of the jubilee year in Leviticus 25:12?
A: The jubilee (יוֹבֵל) is a special 50th year in the Jewish agricultural cycle, following seven cycles of seven years (Shemittah). During this year, the Torah commands that the land must rest, all Hebrew slaves are freed, and ancestral lands are returned to their original owners. Rashi explains that it is called 'holy' because it is set aside for these special mitzvot (commandments).
Q: Why does the verse say 'you shall eat its increase out of the field'?
A: The Torah permits eating produce that grows naturally in the jubilee year, just as in the Shemittah (Sabbatical) year. Rambam (Hilchot Shemittah v’Yovel 7:1) explains that while farming is prohibited, Hashem promises a blessing so that the land will provide enough for everyone. This teaches trust in Divine providence.
Q: How is the jubilee year relevant today?
A: Although the jubilee laws primarily apply when the majority of the Jewish people live in Israel and the Temple is standing (Rambam, Hilchot Shemittah 10:8–9), its lessons remain timeless. It teaches social justice (freeing slaves), economic equity (returning land), and faith in Hashem’s sustenance. Many also see it as a reminder of the ultimate redemption.
Q: What makes the jubilee year 'holy' according to Jewish tradition?
A: The Midrash (Torat Kohanim) explains that the jubilee is holy because it is designated for serving Hashem through these unique commandments, just as Shabbat is holy. The Sforno adds that its holiness comes from being a time of spiritual renewal, where people reset their physical and spiritual lives by returning to their ancestral land and freedom.