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Leviticus 25:25 - Redeem your brother's lost land

Leviticus 25:25 - ויקרא 25:25

Hebrew Text

כִּי־יָמוּךְ אָחִיךָ וּמָכַר מֵאֲחֻזָּתוֹ וּבָא גֹאֲלוֹ הַקָּרֹב אֵלָיו וְגָאַל אֵת מִמְכַּר אָחִיו׃

English Translation

If thy brother become poor, and has sold away some of his possession, then shall his near kinsman come to redeem it, and shall redeem that which his brother sold.

Transliteration

Ki-yamukh achikha umakhar me'achuzato uva go'alo hakarev eilav vega'al et mimkar achiv.

Hebrew Leining Text

כִּֽי־יָמ֣וּךְ אָחִ֔יךָ וּמָכַ֖ר מֵאֲחֻזָּת֑וֹ וּבָ֤א גֹֽאֲלוֹ֙ הַקָּרֹ֣ב אֵלָ֔יו וְגָאַ֕ל אֵ֖ת מִמְכַּ֥ר אָחִֽיו׃
כִּֽי־יָמ֣וּךְ אָחִ֔יךָ וּמָכַ֖ר מֵאֲחֻזָּת֑וֹ וּבָ֤א גֹֽאֲלוֹ֙ הַקָּרֹ֣ב אֵלָ֔יו וְגָאַ֕ל אֵ֖ת מִמְכַּ֥ר אָחִֽיו׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context in Vayikra (Leviticus 25:25)

The verse appears in Parshat Behar, which details the laws of the Jubilee (Yovel) and land redemption. This specific law addresses the obligation of a close relative (go'el) to redeem land sold by an impoverished kinsman to prevent permanent loss of ancestral property.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Vayikra 25:25) clarifies that the term "גֹאֲלוֹ הַקָּרֹב" ("his near kinsman") refers to the closest living relative—first a son, then a father, brother, or other relatives in order of familial proximity. The mitzvah prioritizes keeping land within the family, reflecting the Torah's emphasis on preserving ancestral inheritance (nachalah).

Rambam's Legal Perspective

In Hilchot Shemitah v'Yovel (11:1), the Rambam codifies this law, emphasizing that redemption is a mitzvah aseh (positive commandment) incumbent upon the nearest relative. If the go'el neglects this duty, others may redeem the land, but the primary responsibility lies with the closest kin.

Midrashic Insights

  • Torat Kohanim (Behar 5:1) links this law to the broader theme of divine providence: Just as Hashem ensures the preservation of familial land, He oversees the ultimate redemption of Klal Yisrael.
  • The Sforno notes that the term "אָחִיךָ" ("your brother") underscores the ethical imperative to treat fellow Jews as family, especially in times of hardship.

Halachic Implications

The Chazon Ish (Shevi'it 24:3) discusses practical applications, such as cases where multiple relatives share equal proximity. Here, the one who acts first fulfills the mitzvah, but all are encouraged to participate in supporting their kinsman's financial recovery.

Symbolic Meaning

The Kli Yakar interprets the verse homiletically: Just as physical property must be redeemed to maintain tribal boundaries, spiritual "property" (mitzvot and Torah values) must be reclaimed by those "closest" to them—teachers and leaders—when others falter.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Arakhin 30a
The verse is discussed in the context of the laws of redemption of property, particularly focusing on the role of the kinsman-redeemer (go'el).
📖 Bava Metzia 14a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the sale and redemption of property, emphasizing the obligation of the kinsman to redeem the sold property.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Leviticus 25:25 mean?
A: Leviticus 25:25 teaches the mitzvah (commandment) of 'geulah' (redemption) of land. If a Jew becomes poor and is forced to sell part of his ancestral land in Israel, his closest relative has the responsibility to 'redeem' it—meaning to buy it back so the land remains within the family. This shows the Torah's emphasis on keeping family heritage intact and helping those in financial difficulty.
Q: Why is the redemption of land important in Judaism?
A: The redemption of land is important because the Land of Israel was given by Hashem to each tribe and family as an eternal inheritance (Numbers 36:7). The Rambam (Hilchot Shemittah 11:1) explains that this law prevents permanent loss of family property and ensures economic stability. Rashi (on this verse) notes that it also maintains the tribal divisions of the Land as originally assigned by Joshua.
Q: Who is considered the 'close relative' responsible for redemption?
A: The 'close relative' (go'el) refers to the nearest family member who has the financial means to help. The Talmud (Bava Metzia 71a) discusses the order of priority: first a brother, then uncles or cousins, etc. The Sefer Hachinuch (Mitzvah 338) explains that this relative fulfills both a family and communal obligation by preserving the ancestral land.
Q: Does this law apply today without the Temple?
A: While the detailed laws of land redemption primarily applied when the Jubilee (Yovel) year was observed (Rambam, Hilchot Shemittah 10:8), the principle still teaches us to support family members in financial distress. The Chofetz Chaim (Ahavat Chesed 2:19) applies this idea to general acts of kindness and loans to help those in need.
Q: What lesson can we learn from this verse today?
A: This verse teaches the importance of family responsibility and communal support. The Sforno explains that we must actively help others before their situation deteriorates further. Today, this applies to assisting relatives with dignity during hardships, whether through financial help, emotional support, or other means—embodying the Torah's value of 'love your neighbor as yourself' (Leviticus 19:18).