But the open pastureland around their cities may not be sold, for this is their permanent possession.
Parallel translations
- WEB But the field of the suburbs of their cities may not be sold; for it is their perpetual possession.
- KJV But the field of the suburbs of their cities may not be sold; for it is their perpetual possession.
- NKJV But the field of the common-land of their cities may not be sold, for it is their perpetual possession.
- NASB But pasture fields of their cities shall not be sold, for that is their permanent possession.
- NLT The open pastureland around the Levitical towns may never be sold. It is their permanent possession.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. lockman.org
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Quick answer
The pasturelands around Levite cities could never be sold, being their perpetual possession. Their essential lands were permanently secured.
Overview
The fields surrounding the Levitical cities were inalienable, guaranteeing the tribe lasting support. Since the Levites depended on these lands for their livestock and sustenance, God made them untouchable. This safeguard underscores God's faithful provision for those dedicated to his service.
Cross-references & the web
Cross-references · 3
- Lev 25:23The land must not be sold permanently, because it is Mine, and you are but foreigners and residents with Me.
- Acts 4:36–37Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (meaning Son of Encouragement),
- Num 35:2–5“Command the Israelites to give, from the inheritance they will possess, cities for the Levites to live in and pasturelands around the cities.
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Christ at the center
Every sacrifice, every priest, and every day of atonement points beyond itself to the one perfect offering and the great High Priest who, by his own blood, makes the unclean holy once for all.
How Leviticus 25:34 points to him is part of the one story that runs through all Scripture — meet Jesus at the heart of the web, or follow a trail that traces him from Genesis to Revelation.
Original language
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