What is the meaning of Leviticus 25:14?

If you make a sale to your neighbor

• “If you make a sale to your neighbor…” shows that business is never detached from relationship; every transaction is between people created in God’s image (Genesis 1:27).

• Israel’s land was allotted by God (Leviticus 25:23). A sale, therefore, involved stewardship of God’s gift rather than absolute ownership.

• Selling within the covenant community called for love of neighbor (Leviticus 19:18; Matthew 22:39) and rejection of greed (Exodus 22:25).

• By linking commerce and community, the verse teaches that profit is not the ultimate goal; faithfulness to God and care for others are (Colossians 3:23-24).

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or a purchase from him

• “or a purchase from him…” reminds buyers that integrity is mutual.

– The buyer must pay a just price, not manipulating need or ignorance (Deuteronomy 25:13-16).

– Honest weights and measures express reverence for the Lord who sees all (Proverbs 11:1; Leviticus 19:35-36).

• God’s law protected the vulnerable poor from being squeezed by the wealthy (Deuteronomy 24:14-15; James 5:4).

• Because the land would return at Jubilee (Leviticus 25:8-17), the purchase price was to reflect the number of harvests remaining, keeping both parties from exploitation.

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you must not take advantage of each other

• “you must not take advantage of each other” crystallizes the command: no exploitation, no hidden gain (Leviticus 25:17).

• Sin twists commerce toward selfishness, but God calls His people to fairness and generosity (Micah 6:10-12; Amos 8:4-6).

• Cheating a brother is ultimately an offense against God (1 Thessalonians 4:6).

• Practical applications today:

– Treat every deal as a sacred trust.

– Price goods and wages justly, refusing predatory practices.

– Use resources to bless, not to oppress (Acts 4:32-35; Ephesians 4:28).

• The verse looks ahead to Christ, who paid the full, fair price for our redemption (1 Peter 1:18-19), modeling sacrificial integrity.

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summary

Leviticus 25:14 teaches that every sale or purchase must be conducted with neighbor-love and reverence for God, rejecting any form of exploitation. Because all resources belong to the Lord, His people are called to honest, compassionate commerce that reflects His character, protects the vulnerable, and showcases the righteousness fulfilled perfectly in Christ.