Leviticus 25:35 - “‘If your brother has become poor, and his hand can’t support himself among you; then you shall uphold him. He shall live with you like an alien and a temporary resident.
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What does "Leviticus 25:35" mean?
Leviticus 25:35 outlines a fundamental principle of communal responsibility within the ancient Israelite society. Let's break down the meaning:
"If your brother has become poor...": This refers to a fellow Israelite who has fallen into poverty and is struggling to sustain themselves.
"...and his hand can't support himself among you...": This describes the situation where the individual is unable to provide for their own basic needs. They are in a state of destitution.
"...then you shall uphold him.": This is the crucial command. It mandates that the community, particularly those with means, has a responsibility to support the impoverished individual. The verb "uphold" implies actively assisting and sustaining them.
"He shall live with you like an alien and a temporary resident.": This means the person should be treated with dignity and respect, despite their circumstances. The terms "alien" and "temporary resident" imply that this person is now dependent on the community's hospitality and provision, even though they were once a fully contributing member. They are not to be exploited or treated poorly because of their poverty. Instead, they should be integrated into the community and allowed to live with them as any other member of the community should.
In essence, the verse means:
If a fellow Israelite falls into poverty and cannot support themselves, the community is obligated to provide for them. They should be treated with respect and dignity, as if they were a stranger living among them, and given the means to survive and maintain their place within the community. This law highlights the importance of social justice, compassion, and mutual support within the Israelite society. It discourages indifference to the plight of the poor and encourages active intervention to alleviate suffering.
Key takeaways:
Communal Responsibility: This is not just an individual act of charity, but a community-wide obligation.
Dignity: Even in poverty, the individual retains their inherent worth and deserves respect.
Practical Support: The verse calls for active assistance, not just pity.
Social Integration: The individual should be welcomed and treated as a member of the community, not as an outcast.
The verse serves as a reminder of the importance of looking out for the vulnerable within our communities and taking concrete action to alleviate their suffering. It also emphasizes the value of treating all individuals with respect, regardless of their financial situation.
Leviticus 25:35 - “‘If your brother has become poor, and his hand can’t support himself among you; then you shall uphold him. He shall live with you like an alien and a temporary resident.
What does "Leviticus 25:35" mean?
Leviticus 25:35 outlines a fundamental principle of communal responsibility within the ancient Israelite society. Let's break down the meaning:
"If your brother has become poor...": This refers to a fellow Israelite who has fallen into poverty and is struggling to sustain themselves.
"...and his hand can't support himself among you...": This describes the situation where the individual is unable to provide for their own basic needs. They are in a state of destitution.
"...then you shall uphold him.": This is the crucial command. It mandates that the community, particularly those with means, has a responsibility to support the impoverished individual. The verb "uphold" implies actively assisting and sustaining them.
"He shall live with you like an alien and a temporary resident.": This means the person should be treated with dignity and respect, despite their circumstances. The terms "alien" and "temporary resident" imply that this person is now dependent on the community's hospitality and provision, even though they were once a fully contributing member. They are not to be exploited or treated poorly because of their poverty. Instead, they should be integrated into the community and allowed to live with them as any other member of the community should.
In essence, the verse means:
If a fellow Israelite falls into poverty and cannot support themselves, the community is obligated to provide for them. They should be treated with respect and dignity, as if they were a stranger living among them, and given the means to survive and maintain their place within the community. This law highlights the importance of social justice, compassion, and mutual support within the Israelite society. It discourages indifference to the plight of the poor and encourages active intervention to alleviate suffering.
Key takeaways:
Communal Responsibility: This is not just an individual act of charity, but a community-wide obligation.
Dignity: Even in poverty, the individual retains their inherent worth and deserves respect.
Practical Support: The verse calls for active assistance, not just pity.
Social Integration: The individual should be welcomed and treated as a member of the community, not as an outcast.
The verse serves as a reminder of the importance of looking out for the vulnerable within our communities and taking concrete action to alleviate their suffering. It also emphasizes the value of treating all individuals with respect, regardless of their financial situation.