Jubilee — Meaning in the Bible
Every fiftieth year in Israel's law, when land returned to its original families and Israelites in servitude were freed.
Scripture in WEBWorld English Bible — Protestant Edition
The connection between Luke 4:18-19 and the jubilee is an interpretation of shared language; Luke does not use the word jubilee.
What it means
Leviticus 25 sets the year of jubilee after seven sevens of years: liberty is proclaimed and each person returns to their family property, because the land belongs to God. Leviticus 25:8–17Leviticus 25:23
Jesus read Isaiah's words about proclaiming liberty and "the acceptable year of the Lord", language many readers connect with the jubilee. Isaiah 61:1–2Luke 4:18–19
Key passages
- Leviticus 25:8–17 — The jubilee year.
- Leviticus 25:23–28 — Land returns.
- Isaiah 61:1–2 — Liberty proclaimed.
- Luke 4:16–21 — Jesus reads Isaiah.