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H3104 · Hebrew · Old Testament
יוֹבֵל
Yobel
Noun, masculine
Jubilee; ram's horn trumpet; year of release and liberty

Definition

The Hebrew yobel refers to both the ram's horn trumpet and the Year of Jubilee — the fiftieth year of release proclaimed every fifty years in Israel. In the Jubilee year, all land returned to its original owners, all Hebrew slaves were freed, and debts were cancelled. The trumpet blast announced this total economic and social reset.

Usage & Theological Significance

Yobel is one of the most radical socioeconomic concepts in all of ancient literature. Leviticus 25 mandates that every fifty years, all property reverts to original families, all enslaved Hebrews go free, and all debts are cancelled — the ultimate expression of God's ownership of all things and His care for the poor. Jesus began His ministry by proclaiming "the year of the Lord's favor" (Isaiah 61:1–2; Luke 4:18–19) — announcing Himself as the ultimate Jubilee. In Christ, debts are cancelled, slaves are freed, and the lost inheritance is restored.

Key Bible Verses

Leviticus 25:10 Consecrate the fiftieth year and proclaim liberty throughout the land to all its inhabitants. It shall be a jubilee for you.
Leviticus 25:13 In this Year of Jubilee everyone is to return to their own property.
Isaiah 61:1 The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor.
Luke 4:18 The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind.
Leviticus 25:55 For the Israelites belong to me as servants. They are my servants, whom I brought out of Egypt. I am the LORD your God.

Related Words

External Resources

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