For America250, which phrase is inscribed on Philadelphia’s Liberty Bell?

Philadelphia’s Liberty Bell is inscribed with the phrase “Proclaim LIBERTY Throughout all the Land unto all the Inhabitants Thereof.”

The wording comes from Leviticus 25:10, a biblical passage about proclaiming liberty throughout the land. The inscription also includes a citation to the verse and identifies the bell as ordered by the Pennsylvania Assembly for the State House in Philadelphia, now known as Independence Hall. The bell was cast in London in 1752 and cracked when first tested.

Local founders John Pass and John Stow recast it in Philadelphia, but the bell later developed its famous permanent crack. Although popular stories connect it directly with the reading of the Declaration of Independence, there is no contemporary evidence that it was rung for that event. Its modern association with American independence grew especially during the 19th century, making it a prominent symbol for America250.