The Liberty Bell’s inscription cites the biblical book of Leviticus.
The inscription refers to Leviticus 25:10 and begins, “Proclaim LIBERTY Throughout all the Land unto all the Inhabitants Thereof.” The quotation was selected in connection with Pennsylvania’s colonial assembly and the bell’s intended civic message. The reference appears at the end of the inscription as “Lev. XXV. v X.”
The bell was ordered in 1751 for the Pennsylvania State House, now known as Independence Hall. London founder Thomas Lester cast it, and the bell arrived in Philadelphia in 1752. It cracked during an early test and was recast by Philadelphia founders John Pass and John Stow.
The Liberty Bell became a national symbol of freedom, especially during the nineteenth century and the U.S. independence commemorations that followed. It is often associated with the Declaration and Independence Hall, but the bell predates 1776 and its famous inscription comes from the Hebrew Bible rather than from the Declaration itself.