Keraia
Deuteronomy 15

Deuteronomy 15:12

Hebrew Servants · Deuteronomy 15:12–18
Read Deuteronomy 15

Translations

Modern
If a fellow Hebrew, a man or a woman, is sold to you and serves you six years, then in the seventh year you must set him free.
Traditional
And if thy brother, an Hebrew man, or an Hebrew woman, be sold unto thee, and serve thee six years; then in the seventh year thou shalt let him go free from thee.
Literal
If your brother is sold to you, a Hebrew or a Hebrewess, and he has served you six years, in the seventh year you shall let him go free from you.
Latin
Cum tibi venditus fuerit frater tuus Hebræus aut Hebræa, et sex annis servierit tibi, in septimo anno dimittes eum liberum:

Original

Hebrew
English
If a fellow Hebrew, a man or a woman, is sold to you and serves you six years, then in the seventh year you must set him free.

Notes

Deuteronomy 15:12

If a fellow Hebrew, a man or a woman, is sold to you and serves you: This arrangement allowed a person who owed money to work and repay the debt. In this way, the debtor could meet financial obligations to the creditor.

The service could last no more than seven years (but see 15:16–17 for exceptions).

Deuteronomy 15:1–23

The law of Moses included rules about borrowing and lending. Here, God commanded Israel to cancel debts in the seventh year and to lend generously to the poor.

These laws helped poor people survive times of need. They also placed limits on the wealthy so they would not take advantage of those who were vulnerable.

Theme notes and profiles

Ancient Law Codes

Parallels

Exodus 21:1–11

People

Hebrews: An ethnic group descended from Abraham

Glossary

Archaeology and the Bible Banker, Banking Biblical Concept of Law Covenant Debt Deuteronomy, Book of Handmaid, Handmaiden Poor, the Slave, Slavery

Topics

Beneficence: General Scriptures Concerning Fraternity: General Scriptures Concerning Hebrew: Applied to And his Descendants Liberality: General Scriptures Concerning Liberality: should be Exercised: Toward Servants Poor: Duty To Sabbatic Year: Creditors Required to Release Debtors In Sabbatic Year: Israelite Bondservants Set Free In Servant: Bond: Laws of Moses Concerning Servants: Slaves or Bond: when Israelites to Have Their Liberty After Six Years The Feast of Sabbatical Year: Enactments Respecting: Release of all Hebrew Servants