Keraia
Deuteronomy 15

Deuteronomy 15:18

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

Translations

Modern
Do not regard it as a hardship to set your servant free, because his six years of service were worth twice the wages of a hired hand. And the LORD your God will bless you in all you do.
Traditional
It shall not seem hard unto thee, when thou sendest him away free from thee; for he hath been worth a double hired servant to thee, in serving thee six years: and the Lord thy God shall bless thee in all that thou doest.
Literal
It shall not seem hard in your eyes when you send him away free from you, for he has been worth double of a hireling in serving you six years; and YHWH your God will bless you in all that you do.
Latin
Non avertas ab eis oculos tuos, quando dimiseris eos liberos, quoniam juxta mercedem mercenarii per sex annos servivit tibi: ut benedicat tibi Dominus Deus tuus in cunctis operibus quæ agis.

Original

Hebrew
English
Do not regard it as a hardship to set your servant free, because his six years of service were worth twice the wages of a hired hand. And the LORD your God will bless you in all you do.

Notes

Deuteronomy 15:18

worth twice the wages: A bondservant worked every day and did not serve for limited hours. Because of this, his work was worth more than the work of a hired laborer.

A hired worker served only for certain hours of the day. The bondservant’s full-time service made his value greater.

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

Glossary

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

Topics

Beneficence: General Scriptures Concerning Employee: General Scriptures Concerning Liberality: General Scriptures Concerning Masters: Benevolent, Blessed Sabbatic Year: Creditors Required to Release Debtors In Servant: Bond: Laws of Moses Concerning Servants: Slaves or Bond: More Valuable than Hired Servants