Leviticus 25:39

Translations

Modern

If a countryman among you becomes destitute and sells himself to you, then you must not force him into slave labor.

Traditional

And if thy brother that dwelleth by thee be waxen poor, and be sold unto thee; thou shalt not compel him to serve as a bondservant:

Literal

And if one of your brothers among you becomes poor, and he sells himself to you, you shall not compel him to serve as a slave.

Latin

Si paupertate compulsus vendiderit se tibi frater tuus, non eum opprimes servitute famulorum,

Original

Hebrew

English

If a countryman among you becomes destitute and sells himself to you, then you must not force him into slave labor.

Notes

Leviticus 25:1–55

Just as seven days made a week ending in a Sabbath day, every seven years ended with a Sabbath year. After seven Sabbath years, or 49 years, came a special year called the Year of Jubilee. Like so many holy days, these times were meant for reflecting on Israel's shared identity and their relationship with God.

Every Israelite, both free and servant, had a place in God’s kingdom. So, those bound in servitude were set free during the Year of Jubilee (Leviticus 25:39–43). To reduce poverty and protect families, land sales were limited to fifty years. After that, the land returned to the original owner's family or clan.

The land belonged to God, and the Israelites were only "residents" (25:23). But it is unlikely that they actually used these laws. The best land ended up belonging to wealthy landowners (Isaiah 5:8–10; compare Amos 5:11).

Theme notes and profiles

Ancient Law Codes Concern for the Poor The Family Redeemer

Related verses

Exodus 21:2
If you buy a Hebrew servant, he is to serve you for six years. But in the seventh year, he shall go free without paying anything.
1 Kings 9:22
But Solomon did not consign any of the Israelites to slavery, because they were his men of war, his servants, his officers, his captains, and the commanders of his chariots and cavalry.
Nehemiah 5:5
We and our children are just like our countrymen and their children, yet we are subjecting our sons and daughters to slavery. Some of our daughters are already enslaved, but we are powerless to redeem them because our fields and vineyards belong to others.”
2 Kings 4:1
Now the wife of one of the sons of the prophets cried out to Elisha, “Your servant, my husband, is dead, and you know that your servant feared the LORD. And now his creditor is coming to take my two children as his slaves!”
Leviticus 25:46
You may leave them to your sons after you to inherit as property; you can make them slaves for life. But as for your brothers, the Israelites, no man may rule harshly over his brother.
Exodus 1:14
…and made their lives bitter with hard labor in brick and mortar, and with all kinds of work in the fields. Every service they imposed was harsh.
Jeremiah 25:14
For many nations and great kings will enslave them, and I will repay them according to their deeds and according to the work of their hands.’”
Jeremiah 34:14
Every seventh year, each of you must free his Hebrew brother who has sold himself to you. He may serve you six years, but then you must let him go free. But your fathers did not listen or incline their ear.
Exodus 22:3
But if it happens after sunrise, there is guilt for his bloodshed. A thief must make full restitution; if he has nothing, he himself shall be sold for his theft.
Jeremiah 30:8
On that day, declares the LORD of Hosts, I will break the yoke off their necks and tear off their bonds, and no longer will strangers enslave them.
Deuteronomy 15:12–14
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.
Jeremiah 27:7
All nations will serve him and his son and grandson, until the time of his own land comes; then many nations and great kings will enslave him.

Glossary

Beggar Biblical Concept of Law Bond, Bondage Brother Deuteronomy, Book of Feasts and Festivals of Israel History of Israel Jubilee Year Leviticus, Book of Ransom Sabbath

Topics

Beneficence: General Scriptures Concerning Debtor: Laws Concerning Jubilee: Laws Concerning Poor: Duty To Servant: Bond: Defaulting Debtors Made Servant: Bond: Laws of Moses Concerning Servant: Hired: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Servants: Hired: Hebrew Slaves Serving Their Brethren to be Treated As Servants: Slaves or Bond: when Israelites not to be Treated with Rigour The Poor: Rule Not, with Vigour

Leviticus 25:39

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