Deuteronomy 15:16 Meaning and Explanation
“And it shall be, if he say unto thee, I will not go away from thee; because he loveth thee and thine house, because he is well with thee;”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →A servant may choose to stay, preferring your household to freedom.
The Context of Deuteronomy 15:16
Provision for a servant to voluntarily remain.
What Does Deuteronomy 15:16 Mean?
The law allows choice: if a servant has been treated well and loves their master's household, they may voluntarily remain. This reflects a relationship based on affection and security rather than pure coercion. Such a servant would choose to stay.
The reason—'he loveth thee and thine house, because he is well with thee'—suggests that in a just household, a servant might find community and care. The law acknowledges that genuine relationships can form within servitude.
Frequently Asked Questions About Deuteronomy 15:16
What does Deuteronomy 15:16 mean?
A servant may choose to stay, preferring your household to freedom.
What is the context of Deuteronomy 15:16?
Provision for a servant to voluntarily remain.