Deuteronomy 24:7 Meaning and Explanation
“If a man be found stealing any of his brethren of the children of Israel, and maketh merchandise of him, or selleth him; then that thief shall die; and thou shalt put evil away from among you.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Kidnapping for sale into slavery carries the death penalty.
The Context of Deuteronomy 24:7
Capital crimes affecting community integrity.
What Does Deuteronomy 24:7 Mean?
This law targets the crime of abduction and human trafficking—taking a fellow Israelite and selling him. The death penalty signals the severity of violating another's fundamental freedom and dignity, and the phrase 'put evil away' emphasizes purging the community of this corruption.
The law treats this not as an ordinary theft (which had lighter penalties) but as a crime against human personhood itself. The act of 'making merchandise' of a human being is categorically wrong.
Deuteronomy 24:7 in the Original Language
גָּנַב (ganav), 'stealing'—in this context, kidnapping; the theft of a person for profit.
Frequently Asked Questions About Deuteronomy 24:7
What does Deuteronomy 24:7 mean?
Kidnapping for sale into slavery carries the death penalty.
What is the context of Deuteronomy 24:7?
Capital crimes affecting community integrity.