Jeremiah 34:9 Meaning and Explanation
“That every man should let his manservant, and every man his maidservant, being an Hebrew or an Hebrewess, go free; that none should serve himself of them, to wit, of a Jew his brother.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The covenant requires freeing Hebrew servants to prevent Jewish servitude of Jews.
The Context of Jeremiah 34:9
Details of what the covenant entails for enslaved Hebrew men and women.
What Does Jeremiah 34:9 Mean?
The covenant specifies the release of Hebrew servants—both male and female—held by their own countrymen. This reflects the Torah's requirement that Hebrew slaves be freed in the seventh year. The emphasis on 'a Jew his brother' highlights the sacred bond between fellow members of God's covenant people.
The principle is profound: debt and misfortune may require temporary service, but permanent enslavement of one's own brother violates the bond of kinship and covenant. Freedom is the presumed state; servitude is temporary. This covenant attempts to restore Judah's legal and moral order.
Jeremiah 34:9 in the Original Language
The term 'brother' (אָח, 'ach in Hebrew) here means both literal family and fellow covenant member.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jeremiah 34:9
What does Jeremiah 34:9 mean?
The covenant requires freeing Hebrew servants to prevent Jewish servitude of Jews.
What is the context of Jeremiah 34:9?
Details of what the covenant entails for enslaved Hebrew men and women.