Leviticus 25:39 Meaning and Explanation
“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:”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →If an impoverished fellow Israelite becomes a servant due to debt, he must not be treated as a permanent slave.
The Context of Leviticus 25:39
Poor Israelites who become servants retain their fundamental freedom.
What Does Leviticus 25:39 Mean?
Poverty sometimes forced Israelites to indenture themselves as servants. The law does not forbid this arrangement but strictly regulates it. The servant must not be treated as property or subjected to the harshness of perpetual slavery. His status is fundamentally different: he remains a free person in servitude.
The distinction between servant and slave is crucial. A servant has rights and dignity; a slave does not. The law protects the servant's humanity even though his economic circumstances require labor for others.
Frequently Asked Questions About Leviticus 25:39
What does Leviticus 25:39 mean?
If an impoverished fellow Israelite becomes a servant due to debt, he must not be treated as a permanent slave.
What is the context of Leviticus 25:39?
Poor Israelites who become servants retain their fundamental freedom.