Leviticus 25:40 Meaning and Explanation
“But as an hired servant, and as a sojourner, he shall be with thee, and shall serve thee unto the year of jubile:”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →An impoverished Israelite servant works like a hired worker, not a slave, and serves only until the jubilee.
The Context of Leviticus 25:40
Israelite servants serve like hired workers and are freed at the jubilee.
What Does Leviticus 25:40 Mean?
Service is limited to the jubilee year. The servant's indenture has a definite end date, creating hope and a pathway to freedom. His status is explicitly compared to that of a hired worker or sojourner—someone with legal standing and rights, not someone to be bought and sold like chattel.
By law, the servant counts toward jubilee release. Even if no redemption is negotiated, jubilee automatically frees him. This prevents the development of a permanent underclass within Israel. Economic hardship is temporary; covenant freedom is eternal.
Frequently Asked Questions About Leviticus 25:40
What does Leviticus 25:40 mean?
An impoverished Israelite servant works like a hired worker, not a slave, and serves only until the jubilee.
What is the context of Leviticus 25:40?
Israelite servants serve like hired workers and are freed at the jubilee.