Leviticus 25:42 Meaning and Explanation
“For they are my servants, which I brought forth out of the land of Egypt: they shall not be sold as bondmen.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Israelites belong to God as the people He freed from Egypt; they cannot be sold as permanent slaves.
The Context of Leviticus 25:42
God's redemption of Israel from Egypt forbids selling them as permanent slaves.
What Does Leviticus 25:42 Mean?
This verse asserts that all Israelites are God's servants by virtue of the exodus. No human has the right to permanently enslave another Israelite because God has already claimed them. The ownership relationship is vertical (to God), not horizontal (to another person). Slavery violates this allegiance.
The prohibition 'they shall not be sold as bondmen' excludes the possibility of permanent servitude. Even harsh indenture due to debt is conditional and temporary. God's claim on Israel supersedes any human master's claim.
Frequently Asked Questions About Leviticus 25:42
What does Leviticus 25:42 mean?
Israelites belong to God as the people He freed from Egypt; they cannot be sold as permanent slaves.
What is the context of Leviticus 25:42?
God's redemption of Israel from Egypt forbids selling them as permanent slaves.