Deuteronomy 15:13
Deuteronomy 15:13 in Multiple Translations
And when you release him, do not send him away empty-handed.
And when thou sendest him out free from thee, thou shalt not let him go away empty:
And when thou lettest him go free from thee, thou shalt not let him go empty:
And when you make him free, do not let him go away with nothing in his hands:
And when you free them, don't send them away with nothing.
And when thou sendest him out free from thee, thou shalt not let him goe away emptie,
And when thou dost send him away free from thee, thou dost not send him away empty;
When you let him go free from you, you shall not let him go empty.
And when thou sendest him out free from thee, thou shalt not let him depart empty:
And when thou sendest him out free, thou shalt not let him go away empty:
When you free them, do not allow them to go ◄empty-handed/without giving them anything►.
Berean Amplified Bible — Deuteronomy 15:13
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Deuteronomy 15:13 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/כִֽי
תְשַׁלְּחֶ֥/נּוּ
חָפְשִׁ֖י
מֵֽ/עִמָּ֑/ךְ
לֹ֥א
תְשַׁלְּחֶ֖/נּוּ
רֵיקָֽם
וְ/כִֽי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj | Conj
תְשַׁלְּחֶ֥/נּוּ
shâlach
H7971
to send
V-Piel-Imperf-2ms | Suff
חָפְשִׁ֖י
chophshîy
H2670
free
Adj
מֵֽ/עִמָּ֑/ךְ
ʻim
H5973
with
Prep | Prep | Suff
לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
תְשַׁלְּחֶ֖/נּוּ
shâlach
H7971
to send
V-Piel-Imperf-2ms | Suff
רֵיקָֽם
rêyqâm
H7387
emptily
Adv
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Deuteronomy 15:13
וְ/כִֽי
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj | Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
תְשַׁלְּחֶ֥/נּוּ
shâlach
H7971
"to send"
V-Piel-Imperf-2ms | Suff
To send or depart is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which has various applications in the Bible. It can describe sending someone or something away, or letting something go.
Definition: : depart/send 1) to send, send away, let go, stretch out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to send 1a2) to stretch out, extend, direct 1a3) to send away 1a4) to let loose 1b) (Niphal) to be sent 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to send off or away or out or forth, dismiss, give over, cast out 1c2) to let go, set free 1c3) to shoot forth (of branches) 1c4) to let down 1c5) to shoot 1d) (Pual) to be sent off, be put away, be divorced, be impelled 1e) (Hiphil) to send
Usage: Occurs in 790 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring (on the way), cast (away, out), conduct, [idiom] earnestly, forsake, give (up), grow long, lay, leave, let depart (down, go, loose), push away, put (away, forth, in, out), reach forth, send (away, forth, out), set, shoot (forth, out), sow, spread, stretch forth (out). See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 9:27; Joshua 14:11.
חָפְשִׁ֖י
chophshîy
H2670
"free"
Adj
In the Bible, being free means being exempt from slavery, taxes, or other obligations, as seen in the book of Exodus. This concept is central to the Israelites' journey. Freedom is a gift from God.
Definition: 1) free 1a) free (from slavery) 1b) free (from taxes or obligations)
Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: free, liberty. See also: Exodus 21:2; Job 3:19; Psalms 88:6.
מֵֽ/עִמָּ֑/ךְ
ʻim
H5973
"with"
Prep | Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means with or together, like when God is with his people in Exodus 33:14-15. It's used to describe accompaniment or association, and can also mean against or beside. The word is used to convey a sense of relationship or proximity between people or things.
Definition: 1) with 1a) with 1b) against 1c) toward 1d) as long as
Usage: Occurs in 919 OT verses. KJV: accompanying, against, and, as ([idiom] long as), before, beside, by (reason of), for all, from (among, between), in, like, more than, of, (un-) to, with(-al). See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 21:14; Deuteronomy 29:11.
לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
תְשַׁלְּחֶ֖/נּוּ
shâlach
H7971
"to send"
V-Piel-Imperf-2ms | Suff
To send or depart is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which has various applications in the Bible. It can describe sending someone or something away, or letting something go.
Definition: : depart/send 1) to send, send away, let go, stretch out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to send 1a2) to stretch out, extend, direct 1a3) to send away 1a4) to let loose 1b) (Niphal) to be sent 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to send off or away or out or forth, dismiss, give over, cast out 1c2) to let go, set free 1c3) to shoot forth (of branches) 1c4) to let down 1c5) to shoot 1d) (Pual) to be sent off, be put away, be divorced, be impelled 1e) (Hiphil) to send
Usage: Occurs in 790 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring (on the way), cast (away, out), conduct, [idiom] earnestly, forsake, give (up), grow long, lay, leave, let depart (down, go, loose), push away, put (away, forth, in, out), reach forth, send (away, forth, out), set, shoot (forth, out), sow, spread, stretch forth (out). See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 9:27; Joshua 14:11.
רֵיקָֽם
rêyqâm
H7387
"emptily"
Adv
This Hebrew word means doing something empty or without purpose, like acting in vain. It is used in the Bible to describe actions that have no real effect. In the KJV, it is translated as 'without cause' or 'in vain'.
Definition: 1) vainly, emptily 1a) in empty condition, empty, emptily 1b) in vain, without effect, vainly
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: without cause, empty, in vain, void. See also: Genesis 31:42; 1 Samuel 6:3; Psalms 7:5.
Study Notes — Deuteronomy 15:13
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — Hebrew Servants
11For there will never cease to be poor in the land; that is why I am commanding you to open wide your hand to your brother and to the poor and needy in your land.
12If a fellow Hebrew, a man or a woman, is sold to you and serves you six years, then in the seventh year you must set him free.
13And when you release him, do not send him away empty-handed.
14You are to furnish him liberally from your flock, your threshing floor, and your winepress. You shall give to him as the LORD your God has blessed you. 15Remember that you were slaves in the land of Egypt, and the LORD your God redeemed you; that is why I am giving you this command today.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Malachi 3:5 | “Then I will draw near to you for judgment. And I will be a swift witness against sorcerers and adulterers and perjurers, against oppressors of the widowed and fatherless, and against those who defraud laborers of their wages and deny justice to the foreigner but do not fear Me,” says the LORD of Hosts. |
| 2 | Jeremiah 22:13 | “Woe to him who builds his palace by unrighteousness, and his upper rooms without justice, who makes his countrymen serve without pay, and fails to pay their wages, |
| 3 | Proverbs 3:27–28 | Do not withhold good from the deserving when it is within your power to act. Do not tell your neighbor, “Come back tomorrow and I will provide”— when you already have the means. |
| 4 | Colossians 4:1 | Masters, supply your slaves with what is right and fair, since you know that you also have a Master in heaven. |
| 5 | Leviticus 25:42–44 | Because the Israelites are My servants, whom I brought out of the land of Egypt, they are not to be sold as slaves. You are not to rule over them harshly, but you shall fear your God. Your menservants and maidservants shall come from the nations around you, from whom you may purchase them. |
| 6 | Genesis 31:42 | If the God of my father, the God of Abraham and the Fear of Isaac, had not been with me, surely by now you would have sent me away empty-handed. But God has seen my affliction and the toil of my hands, and last night He rendered judgment.” |
| 7 | Exodus 3:21 | And I will grant this people such favor in the sight of the Egyptians that when you leave, you will not go away empty-handed. |
Deuteronomy 15:13 Summary
This verse, Deuteronomy 15:13, is saying that when we have to let someone go, whether it be a servant or an employee, we should make sure they have what they need to start their new life. This is a command from God to be kind and generous, just like He is, as seen in Psalm 103:8. We can apply this to our own lives by being mindful of how we treat others, especially those who are in need or are leaving our care, and by reflecting on verses like Matthew 25:40 and Acts 20:35, which remind us to care for others as we would want to be cared for.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the context of Deuteronomy 15:13?
This verse is part of a larger discussion in Deuteronomy 15:1-18 about the treatment of servants and the poor, emphasizing the importance of kindness and generosity, as seen in Deuteronomy 15:11 and Deuteronomy 15:14.
Why is it important not to send the servant away empty-handed?
Sending the servant away empty-handed would be unkind and neglect the servant's needs, which is why God commands the Israelites to provide for them liberally, as stated in Deuteronomy 15:14, reflecting the heart of God seen in Exodus 22:27 and Leviticus 25:35-37.
How does this verse relate to the broader biblical theme of caring for the poor?
Deuteronomy 15:13 is part of a larger biblical theme of caring for the poor and vulnerable, as seen in Psalm 41:1 and Proverbs 19:17, emphasizing the importance of kindness and generosity towards those in need.
What is the spiritual significance of this verse for Christians today?
This verse reminds Christians of the importance of kindness, generosity, and compassion, as seen in Galatians 2:10 and James 1:27, and encourages them to reflect on how they can demonstrate God's love to those in need.
Reflection Questions
- How can I demonstrate God's kindness and generosity to those in need, as seen in Deuteronomy 15:13?
- What are some ways I can provide for those who are leaving my 'employment' or care, whether that be a servant, an employee, or a family member?
- How does this verse challenge my current attitudes towards those in need, and what changes can I make to reflect God's heart of kindness and generosity?
- What are some creative ways I can 'furnish liberally' from my own resources to bless those in need, as stated in Deuteronomy 15:14?
- How can I balance the command to 'not send away empty-handed' with the need to be wise and discerning in my giving, as seen in 2 Thessalonians 3:10-12?
Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 15:13
And when thou sendest him out free from thee,.... When he discharged him from his servitude, and made him a free man: thou shall not let him go away empty; without anything to support himself, or to
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 15:13
And when thou sendest him out free from thee, thou shalt not let him go away empty: Thou shalt not let him go away empty - a seasonable and wise provision for enabling a poor unfortunate to regain
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Deuteronomy 15:13
Verse 13. Thou shalt not let him go away empty] Because during the time he served thee, he made no property for himself, having been always honest towards thee; and now when he leaves thee, he has nothing to begin the world with.
Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 15:13
12–18. The Year of Remission: (2) of Slaves If a Hebrew, man or woman, serves as a slave for six years, in the seventh he shall not only go free but be liberally equipped from his owner’s property; as Israel was a slave and redeemed by God (Deuteronomy 15:12-15). If, however, the slave elects to remain with his owner because he loves him, then he shall be bound to his service for ever (Deuteronomy 15:16 f.). Nor must his emancipation seem hard to the owner: six years’ profit from a slave is double the hire of a hireling (Deuteronomy 15:18).—Sg. throughout. Whether there are any editorial additions is uncertain: the prevailing use of the masc. for slave seems to some to point to the phrase or an Hebrew woman (Deuteronomy 15:12; Deuteronomy 15:17 b) as such [Holzinger, Einleitung, 313, n. 1; cp. Steuern.). The corresponding law in E, Exodus 21:1-6 (see Driver’s notes), also directs the emancipation of a Hebrew bondman after six years’ service, does not mention bondwoman (for the slave-concubine he has a further law, Deuteronomy 15:7-11) but provides (as D does not) for the bondman’s wife: if he has entered service married he takes his wife out; if his master has given him a wife she and their children remain his master’s property; and to his love for his master E adds that for his wife and children as a motive for his electing to remain. The ceremony of binding him to the service is the same as in D with an addition (see on Deuteronomy 15:17). E does not provide equipment for the freed slave. The law in Leviticus 25:39-55 (H expanded by P) deals with both the Hebrew and the foreign bondman.
The former is not to serve as slave but as a hired servant, up to the year of jubile (when all land returns to its original owners), and then go free with his children to his own family and his father’s possession; nothing, therefore, is said of a provision for him from his master’s goods, nor of manumission in the seventh year. Thus practically no Israelite is to be a slave: one Israelite shall not rule over another with rigour. But slaves of foreign birth or from among the gηrξm are their purchaser’s possession for ever and heritable property. If a poor Hebrew sell himself to a foreigner, he may be redeemed by himself or his family, and a scale is fixed for his price, but if he be not redeemed by the year of jubile, he and his children shall then go free. Throughout nothing is said as to the bondman’s wife. The gradation of these laws, though not so marked as in the case of some others, is sufficiently clear. E’s is the most primitive; D’s dependence on E is probable but not so evident as in other cases; it might be a different codification of the same consuetudinary law. Besides stating the law in his own phraseology (more particularly that of the Sg.
Sermons on Deuteronomy 15:13
| Sermon | Description | |
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God Changeth Not by Joshua Daniel | In this sermon, Joshua Daniel discusses the need for a revival of faith and a return to God's unchanging truth. He emphasizes that while God and the gospel remain constant, it is o |
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I Am the God That Changeth Not by Joshua Daniel | In this sermon, Joshua Daniel emphasizes the importance of recognizing our accountability to God. He warns that without the blessing of God and the guidance of His Word, we are los |
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A Cry Against Wicked Youth! by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson delivers a powerful sermon titled 'A Cry Against Wicked Youth!' where he draws parallels between the wickedness of Nineveh and the moral decline of modern youth. He |
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Ii. Abuses to Be Discussed in Councils by Martin Luther | Martin Luther preaches against the abuses in the Roman Catholic Church, particularly focusing on the corruption, greed, and exploitation of power by the pope, cardinals, and bishop |
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Jeremiah 22 by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith addresses God's complaints against the leaders and prophets in Jeremiah 22, emphasizing how the kings have exploited their positions for personal gain, leading to spiri |
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A Continual Allowance by J. Wilbur Chapman | J. Wilbur Chapman preaches on the contrasting lives of Jehoiakim and Jehoiachin, illustrating the consequences of sin and the eventual restoration and redemption offered by God. Th |
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Godly Marriages - 1.godly Husbands, Wives and Parents by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of faith in marriage, highlighting the need for couples to trust God for unity, to overcome obstacles that hinder oneness, and to be overcomer |