Deuteronomy 24:14
Deuteronomy 24:14 in Multiple Translations
Do not oppress a hired hand who is poor and needy, whether he is a brother or a foreigner residing in one of your towns.
¶ Thou shalt not oppress an hired servant that is poor and needy, whether he be of thy brethren, or of thy strangers that are in thy land within thy gates:
Thou shalt not oppress a hired servant that is poor and needy, whether he be of thy brethren, or of thy sojourners that are in thy land within thy gates:
Do not be hard on a servant who is poor and in need, if he is one of your countrymen or a man from another nation living with you in your land.
Don't mistreat a paid servant who is poor and needy, whether he's an Israelite or a foreigner living in one of your towns.
Thou shalt not oppresse an hyred seruant that is needie and poore, neyther of thy brethren, nor of the stranger that is in thy land within thy gates.
'Thou dost not oppress a hireling, poor and needy, of thy brethren or of thy sojourner who is in thy land within thy gates;
You shall not oppress a hired servant who is poor and needy, whether he is one of your brothers or one of the foreigners who are in your land within your gates.
Thou shalt not oppress a hired servant that is poor and needy, whether he is of thy brethren, or of thy strangers that are in thy land within thy gates:
Thou shalt not refuse the hire of the needy, and the poor, whether he be thy brother, or a stranger that dwelleth with thee in the land, and is within thy gates:
“Do not mistreat any servants whom you have hired who are poor and needy [DOU], whether they are Israelis or foreigners who are living in your town.
Berean Amplified Bible — Deuteronomy 24:14
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 24:14 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
לֹא
תַעֲשֹׁ֥ק
שָׂכִ֖יר
עָנִ֣י
וְ/אֶבְי֑וֹן
מֵ/אַחֶ֕י/ךָ
א֧וֹ
מִ/גֵּרְ/ךָ֛
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
בְּ/אַרְצְ/ךָ֖
בִּ/שְׁעָרֶֽי/ךָ
לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
תַעֲשֹׁ֥ק
ʻâshaq
H6231
to oppress
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
שָׂכִ֖יר
sâkîyr
H7916
hired
Adj
עָנִ֣י
ʻânîy
H6041
afflicted
Adj
וְ/אֶבְי֑וֹן
ʼebyôwn
H34
needy
Conj | Adj
מֵ/אַחֶ֕י/ךָ
ʼâch
H251
brother
Prep | N-mp | Suff
א֧וֹ
ʼôw
H176
or
Conj
מִ/גֵּרְ/ךָ֛
gêr
H1616
sojourner
Prep | N-ms | Suff
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
בְּ/אַרְצְ/ךָ֖
ʼerets
H776
land
Prep | N-cs | Suff
בִּ/שְׁעָרֶֽי/ךָ
shaʻar
H8179
gate
Prep | N-mp | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Deuteronomy 24:14
לֹא
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.
תַעֲשֹׁ֥ק
ʻâshaq
H6231
"to oppress"
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
To oppress means to press upon or defraud someone, often violently. It is used to describe wrongdoing in the Bible, such as in the book of Exodus.
Definition: 1) to press upon, oppress, violate, defraud, do violence, get deceitfully, wrong, extort 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to oppress, wrong, extort 1a2) to oppress 1b) (Pual) to be exploited, be crushed
Usage: Occurs in 35 OT verses. KJV: get deceitfully, deceive, defraud, drink up, (use) oppress(-ion), -or), do violence (wrong). See also: Leviticus 5:21; Proverbs 14:31; Psalms 72:4.
שָׂכִ֖יר
sâkîyr
H7916
"hired"
Adj
This Hebrew word describes a hired worker, someone paid by the day or year. In the Bible, hired laborers were common, and the KJV translates this word as hired or hireling.
Definition: 1) hired 1a) hired (of animal) 1b) hireling, hired labourer (subst) 1b1) mercenary
Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: hired (man, servant), hireling. See also: Exodus 12:45; Deuteronomy 15:18; Isaiah 16:14.
עָנִ֣י
ʻânîy
H6041
"afflicted"
Adj
This word describes someone who is depressed, humble, or weak, often due to difficult circumstances, as described in the Psalms and other biblical books.
Definition: 1) poor, afflicted, humble, wretched 1a) poor, needy 1b) poor and weak 1c) poor, weak, afflicted, wretched 1d) humble, lowly
Usage: Occurs in 77 OT verses. KJV: afflicted, humble, lowly, needy, poor. See also: Exodus 22:24; Psalms 88:16; Psalms 9:13.
וְ/אֶבְי֑וֹן
ʼebyôwn
H34
"needy"
Conj | Adj
This Hebrew word describes someone who is needy or poor, often oppressed and in need of help from God. It appears in the Bible to describe those who are vulnerable and in need of deliverance. In the KJV, it is translated as beggar, needy, or poor man.
Definition: 1) in want, needy, chiefly poor, needy person 2) subject to oppression and abuse 3) needing help, deliverance from trouble, especially as delivered by God 4) general reference to lowest class
Usage: Occurs in 58 OT verses. KJV: beggar, needy, poor (man). See also: Exodus 23:6; Psalms 107:41; Psalms 9:19.
מֵ/אַחֶ֕י/ךָ
ʼâch
H251
"brother"
Prep | N-mp | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a brother or male sibling, but it can also refer to a close relative, friend, or someone with a similar relationship. It is used to describe the bond between brothers, like the relationship between Cain and Abel in Genesis.
Definition: : male-sibling 1) brother 1a) brother of same parents 1b) half-brother (same father) 1c) relative, kinship, same tribe 1d) each to the other (reciprocal relationship) 1e) (fig.) of resemblance
Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: another, brother(-ly); kindred, like, other. Compare also the proper names beginning with 'Ah-' or 'Ahi-'. See also: Genesis 4:2; Genesis 42:13; Numbers 25:6.
א֧וֹ
ʼôw
H176
"or"
Conj
Desire can also mean or, and, or if, showing a choice between options, as seen in Proverbs 31:4. It is used to express alternatives or possibilities.
Definition: 1) or, rather 1a) implying that the latter choice is preferred 1b) or if, introducing an example to be seen under a particular principle 1c) (in series) either...or, whether...or 1d) if perchance 1e) except, or else 2) whether, not the least, if, otherwise, also, and, then
Usage: Occurs in 218 OT verses. KJV: also, and, either, if, at the least, [idiom] nor, or, otherwise, then, whether. See also: Genesis 24:49; Leviticus 25:49; Proverbs 30:31.
מִ/גֵּרְ/ךָ֛
gêr
H1616
"sojourner"
Prep | N-ms | Suff
A sojourner is a foreigner or temporary resident, lacking inherited rights, but often given concessions in Israel. This term appears in the Bible to describe outsiders living among God's people.
Definition: 1) sojourner 1a) a temporary inhabitant, a newcomer lacking inherited rights 1b) of foreigners in Israel, though conceded rights
Usage: Occurs in 83 OT verses. KJV: alien, sojourner, stranger. See also: Genesis 15:13; Deuteronomy 10:19; Psalms 39:13.
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
בְּ/אַרְצְ/ךָ֖
ʼerets
H776
"land"
Prep | N-cs | Suff
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.
בִּ/שְׁעָרֶֽי/ךָ
shaʻar
H8179
"gate"
Prep | N-mp | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a gate or door, often referring to city entrances or temple doors, like in Genesis and Exodus. It can also symbolize a meeting place or marketplace. The word is used to describe important locations in the Bible.
Definition: : gate 1) gate 1a) gate (of entrance) 1b) gate (of space inside gate, i.e. marketplace, public meeting place) 1b1) city, town 1c) gate (of palace, royal castle, temple, court of tabernacle) 1d) heaven
Usage: Occurs in 302 OT verses. KJV: city, door, gate, port ([idiom] -er). See also: Genesis 19:1; 1 Chronicles 9:18; Psalms 9:14.
Study Notes — Deuteronomy 24:14
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Deuteronomy 24:14 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 24:14
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 24:14
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 24:14
- Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 24:14
- Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 24:14
- Whedon's Commentary on Deuteronomy 24:14
- Sermons on Deuteronomy 24:14
Context — Additional Laws
12If he is a poor man, you must not go to sleep with the security in your possession;
13be sure to return it to him by sunset, so that he may sleep in his own cloak and bless you, and this will be credited to you as righteousness before the LORD your God.
14Do not oppress a hired hand who is poor and needy, whether he is a brother or a foreigner residing in one of your towns.
15You are to pay his wages each day before sunset, because he is poor and depends on them. Otherwise he may cry out to the LORD against you, and you will be guilty of sin. 16Fathers shall not be put to death for their children, nor children for their fathers; each is to die for his own sin.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 | Proverbs 14:31 | Whoever oppresses the poor taunts their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors Him. |
| 3 | Proverbs 22:16 | Oppressing the poor to enrich oneself or giving gifts to the rich will surely lead to poverty. |
| 4 | Amos 4:1 | Hear this word, you cows of Bashan on Mount Samaria, you women who oppress the poor and crush the needy, who say to your husbands, “Bring us more to drink.” |
| 5 | Job 24:10–11 | Without clothing, they wander about naked. They carry the sheaves, but still go hungry. They crush olives within their walls; they tread the winepresses, but go thirsty. |
| 6 | Amos 2:7 | They trample on the heads of the poor as on the dust of the earth; they push the needy out of their way. A man and his father have relations with the same girl and so profane My holy name. |
| 7 | Job 31:13–15 | If I have rejected the cause of my manservant or maidservant when they made a complaint against me, what will I do when God rises to judge? How will I answer when called to account? Did not He who made me in the womb also make them? Did not the same One form us in the womb? |
| 8 | Leviticus 25:35–43 | Now if your countryman becomes destitute and cannot support himself among you, then you are to help him as you would a foreigner or stranger, so that he can continue to live among you. Do not take any interest or profit from him, but fear your God, that your countryman may live among you. You must not lend him your silver at interest or sell him your food for profit. I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt to give you the land of Canaan and to be your God. If a countryman among you becomes destitute and sells himself to you, then you must not force him into slave labor. Let him stay with you as a hired worker or temporary resident; he is to work for you until the Year of Jubilee. Then he and his children are to be released, and he may return to his clan and to the property of his fathers. 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. |
| 9 | Deuteronomy 15:12–18 | If 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. And when you release him, do not send him away empty-handed. You 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. Remember 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. But if your servant says to you, ‘I do not want to leave you,’ because he loves you and your household and is well off with you, then take an awl and pierce it through his ear into the door, and he will become your servant for life. And treat your maidservant the same way. Do not regard it as a hardship to set your servant free, because his six years of service were worth twice the wages of a hired hand. And the LORD your God will bless you in all you do. |
| 10 | Luke 10:7 | Stay at the same house, eating and drinking whatever you are offered. For the worker is worthy of his wages. Do not move around from house to house. |
Deuteronomy 24:14 Summary
This verse reminds us to treat all workers with kindness and fairness, especially those who are poor and needy, as it is a reflection of our love for God and our neighbors, as seen in Deuteronomy 24:14 and Leviticus 19:18. We should pay our employees on time and not take advantage of them, as also taught in Deuteronomy 24:15. By doing so, we demonstrate our commitment to following God's commands and loving others as He loves us, which is in line with the teachings of Matthew 22:37-40 and 1 John 4:19-21. This principle can be applied in all areas of life, from our workplaces to our communities, and is a key part of living out our faith in a way that honors God and benefits those around us, as encouraged in Micah 6:8 and Matthew 5:16.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to oppress a hired hand?
To oppress a hired hand means to take unfair advantage of them or to withhold their wages, as seen in Deuteronomy 24:14, which is similar to the principles outlined in Jeremiah 22:13 and Malachi 3:5.
Who is considered a hired hand in this verse?
A hired hand in Deuteronomy 24:14 refers to anyone who is employed by another, whether they are a brother, a fellow Israelite, or a foreigner residing in the town, emphasizing the importance of treating all workers with fairness and respect, as also taught in Colossians 4:1 and Ephesians 6:9.
Why is it important not to oppress a hired hand who is poor and needy?
Not oppressing a hired hand who is poor and needy is crucial because it reflects our character and relationship with God, as seen in Deuteronomy 24:14, and is in line with the principles of loving our neighbors as ourselves, as commanded in Leviticus 19:18 and Matthew 22:39.
How does this verse relate to our modern-day work environments?
This verse reminds us of the importance of treating all employees with fairness, respect, and kindness, regardless of their background or socioeconomic status, which is a principle that can be applied in any work environment, as also emphasized in Ephesians 6:5-9 and Matthew 25:31-46.
Reflection Questions
- In what ways can I ensure that I am treating those who work for me or with me with the fairness and respect they deserve, as taught in Deuteronomy 24:14?
- How can I apply the principles of this verse to my own life and interactions with others, whether in the workplace or in my community?
- What are some practical ways I can demonstrate love and care for those who are poor and needy, as encouraged in Deuteronomy 24:14 and other scriptures like Proverbs 19:17 and Matthew 25:40?
- How does this verse challenge my own attitudes and behaviors towards those who may be different from me or in a more vulnerable position, and what changes can I make to better reflect God's heart of love and compassion, as seen in Luke 10:25-37 and Galatians 2:10?
Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 24:14
Thou shall not oppress an hired servant,.... That is hired by the day, as appears by Deuteronomy 24:15; though the law may include such as are hired by the week, or month, or year; neither of whom
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 24:14
Thou shalt not oppress an hired servant that is poor and needy, whether he be of thy brethren, or of thy strangers that are in thy land within thy gates: Thou shalt not oppress an hired servant that is poor and needy.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 24:14
Either by laying too grievous burdens of work upon him, or by withholding his wages from him, as it follows.
Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 24:14
(14, 15) Thou shalt not oppress an hired servant.—So Leviticus 19:13. “The wages of him that is hired shall not abide with thee all night until the morning.” (Comp. also Jeremiah 22:13; Malachi 3:5; James 5:4.)
Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 24:14
Deuteronomy 24:5 to Deuteronomy 25:4. Thirteen Laws of Equity and Humanity Besides the humane temper common to most of them, and a few cue-words, there are no apparent reasons for their being grouped or for the order in which they occur. They have various openings, mostly conditional, otherwise negative. Three are not in the direct form of address, and two only close with this; the rest are in the Sg. form, except one mixed of Sg. and Pl. Some are peculiar to D, others have parallels in E and H. In particular note the separation of the three laws on pledges, and their use of two different terms for ‘pledge.’ All this suggests a compilation from different sources.
Whedon's Commentary on Deuteronomy 24:14
14, 15. Thou shalt not oppress a hired servant — These merciful provisions for the poor are in the main from Leviticus 19:13.
Sermons on Deuteronomy 24:14
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Ill-Gotten Gain - Part 2 by Alistair Begg | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the theme of injustice and greed in society. He uses vivid imagery to describe the consequences of employers withholding wages from their wor |
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On Eagles' Wings Pt 134 by Don Courville | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of waiting on God. He shares his personal experience of being in a season where all invitations and opportunities stopped, and |
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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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What Is Prophetic? - Part 1 by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being prepared to preach the word of God. He reflects on the example of Moses and the depth of God's dealing with him durin |
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The Care of the Poor by C.H. Spurgeon | C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the divine promise of strength and support from God for those who care for the poor, as illustrated in Psalms 41:3. He highlights that in times of sickness |