Leviticus 25:43
Leviticus 25:43 in Multiple Translations
You are not to rule over them harshly, but you shall fear your God.
Thou shalt not rule over him with rigour; but shalt fear thy God.
Thou shalt not rule over him with rigor, but shalt fear thy God.
Do not be a hard master to him, but have the fear of God before you.
Don't treat them with brutality. Have respect for your God.
Thou shalt not rule ouer him cruelly, but shalt feare thy God.
thou rulest not over him with rigour, and thou hast been afraid of thy God.
You shall not rule over him with harshness, but shall fear your God.
Thou shalt not rule over him with rigor, but shalt fear thy God.
Afflict him not by might, but fear thy God.
And do not treat the Israelis whom you buy cruelly; instead, revere me, your God.
Berean Amplified Bible — Leviticus 25:43
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.
Leviticus 25:43 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
לֹא
תִרְדֶּ֥ה
ב֖/וֹ
בְּ/פָ֑רֶךְ
וְ/יָרֵ֖אתָ
מֵ/אֱלֹהֶֽי/ךָ
לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
תִרְדֶּ֥ה
râdâh
H7287
to rule
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
ב֖/וֹ
Prep | Suff
בְּ/פָ֑רֶךְ
perek
H6531
severity
Prep | N-ms
וְ/יָרֵ֖אתָ
yârêʼ
H3372
to fear
Conj | V-Qal-2ms
מֵ/אֱלֹהֶֽי/ךָ
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
Prep | N-mp | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Leviticus 25:43
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.
תִרְדֶּ֥ה
râdâh
H7287
"to rule"
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
This word means to have power or control over someone or something. It can also mean to scrape or crumble something, like scraping out a bowl.
Definition: 1) to rule, have dominion, dominate, tread down 1a) (Qal) to have dominion, rule, subjugate 1b) (Hiphil) to cause to dominate
Usage: Occurs in 25 OT verses. KJV: (come to, make to) have dominion, prevail against, reign, (bear, make to) rule,(-r, over), take. See also: Genesis 1:26; 2 Chronicles 8:10; Psalms 49:15.
ב֖/וֹ
""
Prep | Suff
בְּ/פָ֑רֶךְ
perek
H6531
"severity"
Prep | N-ms
This Hebrew word means severity or harshness, like cruelty or rigor. It describes something or someone that is strict or unyielding. In the Bible, it is used to convey a sense of intensity or sternness.
Definition: harshness, severity, cruelty
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: cruelty, rigour. See also: Exodus 1:13; Leviticus 25:46; Ezekiel 34:4.
וְ/יָרֵ֖אתָ
yârêʼ
H3372
"to fear"
Conj | V-Qal-2ms
This Hebrew word means to fear or revere, and is used to describe being afraid or standing in awe of something, like God's power. It appears in the Bible to convey a sense of respect or reverence. In the KJV, it's translated as 'affright' or 'reverence'.
Definition: : frightening(DANGER) 1) to fear, revere, be afraid 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to fear, be afraid 1a2) to stand in awe of, be awed 1a3) to fear, reverence, honour, respect 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be fearful, be dreadful, be feared 1b2) to cause astonishment and awe, be held in awe 1b3) to inspire reverence or godly fear or awe 1c) (Piel) to make afraid, terrify 2) (TWOT) to shoot, pour
Usage: Occurs in 318 OT verses. KJV: affright, be (make) afraid, dread(-ful), (put in) fear(-ful, -fully, -ing), (be had in) reverence(-end), [idiom] see, terrible (act, -ness, thing). See also: Genesis 3:10; 1 Samuel 12:18; Psalms 3:7.
מֵ/אֱלֹהֶֽי/ךָ
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
Prep | N-mp | Suff
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
Study Notes — Leviticus 25:43
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Leviticus 25:43 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Leviticus 25:43
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Leviticus 25:43
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Leviticus 25:43
- Trapp's Commentary on Leviticus 25:43
- Ellicott's Commentary on Leviticus 25:43
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Leviticus 25:43
- Cambridge Bible on Leviticus 25:43
- Barnes' Notes on Leviticus 25:43
- Whedon's Commentary on Leviticus 25:43
- Sermons on Leviticus 25:43
Context — Redemption of Bondmen
41Then he and his children are to be released, and he may return to his clan and to the property of his fathers.
42Because the Israelites are My servants, whom I brought out of the land of Egypt, they are not to be sold as slaves.
43You are not to rule over them harshly, but you shall fear your God.
44Your menservants and maidservants shall come from the nations around you, from whom you may purchase them. 45You may also purchase them from the foreigners residing among you or their clans living among you who are born in your land. These may become your property.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Colossians 4:1 | Masters, supply your slaves with what is right and fair, since you know that you also have a Master in heaven. |
| 2 | Leviticus 25:46 | You may leave them to your sons after you to inherit as property; you can make them slaves for life. But as for your brothers, the Israelites, no man may rule harshly over his brother. |
| 3 | Exodus 1:13–14 | They worked the Israelites ruthlessly and made their lives bitter with hard labor in brick and mortar, and with all kinds of work in the fields. Every service they imposed was harsh. |
| 4 | Leviticus 25:17 | Do not take advantage of each other, but fear your God; for I am the LORD your God. |
| 5 | Leviticus 25:53 | He shall be treated like a man hired from year to year, but a foreign owner must not rule over him harshly in your sight. |
| 6 | Ephesians 6:9 | And masters, do the same for your slaves. Give up your use of threats, because you know that He who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no favoritism with Him. |
| 7 | Ezekiel 34:4 | You have not strengthened the weak, healed the sick, bound up the injured, brought back the strays, or searched for the lost. Instead, you have ruled them with violence and cruelty. |
| 8 | Deuteronomy 25:18 | how they met you on your journey when you were tired and weary, and they attacked all your stragglers; they had no fear of God. |
| 9 | Exodus 1:17 | The midwives, however, feared God and did not do as the king of Egypt had instructed; they let the boys live. |
| 10 | 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. |
Leviticus 25:43 Summary
This verse reminds us to treat others with kindness and respect, especially those who are under our authority or care. We should not rule over them harshly, but instead fear God and recognize His authority and power in our lives (as seen in Psalm 111:10). This means being mindful of our actions and treatment of others, and demonstrating love and compassion to all people, just as God has shown us love and kindness (in John 13:35 and Matthew 22:39). By doing so, we can reflect God's character and show the world what it means to be a servant of the Lord.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to 'rule over them harshly' in Leviticus 25:43?
This phrase refers to treating servants or those under one's authority with cruelty or oppression, rather than with kindness and respect, as commanded in Exodus 22:21 and Deuteronomy 10:19.
Why does God command the Israelites to 'fear your God' in this context?
Fearing God in this context means to have a deep reverence and respect for Him, recognizing His authority and power, and being mindful of one's actions and treatment of others, as seen in Psalm 111:10 and Proverbs 1:7.
How does this verse relate to the concept of slavery in the Bible?
This verse highlights the distinction between the Israelites, who are God's servants and should not be treated as slaves, and foreigners, who may be purchased as servants, as explained in Leviticus 25:44-45.
What is the significance of God saying 'the Israelites are My servants' in the preceding verse?
This statement emphasizes God's ownership and care for the Israelites, and serves as a reminder that they are not to be treated as commodities or slaves, but rather as beloved servants of the Lord, as seen in Jeremiah 31:33 and Ezekiel 36:28.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can demonstrate kindness and respect to those under my authority or care, as commanded in Leviticus 25:43?
- How can I cultivate a deeper fear of God, recognizing His authority and power in my life, and being mindful of my actions and treatment of others?
- In what ways can I apply the principle of treating others with kindness and respect, regardless of their position or status, in my daily life and relationships?
- What does it mean for me to recognize God's ownership and care for me, and how can I live in light of this truth, as a beloved servant of the Lord?
Gill's Exposition on Leviticus 25:43
Thou shalt not rule over him with rigour,.... As the Egyptians ruled over the Israelites, and made them to serve, Exodus 1:13; where the same word is used as here, and seems designed to put them in
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Leviticus 25:43
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: If thy brother ... be waxen poor, and be sold unto thee , [
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Leviticus 25:43
Though thou dost not fear them who are in thy power, and unable to right themselves, yet fear that God who hath commanded thee to use them kindly, and who can and will avenge their cause, if thou dost oppress them.
Trapp's Commentary on Leviticus 25:43
Leviticus 25:43 Thou shalt not rule over him with rigour; but shalt fear thy God.Ver. 43. Rule over him with rigour.] As the Egyptians did over the Israelites. Thy servant is made of the same earth with thee, and hath right to the same heaven with thee. See Galatians 3:28. The servant paid the half shekel as well as the master. Stand not therefore on terms of inequality, but know that yourselves also have a Master in heaven. Do therefore to them "that which is right and equal."
Ellicott's Commentary on Leviticus 25:43
(43) Thou shalt not rule over him with rigour.—The master is forbidden to tyrannise over him as if he were a slave without any rights.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Leviticus 25:43
Verse 43. Thou shalt not rule over him with rigour] What is rigorous service? "Service which is not determined, and service whereof there is no need." This is the definition given by the Jews; but much more is implied in this command than is expressed here. Labour beyond the person's strength, or labour too long continued, or in unhealthy or uncomfortable places and circumstances, or without sufficient food, c., is labour exacted with rigour, and consequently inhuman and this law is made, not for the Mosaic dispensation and the Jewish people, but for every dispensation and for every people under heaven.
Cambridge Bible on Leviticus 25:43
39–46. Prohibition of permanent servitude of one Israelite to another (H and P mixed, the former probably preponderating) This case was to be subject to the operation of the law of Jubile, Moreover, the Israelite so bought shall not be compelled to work as a slave, but only under such conditions as befit a sojourner or hired servant. Leviticus 25:42 adds the reason (cp. Leviticus 25:13; Leviticus 25:55). On the other hand slaves bought from persons of other nations, or from foreigners sojourning in the land, were to be bondservants in the strictest sense of the word. For the differences between the law on these subjects and that in Exodus 21:2 ff.; Deuteronomy 15:12-18, see ICC Deut.; p. 185, and Intr. to pent. p. 123.
Barnes' Notes on Leviticus 25:43
Fear thy God - Yahweh was the Lord and Master of His people. To treat a Hebrew as a slave was therefore to interfere with the rights of Yahweh. Compare Romans 14:4.
Whedon's Commentary on Leviticus 25:43
43. Not rule… with rigour — Literally, thou shalt not tread on him.
Sermons on Leviticus 25:43
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Colossians 3:18-25 by St. John Chrysostom | John Chrysostom preaches on the importance of maintaining harmonious relationships within families and between masters and servants, emphasizing the principles of submission, love, |
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(Exodus) Exodus 1:9-16 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of the Israelites' enslavement in Egypt as described in the book of Exodus. The speaker highlights the accuracy of the biblical acco |
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Preparing the Way of the Lord in Our Church Life by Stewart Ruch | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of recognizing that our lives are a loan from God. He encourages Christians to take regular breaks from the busyness of life a |
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Precious in the Sight of God by K.P. Yohannan | K.P. Yohannan emphasizes the significance of fearing God, illustrating that this reverence is what makes individuals precious in His sight. He highlights Job as a prime example, no |
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Spirit Filled Family by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker uses the analogy of a garden to illustrate the importance of putting effort into a marriage. He emphasizes the need for constant communication and teach |
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(Proverbs) ch.29:18 - 30:9 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the last verse of the book of Judges, which states that people did what was right in their own eyes. The speaker argues that this is the condi |
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Jesus Is Precious as the Foundation of the Family by John Piper | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the importance of living wisely and understanding the will of the Lord. He emphasizes the need to be filled with the Holy Spirit rather than |