Leviticus 25:44
Leviticus 25:44 in Multiple Translations
Your menservants and maidservants shall come from the nations around you, from whom you may purchase them.
Both thy bondmen, and thy bondmaids, which thou shalt have, shall be of the heathen that are round about you; of them shall ye buy bondmen and bondmaids.
And as for thy bondmen, and thy bondmaids, whom thou shalt have; of the nations that are round about you, of them shall ye buy bondmen and bondmaids.
But you may get servants as property from among the nations round about; from them you may take men-servants and women-servants.
Buy your male and female slaves from the surrounding nations.
Thy bond seruant also, and thy bond maid, which thou shalt haue, shalbe of the heathen that are rounde about you: of them shall ye bye seruants and maydes.
'And thy man-servant and thy handmaid whom thou hast [are] of the nations who [are] round about you; of them ye buy man-servant and handmaid,
“‘As for your male and your female slaves, whom you may have from the nations that are around you, from them you may buy male and female slaves.
Both thy bond-men, and thy bond-maids, which thou shalt have, shall be of the heathen that are around you; of them shall ye buy bond-men and bond-maids.
Let your bondmen, and your bondwomen, be of the nations that are round about you.
‘If you want to have slaves, you are permitted to buy them from nearby countries.
Berean Amplified Bible — Leviticus 25:44
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 25:44 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/עַבְדְּ/ךָ֥
וַ/אֲמָתְ/ךָ֖
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
יִהְיוּ
לָ֑/ךְ
מֵ/אֵ֣ת
הַ/גּוֹיִ֗ם
אֲשֶׁר֙
סְבִיבֹ֣תֵי/כֶ֔ם
מֵ/הֶ֥ם
תִּקְנ֖וּ
עֶ֥בֶד
וְ/אָמָֽה
וְ/עַבְדְּ/ךָ֥
ʻebed
H5650
servant/slave
Conj | N-ms | Suff
וַ/אֲמָתְ/ךָ֖
ʼâmâh
H519
maidservant
Conj | N-fs | Suff
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
יִהְיוּ
hâyâh
H1961
to be
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
לָ֑/ךְ
Prep | Suff
מֵ/אֵ֣ת
ʼêth
H854
with
Prep | Prep
הַ/גּוֹיִ֗ם
gôwy
H1471
Gentile
Art | N-mp
אֲשֶׁר֙
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
סְבִיבֹ֣תֵי/כֶ֔ם
çâbîyb
H5439
around
N-cp | Suff
מֵ/הֶ֥ם
Prep | Suff
תִּקְנ֖וּ
qânâh
H7069
to buy
V-Qal-Imperf-2mp
עֶ֥בֶד
ʻebed
H5650
servant/slave
N-ms
וְ/אָמָֽה
ʼâmâh
H519
maidservant
Conj | N-fs
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Leviticus 25:44
וְ/עַבְדְּ/ךָ֥
ʻebed
H5650
"servant/slave"
Conj | N-ms | Suff
This word refers to a servant or slave, often in the context of serving God or a human master. It can also describe a prophet or Levite. The KJV translates it as bondage, bondman, or servant.
Definition: 1) slave, servant 1a) slave, servant, man-servant 1b) subjects 1c) servants, worshippers (of God) 1d) servant (in special sense as prophets, Levites etc) 1e) servant (of Israel) 1f) servant (as form of address between equals) Aramaic equivalent: a.vad (עֲבַד "servant/slave" H5649)
Usage: Occurs in 714 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] bondage, bondman, (bond-) servant, (man-) servant. See also: Genesis 9:25; Exodus 11:3; 1 Samuel 8:16.
וַ/אֲמָתְ/ךָ֖
ʼâmâh
H519
"maidservant"
Conj | N-fs | Suff
A maidservant is a female slave or servant, like the ones mentioned in the stories of Abraham and Sarah in the book of Genesis.
Definition: 1) maid-servant, female slave, maid, handmaid, concubine 1a) of humility (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 49 OT verses. KJV: (hand-) bondmaid(-woman), maid(-servant). See also: Genesis 20:17; Judges 9:18; Psalms 86:16.
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
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.
יִהְיוּ
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
לָ֑/ךְ
""
Prep | Suff
מֵ/אֵ֣ת
ʼêth
H854
"with"
Prep | Prep
This Hebrew preposition means 'with' or 'near', indicating a close relationship or physical proximity. It's used in Genesis 1:26 to describe God's relationship with humanity, and in many other places to show connection or closeness.
Definition: 1) with, near, together with 1a) with, together with 1b) with (of relationship) 1c) near (of place) 1d) with (poss.) 1e) from...with, from (with other prep)
Usage: Occurs in 787 OT verses. KJV: against, among, before, by, for, from, in(-to), (out) of, with. Often with another prepositional prefix. See also: Genesis 4:1; Genesis 42:32; Numbers 1:5.
הַ/גּוֹיִ֗ם
gôwy
H1471
"Gentile"
Art | N-mp
This word refers to a Gentile, someone who is not Hebrew or Israeli. It can also describe a large group of animals or a nation of people, emphasizing their unity and shared identity.
Definition: 1) nation, people 1a) nation, people 1a1) usually of non-Hebrew people 1a2) of descendants of Abraham 1a3) of Israel 1b) of swarm of locusts, other animals (fig.) 1c) Goyim? = "nations" Also named: ethnos (ἔθνος "Gentiles" G1484)
Usage: Occurs in 511 OT verses. KJV: Gentile, heathen, nation, people. See also: Genesis 10:5; Judges 4:16; Psalms 2:1.
אֲשֶׁר֙
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.
סְבִיבֹ֣תֵי/כֶ֔ם
çâbîyb
H5439
"around"
N-cp | Suff
This word describes something that surrounds or encompasses, like a circle or neighborhood, and can also mean around or about, as in on every side. It is used to describe physical locations and proximity. The KJV translates it as about or circuit.
Definition: : around/border subst 1) places round about, circuit, round about adv 2) in a circuit, a circuit, round about prep 3) in the circuit, from every side
Usage: Occurs in 282 OT verses. KJV: (place, round) about, circuit, compass, on every side. See also: Genesis 23:17; 1 Kings 7:24; Psalms 3:7.
מֵ/הֶ֥ם
""
Prep | Suff
תִּקְנ֖וּ
qânâh
H7069
"to buy"
V-Qal-Imperf-2mp
This verb means to buy or acquire something, and is used to describe God's redemption of His people. It emphasizes ownership and possession, as seen in the stories of God's creation and redemption.
Definition: 1) to get, acquire, create, buy, possess 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to get, acquire, obtain 1a1a) of God originating, creating, redeeming His people 1a1a1) possessor 1a1b) of Eve acquiring 1a1c) of acquiring knowledge, wisdom 1a2) to buy 1b) (Niphal) to be bought 1c) (Hiphil) to cause to possess Aramaic equivalent: qe.na (קְנָא "to buy" H7066)
Usage: Occurs in 76 OT verses. KJV: attain, buy(-er), teach to keep cattle, get, provoke to jealousy, possess(-or), purchase, recover, redeem, [idiom] surely, [idiom] verily. See also: Genesis 4:1; 2 Chronicles 34:11; Psalms 74:2.
עֶ֥בֶד
ʻebed
H5650
"servant/slave"
N-ms
This word refers to a servant or slave, often in the context of serving God or a human master. It can also describe a prophet or Levite. The KJV translates it as bondage, bondman, or servant.
Definition: 1) slave, servant 1a) slave, servant, man-servant 1b) subjects 1c) servants, worshippers (of God) 1d) servant (in special sense as prophets, Levites etc) 1e) servant (of Israel) 1f) servant (as form of address between equals) Aramaic equivalent: a.vad (עֲבַד "servant/slave" H5649)
Usage: Occurs in 714 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] bondage, bondman, (bond-) servant, (man-) servant. See also: Genesis 9:25; Exodus 11:3; 1 Samuel 8:16.
וְ/אָמָֽה
ʼâmâh
H519
"maidservant"
Conj | N-fs
A maidservant is a female slave or servant, like the ones mentioned in the stories of Abraham and Sarah in the book of Genesis.
Definition: 1) maid-servant, female slave, maid, handmaid, concubine 1a) of humility (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 49 OT verses. KJV: (hand-) bondmaid(-woman), maid(-servant). See also: Genesis 20:17; Judges 9:18; Psalms 86:16.
Study Notes — Leviticus 25:44
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Leviticus 25:44 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Leviticus 25:44
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Leviticus 25:44
- Trapp's Commentary on Leviticus 25:44
- Ellicott's Commentary on Leviticus 25:44
- Cambridge Bible on Leviticus 25:44
- Barnes' Notes on Leviticus 25:44
- Whedon's Commentary on Leviticus 25:44
- Sermons on Leviticus 25:44
Context — Redemption of Bondmen
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. 46You 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.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Exodus 12:44 | But any slave who has been purchased may eat of it, after you have circumcised him. |
| 2 | Psalms 2:8–9 | Ask Me, and I will make the nations Your inheritance, the ends of the earth Your possession. You will break them with an iron scepter; You will shatter them like pottery. ” |
| 3 | Isaiah 14:1–2 | For the LORD will have compassion on Jacob; once again He will choose Israel and settle them in their own land. The foreigner will join them and unite with the house of Jacob. The nations will escort Israel and bring it to its homeland. Then the house of Israel will possess the nations as menservants and maidservants in the LORD’s land. They will make captives of their captors and rule over their oppressors. |
| 4 | Revelation 2:26–27 | And to the one who overcomes and continues in My work until the end, I will give authority over the nations. He will rule them with an iron scepter and shatter them like pottery —just as I have received authority from My Father. |
Leviticus 25:44 Summary
This verse explains that the Israelites were allowed to have servants from the nations around them, but it's essential to understand that this was not the same as the slavery we think of today. The Bible teaches that all people are created equal and are servants of God, as seen in Romans 6:22. In this context, the Israelites were to treat their servants with kindness and respect, as they would want to be treated themselves, as Jesus teaches in Matthew 7:12. By following God's commands, the Israelites could show their love and obedience to Him, and we can learn from their example to treat others with compassion and fairness, as seen in verses like Leviticus 19:18 and Luke 6:31.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does this verse mean by 'nations around you'?
This refers to the surrounding countries and peoples that the Israelites would interact with, as seen in other parts of the Bible such as Deuteronomy 23:3-6 and Exodus 34:11-16, where God warns the Israelites against intermarriage and idolatry with these nations.
Does this verse condone slavery?
While it may seem that way, it's essential to understand the historical context and the distinction between the treatment of Israelite servants and foreign servants, as outlined in verses like Leviticus 25:42-43 and Exodus 21:2-11, which emphasize the humane treatment of servants.
How does this verse relate to the concept of freedom and servitude in the Bible?
The Bible teaches that all people are created equal and are servants of God, as seen in Romans 6:22 and Galatians 3:28, but this verse specifically addresses the rules regarding servants from foreign nations, which is distinct from the Israelites' relationship with God as His servants, as mentioned in Leviticus 25:42.
What is the significance of this verse in the context of the entire chapter?
This verse is part of a larger discussion on the treatment of servants and the Year of Jubilee, highlighting God's concern for justice, mercy, and the well-being of all people, as seen in verses like Leviticus 25:10 and Isaiah 61:1-2, which emphasize the importance of freeing the oppressed and bringing liberty to the captives.
Reflection Questions
- How does this verse challenge my understanding of servitude and freedom, and what implications does it have for my relationships with others?
- In what ways can I apply the principles of justice, mercy, and compassion, as seen in this verse, to my daily life and interactions with those around me?
- What does this verse reveal about God's heart for the nations and His desire for all people to be treated with dignity and respect, and how can I reflect this heart in my own life?
- How can I balance the need for labor and service with the importance of treating all people with kindness, respect, and fairness, as emphasized in this verse and others like Ephesians 6:9 and Colossians 4:1?
- What does this verse teach me about the importance of distinguishing between the treatment of fellow believers and those outside the faith, as seen in verses like Leviticus 25:46 and Galatians 6:10?
Gill's Exposition on Leviticus 25:44
Both thy bondmen, and thy bondmaids, which thou shalt have,.... Such it seems were allowed them, if they had need of them; but if they had them, they were to be not of the nation of Israel, but of
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Leviticus 25:44
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 , [
Trapp's Commentary on Leviticus 25:44
Leviticus 25:44 Both thy bondmen, and thy bondmaids, which thou shalt have, [shall be] of the heathen that are round about you; of them shall ye buy bondmen and bondmaids.Ver. 44. Both thy bondmen.] Reprobates might be hereby figured.
Ellicott's Commentary on Leviticus 25:44
(44) Both thy bondmen, and thy bondmaids, which thou shalt have, shall be of the heathen.—Rather, As for thy bondmen and bondmaids which thou must have of the heathen, &c. As the Law forbids the Israelites to have their brethren as bondmen, or employ them in menial work which belongs to the slaves, the Lawgiver anticipates a difficulty which the Hebrews might raise against these enactments. If they are not to be engaged in this work, who then is to do it? Hence the reply in the verse before us. Of the heathen that are round about you.—These are to be purchased to do the necessary work. The Israelites, however, were restricted to the Ammonites, the Moabites, the Edomites, and the Syrians, who were their neighbours, but were not permitted to buy any slaves from the seven nations who were in the midst of them, and whom they were ordered to destroy (Deuteronomy 20:16-18).
Cambridge Bible on Leviticus 25:44
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 25:44
Property in foreign slaves is here distinctly permitted. It was a patriarchal custom Genesis 17:12.
Whedon's Commentary on Leviticus 25:44
NON-HEBREW , Leviticus 25:44-46. 44. Of the heathen… shall ye buy bondmen — Literally, man-servants and maid-servants. The “shall” is not mandatory but permissive.
Sermons on Leviticus 25:44
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(Through the Needle's Eye) 11 - the Old Testament View by David Servant | David Servant preaches about the Old Testament scriptures that address obedience to God's commandments, the dangers of greed and discontentment, the importance of stewardship, and |
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(Revelation - Part 6): Reign of Christ a Divine Imperative by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the current state of the world and the need for deliverance from oppression and sin. He emphasizes the importance of a perfect leader who can |
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As You Go, Make Disciples by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding the structure of the text. The main command or controlling verb is to make disciples, accompanied by three pa |
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Battling With God by Alan Redpath | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the power and sovereignty of God in the context of the Babylonian captivity of Israel. He emphasizes that even though Babylon was immensely p |
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Treasures of Darkness by Alan Redpath | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the power and sovereignty of God in the context of the Babylonian captivity of Israel. He emphasizes that even though Babylon was immensely p |
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Pt 6 We Are His Treasure by Alan Redpath | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the great purpose of God, which is to display His government in the world. However, due to the rebellion of mankind, the man whom God placed |
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Tuesday #1 Revival in Early America by J. Edwin Orr | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the decline of Christianity and moral values in America during the time of the American Revolution. He mentions that many influential figures |