Leviticus 25:45

Leviticus 25:45 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

You 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.

King James Version KJV

Moreover of the children of the strangers that do sojourn among you, of them shall ye buy, and of their families that are with you, which they begat in your land: and they shall be your possession.

American Standard Version ASV

Moreover of the children of the strangers that sojourn among you, of them shall ye buy, and of their families that are with you, which they have begotten in your land: and they shall be your possession.

Bible in Basic English BBE

And in addition, you may get, for money, servants from among the children of other nations who are living with you, and from their families which have come to birth in your land; and these will be your property.

Free Bible Version FBV

You can also buy them from foreigners who have come to live among you, or from their descendants born in your land. You can treat them as your property.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

And moreouer of the children of the stragers, that are soiourners among you, of them shall ye bye, and of their families that are with you, which they begate in your lande: these shall be your possession.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

and also of the sons of the settlers who are sojourning with you, of them ye buy, and of their families who [are] with you, which they have begotten in your land, and they have been to you for a possession;

World English Bible WEB

Moreover, of the children of the aliens who live among you, of them you may buy, and of their families who are with you, which they have conceived in your land; and they will be your property.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

Moreover of the children of the strangers that sojourn among you, of them shall ye buy, and of their families that are with you, which they begat in your land: and they shall be your possession.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And of the strangers that sojourn among you, or that were born of them in your land, these you shall have for servants:

Translation for Translators T4T

You are also permitted to buy some of the foreigners who are living among you, and members of their clans that were born in your country. Then you will own them.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Leviticus 25:45

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 25:45 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וְ֠/גַם מִ/בְּנֵ֨י הַ/תּוֹשָׁבִ֜ים הַ/גָּרִ֤ים עִמָּ/כֶם֙ מֵ/הֶ֣ם תִּקְנ֔וּ וּ/מִ/מִּשְׁפַּחְתָּ/ם֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר עִמָּ/כֶ֔ם אֲשֶׁ֥ר הוֹלִ֖ידוּ בְּ/אַרְצְ/כֶ֑ם וְ/הָי֥וּ לָ/כֶ֖ם לַֽ/אֲחֻזָּֽה

וְ֠/גַם gam H1571 also Conj | DirObjM

מִ/בְּנֵ֨י bên H1121 son Prep | N-mp

הַ/תּוֹשָׁבִ֜ים tôwshâb H8453 sojourner Art | N-mp

הַ/גָּרִ֤ים gûwr H1481 to sojourn Art | V-Qal

עִמָּ/כֶם֙ ʻim H5973 with Prep | Suff

מֵ/הֶ֣ם Prep | Suff

תִּקְנ֔וּ qânâh H7069 to buy V-Qal-Imperf-2mp

וּ/מִ/מִּשְׁפַּחְתָּ/ם֙ mishpâchâh H4940 family Conj | Prep | N-fs | Suff

אֲשֶׁ֣ר ʼăsher H834 which Rel

עִמָּ/כֶ֔ם ʻim H5973 with Prep | Suff

אֲשֶׁ֥ר ʼăsher H834 which Rel

הוֹלִ֖ידוּ yâlad H3205 to beget V-Hiphil-Perf-3cp

בְּ/אַרְצְ/כֶ֑ם ʼerets H776 land Prep | N-cs | Suff

וְ/הָי֥וּ hâyâh H1961 to be Conj | V-Qal-3cp

לָ/כֶ֖ם Prep | Suff

לַֽ/אֲחֻזָּֽה ʼăchuzzâh H272 possession Prep | N-fs

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Leviticus 25:45

וְ֠/גַם gam H1571 "also" Conj | DirObjM

Also means 'even' or 'too', used for emphasis or to connect ideas, like 'both...and' or 'neither...nor'. It can introduce a climax or show contrast.

Definition: 1) also, even, indeed, moreover, yea 1a) also, moreover (giving emphasis) 1b) neither, neither...nor (with negative) 1c) even (for stress) 1d) indeed, yea (introducing climax) 1e) also (of correspondence or retribution) 1f) but, yet, though (adversative) 1g) even, yea, yea though (with 'when' in hypothetical case) 2) (TWOT) again, alike

Usage: Occurs in 661 OT verses. KJV: again, alike, also, (so much) as (soon), both (so)...and, but, either...or, even, for all, (in) likewise (manner), moreover, nay...neither, one, then(-refore), though, what, with, yea. See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 19:9; 1 Samuel 14:21.

מִ/בְּנֵ֨י bên H1121 "son" Prep | N-mp

In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.

Definition: : child/son

Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.

הַ/תּוֹשָׁבִ֜ים tôwshâb H8453 "sojourner" Art | N-mp

Tishbe refers to a resident alien or foreigner, as seen in the home of Elijah, who was known as the Tishbite. This term appears in various KJV translations, including foreigner and stranger. It signifies someone living outside their native land.

Definition: sojourner, stranger

Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: foreigner, inhabitant, sojourner, stranger. See also: Genesis 23:4; Leviticus 25:40; Psalms 39:13.

הַ/גָּרִ֤ים gûwr H1481 "to sojourn" Art | V-Qal

This word means to fear or dread something, like the fear of God. It implies a sense of awe or reverence, like the fear that the disciples felt during the storm on the lake in Matthew 8:24. It can also mean to be a stranger or sojourner in a place.

Definition: 1) to sojourn, abide, dwell in, dwell with, remain, inhabit, be a stranger, be continuing, surely 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to sojourn, dwell for a time 1a2) to abide, stay, temporarily dwell 1b) (Hithpolel) 1b1) to seek hospitality with 1b2) to assemble oneself

Usage: Occurs in 94 OT verses. KJV: abide, assemble, be afraid, dwell, fear, gather (together), inhabitant, remain, sojourn, stand in awe, (be) stranger, [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 12:10; 1 Kings 17:20; Psalms 5:5.

עִמָּ/כֶם֙ ʻim H5973 "with" 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.

מֵ/הֶ֣ם "" Prep | Suff

תִּקְנ֔וּ 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.

וּ/מִ/מִּשְׁפַּחְתָּ/ם֙ mishpâchâh H4940 "family" Conj | Prep | N-fs | Suff

This word refers to a family or clan, and can also mean a tribe or nation, such as the people of Israel, emphasizing the importance of family ties.

Definition: 1) clan, family 1a) clan 1a1) family 1a2) tribe 1a3) people, nation 1b) guild 1c) species, kind 1d) aristocrats

Usage: Occurs in 224 OT verses. KJV: family, kind(-red). See also: Genesis 8:19; Numbers 26:41; Esther 9:28.

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.

עִמָּ/כֶ֔ם ʻim H5973 "with" Prep | Suff

Definition: 1) with 1a) with 1b) against 1c) toward 1d) as long as

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.

הוֹלִ֖ידוּ yâlad H3205 "to beget" V-Hiphil-Perf-3cp

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to give birth or beget a child, like when Eve gave birth to Cain in Genesis 4:1. It can also mean to help someone give birth, like a midwife. This word is used in many KJV translations, including Genesis and Isaiah.

Definition: 1) to bear, bringforth, beget, gender, travail 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to bear, bring forth 1a1a) of child birth 1a1b) of distress (simile) 1a1c) of wicked (behaviour) 1a2) to beget 1b) (Niphal) to be born 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to cause or help to bring forth 1c2) to assist or tend as a midwife 1c3) midwife (participle) 1d) (Pual) to be born 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to beget (a child) 1e2) to bear (fig. -of wicked bringing forth iniquity) 1f) (Hophal) day of birth, birthday (infinitive) 1g) (Hithpael) to declare one's birth (pedigree)

Usage: Occurs in 403 OT verses. KJV: bear, beget, birth(-day), born, (make to) bring forth (children, young), bring up, calve, child, come, be delivered (of a child), time of delivery, gender, hatch, labour, (do the office of a) midwife, declare pedigrees, be the son of, (woman in, woman that) travail(-eth, -ing woman). See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 30:19; 2 Samuel 21:22.

בְּ/אַרְצְ/כֶ֑ם 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.

וְ/הָי֥וּ hâyâh H1961 "to be" Conj | V-Qal-3cp

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.

לָ/כֶ֖ם "" Prep | Suff

לַֽ/אֲחֻזָּֽה ʼăchuzzâh H272 "possession" Prep | N-fs

In the Bible, this Hebrew word refers to something owned or possessed, often land inherited from family. It appears in various books, including Genesis and Leviticus. This concept of possession is important in biblical times.

Definition: 1) possession, property 1a) land 1b) possession by inheritance

Usage: Occurs in 58 OT verses. KJV: possession. See also: Genesis 17:8; Numbers 32:5; Psalms 2:8.

Study Notes — Leviticus 25:45

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Leviticus 25:45 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Leviticus 25:45
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Leviticus 25:45
Ellicott's Commentary on Leviticus 25:45
Cambridge Bible on Leviticus 25:45
Whedon's Commentary on Leviticus 25:45

Context — Redemption of Bondmen

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. 47If a foreigner residing among you prospers, but your countryman dwelling near him becomes destitute and sells himself to the foreigner or to a member of his clan,

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Isaiah 56:3–6	Let no foreigner who has joined himself to the LORD say, “The LORD will utterly exclude me from His people.” And let the eunuch not say, “I am but a dry tree.” For this is what the LORD says: “To the eunuchs who keep My Sabbaths, who choose what pleases Me and hold fast to My covenant— I will give them, in My house and within My walls, a memorial and a name better than that of sons and daughters. I will give them an everlasting name that will not be cut off. And the foreigners who join themselves to the LORD to minister to Him, to love the name of the LORD, and to be His servants— all who keep the Sabbath without profaning it and who hold fast to My covenant—

Leviticus 25:45 Summary

Leviticus 25:45 is talking about how the Israelites could buy servants from foreigners who were living among them. This was a common practice in ancient times, but it's essential to remember that the Bible teaches us to treat all people with kindness and respect, regardless of their status (as seen in Matthew 7:12 and Luke 6:31). The verse also highlights the importance of considering the complexities of property and ownership, and how these concepts relate to the value and dignity of human life (as mentioned in Genesis 1:27 and Psalms 139:13-14). By studying this verse, we can learn more about the cultural and historical context of the Israelites and how we can apply biblical principles to our relationships with others.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to purchase servants from foreigners in Leviticus 25:45?

In the context of Leviticus 25:45, purchasing servants from foreigners refers to the practice of acquiring slaves from non-Israelite nations, as also mentioned in Leviticus 25:44. This was a common practice in ancient times, but it's essential to note that the Bible also provides guidelines for the fair treatment of slaves, such as in Exodus 21:20-21 and Deuteronomy 15:12-15.

Does this verse condone slavery?

While Leviticus 25:45 does describe the practice of purchasing servants, it's crucial to understand that the Bible does not condone the exploitation or mistreatment of slaves. In fact, verses like Leviticus 25:43 and Leviticus 25:46 emphasize the importance of treating slaves with kindness and respect, and other passages like Galatians 3:28 and Philemon 1:15-16 highlight the equal value and dignity of all people in God's eyes.

How does this verse relate to the concept of property in the Bible?

In Leviticus 25:45, the purchased servants are considered property, but it's essential to note that the Bible also teaches that all people are made in God's image and have inherent value, as seen in Genesis 1:27 and Psalms 139:13-14. This tension highlights the complexity of the biblical concept of property and the need to consider the ethical and moral implications of owning or possessing other human beings.

What is the significance of the phrase 'born in your land' in this verse?

The phrase 'born in your land' in Leviticus 25:45 refers to the children of foreigners who are born within the Israelites' territory. This phrase is significant because it highlights the distinction between foreigners who are living in the land and those who are born there, and it has implications for their status and treatment under the law, as seen in other passages like Exodus 12:48-49 and Leviticus 19:34.

Reflection Questions

What does this verse reveal about the cultural and historical context of the Israelites, and how can we learn from their experiences?
How does the concept of purchasing servants challenge or reinforce my understanding of the value and dignity of all human life?
In what ways can I apply the principles of fairness and kindness mentioned in Leviticus 25:43 and Leviticus 25:46 to my relationships with others, especially those who may be vulnerable or marginalized?
What does this verse teach me about the complexities of property and ownership, and how can I approach these issues in a way that honors God and respects the well-being of others?

Gill's Exposition on Leviticus 25:45

Moreover, of the children of the strangers, that do sojourn among you,.... The uncircumcised sojourners as they are called in the Targums of Onkelos and Jonathan, proselytes of the gate, such of the

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Leviticus 25:45

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 , [

Ellicott's Commentary on Leviticus 25:45

(45) Moreover of the children of the strangers.—Besides the surrounding nations, the Hebrews are also permitted to obtain their slaves from those strangers who have taken up their abode in the Holy Land. By these strangers the ancient authorities understand those who have been permitted to settle down among the Jews on condition that they submit to the seven commandments given to Noah, but have not embraced Judaism. Hence the Chaldee Version translates this phrase, “the children of uncircumcised strangers.” And they shall be your possession.—These, but not the Hebrews, the masters may hold as their absolute property.

Cambridge Bible on Leviticus 25:45

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.

Whedon's Commentary on Leviticus 25:45

45. Children of the strangers… shall ye buy — It is very natural that the institution which originated in war, should be perpetuated in peace, and that the offspring of the first captives should

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