Deuteronomy 15:16
Deuteronomy 15:16 in Multiple Translations
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,
And it shall be, if he say unto thee, I will not go away from thee; because he loveth thee and thine house, because he is well with thee;
And it shall be, if he say unto thee, I will not go out from thee; because he loveth thee and thy house, because he is well with thee;
But if he says to you, I have no desire to go away from you; because you and your family are dear to him and he is happy with you;
However, if your male slave tells you, “I don't want to leave you,” because he loves you and your family and is better off staying with you,
And if he say vnto thee, I will not go away from thee, because he loueth thee and thine house, and because he is well with thee,
'And it hath been, when he saith unto thee, I go not out from thee — because he hath loved thee, and thy house, because [it is] good for him with thee —
It shall be, if he tells you, “I will not go out from you,” because he loves you and your house, because he is well with you,
And it shall be, if he shall say to thee, I will not leave thee; because he loveth thee and thy house, because he is well with thee;
But if he say: I will not depart: because he loveth thee, and thy house, and findeth that he is well with thee:
“But one of your slaves may say, ‘I do not want to leave you.’ He loves you and your family, because you have treated him well.
Berean Amplified Bible — Deuteronomy 15:16
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 15:16 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/הָיָה֙
כִּֽי
יֹאמַ֣ר
אֵלֶ֔י/ךָ
לֹ֥א
אֵצֵ֖א
מֵ/עִמָּ֑/ךְ
כִּ֤י
אֲהֵֽבְ/ךָ֙
וְ/אֶת
בֵּיתֶ֔/ךָ
כִּי
ט֥וֹב
ל֖/וֹ
עִמָּֽ/ךְ
וְ/הָיָה֙
hâyâh
H1961
to be
Conj | V-Qal-3ms
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
יֹאמַ֣ר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
אֵלֶ֔י/ךָ
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep | Suff
לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
אֵצֵ֖א
yâtsâʼ
H3318
to come out
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
מֵ/עִמָּ֑/ךְ
ʻim
H5973
with
Prep | Prep | Suff
כִּ֤י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
אֲהֵֽבְ/ךָ֙
ʼâhab
H157
to love
V-Qal-Perf-3ms | Suff
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
Conj | DirObjM
בֵּיתֶ֔/ךָ
bayith
H1004
place
N-ms | Suff
כִּי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
ט֥וֹב
ṭôwb
H2895
be pleasing
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
ל֖/וֹ
Prep | Suff
עִמָּֽ/ךְ
ʻim
H5973
with
Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Deuteronomy 15:16
וְ/הָיָה֙
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
Conj | V-Qal-3ms
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.
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
"for"
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.
יֹאמַ֣ר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
אֵלֶ֔י/ךָ
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
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.
אֵצֵ֖א
yâtsâʼ
H3318
"to come out"
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to go out or come out, and it's used in many different ways, like leaving a place or starting a new journey, as seen in Genesis and Exodus.
Definition: : come/go_out/escape 1) to go out, come out, exit, go forth 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go or come out or forth, depart 1a2) to go forth (to a place) 1a3) to go forward, proceed to (to or toward something) 1a4) to come or go forth (with purpose or for result) 1a5) to come out of 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to go or come out, bring out, lead out 1b2) to bring out of 1b3) to lead out 1b4) to deliver 1c) (Hophal) to be brought out or forth
Usage: Occurs in 991 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, appear, [idiom] assuredly, bear out, [idiom] begotten, break out, bring forth (out, up), carry out, come (abroad, out, thereat, without), [phrase] be condemned, depart(-ing, -ure), draw forth, in the end, escape, exact, fail, fall (out), fetch forth (out), get away (forth, hence, out), (able to, cause to, let) go abroad (forth, on, out), going out, grow, have forth (out), issue out, lay (lie) out, lead out, pluck out, proceed, pull out, put away, be risen, [idiom] scarce, send with commandment, shoot forth, spread, spring out, stand out, [idiom] still, [idiom] surely, take forth (out), at any time, [idiom] to (and fro), utter. See also: Genesis 1:12; Exodus 9:33; Leviticus 26:45.
מֵ/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.
כִּ֤י
kîy
H3588
"for"
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.
אֲהֵֽבְ/ךָ֙
ʼâhab
H157
"to love"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms | Suff
To love means to have affection for someone or something, including family, romance, or God. It can also describe being a friend or having appetite for things like food or wisdom.
Definition: : lover 1) to love 1a) (Qal) 1a1) human love for another, includes family, and sexual 1a2) human appetite for objects such as food, drink, sleep, wisdom 1a3) human love for or to God 1a4) act of being a friend 1a4a) lover (participle) 1a4b) friend (participle) 1a5) God's love toward man 1a5a) to individual men 1a5b) to people Israel 1a5c) to righteousness 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) lovely (participle) 1b2) loveable (participle) 1c) (Piel) 1c1) friends 1c2) lovers (fig. of adulterers) 2) to like Also means: a.hav (אָהֵב ": friend" H0157H)
Usage: Occurs in 195 OT verses. KJV: (be-) love(-d, -ly, -r), like, friend. See also: Genesis 22:2; Psalms 116:1; Psalms 4:3.
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
Conj | DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
בֵּיתֶ֔/ךָ
bayith
H1004
"place"
N-ms | Suff
The Hebrew word for house refers to a dwelling place, including a family home, temple, or even the human body. It appears in various contexts, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the household of a family. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a place of worship or a family's living space.
Definition: nm place, origin, between
Usage: Occurs in 1712 OT verses. KJV: court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out). See also: Genesis 6:14; Exodus 8:5; Numbers 1:45.
כִּי
kîy
H3588
"for"
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.
ט֥וֹב
ṭôwb
H2895
"be pleasing"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
In the Bible, this word means to be good or pleasing, often used to describe God's actions or human behavior. It appears in Genesis 1, where God sees that creation is good, and in Psalm 100, where the psalmist says that God is good and his love endures forever.
Definition: 1) to be good, be pleasing, be joyful, be beneficial, be pleasant, be favourable, be happy, be right 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be pleasant, be delightful 1a2) to be glad, be joyful 1a3) to be better 1a4) to be well with, be good for 1a5) to be pleasing 1b) (Hiphil) to do well, do good, act right, act rightly
Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: be (do) better, cheer, be (do, seem) good, (make) goodly, [idiom] please, (be, do, go, play) well. See also: Numbers 11:18; Nehemiah 2:7; Psalms 119:68.
ל֖/וֹ
""
Prep | Suff
עִמָּֽ/ךְ
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.
Study Notes — Deuteronomy 15:16
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Deuteronomy 15:16 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 15:16
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 15:16
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 15:16
- Trapp's Commentary on Deuteronomy 15:16
- Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 15:16
- Whedon's Commentary on Deuteronomy 15:16
- Sermons on Deuteronomy 15:16
Context — Hebrew Servants
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.
16But 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,
17then 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. 18Do 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.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Exodus 21:5–6 | But if the servant declares, ‘I love my master and my wife and children; I do not want to go free,’ then his master is to bring him before the judges. And he shall take him to the door or doorpost and pierce his ear with an awl. Then he shall serve his master for life. |
| 2 | Psalms 40:8 | I delight to do Your will, O my God; Your law is within my heart.” |
| 3 | Psalms 40:6 | Sacrifice and offering You did not desire, but my ears You have opened. Burnt offerings and sin offerings You did not require. |
Deuteronomy 15:16 Summary
In Deuteronomy 15:16, a servant chooses to stay with their master because they love and are content with them. This shows that true service and commitment come from a place of love and care. Just like the servant, we can choose to serve others and God out of love, and this can bring great joy and fulfillment, as seen in Psalm 100:2 where we are called to serve the Lord with gladness. By serving others in love, we reflect God's heart of kindness and generosity, as seen in Matthew 25:40 where Jesus teaches that serving others is serving Him.
Frequently Asked Questions
What motivates a servant to want to stay with their master in Deuteronomy 15:16?
The servant's motivation is love for their master and the master's household, as well as being well off with them, which suggests a deep sense of care and provision, reminiscent of God's care for the Israelites as described in Deuteronomy 8:3.
How does this verse relate to the concept of slavery in the Bible?
This verse highlights the unique aspects of servitude in ancient Israel, where a servant could choose to remain with their master voluntarily, reflecting a more personal and relational dynamic, as seen in Exodus 21:5-6 where a servant also has the option to stay with their master.
What does it mean for a servant to be 'well off' with their master?
Being 'well off' implies that the servant is content and satisfied with their situation, having their needs met, which is a reflection of the master's kindness and generosity, echoing the principles of Deuteronomy 15:14 where the master is to liberally provide for the servant.
How does this verse apply to Christian relationships and service today?
While the specific context of servitude is not directly applicable, the principles of love, care, and voluntary service can inform our relationships and service to others, as seen in Galatians 5:13 where believers are called to serve one another in love.
Reflection Questions
- What does it mean to truly love and be committed to someone or something, as the servant does in this verse?
- How can I demonstrate my love and care for those around me, especially those in need or in a position of service?
- What are some ways I can reflect God's heart of kindness and generosity, as seen in the master's provision for the servant in Deuteronomy 15:14?
- In what ways can I voluntarily serve others, as the servant chooses to stay with the master, and how can this service be a reflection of my love for God and others?
Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 15:16
And it shall be, if he say unto thee, I will not go away from thee,.... Out of his house, nor quit his service: because he loveth thee and thine house; his master and his family, and so loath to
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 15:16
And it shall be, if he say unto thee, I will not go away from thee; because he loveth thee and thine house, because he is well with thee; If he say ... I will not go away.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 15:16
Because he is sensible that he fares well with thee. Or, because it is good, i.e. acceptable in his eyes, or pleasing to him, to be with thee.
Trapp's Commentary on Deuteronomy 15:16
Deuteronomy 15:16 And it shall be, if he say unto thee, I will not go away from thee; because he loveth thee and thine house, because he is well with thee;Ver. 16. Then thou shalt take an awl.] Ut si non horreret servitudinem, horreret saltem ignominiam publicam: If we can bear reproach for Christ, it is an argument we mean to stick to him, as this bored servant to his master.
Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 15:16
16. And it shall be, if he say unto thee] E, Exodus 21:5, more simply And if the slave say. I will not go out from thee] E, I will not go out free. On go out, cp. Deuteronomy 13:13. because he loveth thee and thine house] On the treatment of slaves see introd. note.
Whedon's Commentary on Deuteronomy 15:16
16. I will not go — If the manservant or the maidservant did not wish to leave for freedom — did not wish to leave the master — they were not obliged to go, but in that case were to be bound to a lifelong bondage.
Sermons on Deuteronomy 15:16
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Threefold Obedience by Jenny Daniel | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the high price paid on Calvary to conquer and cover all sin. He urges listeners to open their hearts to God's standards and accept His offer |
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This Business of Evangelism by Rolfe Barnard | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of the church being God's representative and spreading the gospel to this generation. He refers to the book of Exodus, specif |
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Lookout mtn.conference 1973-01 Philippians by Stan Ford | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being connected to Christ and serving Him. He highlights the security and acceptance that believers have in Christ, as well |
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Early Lessons for Christ's Disciples by Raymond Golsworthy | Raymond Golsworthy preaches on the lessons from Mark 1:16-45, focusing on the events that followed Christ's call to His first disciples. The sermon highlights seven vital spiritual |
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The Pierced Ear of the Servant by T. Austin-Sparks | T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the profound connection between love, servanthood, and the voluntary resignation of rights in his sermon 'The Pierced Ear of the Servant.' He illustrate |
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The Willing Servant by Henry Law | Henry Law delves into the story of the Hebrew slave who willingly chooses to remain in servitude out of love for his master, wife, and children, drawing parallels to Christ's sacri |
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Exodus 21:5 by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith explores the concept of slavery in relation to spiritual bondage, emphasizing that all men are born into sin and under the lordship of Satan. He discusses the condition |