Deuteronomy 15:18
Deuteronomy 15:18 in Multiple Translations
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.
It shall not seem hard unto thee, when thou sendest him away free from thee; for he hath been worth a double hired servant to thee, in serving thee six years: and the LORD thy God shall bless thee in all that thou doest.
It shall not seem hard unto thee, when thou lettest him go free from thee; for to the double of the hire of a hireling hath he served thee six years: and Jehovah thy God will bless thee in all that thou doest.
Let it not seem hard to you that you have to send him away free; for he has been working for you for six years, which is twice the regular time for a servant: and the blessing of the Lord your God will be on you in everything you do.
Don't see it as a problem to free your slave, because your slave's six years of service to you was worth twice what you would have paid to hire someone. The Lord your God will bless you in everything you do for acting in this way.
Let it not grieue thee, when thou lettest him goe out free from thee: for he hath serued thee sixe yeeres, which is the double worth of an hired seruant: and the Lord thy God shall blesse thee in all that thou doest.
'It is not hard in thine eyes, in thy sending him away free from thee; for the double of the hire of an hireling he hath served thee six years, and Jehovah thy God hath blessed thee in all that thou dost.
It shall not seem hard to you when you let him go free from you, for he has been double the value of a hired hand as he served you six years. The LORD your God will bless you in all that you do.
It shall not seem hard to thee, when thou sendest him away free from thee; for he hath been of double the worth of a hired servant to thee , in serving thee six years: and the LORD thy God shall bless thee in all that thou doest.
Turn not away thy eyes from them when thou makest them tree: because he hath served thee six years according to the wages of a hireling: that the Lord thy God may bless thee in all the works that thou dost.
“Do not complain when you are required to free your slaves. Keep in mind that they served you for six years, and you paid them only half as much as you pay the servants that you hire. If you free them, Yahweh our God will bless you in everything that you do.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Deuteronomy 15:18
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 15:18 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
לֹא
יִקְשֶׁ֣ה
בְ/עֵינֶ֗/ךָ
בְּ/שַׁלֵּֽחֲ/ךָ֙
אֹת֤/וֹ
חָפְשִׁי֙
מֵֽ/עִמָּ֔/ךְ
כִּ֗י
מִשְׁנֶה֙
שְׂכַ֣ר
שָׂכִ֔יר
עֲבָֽדְ/ךָ֖
שֵׁ֣שׁ
שָׁנִ֑ים
וּ/בֵֽרַכְ/ךָ֙
יְהוָ֣ה
אֱלֹהֶ֔י/ךָ
בְּ/כֹ֖ל
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
תַּעֲשֶֽׂה
לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
יִקְשֶׁ֣ה
qâshâh
H7185
to harden
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
בְ/עֵינֶ֗/ךָ
ʻayin
H5869
eye
Prep | N-cd | Suff
בְּ/שַׁלֵּֽחֲ/ךָ֙
shâlach
H7971
to send
Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a | Suff
אֹת֤/וֹ
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM | Suff
חָפְשִׁי֙
chophshîy
H2670
free
Adj
מֵֽ/עִמָּ֔/ךְ
ʻim
H5973
with
Prep | Prep | Suff
כִּ֗י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
מִשְׁנֶה֙
mishneh
H4932
second
N-ms
שְׂכַ֣ר
sâkâr
H7939
wages
N-ms
שָׂכִ֔יר
sâkîyr
H7916
hired
Adj
עֲבָֽדְ/ךָ֖
ʻâbad
H5647
to serve
V-Qal-Perf-3ms | Suff
שֵׁ֣שׁ
shêsh
H8337
six
Adj
שָׁנִ֑ים
shâneh
H8141
year
N-fp
וּ/בֵֽרַכְ/ךָ֙
bârak
H1288
to bless
Conj | V-Piel-3ms | Suff
יְהוָ֣ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
אֱלֹהֶ֔י/ךָ
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
N-mp | Suff
בְּ/כֹ֖ל
kôl
H3605
all
Prep | N-ms
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
תַּעֲשֶֽׂה
ʻâsâh
H6213
to make
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Deuteronomy 15:18
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.
יִקְשֶׁ֣ה
qâshâh
H7185
"to harden"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
In the Bible, this word means to be hard or severe, like when Pharaoh's heart was hardened against the Israelites in Exodus.
Definition: 1) to be hard, be severe, be fierce, be harsh 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be hard, be difficult 1a2) to be hard, be severe 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be ill-treated 1b2) to be hard pressed 1c) (Piel) to have severe labour (of women) 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to make difficult, make difficulty 1d2) to make severe, make burdensome 1d3) to make hard, make stiff, make stubborn 1d3a) of obstinacy (fig) 1d4) to show stubbornness
Usage: Occurs in 28 OT verses. KJV: be cruel, be fiercer, make grievous, be ((ask a), be in, have, seem, would) hard(-en, (labour), -ly, thing), be sore, (be, make) stiff(-en, (-necked)). See also: Genesis 35:16; 2 Chronicles 10:4; Psalms 95:8.
בְ/עֵינֶ֗/ךָ
ʻayin
H5869
"eye"
Prep | N-cd | Suff
This word can mean a spring or fountain, but also refers to the eye or a source of something. It is often translated as affliction, outward appearance, or countenance, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : eye 1) eye 1a) eye 1a1) of physical eye 1a2) as showing mental qualities 1a3) of mental and spiritual faculties (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 828 OT verses. KJV: affliction, outward appearance, [phrase] before, [phrase] think best, colour, conceit, [phrase] be content, countenance, [phrase] displease, eye((-brow), (-d), -sight), face, [phrase] favour, fountain, furrow (from the margin), [idiom] him, [phrase] humble, knowledge, look, ([phrase] well), [idiom] me, open(-ly), [phrase] (not) please, presence, [phrase] regard, resemblance, sight, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them, [phrase] think, [idiom] us, well, [idiom] you(-rselves). See also: Genesis 3:5; Exodus 34:9; Deuteronomy 28:67.
בְּ/שַׁלֵּֽחֲ/ךָ֙
shâlach
H7971
"to send"
Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a | Suff
To send or depart is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which has various applications in the Bible. It can describe sending someone or something away, or letting something go.
Definition: : depart/send 1) to send, send away, let go, stretch out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to send 1a2) to stretch out, extend, direct 1a3) to send away 1a4) to let loose 1b) (Niphal) to be sent 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to send off or away or out or forth, dismiss, give over, cast out 1c2) to let go, set free 1c3) to shoot forth (of branches) 1c4) to let down 1c5) to shoot 1d) (Pual) to be sent off, be put away, be divorced, be impelled 1e) (Hiphil) to send
Usage: Occurs in 790 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring (on the way), cast (away, out), conduct, [idiom] earnestly, forsake, give (up), grow long, lay, leave, let depart (down, go, loose), push away, put (away, forth, in, out), reach forth, send (away, forth, out), set, shoot (forth, out), sow, spread, stretch forth (out). See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 9:27; Joshua 14:11.
אֹת֤/וֹ
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM | Suff
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.
חָפְשִׁי֙
chophshîy
H2670
"free"
Adj
In the Bible, being free means being exempt from slavery, taxes, or other obligations, as seen in the book of Exodus. This concept is central to the Israelites' journey. Freedom is a gift from God.
Definition: 1) free 1a) free (from slavery) 1b) free (from taxes or obligations)
Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: free, liberty. See also: Exodus 21:2; Job 3:19; Psalms 88:6.
מֵֽ/עִמָּ֔/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.
כִּ֗י
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.
מִשְׁנֶה֙
mishneh
H4932
"second"
N-ms
Mishneh means a second or duplicate, like a copy of a document, or something that is double in amount, also referring to a second in order or rank, like a secondary position or a copy of a law.
Definition: 1) double, copy, second, repetition 1a) double 1b) copy (of law) 1c) second (in order) 1c1) second rank 1c2) second in age 1d) second quarter or district
Usage: Occurs in 34 OT verses. KJV: college, copy, double, fatlings, next, second (order), twice as much. See also: Genesis 41:43; 1 Chronicles 15:18; Isaiah 61:7.
שְׂכַ֣ר
sâkâr
H7939
"wages"
N-ms
Payment for work or services, like the wages paid to the laborers in Matthew 20:8. This word encompasses various forms of compensation, including salary, fare, or maintenance. It is about receiving payment for something.
Definition: 1) hire, wages 1a) wages 1b) reward, pay 1c) fare, fee, passage-money
Usage: Occurs in 25 OT verses. KJV: hire, price, reward(-ed), wages, worth. See also: Genesis 15:1; 2 Chronicles 15:7; Psalms 127:3.
שָׂכִ֔יר
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.
עֲבָֽדְ/ךָ֖
ʻâbad
H5647
"to serve"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms | Suff
To serve or work is the meaning of this verb, which can also imply slavery or bondage, as seen in the story of the Israelites in Egypt. It is used to describe various types of work or service, including serving God or other people. The word has different forms and meanings in different contexts.
Definition: : serve[someone] 1) to work, serve 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to labour, work, do work 1a2) to work for another, serve another by labour 1a3) to serve as subjects 1a4) to serve (God) 1a5) to serve (with Levitical service) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be worked, be tilled (of land) 1b2) to make oneself a servant 1c) (Pual) to be worked 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to compel to labour or work, cause to labour, cause to serve 1d2) to cause to serve as subjects 1e) (Hophal) to be led or enticed to serve
Usage: Occurs in 262 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] be, keep in bondage, be bondmen, bond-service, compel, do, dress, ear, execute, [phrase] husbandman, keep, labour(-ing man, bring to pass, (cause to, make to) serve(-ing, self), (be, become) servant(-s), do (use) service, till(-er), transgress (from margin), (set a) work, be wrought, worshipper, See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 28:14; Psalms 2:11.
שֵׁ֣שׁ
shêsh
H8337
"six"
Adj
This Hebrew word means the number six, and is often used in the Bible to describe measurements, like the six days of creation in Genesis 1.
Definition: 1) six 1a) six (cardinal number) 1b) sixth (ordinal number) 1c) in combination with other numbers Aramaic equivalent: shet (שֵׁת "six" H8353)
Usage: Occurs in 202 OT verses. KJV: six(-teen, -teenth), sixth. See also: Genesis 7:6; 1 Kings 6:6; Proverbs 6:16.
שָׁנִ֑ים
shâneh
H8141
"year"
N-fp
This word also means a year, like when Abraham was 100 years old in Genesis 21. It is used to describe a period of time, age, or a lifetime.
Definition: 1) year 1a) as division of time 1b) as measure of time 1c) as indication of age 1d) a lifetime (of years of life) Aramaic equivalent: she.nah (שְׁנָה "year" H8140)
Usage: Occurs in 647 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] whole age, [idiom] long, [phrase] old, year([idiom] -ly). See also: Genesis 1:14; Genesis 47:28; Numbers 7:35.
וּ/בֵֽרַכְ/ךָ֙
bârak
H1288
"to bless"
Conj | V-Piel-3ms | Suff
To bless means to praise or honor God, often by kneeling in worship. In the Bible, people bless God and God blesses people, showing favor and care for them, as seen in the story of Abraham and his descendants.
Definition: 1) to bless, kneel 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to kneel 1a2) to bless 1b) (Niphal) to be blessed, bless oneself 1c) (Piel) to bless 1d) (Pual) to be blessed, be adored 1e) (Hiphil) to cause to kneel 1f) (Hithpael) to bless oneself 2) (TWOT) to praise, salute, curse Aramaic equivalent: be.rakh (בְּרַךְ "to bless" H1289)
Usage: Occurs in 289 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] abundantly, [idiom] altogether, [idiom] at all, blaspheme, bless, congratulate, curse, [idiom] greatly, [idiom] indeed, kneel (down), praise, salute, [idiom] still, thank. See also: Genesis 1:22; Deuteronomy 24:19; Job 2:9.
יְהוָ֣ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
אֱלֹהֶ֔י/ךָ
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
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.
בְּ/כֹ֖ל
kôl
H3605
"all"
Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
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.
תַּעֲשֶֽׂה
ʻâsâh
H6213
"to make"
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.
Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made
Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.
Study Notes — Deuteronomy 15:18
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — Hebrew Servants
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.
19You must set apart to the LORD your God every firstborn male produced by your herds and flocks. You are not to put the firstborn of your oxen to work, nor are you to shear the firstborn of your flock. 20Each year you and your household are to eat it before the LORD your God in the place the LORD will choose.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Luke 17:7–8 | Which of you whose servant comes in from plowing or shepherding in the field will say to him, ‘Come at once and sit down to eat’? Instead, won’t he tell him, ‘Prepare my meal and dress yourself to serve me while I eat and drink; and afterward you may eat and drink’? |
| 2 | Isaiah 16:14 | And now the LORD says, “In three years, as a hired worker counts the years, Moab’s splendor will become an object of contempt, with all her many people. And those who are left will be few and feeble.” |
| 3 | Isaiah 21:16 | For this is what the Lord says to me: “Within one year, as a hired worker would count it, all the glory of Kedar will be gone. |
Deuteronomy 15:18 Summary
Deuteronomy 15:18 reminds us that when we treat others with kindness and respect, God promises to bless us. This verse is talking about setting servants free after six years of service, but it applies to our lives today too. When we choose to let go of control and trust in God's provision, He promises to bless us in all we do (as seen in Psalm 37:3-4 and Deuteronomy 28:1-14). By following God's commands and treating others with love and respect, we can experience the joy and freedom that comes from living a life that honors Him.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to 'set your servant free' in Deuteronomy 15:18?
In this context, setting a servant free refers to releasing a servant from their contractual obligation to serve after six years, as outlined in Deuteronomy 15:12-18, and as seen in the example of the Israelites' own release from slavery in Exodus 21:2 and Deuteronomy 5:15.
How does the value of a servant's six years of service compare to that of a hired hand?
According to Deuteronomy 15:18, a servant's six years of service were worth twice the wages of a hired hand, highlighting the significant value and investment of having a servant, as also noted in Exodus 21:32.
What is the promise to those who set their servants free, as stated in Deuteronomy 15:18?
The Lord promises to bless those who set their servants free, stating 'the LORD your God will bless you in all you do', which is a reflection of the broader principle seen in Deuteronomy 28:1-14 and Psalm 37:3-4, where obedience to God's commands leads to blessing.
Is this concept of servant release still applicable today?
While the specific laws regarding servants in Deuteronomy 15:12-18 were given to the Israelites, the underlying principle of treating others with kindness, respect, and fairness, and trusting in God's blessing, remains relevant today, as seen in Ephesians 6:9 and Colossians 4:1.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can apply the principle of releasing others from their 'bondage' in my own life, whether it be through forgiveness, kindness, or generosity?
- How can I trust that God will bless me as I obey His commands, even when it seems difficult or costly, as seen in Deuteronomy 15:18?
- In what ways can I reflect the heart of God, who 'executes justice for the fatherless and the widow, and loves the stranger' in Deuteronomy 10:18, by treating others with compassion and respect?
- What are some areas in my life where I need to release my grip and trust in God's provision, rather than trying to control or manipulate others, as warned against in Psalm 37:7-8?
Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 15:18
It shall not seem hard to thee when thou sendest him away free from thee,.... He should not grudge him his liberty, nor what he gives to him when he dismisses him: for he hath been worth a double
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 15:18
It shall not seem hard unto thee, when thou sendest him away free from thee; for he hath been worth a double hired servant to thee, in serving thee six years: and the LORD thy God shall bless thee in all that thou doest.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 15:18
He hath been worth a double-hired servant to thee; or, he deserves double wages to an hired servant, because he served thee upon better terms, both without wages, which hired servants require, and for a longer time, even for six years, as it here follows, whereas servants were ordinarily hired but from year to year, , or at most but for three years, as they gather from this place and .
Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 15:18
18. It shall not be hard in thine eye] See on Deuteronomy 15:9. How well this legislator knew the hearts of his people may be seen from Jeremiah 34:8 ff. for to the double of the hire of an hireling hath he served thee] Jewish commentators inferred from this that the hired servant served only for three years! (Cornelius a Lapide in loco). Calvin thinks that it means that a slave under compulsion worked twice as hard—which is contrary to experience. Rather, the cost of keeping a slave was only half of the current wage for a free servant. and the Lord thy God shall bless thee] See Deuteronomy 15:10.
Sermons on Deuteronomy 15:18
| Sermon | Description | |
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Gracious Dealing by C.H. Spurgeon | C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the importance of gracious dealings, illustrating how the Lord commands Israelite masters to liberate their bondservants and support them generously as a r |
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Feeding Christ (Time for Renewal Conference) by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher begins by reading from Luke 17:7-10, where Jesus tells a parable about a servant and his master. The preacher emphasizes the importance of serving God |
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Testimony - Part 10 by Jackie Pullinger | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the need for action and accountability in our Christian faith. He highlights how in the West, we have an abundance of teaching and resources, |
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Lord Break Me by William MacDonald | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being a bond servant of Jesus Christ. He uses the story of a man driving an elephant in Bombay to illustrate the qualities |
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Do Not Sell the Gospel by John Piper | In this sermon, Pastor John Piper reflects on a message he heard 36 years ago about the story of the rich young ruler. The speaker emphasized the importance of letting go of worldl |
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Prayer by David Ravenhill | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the importance of worship and the story of a master and his slave in Luke 17:7-10. The slave is dedicated to serving his master by looking af |
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We Would See Jesus by Teresa Conlon | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of allowing God to speak and move in our lives, rather than relying on our own efforts and strategies. He challenges the notio |