Leviticus 25:42
Leviticus 25:42 in Multiple Translations
Because the Israelites are My servants, whom I brought out of the land of Egypt, they are not to be sold as slaves.
For they are my servants, which I brought forth out of the land of Egypt: they shall not be sold as bondmen.
For they are my servants, whom I brought forth out of the land of Egypt: they shall not be sold as bondmen.
For they are my servants whom I took out from the land of Egypt; they may not become the property of another.
Israelites are not to be sold as slaves because they belong to me as my slaves—I led them out of Egypt.
For they are my seruants, whom I brought out of the lande of Egypt: they shall not be solde as bondmen are solde.
'For they [are] My servants, whom I have brought out from the land of Egypt: they are not sold [with] the sale of a servant;
For they are my servants, whom I brought out of the land of Egypt. They shall not be sold as slaves.
For they are my servants, which I brought out of the land of Egypt; they shall not be sold as bond-men.
For they are my servants, and I brought them out of the land of Egypt: let them not be sold as bondmen:
It is as though you Israelis are my slaves/servants, whom I freed from being slaves in Egypt. So none of you should be sold to become slaves.
Berean Amplified Bible — Leviticus 25:42
BAB
Word Study
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Leviticus 25:42 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כִּֽי
עֲבָדַ֣/י
הֵ֔ם
אֲשֶׁר
הוֹצֵ֥אתִי
אֹתָ֖/ם
מֵ/אֶ֣רֶץ
מִצְרָ֑יִם
לֹ֥א
יִמָּכְר֖וּ
מִמְכֶּ֥רֶת
עָֽבֶד
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
עֲבָדַ֣/י
ʻebed
H5650
servant/slave
N-mp | Suff
הֵ֔ם
hêm
H1992
they(masc.)
Pron
אֲשֶׁר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
הוֹצֵ֥אתִי
yâtsâʼ
H3318
to come out
V-Hiphil-Perf-1cs
אֹתָ֖/ם
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM | Suff
מֵ/אֶ֣רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
land
Prep | N-cs
מִצְרָ֑יִם
Mitsrayim
H4714
Egypt
N-proper
לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
יִמָּכְר֖וּ
mâkar
H4376
to sell
V-Niphal-Imperf-3mp
מִמְכֶּ֥רֶת
mimkereth
H4466
sale
N-fs
עָֽבֶד
ʻebed
H5650
servant/slave
N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Leviticus 25:42
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.
עֲבָדַ֣/י
ʻebed
H5650
"servant/slave"
N-mp | 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.
הֵ֔ם
hêm
H1992
"they(masc.)"
Pron
This Hebrew word is used to refer to a group of men, emphasizing that it is specifically them. It is often translated as 'they' or 'them' in the Bible, and appears in books like Exodus and Isaiah.
Definition: they, these, the same, who
Usage: Occurs in 524 OT verses. KJV: it, like, [idiom] (how, so) many (soever, more as) they (be), (the) same, [idiom] so, [idiom] such, their, them, these, they, those, which, who, whom, withal, ye. See also: Genesis 3:7; Deuteronomy 19:17; 2 Kings 1:18.
אֲשֶׁר
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.
הוֹצֵ֥אתִי
yâtsâʼ
H3318
"to come out"
V-Hiphil-Perf-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.
אֹתָ֖/ם
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.
מֵ/אֶ֣רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
"land"
Prep | N-cs
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.
מִצְרָ֑יִם
Mitsrayim
H4714
"Egypt"
N-proper
This word means Egypt, a country in northeastern Africa, and is used in the Bible to describe the land and its people. It appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah, often referring to the Nile River and the Egyptians. Egypt is an important setting for many biblical events.
Definition: § Egypt = "land of the Copts" a country at the northeastern section of Africa, adjacent to Palestine, and through which the Nile flows Egyptians = "double straits" adj 2) the inhabitants or natives of Egypt
Usage: Occurs in 569 OT verses. KJV: Egypt, Egyptians, Mizraim. See also: Genesis 10:6; Exodus 6:13; Exodus 34:18.
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.
יִמָּכְר֖וּ
mâkar
H4376
"to sell"
V-Niphal-Imperf-3mp
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to sell something or someone, like a merchant selling goods or a father selling his daughter into marriage. It appears in books like Genesis and Exodus. The word can also mean to surrender or give something up.
Definition: 1) to sell 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to sell 1a2) seller (participle) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be sold 1b2) to sell oneself 1b3) to be given over to death 1c) (Hithpael) to sell oneself
Usage: Occurs in 74 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, sell (away, -er, self). See also: Genesis 25:31; Deuteronomy 32:30; Psalms 44:13.
מִמְכֶּ֥רֶת
mimkereth
H4466
"sale"
N-fs
This Hebrew word means a sale or something being sold, often referring to a transaction. It appears in various biblical contexts, including the sale of property or goods. In the Bible, it is used to describe ordinary sales.
Definition: sale
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] sold as. See also: Leviticus 25:42.
עָֽבֶד
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.
Study Notes — Leviticus 25:42
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Leviticus 25:42 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Leviticus 25:42
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Leviticus 25:42
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Leviticus 25:42
- Ellicott's Commentary on Leviticus 25:42
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Leviticus 25:42
- Cambridge Bible on Leviticus 25:42
- Whedon's Commentary on Leviticus 25:42
- Sermons on Leviticus 25:42
Context — Redemption of Bondmen
40Let him stay with you as a hired worker or temporary resident; he is to work for you until the Year of Jubilee.
41Then he and his children are to be released, and he may return to his clan and to the property of his fathers.
42Because the Israelites are My servants, whom I brought out of the land of Egypt, they are not to be sold as slaves.
43You are not to rule over them harshly, but you shall fear your God. 44Your menservants and maidservants shall come from the nations around you, from whom you may purchase them.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Leviticus 25:55 | For the Israelites are My servants. They are My servants, whom I brought out of the land of Egypt. I am the LORD your God. |
| 2 | Romans 6:22 | But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves to God, the fruit you reap leads to holiness, and the outcome is eternal life. |
| 3 | 1 Corinthians 7:21–23 | Were you a slave when you were called? Do not let it concern you—but if you can gain your freedom, take the opportunity. For he who was a slave when he was called by the Lord is the Lord’s freedman. Conversely, he who was a free man when he was called is Christ’s slave. You were bought at a price; do not become slaves of men. |
Leviticus 25:42 Summary
[This verse reminds us that the Israelites were special to God because He had rescued them from slavery in Egypt, as seen in Exodus 12:31 and Deuteronomy 5:15. As a result, they were not to be treated as ordinary slaves, but with dignity and respect. This teaches us that God values freedom and wants His people to be treated with kindness, as seen in Jeremiah 34:14 and Acts 7:6-7.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that the Israelites are God's servants?
This refers to their special relationship with God, who redeemed them from slavery in Egypt, as seen in Exodus 19:5 and Deuteronomy 7:6, and therefore they are not to be treated as common slaves.
Why are the Israelites not to be sold as slaves?
Because God brought them out of Egypt, they are to be treated with dignity and respect, as stated in Leviticus 25:42, and not sold as slaves, unlike the servants and maidservants from other nations mentioned in Leviticus 25:44.
How does this verse relate to the concept of the Year of Jubilee?
The Year of Jubilee, mentioned in Leviticus 25:40-41, is a time when Israelites who have become servants are to be released, highlighting God's concern for their freedom and well-being, as seen in Leviticus 25:10.
What does this verse teach us about God's view of slavery?
This verse shows that God values the freedom and dignity of His people, and while slavery was a reality in the ancient world, God's ideal is for His people to be free, as seen in Isaiah 61:1 and Galatians 3:28.
Reflection Questions
- What does it mean to be a servant of God, and how does that impact my daily life?
- How can I apply the principle of treating others with dignity and respect, as seen in this verse, in my relationships with others?
- What are some ways that I can reflect God's heart for freedom and justice in my own life and community?
- How does this verse relate to the broader biblical theme of redemption and freedom, as seen in Exodus 15:13 and Romans 6:17-18?
Gill's Exposition on Leviticus 25:42
For they [are] my servants, which I brought forth out of the land of Egypt,.... The Lord redeemed them out of Egypt, made a purchase of them, and had a prior right unto them, and being his servants
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Leviticus 25:42
And if thy brother that dwelleth by thee be waxen poor, and be sold unto thee; thou shalt not compel him to serve as a bondservant: If thy brother ... be waxen poor, and be sold unto thee , [
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Leviticus 25:42
They are my servants; they, no less than you, are members of my church and people; such as I have chosen out of all the world to serve me here, and to enjoy me hereafter, and therefore are not to be oppressed or abused, neither are you absolute lords over them, to deal with them as you please.
Ellicott's Commentary on Leviticus 25:42
(42) For they are my servants.—This is a clue to the whole system of Hebrew servitude. These poverty-stricken men, who are driven to sell themselves to their fellow-Israelites, God claims as His servants. God is their Lord as well as their master’s Lord. He delivered them both alike from bondage to serve Him. There is, therefore, no difference between bond and free. They shall not be sold as bondmen—That is, as personal property or chattels. The authorities during the second Temple, however, interpreted this clause to mean that an Israelite is not to be sold by proclamation or in public places, but privately, and in an honourable manner, with all possible consideration for his feelings.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Leviticus 25:42
Verse 42. For they are my servants] As God redeemed every Israelite out of Egyptian bondage, they were therefore to consider themselves as his property, and that consequently they should not alienate themselves from him. It was in being his servants, and devoted to his work, that both their religious and political service consisted. And although their political liberty might be lost, they knew that their spiritual liberty never could be forfeited except by an utter alienation from God. God therefore claims the same right to their persons which he does to their lands; See Clarke on Leviticus 25:23.
Cambridge Bible on Leviticus 25:42
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 25:42
42. For they are my servants — Their first allegiance is to me. I have the prior claim to their service, which is inconsistent with chattelism.
Sermons on Leviticus 25:42
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Accountability to God - Part 1 by Leonard Ravenhill | Leonard Ravenhill emphasizes the urgency of accountability to God, arguing that if believers truly believed in the imminent return of Jesus, their lives would reflect that belief t |
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(Dangers in the Way Series): Resisting the Worlds Propoganda by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of walking circumspectly as Christians, being watchful and cautious to avoid falling into the traps set by the devil. He spec |
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(Romans) Romans 6:1-23 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon on Romans Chapter 6, the preacher explains how the Gospel addresses the problem of our sinful nature even after our past sins are forgiven. He uses two illustrations |
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(Romans) Romans 7:1-25 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the theme of freedom from a legalistic approach to serving God. He explains that even though believers may understand the truth of being cru |
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Become Transparent Through Conviction by Hans R. Waldvogel | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of humbling oneself before God and acknowledging the truth of His word. He highlights the need for God's reproof and rebuke t |
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Apostle Paul's Preaching - Part 4 by Leonard Ravenhill | This sermon emphasizes the importance of walking in the Spirit and having a mindset like Christ, focusing on the example of Paul's unwavering faith and dedication despite facing pe |
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True vs. False Conversions by C.J. Cutrone | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the repetitive cycle of the Israelites in the Bible. He highlights how the people would turn to God when they needed deliverance, but would q |