Bible Strands
Deuteronomy 15:12
If a fellow Hebrew, a man or a woman, is sold to you and serves you six years, then in the seventh year you must set him free.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Moses addresses the assembled Israelites on the plains of Moab, delivering covenant laws regarding economic relief and social obligations before their entry into Canaan.
The words — The Hebrew verb יִמָּכֵר (yi.ma.Kher) literally means "he will sell himself," and שֵׁ֣שׁ (shesh) denotes the number six, establishing the fixed duration of the service period.
The thread — The six-year service and seventh-year release mandate appears in Exodus 21:2 and Jeremiah 34:14, while Leviticus 25:39 addresses the distinct prohibition against forced labor.
Why it lands — The text commands automatic manumission after six years of service and requires the master to supply the released servant with provisions so he does not depart empty-handed.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
And if thy brother, an Hebrew man, or an Hebrew woman, be sold unto thee, and serve thee six years; then in the seventh year thou shalt let him go free from thee.
Cross-references
- Jeremiah 34:14 Every seventh year, each of you must free his Hebrew brother who has sold himself to you. He may serve you six years, but then you must let him go free. But your fathers did not listen or incline their ear.
- Exodus 21:2 If you buy a Hebrew servant, he is to serve you for six years. But in the seventh year, he shall go free without paying anything.
- Leviticus 25:39 If a countryman among you becomes destitute and sells himself to you, then you must not force him into slave labor.
- Deuteronomy 15:1 At the end of every seven years you must cancel debts.
- John 8:35 A slave does not remain in the house forever, but a son remains forever.