Deuteronomy 15:12
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The verse explicitly mentions both "a Hebrew man or a Hebrew woman." This is significant because, in ancient Near Eastern law, women often had fewer protections and rights than men, yet here, the law clearly extends the same right to freedom after six years of service to both.
“If your brother, a Hebrew man or a Hebrew woman, is sold to you, he shall serve you six years, and in the seventh year you shall let him go free from you.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This passage continues the instructions for how the Israelites should live justly within their new land, this time addressing the practice of Hebrew individuals being sold into servitude due to debt or poverty. Building on earlier laws, this section specifies the terms of their service: six years, followed by freedom in the seventh. It also lays the groundwork for the generous provision masters must give freed servants, highlighting God's care for even the most vulnerable within the community.
The Bible mentions Hebrew slaves being 'sold.' But what does that really mean in this context? Was it like modern slavery, or something different?
The Nuances of 'Sold'
The language of Deuteronomy 15:12 uses the word 'sold,' but it's crucial to understand the context.
This distinction is vital: while harshness could occur, the system was designed with an ultimate restoration of freedom, rooted in God's covenant with Israel.
Why a six-year limit? And what does this specific timing reveal about God's heart for His people?
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Six Years and Freedom
The command for release after six years is a powerful expression of God's design for justice and restoration.
This principle speaks to a God who values freedom and works within human systems to ensure it, even when economic hardship is present.
Understand the original words
ibri · Hebrew Noun/Adjective
One who belongs to the covenant people of Israel, often used to emphasize the shared spiritual heritage and identity of the community.
abad · Hebrew Verb
To perform labor for another, often in a position of subordination; in a religious sense, it denotes the service and worship offered to God.
This passage presents the foundational law for Hebrew servants serving six years and being freed in the seventh, establishing the precedent for Deuteronomy's more detailed regulations.
Leviticus 25:39This passage discusses the treatment of Hebrew people who have sold themselves into servitude due to poverty, highlighting the need for them to be treated as hired workers rather than slaves and to be released in the Jubilee year.
Jeremiah 34:14This prophetic passage recalls the law from Deuteronomy 15:12 about freeing Hebrew servants after six years, condemning those who failed to uphold this command and highlighting the consequences of disobedience.
2 Corinthians 9:7While not a direct parallel to servitude, this verse speaks to the spirit of generous giving when sending servants away, emphasizing that God loves a cheerful giver, mirroring the generous provision commanded for freed Hebrew servants.
Matthew 18:23This parable of the unforgiving servant, especially when compared to the freeing of servants in Deuteronomy, underscores the profound mercy and forgiveness God extends to us, urging us to extend similar grace to others.
gillDeuteronomy 15:12: "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."
And if thy brother, an Hebrew man, or an Hebrew woman, be sold unto thee,.... By others, as by the sanhedrim for theft, for which a man might be sold, but not a woman, as Jarchi observes; but then a father might sell his daughter for an handmaid, if little and under age; and to such cases this law is supposed to r…
calvinDeuteronomy 15:12-18: "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."
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.
Non sit durum in oculis tuis quum dimittes eum liberum a te, quia duplo secundum me…
The verse explicitly mentions both "a Hebrew man or a Hebrew woman." This is significant because, in ancient Near Eastern law, women often had fewer protections and rights than men, yet here, the law clearly extends the same right to freedom after six years of service to both.
This passage continues the instructions for how the Israelites should live justly within their new land, this time addressing the practice of Hebrew individuals being sold into servitude due to debt or poverty. Building on earlier laws, this section specifies the terms of their service: six years, followed by freedom in the seventh. It also lays the groundwork for the generous provision masters must give freed servants, highlighting God's care for even the most vulnerable within the community.
This passage continues the instructions for how the Israelites should live justly within their new land, this time addressing the practice of Hebrew individuals being sold into servitude due to debt or poverty. Building on earlier laws, this section specifies the terms of their service: six years, followed by freedom in the seventh. It also lays the groundwork for the generous provision masters must give freed servants, highlighting God's care for even the most vulnerable within the community.
"“If your brother, a Hebrew man or a Hebrew woman, is sold to you, he shall serve you six years, and in the seventh year you shall let him go free from you." — The verse explicitly mentions both "a Hebrew man or a Hebrew woman." This is significant because, in ancient Near Eastern law, women often had fewer protections and rights than men, yet here, the law…
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Last reviewed October 2026
