39 " 'If any of your fellow Israelites become poor and sell themselves to you, do not make them work as slaves.
39 And if thy brother that dwelleth by thee be waxen poor, and be sold unto thee; thou shalt not compel
39 "If your brother becomes poor beside you and sells himself to you, you shall not make him serve as a slave:
39 "If one of your brothers becomes indigent and has to sell himself to you, don't make him work as a slave.
39 'And if one of your brethren who dwells by you becomes poor, and sells himself to you, you shall not compel him to serve as a slave.
39 "If one of your fellow Israelites falls into poverty and is forced to sell himself to you, do not treat him as a slave.
42 Because the Israelites are my servants, whom I brought out of Egypt, they must not be sold as slaves.
42 For they are my servants, which I brought forth out of the land of Egypt: they shall not be sold as
42 For they are my servants,
42 Because the People of Israel are my servants whom I brought out of Egypt, they must never be sold as slaves.
42 For they are My servants, whom I brought out of the land of Egypt; they shall not be sold as slaves.
42 The people of Israel are my servants, whom I brought out of the land of Egypt, so they must never be sold as slaves.
(Read Leviticus 25:39-55)
A native Israelite, if sold for debt, or for a crime, was to serve but six years, and to go out the seventh. If he sold himself, through poverty, both his work and his usage must be such as were fitting for a son of Abraham. Masters are required to give to their servants that which is just and equal, John 8:32. We cannot ransom our fellow-sinners, but we may point out Christ to them; while by his grace our lives may adorn his gospel, express our love, show our gratitude, and glorify his holy name.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Leviticus 25:39
Commentary on Leviticus 25:39-55
(Read Leviticus 25:39-55)
A native Israelite, if sold for debt, or for a crime, was to serve but six years, and to go out the seventh. If he sold himself, through poverty, both his work and his usage must be such as were fitting for a son of Abraham. Masters are required to give to their servants that which is just and equal, John 8:32. We cannot ransom our fellow-sinners, but we may point out Christ to them; while by his grace our lives may adorn his gospel, express our love, show our gratitude, and glorify his holy name.