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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Deuteronomy 15:16 But 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,</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/deuteronomy/15-16.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/9/05_Deu_15_16.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Deuteronomy 15:16 - Release of Hebrew Servants" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="But 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," /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; 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because he loveth thee and thine house, because he is well with thee;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/deuteronomy/15.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />And if it happens that he says to you, ‘I will not go away from you,’ because he loves you and your house, since he prospers with you,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/deuteronomy/15.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />But it shall come about, if he says to you, ‘I will not leave you,’ because he loves you and your household, since he is doing well with you,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/deuteronomy/15.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />&#8220It shall come about if he says to you, &#8216I will not go out from you,&#8217 because he loves you and your household, since he fares well with you;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/deuteronomy/15.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />“And it shall come about if he says to you, ‘I will not go out from you,’ because he loves you and your household, since he fares well with you;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/deuteronomy/15.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />And it will be that, if he says to you, ‘I will not go out from you,’ because he loves you and your household, since he fares well with you;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/deuteronomy/15.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Now if the servant says to you, ‘I will not leave you,’ because he loves you and your household, since he is doing well with you;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/deuteronomy/15.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />But if your slave says to you, ‘I don’t want to leave you,’ because he loves you and your family, and is well off with you,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/deuteronomy/15.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />But if your slave says to you, &#8216I don&#8217t want to leave you,&#8217 because he loves you and your family, and is well off with you, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/deuteronomy/15.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And it shall be, if he say unto thee, I will not go out from thee, because he loveth thee and thy house, because he is well with thee;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/deuteronomy/15.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />But one of your slaves may say, "I love you and your family, and I would be better off staying with you, so please don't make me leave." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/deuteronomy/15.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And it shall be, if he say unto thee, I will not go out from thee; because he loveth thee and thine house, because he is well with thee;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/deuteronomy/15.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />But suppose a male slave says to you, "I don't want to leave you," because he loves you and your family and is happy with you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/deuteronomy/15.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />"But your slave may not want to leave; he may love you and your family and be content to stay. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/deuteronomy/15.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />"Should that slave say to you, 'I won't leave you,' because he loves you and your household, and it was good for him to be with you, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/deuteronomy/15.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />But 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,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/deuteronomy/15.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />However, if the servant says to you, "I do not want to leave you," because he loves you and your household, since he is well off with you,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/deuteronomy/15.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />It shall be, if he tells you, "I will not go out from you"; because he loves you and your house, because he is well with you;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/deuteronomy/15.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And it shall be, if he shall say to thee, I will not leave thee; because he loveth thee and thy house, because he is well with thee;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/deuteronomy/15.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />It shall be, if he tells you, “I will not go out from you,” because he loves you and your house, because he is well with you, <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/deuteronomy/15.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And it has been, when he says to you, I do not go out from you, because he has loved you and your house, because [it is] good for him with you,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/deuteronomy/15.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And it hath been, when he saith unto thee, I go not out from thee -- because he hath loved thee, and thy house, because it is good for him with thee -- <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/deuteronomy/15.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And it was when he shall say to thee, I will not go forth from thee; for he loved thee and thy house, for it was well to him with thee;<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/deuteronomy/15.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />But if he say: I will not depart: because he loveth thee, and thy house, and findeth that he is well with thee: <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/deuteronomy/15.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />But if he will say, ‘I am not willing to depart,’ because he loves you and your household, and because he feels that it would be good for him to stay with you,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/deuteronomy/15.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />But if he says to you, “I do not wish to leave you,” because he loves you and your household, since he is well off with you,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/deuteronomy/15.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />But if he says to you, “I will not go out from you,” because he loves you and your household, since he is well off with you,<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/deuteronomy/15.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />But if he says to you. I will not go away from you, because I love you and your household, and because it is better for me to be with you,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/deuteronomy/15.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And if he will say to you: “I did not go out from your presence, because I loved you and your household and your people is suitable for me”;<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/deuteronomy/15.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And it shall be, if he say unto thee: 'I will not go out from thee'; because he loveth thee and thy house, because he fareth well with thee;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/deuteronomy/15.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And if he should say to thee, I will not go out from thee, because he continues to love thee and thy house, because he is well with thee;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/deuteronomy/15-16.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/IRhBtZaVxJ0?start=4494" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/deuteronomy/15.htm">Release of Hebrew Servants</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">15</span>Remember that you were slaves in the land of Egypt, and the LORD your God redeemed you; that is why I am giving you this command today. <span class="reftext">16</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: wə·hā·yāh (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-3ms) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî- (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">But if</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: yō·mar (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">your servant says</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’ê·le·ḵā (Prep:: 2ms) -- To, into, towards. ">to you,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: lō (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">‘I do not</a> <a href="/hebrew/3318.htm" title="3318: ’ê·ṣê (V-Qal-Imperf-1cs) -- A primitive root; to go out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim.">want to leave</a> <a href="/hebrew/5973.htm" title="5973: mê·‘im·māḵ (Prep-m:: 2ms) -- From amam; adverb or preposition, with, in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix.">you,’</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">because</a> <a href="/hebrew/157.htm" title="157: ’ă·hê·ḇə·ḵā (V-Qal-Perf-3ms:: 2ms) -- To love. Or raheb; a primitive root; to have affection for.">he loves</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: wə·’eṯ- (Conj-w:: DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self.">you</a> <a href="/hebrew/1004.htm" title="1004: bê·ṯe·ḵā (N-msc:: 2ms) -- A house. Probably from banah abbreviated; a house.">and your household</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî- (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">and</a> <a href="/hebrew/2895.htm" title="2895: ṭō·wḇ (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- To be pleasing or good. A primitive root, to be good in the widest sense.">is well off</a> <a href="/hebrew/lōw (Prep:: 3ms) -- "></a> <a href="/hebrew/5973.htm" title="5973: ‘im·māḵ (Prep:: 2ms) -- From amam; adverb or preposition, with, in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix.">with you,</a> </span><span class="reftext">17</span>then 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.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/21-5.htm">Exodus 21:5-6</a></span><br />But if the servant declares, ‘I love my master and my wife and children; I do not want to go free,’ / then his master is to bring him before the judges. And he shall take him to the door or doorpost and pierce his ear with an awl. Then he shall serve his master for life.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/leviticus/25-39.htm">Leviticus 25:39-42</a></span><br />If a countryman among you becomes destitute and sells himself to you, then you must not force him into slave labor. / Let him stay with you as a hired worker or temporary resident; he is to work for you until the Year of Jubilee. / Then he and his children are to be released, and he may return to his clan and to the property of his fathers. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/8-17.htm">1 Samuel 8:17</a></span><br />He will take a tenth of your flocks, and you yourselves will become his slaves.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/34-9.htm">Jeremiah 34:9-10</a></span><br />that each man should free his Hebrew slaves, both male and female, and no one should hold his fellow Jew in bondage. / So all the officials and all the people who entered into this covenant agreed that they would free their menservants and maidservants and no longer hold them in bondage. They obeyed and released them,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/nehemiah/5-5.htm">Nehemiah 5:5</a></span><br />We and our children are just like our countrymen and their children, yet we are subjecting our sons and daughters to slavery. Some of our daughters are already enslaved, but we are powerless to redeem them because our fields and vineyards belong to others.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/4-1.htm">2 Kings 4:1</a></span><br />Now the wife of one of the sons of the prophets cried out to Elisha, “Your servant, my husband, is dead, and you know that your servant feared the LORD. And now his creditor is coming to take my two children as his slaves!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/18-25.htm">Matthew 18:25-27</a></span><br />Since the man was unable to pay, the master ordered that he be sold to pay his debt, along with his wife and children and everything he owned. / Then the servant fell on his knees before him. ‘Have patience with me,’ he begged, ‘and I will pay back everything.’ / His master had compassion on him, forgave his debt, and released him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/7-41.htm">Luke 7:41-43</a></span><br />“Two men were debtors to a certain moneylender. One owed him five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. / When they were unable to repay him, he forgave both of them. Which one, then, will love him more?” / “I suppose the one who was forgiven more,” Simon replied. “You have judged correctly,” Jesus said.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/philemon/1-15.htm">Philemon 1:15-16</a></span><br />For perhaps this is why he was separated from you for a while, so that you might have him back for good— / no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a beloved brother. He is especially beloved to me, but even more so to you, both in person and in the Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/galatians/4-7.htm">Galatians 4:7</a></span><br />So you are no longer a slave, but a son; and since you are a son, you are also an heir through God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/6-18.htm">Romans 6:18</a></span><br />You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/7-21.htm">1 Corinthians 7:21-23</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/6-5.htm">Ephesians 6:5-9</a></span><br />Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear and sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ. / And do this not only to please them while they are watching, but as servants of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart. / Serve with good will, as to the Lord and not to men, ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/colossians/3-22.htm">Colossians 3:22-24</a></span><br />Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything, not only to please them while they are watching, but with sincerity of heart and fear of the Lord. / Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being, as for the Lord and not for men, / because you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as your reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_timothy/6-1.htm">1 Timothy 6:1-2</a></span><br />All who are under the yoke of slavery should regard their masters as fully worthy of honor, so that God’s name and our teaching will not be discredited. / Those who have believing masters should not show disrespect because they are brothers, but should serve them all the more, since those receiving their good service are beloved believers. Teach and encourage these principles.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And it shall be, if he say to you, I will not go away from you; because he loves you and your house, because he is well with you;</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/exodus/21-5.htm">Exodus 21:5,6</a></b></br> And if the servant shall plainly say, I love my master, my wife, and my children; I will not go out free: … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/40-6.htm">Psalm 40:6,8</a></b></br> Sacrifice and offering thou didst not desire; mine ears hast thou opened: burnt offering and sin offering hast thou not required… </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/exodus/21-5.htm">Dear</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/14-26.htm">Desire</a> <a href="/exodus/2-21.htm">Happy</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/13-10.htm">House</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/14-26.htm">Household</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/4-37.htm">Loved</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/10-18.htm">Loves</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/15-15.htm">Servant</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/12-20.htm">Want</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/deuteronomy/28-54.htm">Dear</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/18-6.htm">Desire</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/24-5.htm">Happy</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/15-20.htm">House</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/15-20.htm">Household</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/21-15.htm">Loved</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/33-3.htm">Loves</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/15-17.htm">Servant</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/23-24.htm">Want</a><div class="vheading2">Deuteronomy 15</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/deuteronomy/15-1.htm">The seventh year a year of release for the poor</a></span><br><span class="reftext">7. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/deuteronomy/15-7.htm">one must be generous in lending or giving</a></span><br><span class="reftext">12. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/deuteronomy/15-12.htm">A Hebrew servant, except by choice, must be freed in the seventh year</a></span><br><span class="reftext">19. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/deuteronomy/15-19.htm">All firstborn males of the cattle are to be sanctified unto the Lord.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/deuteronomy/15.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/deuteronomy/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/deuteronomy/15.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>But if your servant says to you,</b><br>In ancient Israel, servitude was often a result of poverty or debt, and the Mosaic Law provided guidelines for the treatment of servants. This phrase introduces a scenario where a servant voluntarily chooses to remain with their master. The context is the sabbatical year, a time when Hebrew servants were to be released (<a href="/deuteronomy/15-12.htm">Deuteronomy 15:12</a>). This provision highlights the servant's agency and the possibility of a positive relationship between servant and master.<p><b>‘I do not want to leave you,’</b><br>This declaration indicates a deep bond between the servant and the master. It suggests a relationship built on trust and mutual respect, rather than mere obligation. The servant's choice to stay reflects a voluntary commitment, which is significant in a culture where freedom was highly valued. This mirrors the New Testament concept of being a "bondservant" of Christ, where believers willingly submit to Jesus out of love (<a href="/philippians/1.htm">Philippians 1:1</a>).<p><b>because he loves you and your household</b><br>The servant's love for the master and his household implies a familial relationship, transcending the typical master-servant dynamic. This love is reminiscent of the love believers are called to have for God and His family, the Church (1 <a href="/john/4-19.htm">John 4:19-21</a>). It also reflects the biblical principle that love should be the foundation of all relationships (<a href="/1_corinthians/13.htm">1 Corinthians 13:1-3</a>).<p><b>and is well off with you,</b><br>The phrase "is well off" suggests that the servant's material and emotional needs are met. This indicates that the master has fulfilled the biblical mandate to treat servants with kindness and fairness (<a href="/leviticus/25-39.htm">Leviticus 25:39-43</a>). It also points to the blessings of living under God's covenant, where obedience leads to prosperity and well-being (<a href="/deuteronomy/28.htm">Deuteronomy 28:1-14</a>). This can be seen as a type of the abundant life promised by Jesus to His followers (<a href="/john/10-10.htm">John 10:10</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/s/servant.htm">Servant (Hebrew: ?????, 'eved')</a></b><br>In ancient Israel, a servant could be a fellow Hebrew who, due to poverty, sold themselves into servitude. This was not slavery as understood in modern terms but a form of indentured servitude with specific rights and protections.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/m/master.htm">Master</a></b><br>The person to whom the servant is bound. The relationship between the servant and master is central to this verse, highlighting mutual respect and care.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/h/household.htm">Household</a></b><br>The family and property of the master. The servant's decision to stay is based on the love and well-being found within this household.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/y/year_of_release.htm">Year of Release</a></b><br>Every seventh year, Hebrew servants were to be released, as part of the Sabbatical year laws, which aimed to prevent perpetual servitude and promote economic balance.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/l/love_and_loyalty.htm">Love and Loyalty</a></b><br>The servant's declaration of love and loyalty to the master and household is a key event, reflecting a deep bond that transcends mere obligation.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_value_of_voluntary_service.htm">The Value of Voluntary Service</a></b><br>The decision of the servant to remain is based on love and well-being, not compulsion. This reflects the Christian call to serve God and others out of love rather than obligation.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/m/mutual_respect_and_care.htm">Mutual Respect and Care</a></b><br>The relationship between the servant and master is built on mutual respect and care. In our relationships, whether in family, work, or church, we should strive to create environments where others feel valued and loved.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/f/freedom_in_commitment.htm">Freedom in Commitment</a></b><br>True freedom is found in willingly committing to serve where we are loved and where we love. This mirrors the Christian life, where freedom is found in serving Christ and others.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_love_in_decision_making.htm">The Role of Love in Decision Making</a></b><br>The servant's choice is motivated by love, a powerful force in decision-making. As Christians, our decisions should be guided by love for God and others.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/e/economic_and_social_justice.htm">Economic and Social Justice</a></b><br>The Sabbatical year laws, including the release of servants, reflect God's concern for economic and social justice. Christians are called to advocate for fairness and justice in society.<a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/deuteronomy/15.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verses 16, 17.</span> - It might happen, however, that the slave chose rather to remain with his master than to be manumitted, and in that case he was not to be forced to go free, which would be a hardship to him, but was to be, by a formal process of nailing his ear to the door of his master's house, constituted his slave for life (cf. <a href="/exodus/21-5.htm">Exodus 21:5</a>). This was not a painful operation, especially as the servant's ear was probably already pierced for a ring; nor does any infamy appear to have been attached to the bearing of this badge of perpetual servitude. There is no mention here, as in Exodus, of the matter being referred to the judges; and this has led some to suppose that, by the time this later prescription was given, the earlier usage had passed away; but it is more natural to suppose that this usage was so regular and well known that it was needless formally to announce it. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/deuteronomy/15-16.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">But if</span><br /><span class="heb">כִּֽי־</span> <span class="translit">(kî-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">A relative conjunction</span><br /><br /><span class="word">your servant says</span><br /><span class="heb">יֹאמַ֣ר</span> <span class="translit">(yō·mar)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> </span><span class="str2">To utter, say</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to you,</span><br /><span class="heb">אֵלֶ֔יךָ</span> <span class="translit">(’ê·le·ḵā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition | second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> </span><span class="str2">Near, with, among, to</span><br /><br /><span class="word">‘I do not</span><br /><span class="heb">לֹ֥א</span> <span class="translit">(lō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb - Negative particle<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not, no</span><br /><br /><span class="word">want to leave you,’</span><br /><span class="heb">אֵצֵ֖א</span> <span class="translit">(’ê·ṣê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3318.htm">Strong's 3318: </a> </span><span class="str2">To go, bring, out, direct and proxim</span><br /><br /><span class="word">because</span><br /><span class="heb">כִּ֤י</span> <span class="translit">(kî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">A relative conjunction</span><br /><br /><span class="word">he loves</span><br /><span class="heb">אֲהֵֽבְךָ֙</span> <span class="translit">(’ă·hê·ḇə·ḵā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular | second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_157.htm">Strong's 157: </a> </span><span class="str2">To have affection f</span><br /><br /><span class="word">you</span><br /><span class="heb">וְאֶת־</span> <span class="translit">(wə·’eṯ-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Direct object marker<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_853.htm">Strong's 853: </a> </span><span class="str2">Untranslatable mark of the accusative case</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and your household</span><br /><span class="heb">בֵּיתֶ֔ךָ</span> <span class="translit">(bê·ṯe·ḵā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1004.htm">Strong's 1004: </a> </span><span class="str2">A house</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and</span><br /><span class="heb">כִּי־</span> <span class="translit">(kî-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">A relative conjunction</span><br /><br /><span class="word">is well off</span><br /><span class="heb">ט֥וֹב</span> <span class="translit">(ṭō·wḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2895.htm">Strong's 2895: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be pleasing or good</span><br /><br /><span class="word">with you,</span><br /><span class="heb">מֵעִמָּ֑ךְ</span> <span class="translit">(mê·‘im·māḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-m | second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5973.htm">Strong's 5973: </a> </span><span class="str2">With, equally with</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/deuteronomy/15-16.htm">Deuteronomy 15:16 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/deuteronomy/15-16.htm">Deuteronomy 15:16 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/deuteronomy/15-16.htm">Deuteronomy 15:16 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/deuteronomy/15-16.htm">Deuteronomy 15:16 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/deuteronomy/15-16.htm">Deuteronomy 15:16 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/deuteronomy/15-16.htm">Deuteronomy 15:16 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/deuteronomy/15-16.htm">Deuteronomy 15:16 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/deuteronomy/15-16.htm">Deuteronomy 15:16 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/deuteronomy/15-16.htm">Deuteronomy 15:16 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/deuteronomy/15-16.htm">Deuteronomy 15:16 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/deuteronomy/15-16.htm">OT Law: Deuteronomy 15:16 It shall be if he tell you (Deut. De Du)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/deuteronomy/15-15.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Deuteronomy 15:15"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Deuteronomy 15:15" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/deuteronomy/15-17.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Deuteronomy 15:17"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Deuteronomy 15:17" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>