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But as for your brothers, the Israelites, no man may rule harshly over his brother.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/leviticus/25-46.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/7/03_Lev_25_46.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Leviticus 25:46 - Redemption of Bondmen" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="You may leave them to your sons after you to inherit as property; you can make them slaves for life. 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You may treat them as slaves, but you must never treat your fellow Israelites this way. <a href="/esv/leviticus/25.htm">English Standard Version</a> You may bequeath them to your sons after you to inherit as a possession forever. You may make slaves of them, but over your brothers the people of Israel you shall not rule, one over another ruthlessly. <a href="/bsb/leviticus/25.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> You may leave them to your sons after you to inherit as property; you can make them slaves for life. But as for your brothers, the Israelites, no man may rule harshly over his brother. <a href="/kjv/leviticus/25.htm">King James Bible</a> And ye shall take them as an inheritance for your children after you, to inherit them for a possession; they shall be your bondmen for ever: but over your brethren the children of Israel, ye shall not rule one over another with rigour. <a href="/nkjv/leviticus/25.htm">New King James Version</a> And you may take them as an inheritance for your children after you, to inherit them as a possession; they shall be your permanent slaves. But regarding your brethren, the children of Israel, you shall not rule over one another with rigor. <a href="/nasb_/leviticus/25.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> You may also pass them on as an inheritance to your sons after you, to receive as a possession; you can use them as permanent slaves. But in respect to your countrymen, the sons of Israel, you shall not rule with severity over one another. <a href="/nasb/leviticus/25.htm">NASB 1995</a> &#8216You may even bequeath them to your sons after you, to receive as a possession; you can use them as permanent slaves. But in respect to your countrymen, the sons of Israel, you shall not rule with severity over one another. <a href="/nasb77/leviticus/25.htm">NASB 1977 </a> ‘You may even bequeath them to your sons after you, to receive as a possession; you can use them as permanent slaves. But in respect to your countrymen, the sons of Israel, you shall not rule with severity over one another. <a href="/lsb/leviticus/25.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> You may even give them as an inheritance to your sons after you, to receive as a possession; you can use them as permanent slaves. But in respect to your brothers, the sons of Israel, you shall not have dominion over one another with brutality. <a href="/amp/leviticus/25.htm">Amplified Bible</a> You may even bequeath them as an inheritance to your children after you, to receive as a possession; you can use them as permanent slaves. But in respect to your fellow countrymen, the children of Israel, you shall not rule over one another with harshness (severity, oppression). <a href="/csb/leviticus/25.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> You may leave them to your sons after you to inherit as property; you can make them slaves for life. But concerning your brothers, the Israelites, you must not rule over one another harshly. <a href="/hcsb/leviticus/25.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> You may leave them to your sons after you to inherit as property; you can make them slaves for life. But concerning your brothers, the Israelites, you must not rule over one another harshly.&#8221 <a href="/asv/leviticus/25.htm">American Standard Version</a> And ye shall make them an inheritance for your children after you, to hold for a possession; of them shall ye take your bondmen for ever: but over your brethren the children of Israel ye shall not rule, one over another, with rigor. <a href="/cev/leviticus/25.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> You can own them, and even leave them to your children when you die, but do not make slaves of your own people or be cruel to them. <a href="/erv/leviticus/25.htm">English Revised Version</a> And ye shall make them an inheritance for your children after you, to hold for a possession; of them shall ye take your bondmen for ever: but over your brethren the children of Israel ye shall not rule, one over another, with rigour. <a href="/gwt/leviticus/25.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> You may acquire them for yourselves and for your descendants as permanent property. You may work them as slaves. However, do not treat the Israelites harshly. They are your relatives. <a href="/gnt/leviticus/25.htm">Good News Translation</a> and you may leave them as an inheritance to your children, whom they must serve as long as they live. But you must not treat any Israelites harshly. <a href="/isv/leviticus/25.htm">International Standard Version</a> You may give them as inherited property to your children after you, to own as properties in perpetuity. You may make bond slaves of them, but no one is to rule over his fellow Israeli with harshness. <a href="/msb/leviticus/25.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> You may leave them to your sons after you to inherit as property; you can make them slaves for life. But as for your brothers, the Israelites, no man may rule harshly over his brother. <a href="/net/leviticus/25.htm">NET Bible</a> You may give them as inheritance to your children after you to possess as property. You may enslave them perpetually. However, as for your brothers the Israelites, no man may rule over his brother harshly. <a href="/nheb/leviticus/25.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> You may make them an inheritance for your children after you, to hold for a possession; of them may you take your slaves forever: but over your brothers the children of Israel you shall not rule, one over another, with harshness. <a href="/wbt/leviticus/25.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And ye shall take them as an inheritance for your children after you, to inherit them for a possession, they shall be your bond-men for ever: but over your brethren the children of Israel, ye shall not rule one over another with rigor. <a href="/web/leviticus/25.htm">World English Bible</a> You may make them an inheritance for your children after you, to hold for a possession. Of them you may take your slaves forever, but over your brothers the children of Israel you shall not rule, one over another, with harshness. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/leviticus/25.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> and you have taken them for an inheritance for your sons after you, to inherit [for] a possession; you lay service on them for all time, but on your brothers, the sons of Israel, each with his brother—you do not rule over him with rigor. <a href="/ylt/leviticus/25.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> and ye have taken them for inheritance to your sons after you, to occupy for a possession; to the age ye lay service upon them, but upon your brethren, the sons of Israel, one with another, thou dost not rule over him with rigour. <a href="/slt/leviticus/25.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And ye shall possess them for your sons after you to take possession forever; ye shall serve with them: and over your brethren the sons of Israel, ye shall not rule over him, each over his brother with oppression.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/leviticus/25.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And by right of inheritance shall leave them to your posterity, and shall possess them for ever. But oppress not your brethren the children of Israel by might. <a href="/cpdv/leviticus/25.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> and, by the right of inheritance, you shall transmit them to your posterity, and you shall possess them forever. But do not oppress your brothers, the sons of Israel, by power. <a href="/nabre/leviticus/25.htm">New American Bible</a> and bequeath to your children as their hereditary possession forever. You may treat them as slaves. But none of you shall lord it harshly over any of your fellow Israelites. <a href="/nrsvce/leviticus/25.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> You may keep them as a possession for your children after you, for them to inherit as property. These you may treat as slaves, but as for your fellow Israelites, no one shall rule over the other with harshness.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/leviticus/25.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And you shall bequeath them to your children after you, to inherit them as a possession; you may make slaves of them for ever; but as for your brethren the children of Israel, you shall not compel them to do hard work. <a href="/hpbt/leviticus/25.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And bequeath them to your children after you to inherit an inheritance and for a lifetime you may make them Laborers; and you shall not compel your brothers, the children of Israel, a man with his brother, to labor hard labor.<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/leviticus/25.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> And ye may make them an inheritance for your children after you, to hold for a possession: of them may ye take your bondmen for ever; but over your brethren the children of Israel ye shall not rule, one over another, with rigour. <a href="/sep/leviticus/25.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And ye shall distribute them to your children after you, and they shall be to you permanent possessions for ever: but of your brethren the children of Israel, one shall not oppress his brother in labours. <a href="/parallel/leviticus/25-46.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/NWs_V1RyMFo?start=7008" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/leviticus/25.htm">Redemption of Bondmen</a> …45You may also purchase them from the foreigners residing among you or their clans living among you who are born in your land. These may become your property. 46<a href="/hebrew/5157.htm" title="5157: wə·hiṯ·na·ḥăl·tɛm (Conj-w:: V-Hitpael-ConjPerf-2mp) -- A primitive root; to inherit (figurative) mode of descent), or to occupy; causatively, to bequeath, or distribute, instate.">You may leave</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’ō·ṯām (DirObjM:: 3mp) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self.">them</a> <a href="/hebrew/1121.htm" title="1121: liḇ·nê·ḵem (Prep-l:: N-mpc:: 2mp) -- Son. From banah; a son, in the widest sense (like 'ab, 'ach, etc.).">to your sons</a> <a href="/hebrew/310.htm" title="310: ’a·ḥă·rê·ḵem (Prep:: 2mp) -- The hind or following part. From 'achar; properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after.">after</a> <a href="/hebrew/3423.htm" title="3423: lā·re·šeṯ (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- Or yaresh; a primitive root; to occupy; by implication, to seize, to rob, to inherit; also to expel, to impoverish, to ruin.">you to inherit</a> <a href="/hebrew/272.htm" title="272: ’ă·ḥuz·zāh (N-fs) -- A possession. Feminine passive participle from 'achaz; something seized, i.e. A possession.">as property;</a> <a href="/hebrew/5647.htm" title="5647: ta·‘ă·ḇō·ḏū (V-Qal-Imperf-2mp) -- To work, serve. A primitive root; to work; by implication, to serve, till, enslave, etc.">you can make them slaves</a> <a href="/hebrew/5769.htm" title="5769: lə·‘ō·lām (Prep-l:: N-ms) -- Long duration, antiquity, futurity. ">for life.</a> <a href="/hebrew/bā·hem (Prep:: 3mp) -- "></a> <a href="/hebrew/251.htm" title="251: ū·ḇə·’a·ḥê·ḵem (Conj-w, Prep-b:: N-mpc:: 2mp) -- A brother. A primitive word; a brother (like 'ab).">But as for your brothers,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1121.htm" title="1121: bə·nê- (N-mpc) -- Son. From banah; a son, in the widest sense (like 'ab, 'ach, etc.).">the Israelites,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3478.htm" title="3478: yiś·rā·’êl (N-proper-ms) -- From sarah and 'el; he will rule as God; Jisrael, a symbolical name of Jacob; also of his posterity."></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.">no</a> <a href="/hebrew/376.htm" title="376: ’îš (N-ms) -- Man. Contracted for 'enowsh; a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term.">man</a> <a href="/hebrew/7287.htm" title="7287: ṯir·deh (V-Qal-Imperf-2ms) -- To tread down, subjugate, to crumble off. A primitive root; to tread down, i.e. Subjugate; specifically, to crumble off.">may rule</a> <a href="/hebrew/6531.htm" title="6531: bə·p̄ā·reḵ (Prep-b:: N-ms) -- Harshness, severity. From an unused root meaning to break apart; fracture, i.e. Severity.">harshly</a> <a href="/hebrew/251.htm" title="251: bə·’ā·ḥîw (Prep-b:: N-msc:: 3ms) -- A brother. A primitive word; a brother (like 'ab).">over his brother.</a> <a href="/hebrew/ḇōw (Prep:: 3ms) -- "></a> <div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/exodus/21-2.htm">Exodus 21:2-6</a> 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. / If he arrived alone, he is to leave alone; if he arrived with a wife, she is to leave with him. / If his master gives him a wife and she bears him sons or daughters, the woman and her children shall belong to her master, and only the man shall go free. ... <a href="/deuteronomy/15-12.htm">Deuteronomy 15:12-18</a> 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. / And when you release him, do not send him away empty-handed. / You are to furnish him liberally from your flock, your threshing floor, and your winepress. You shall give to him as the LORD your God has blessed you. ... <a href="/genesis/17-12.htm">Genesis 17:12-13</a> Generation after generation, every male must be circumcised when he is eight days old, including those born in your household and those purchased from a foreigner—even those who are not your offspring. / Whether they are born in your household or purchased, they must be circumcised. My covenant in your flesh will be an everlasting covenant. <a href="/nehemiah/5-5.htm">Nehemiah 5:5</a> 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.” <a href="/jeremiah/34-14.htm">Jeremiah 34:14</a> 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. <a href="/1_kings/9-20.htm">1 Kings 9:20-21</a> As for all the people who remained of the Amorites, Hittites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites (the people who were not Israelites)— / their descendants who remained in the land, those whom the Israelites were unable to devote to destruction—Solomon conscripted these people to be forced laborers, as they are to this day. <a href="/2_chronicles/8-7.htm">2 Chronicles 8:7-8</a> As for all the people who remained of the Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites (these people were not Israelites)— / their descendants who remained in the land, those whom the Israelites had not destroyed—Solomon conscripted these people to be forced laborers, as they are to this day. <a href="/isaiah/14-1.htm">Isaiah 14:1-2</a> For the LORD will have compassion on Jacob; once again He will choose Israel and settle them in their own land. The foreigner will join them and unite with the house of Jacob. / The nations will escort Israel and bring it to its homeland. Then the house of Israel will possess the nations as menservants and maidservants in the LORD’s land. They will make captives of their captors and rule over their oppressors. <a href="/ezekiel/46-17.htm">Ezekiel 46:17</a> But if he gives a gift from his inheritance to one of his servants, it will belong to that servant until the year of freedom; then it will revert to the prince. His inheritance belongs only to his sons; it shall be theirs. <a href="/galatians/4-1.htm">Galatians 4:1-7</a> What I am saying is that as long as the heir is a child, he is no different from a slave, although he is the owner of everything. / He is subject to guardians and trustees until the date set by his father. / So also, when we were children, we were enslaved under the basic principles of the world. ... <a href="/romans/6-16.htm">Romans 6:16-18</a> Do you not know that when you offer yourselves as obedient slaves, you are slaves to the one you obey, whether you are slaves to sin leading to death, or to obedience leading to righteousness? / But thanks be to God that, though you once were slaves to sin, you wholeheartedly obeyed the form of teaching to which you were committed. / You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness. <a href="/1_corinthians/7-21.htm">1 Corinthians 7:21-23</a> 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. <a href="/ephesians/6-5.htm">Ephesians 6:5-9</a> 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, ... <a href="/colossians/3-22.htm">Colossians 3:22-25</a> 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. ... <a href="/philemon/1-15.htm">Philemon 1:15-16</a> 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.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And you shall take them as an inheritance for your children after you, to inherit them for a possession; they shall be your slaves for ever: but over your brothers the children of Israel, you shall not rule one over another with rigor.And ye shall<a href="/isaiah/14-2.htm">Isaiah 14:2</a> And the people shall take them, and bring them to their place: and the house of Israel shall possess them in the land of the LORD for servants and handmaids: and they shall take them captives, whose captives they were; and they shall rule over their oppressors.they shall be your bondmen for ever.<a href="/leviticus/25-39.htm">Leviticus 25:39</a> 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:ye shall not rule<a href="/leviticus/25-43.htm">Leviticus 25:43</a> Thou shalt not rule over him with rigour; but shalt fear thy God.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_chronicles/28-8.htm">Bequeath</a> <a href="/leviticus/25-44.htm">Bondmen</a> <a href="/leviticus/25-44.htm">Bond-Men</a> <a href="/leviticus/25-45.htm">Children</a> <a href="/exodus/34-7.htm">Children's</a> <a href="/leviticus/25-14.htm">Countrymen</a> <a href="/leviticus/25-25.htm">Fellow</a> <a href="/leviticus/24-9.htm">Forever</a> <a href="/leviticus/25-43.htm">Hard</a> <a href="/leviticus/25-43.htm">Harshness</a> <a href="/leviticus/25-13.htm">Heritage</a> <a href="/leviticus/25-35.htm">Hold</a> <a href="/leviticus/20-24.htm">Inherit</a> <a href="/leviticus/20-24.htm">Inheritance</a> <a href="/exodus/23-30.htm">Inherited</a> <a href="/leviticus/25-33.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/leviticus/25-42.htm">Israelites</a> <a href="/leviticus/24-21.htm">Life</a> <a href="/leviticus/25-34.htm">Permanent</a> <a href="/leviticus/25-45.htm">Possession</a> <a href="/leviticus/25-45.htm">Property</a> <a href="/exodus/30-16.htm">Receive</a> <a href="/leviticus/22-23.htm">Respect</a> <a href="/leviticus/25-43.htm">Rigor</a> <a href="/leviticus/25-43.htm">Rigour</a> <a href="/leviticus/24-9.htm">Rule</a> <a href="/leviticus/25-43.htm">Ruthlessly</a> <a href="/leviticus/25-45.htm">Servants</a> <a href="/leviticus/25-43.htm">Severity</a> <a href="/leviticus/25-44.htm">Slaves</a> <a href="/leviticus/25-39.htm">Use</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_chronicles/28-8.htm">Bequeath</a> <a href="/leviticus/26-13.htm">Bondmen</a> <a href="/leviticus/26-13.htm">Bond-Men</a> <a href="/leviticus/25-54.htm">Children</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/4-9.htm">Children's</a> <a href="/numbers/32-6.htm">Countrymen</a> <a href="/numbers/16-10.htm">Fellow</a> <a href="/numbers/10-8.htm">Forever</a> <a href="/numbers/11-11.htm">Hard</a> <a href="/leviticus/25-53.htm">Harshness</a> <a href="/leviticus/27-22.htm">Heritage</a> <a href="/numbers/9-2.htm">Hold</a> <a href="/numbers/14-24.htm">Inherit</a> <a href="/leviticus/27-22.htm">Inheritance</a> <a href="/numbers/32-18.htm">Inherited</a> <a href="/leviticus/25-55.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/leviticus/25-55.htm">Israelites</a> <a href="/leviticus/26-26.htm">Life</a> <a href="/joshua/8-28.htm">Permanent</a> <a href="/leviticus/27-16.htm">Possession</a> <a href="/leviticus/27-16.htm">Property</a> <a href="/numbers/7-5.htm">Receive</a> <a href="/leviticus/26-9.htm">Respect</a> <a href="/leviticus/25-53.htm">Rigor</a> <a href="/leviticus/25-53.htm">Rigour</a> <a href="/leviticus/25-53.htm">Rule</a> <a href="/leviticus/25-53.htm">Ruthlessly</a> <a href="/leviticus/25-55.htm">Servants</a> <a href="/leviticus/25-53.htm">Severity</a> <a href="/leviticus/26-13.htm">Slaves</a> <a href="/numbers/3-26.htm">Use</a><div class="vheading2">Leviticus 25</div>1. <a href="/leviticus/25-1.htm">the Sabbath of the seventh year</a> 8. <a href="/leviticus/25-8.htm">The jubilee in the fiftieth year</a> 14. <a href="/leviticus/25-14.htm">Of oppression</a> 18. <a href="/leviticus/25-18.htm">A blessing of obedience</a> 23. <a href="/leviticus/25-23.htm">The redemption of land</a> 29. <a href="/leviticus/25-29.htm">Of houses</a> 35. <a href="/leviticus/25-35.htm">Compassion to the poor</a> 39. <a href="/leviticus/25-39.htm">The usage of bondmen</a> 47. <a href="/leviticus/25-47.htm">The redemption of servants</a> </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>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <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> </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/leviticus/25.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/leviticus/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/leviticus/25.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>You may leave them to your sons after you to inherit as property; This phrase addresses the practice of passing down servants or slaves as inheritance, a common practice in ancient Near Eastern cultures. The concept of inheritance was crucial in maintaining family wealth and continuity. In the context of Leviticus, this regulation applied to non-Israelite slaves, distinguishing them from Hebrew servants who were to be released in the Year of Jubilee (<a href="/leviticus/25-10.htm">Leviticus 25:10</a>). This reflects the broader biblical theme of God's covenant people being set apart and treated differently from those outside the covenant community.you can make them slaves for life. This part of the verse highlights the distinction between foreign slaves and Hebrew servants. While Hebrew servants were to be released after six years or during the Jubilee, foreign slaves could be held permanently. This reflects the socio-economic realities of the time, where slavery was a widespread institution. The Bible's regulations aimed to mitigate the harshness of slavery, ensuring humane treatment. This also foreshadows the New Testament's spiritual liberation through Christ, where all believers, regardless of background, are freed from the bondage of sin (<a href="/galatians/3-28.htm">Galatians 3:28</a>).But as for your brothers, the Israelites, Here, the text emphasizes the familial and covenantal relationship among the Israelites. The term "brothers" underscores the unity and equality expected within the covenant community. This principle is rooted in the idea that all Israelites are descendants of Abraham and part of God's chosen people. This familial bond is a precursor to the New Testament teaching of the church as a family of believers (<a href="/ephesians/2-19.htm">Ephesians 2:19</a>).no man may rule harshly over his brother. This command prohibits oppressive leadership among the Israelites, promoting justice and compassion. The Hebrew word for "harshly" implies severity and cruelty, which God forbids among His people. This reflects God's character as just and merciful and His desire for His people to emulate these attributes. The principle of fair and kind treatment is echoed in the teachings of Jesus, who calls His followers to love one another (<a href="/john/13-34.htm">John 13:34</a>) and to lead with servanthood rather than domination (<a href="/mark/10-42.htm">Mark 10:42-45</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/m/moses.htm">Moses</a> The author of Leviticus, who received the laws from God on Mount Sinai. 2. <a href="/topical/i/israelites.htm">Israelites</a> The descendants of Jacob, also known as the children of Israel, who are the primary audience of the Levitical laws. 3. <a href="/topical/c/canaan.htm">Canaan</a> The land promised to the Israelites, where these laws were to be practiced. 4. <a href="/topical/f/foreigners.htm">Foreigners</a> Non-Israelites living among the Israelites, who could be bought as slaves. 5. <a href="/topical/j/jubilee_year.htm">Jubilee Year</a> A significant event in Israelite society occurring every 50 years, emphasizing freedom and restoration.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/u/understanding_cultural_context.htm">Understanding Cultural Context</a> Recognize the historical and cultural context of ancient Israel, where slavery was a common practice. The laws provided a framework for humane treatment within that context. <a href="/topical/d/distinction_between_israelites_and_foreigners.htm">Distinction Between Israelites and Foreigners</a> The Israelites were to treat their fellow countrymen differently from foreigners, reflecting a covenant community's unique identity. <a href="/topical/p/principles_of_justice_and_mercy.htm">Principles of Justice and Mercy</a> Even within the institution of slavery, the Israelites were called to exercise justice and mercy, avoiding ruthless rule. <a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_the_jubilee.htm">The Role of the Jubilee</a> The Jubilee year served as a reminder of God's ultimate ownership and the temporary nature of human institutions, pointing to a future hope of freedom and restoration. <a href="/topical/n/new_testament_fulfillment.htm">New Testament Fulfillment</a> In Christ, the distinctions of slave and free are transcended, calling believers to a higher standard of love and equality.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_leviticus_25.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Leviticus 25</a> <a href="/q/why_does_lev_25_39-46_differ_on_servitude.htm">Why does the command to release servants (Lev 25:39–46) appear inconsistent with other biblical passages endorsing servitude? </a> <a href="/q/was_child_sacrifice_widespread_in_israel.htm">Isaiah 57:5: Is there credible archaeological evidence that child sacrifice was widespread among Israelites, or is this an exaggerated polemic?</a> <a href="/q/how_does_god_view_re-enslavement_vs._slavery.htm">Jeremiah 34:11-17 - How does God's condemnation of re-enslavement align with other passages where slavery was permitted (e.g., Leviticus 25)?</a> <a href="/q/how_didn't_debt_cancellation_ruin_economy.htm">Deuteronomy 15:1-2 prescribes canceling debts every seven years--how would this not destabilize an ancient economy?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/leviticus/25.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(46) And ye shall take them as an inheritance for your children.--That is, they may appropriate them to themselves, as their personal property, which is transmissible as inheritance to posterity with the family land.They shall be your bondmen for ever.--These are not subject to the laws of jubile. They remain in perpetual serfdom unless they or their friends redeem them, or their master has maimed any one of them. In case of injury the master is obliged to manumit him (<a href="/context/exodus/21-26.htm" title="And if a man smite the eye of his servant, or the eye of his maid, that it perish; he shall let him go free for his eye's sake.">Exodus 21:26-27</a>). The authorities during the second Temple enacted that the master's right, even with regard to this kind of bondmen, is restricted to their labour, but that he has no right to barter with them, to misuse them, or to put them to shame.Over your brethren . . . ye shall not rule . . . with rigour.--In contrast to these heathen bondmen the Jewish bondmen are here designated "brethren." They are co-religionists, who have been reduced to temporary servitude, but who are, nevertheless, fellow-heirs with them in the land of their possession. Hence the greatest consideration was to be shown to them in these adverse circumstances. The authorities during the second Temple have therefore enacted that there must be no difference between the daily food, raiment, and dwelling of the master and his Hebrew slave, and that the master and the servant are alike in these respects. <a href="/commentaries/leviticus/25-46.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>You may leave וְהִתְנַחֲלְתֶּ֨ם‪‬ (wə·hiṯ·na·ḥăl·tem) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hitpael - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5157.htm">Strong's 5157: </a> To inherit, to occupy, to bequeath, distribute, instate them אֹתָ֜ם (’ō·ṯām) Direct object marker | third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_853.htm">Strong's 853: </a> Untranslatable mark of the accusative case to your sons לִבְנֵיכֶ֤ם (liḇ·nê·ḵem) Preposition-l | Noun - masculine plural construct | second person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1121.htm">Strong's 1121: </a> A son after אַחֲרֵיכֶם֙ (’a·ḥă·rê·ḵem) Preposition | second person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_310.htm">Strong's 310: </a> The hind or following part you to inherit לָרֶ֣שֶׁת (lā·re·šeṯ) Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3423.htm">Strong's 3423: </a> To occupy, to seize, to rob, to inherit, to expel, to impoverish, to ruin as property; אֲחֻזָּ֔ה (’ă·ḥuz·zāh) Noun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_272.htm">Strong's 272: </a> Something seized, a possession you can make them slaves תַּעֲבֹ֑דוּ (ta·‘ă·ḇō·ḏū) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5647.htm">Strong's 5647: </a> To work, to serve, till, enslave for life. לְעֹלָ֖ם (lə·‘ō·lām) Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5769.htm">Strong's 5769: </a> Concealed, eternity, frequentatively, always But as for your brothers, וּבְאַ֨חֵיכֶ֤ם (ū·ḇə·’a·ḥê·ḵem) Conjunctive waw, Preposition-b | Noun - masculine plural construct | second person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_251.htm">Strong's 251: </a> A brother, ) the Israelites, בְּנֵֽי־ (bə·nê-) Noun - masculine plural construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1121.htm">Strong's 1121: </a> A son no לֹא־ (lō-) Adverb - Negative particle <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> Not, no man אִ֣ישׁ (’îš) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_376.htm">Strong's 376: </a> A man as an individual, a male person may rule תִרְדֶּ֥ה (ṯir·deh) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7287.htm">Strong's 7287: </a> To tread down, subjugate, to crumble off harshly בְּפָֽרֶךְ׃ (bə·p̄ā·reḵ) Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6531.htm">Strong's 6531: </a> Harshness, severity over his brother. בְּאָחִ֔יו (bə·’ā·ḥîw) Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_251.htm">Strong's 251: </a> A brother, ) <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/leviticus/25-46.htm">Leviticus 25:46 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/leviticus/25-46.htm">Leviticus 25:46 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/leviticus/25-46.htm">Leviticus 25:46 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/leviticus/25-46.htm">Leviticus 25:46 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/leviticus/25-46.htm">Leviticus 25:46 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/leviticus/25-46.htm">Leviticus 25:46 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/leviticus/25-46.htm">Leviticus 25:46 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/leviticus/25-46.htm">Leviticus 25:46 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/leviticus/25-46.htm">Leviticus 25:46 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/leviticus/25-46.htm">Leviticus 25:46 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/leviticus/25-46.htm">OT Law: Leviticus 25:46 You may make them an inheritance (Le Lv Lev.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/leviticus/25-45.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Leviticus 25:45"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Leviticus 25:45" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/leviticus/25-47.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Leviticus 25:47"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Leviticus 25:47" /></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>