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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 15:12 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.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/deuteronomy/15-12.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/5/05_Deu_15_12.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Deuteronomy 15:12 - Release of Hebrew Servants" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="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." /><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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then in the seventh year thou shalt let him go free from thee.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/deuteronomy/15.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />“If your brother, a Hebrew man, or a Hebrew woman, is sold to you and serves you six years, then in the seventh year you shall let him go free from you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/deuteronomy/15.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />“If your fellow countryman, a Hebrew man or woman, is sold to you, then he shall serve you for six years, but in the seventh year you shall set him free.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/deuteronomy/15.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />&#8220If your kinsman, a Hebrew man or woman, is sold to you, then he shall serve you six years, but in the seventh year you shall set him free.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/deuteronomy/15.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />“If your kinsman, a Hebrew man or woman, is sold to you, then he shall serve you six years, but in the seventh year you shall set him free.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/deuteronomy/15.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />“If your brother, a Hebrew man or woman, is sold to you, then he shall serve you six years, but in the seventh year you shall let him go <i>to be</i> free from you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/deuteronomy/15.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />“If your fellow Israelite, a Hebrew man or woman, is sold to you, and serves you for six years, then in the seventh year you shall set him free [from your service].<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/deuteronomy/15.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />“If your fellow Hebrew, a man or woman, is sold to you and serves you six years, you must set him free in the seventh year.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/deuteronomy/15.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />If your fellow Hebrew, a man or woman, is sold to you and serves you six years, you must set him free in the seventh year.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/deuteronomy/15.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />If thy brother, a Hebrew man, or a Hebrew woman, be sold unto thee, and serve thee six years; then in the seventh year thou shalt let him go free from thee.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/deuteronomy/15.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />If any of you buy Israelites as slaves, you must set them free after six years. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/deuteronomy/15.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/deuteronomy/15.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Whenever Hebrew men or women are sold to you as slaves, they will be your slaves for six years. In the seventh year you must let them go free.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/deuteronomy/15.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />"If any Israelites, male or female, sell themselves to you as slaves, you are to release them after they have served you for six years. When the seventh year comes, you must let them go free. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/deuteronomy/15.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />"When a fellow Hebrew male or female slave is sold to you and serves you for six years, then in the seventh year you are to set them free. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/deuteronomy/15.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/deuteronomy/15.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />If your fellow Hebrew--whether male or female--is sold to you and serves you for six years, then in the seventh year you must let that servant go free.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/deuteronomy/15.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />If your brother, a Hebrew man, or a Hebrew woman, is sold to you, and serves you six years; then in the seventh year you shall let him go free from you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/deuteronomy/15.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And if thy brother, a Hebrew man, or a Hebrew woman, shall be sold to thee, and serve thee six years; then in the seventh year thou shalt let him go free from thee.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/deuteronomy/15.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />If your brother, a Hebrew man, or a Hebrew woman, is sold to you and serves you six years, then in the seventh year you shall let him go free from you. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/deuteronomy/15.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />When your brother is sold to you, a Hebrew or a Hebrewess, and he has served you [for] six years, then in the seventh year you send him away free from you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/deuteronomy/15.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> 'When thy brother is sold to thee, a Hebrew or a Hebrewess, and he hath served thee six years -- then in the seventh year thou dost send him away free from thee.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/deuteronomy/15.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />When thy brother a Hebrew, or Hebrewess, shall be sold to thee, and serving thee six years; in the seventh year thou shalt send him away free from thee.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/deuteronomy/15.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />When thy brother a Hebrew man, or Hebrew woman is sold to thee, and hath served thee six years, in the seventh year thou shalt let him go free: <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/deuteronomy/15.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />When your brother, a Hebrew man or a Hebrew woman, has been sold to you, and has served you for six years, in the seventh year you shall set him free.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/deuteronomy/15.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />If your kin, a Hebrew man or woman, sells himself or herself to you, he or she is to serve you for six years, but in the seventh year you shall release him or her as a free person.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/deuteronomy/15.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />If a member of your community, whether a Hebrew man or a Hebrew woman, is sold to you and works for you six years, in the seventh year you shall set that person free.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/deuteronomy/15.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And if your brother, a Hebrew man or a Hebrew woman, is sold to you, and he shall serve you six years, then in the seventh year you shall let him go free from you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/deuteronomy/15.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And when your brother Hebrew or Hebrew woman will be sold to you, he shall serve you six years, and in the seventh year release him as a son of freedom from your presence.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/deuteronomy/15.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />If thy brother, a Hebrew man, or a Hebrew woman, be sold unto thee, he shall serve thee six years; and in the seventh year thou shalt let him go free from thee.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/deuteronomy/15.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And if thy brother <i>or sister</i>, a Hebrew man or a Hebrew woman, be sold to thee, he shall serve thee six years, and in the seventh year thou shalt send him out free from thee.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/deuteronomy/15-12.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=4458" 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">12</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî- (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">If</a> <a href="/hebrew/251.htm" title="251: ’ā·ḥî·ḵā (N-msc:: 2ms) -- A brother. A primitive word; a brother (like 'ab).">a fellow</a> <a href="/hebrew/5680.htm" title="5680: hā·‘iḇ·rî (Art:: N-proper-ms) -- Perhaps desc. of Eber, also another name for an Isr. Patronymic from Eber; an Eberite or descendant of Eber.">Hebrew,</a> <a href="/hebrew/176.htm" title="176: ’ōw (Conj) -- Or. Presumed to be the constructive or genitival form of -av; short for 'avvah; desire; hence or, also if.">a man or</a> <a href="/hebrew/5680.htm" title="5680: hā·‘iḇ·rî·yāh (Art:: N-proper-fs) -- Perhaps desc. of Eber, also another name for an Isr. Patronymic from Eber; an Eberite or descendant of Eber.">a woman,</a> <a href="/hebrew/4376.htm" title="4376: yim·mā·ḵêr (V-Nifal-Imperf-3ms) -- To sell. A primitive root; to sell, literally, or figuratively.">is sold</a> <a href="/hebrew/lə·ḵā (Prep:: 2ms) -- ">to you</a> <a href="/hebrew/5647.htm" title="5647: wa·‘ă·ḇā·ḏə·ḵā (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-3ms:: 2ms) -- To work, serve. A primitive root; to work; by implication, to serve, till, enslave, etc.">and serves you</a> <a href="/hebrew/8337.htm" title="8337: šêš (Number-fsc) -- Masculine shishshah; a primitive number; six (see suws) beyond five or the fingers of the hand); as ord. Sixth.">six</a> <a href="/hebrew/8141.htm" title="8141: šā·nîm (N-fp) -- A year. (in plura or shanah; from shanah; a year.">years,</a> <a href="/hebrew/7637.htm" title="7637: haš·šə·ḇî·‘iṯ (Art:: Number-ofs) -- Seventh (an ord. number). Or shbi iy; ordinal from shib'iym. seventh.">then in the seventh</a> <a href="/hebrew/8141.htm" title="8141: ū·ḇaš·šā·nāh (Conj-w, Prep-b, Art:: N-fs) -- A year. (in plura or shanah; from shanah; a year.">year</a> <a href="/hebrew/7971.htm" title="7971: tə·šal·lə·ḥen·nū (V-Piel-Imperf-2ms:: 3mse) -- To send. A primitive root; to send away, for, or out.">you must set him</a> <a href="/hebrew/2670.htm" title="2670: ḥā·p̄ə·šî (Adj-ms) -- Free. From chaphash; exempt.">free.</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."></a> </span><span class="reftext">13</span>And when you release him, do not send him away empty-handed.…<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/21-2.htm">Exodus 21:2-6</a></span><br />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. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/leviticus/25-39.htm">Leviticus 25:39-46</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="/jeremiah/34-14.htm">Jeremiah 34:14</a></span><br />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.<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="/galatians/5-1.htm">Galatians 5:1</a></span><br />It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not be encumbered once more by a yoke of slavery.<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="/matthew/18-27.htm">Matthew 18:27</a></span><br />His master had compassion on him, forgave his debt, and released him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/4-18.htm">Luke 4:18</a></span><br />“The Spirit of the Lord is on Me, because He has anointed Me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent Me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to release the oppressed,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/61-1.htm">Isaiah 61:1</a></span><br />The Spirit of the Lord GOD is on Me, because the LORD has anointed Me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent Me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and freedom to the prisoners,<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="/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.<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="/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="/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="/romans/8-15.htm">Romans 8:15</a></span><br />For you did not receive a spirit of slavery that returns you to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption to sonship, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!”</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And if your brother, an Hebrew man, or an Hebrew woman, be sold to you, and serve you six years; then in the seventh year you shall let him go free from you.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/15-1.htm">Deuteronomy 15:1</a></b></br> At the end of <i>every</i> seven years thou shalt make a release.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/exodus/21-2.htm">Exodus 21:2-6</a></b></br> If thou buy an Hebrew servant, six years he shall serve: and in the seventh he shall go out free for nothing… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/leviticus/25-39.htm">Leviticus 25:39-41</a></b></br> And if thy brother <i>that dwelleth</i> by thee be waxen poor, and be sold unto thee; thou shalt not compel him to serve as a bondservant: … </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/deuteronomy/15-11.htm">Countrymen</a> <a href="/exodus/21-2.htm">Hebrew</a> <a href="/jeremiah/34-9.htm">Hebrewess</a> <a href="/numbers/27-11.htm">Kinsman</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/2-28.htm">Price</a> <a href="/leviticus/25-47.htm">Sells</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/12-18.htm">Servant</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/13-13.htm">Serve</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/12-2.htm">Served</a> <a href="/1_peter/4-11.htm">Serves</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/15-9.htm">Seventh</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/5-13.htm">Six</a> <a href="/leviticus/27-28.htm">Sold</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/15-10.htm">Work</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/deuteronomy/17-15.htm">Countrymen</a> <a href="/1_samuel/4-6.htm">Hebrew</a> <a href="/jeremiah/34-9.htm">Hebrewess</a> <a href="/ruth/2-1.htm">Kinsman</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/18-8.htm">Price</a> <a href="/ruth/4-3.htm">Sells</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/15-15.htm">Servant</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/17-3.htm">Serve</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/15-18.htm">Served</a> <a href="/malachi/3-17.htm">Serves</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/16-8.htm">Seventh</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/15-18.htm">Six</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/18-8.htm">Sold</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/15-19.htm">Work</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>If a fellow Hebrew, a man or a woman, is sold to you</b><br>This phrase addresses the practice of indentured servitude among the Israelites. In ancient Israel, economic hardship could lead individuals to sell themselves into servitude to pay off debts. This was not slavery in the modern sense but a form of bonded labor with specific protections and rights. The term "fellow Hebrew" emphasizes the shared identity and covenant relationship among the Israelites, highlighting the importance of treating one another with dignity and respect. This practice is rooted in the cultural and historical context of the ancient Near East, where servitude was a common means of addressing poverty and debt.<p><b>and serves you six years</b><br>The six-year period of service reflects a structured and limited term, distinguishing it from lifelong slavery. This time frame is significant as it mirrors the creation week, where God worked for six days and rested on the seventh. It underscores the principle of rest and release, which is a recurring theme in biblical law. The six-year service period also aligns with the sabbatical year, a time of economic and social reset, as outlined in <a href="/leviticus/25.htm">Leviticus 25</a>.<p><b>then in the seventh year you must set him free</b><br>The seventh year represents a time of liberation and renewal, echoing the Sabbath principle of rest and freedom. This commandment is a reflection of God's deliverance of Israel from Egypt, reminding the Israelites of their own liberation and the importance of extending mercy and freedom to others. The release in the seventh year is a precursor to the Year of Jubilee, a time of restoration and return, as described in <a href="/leviticus/25-10.htm">Leviticus 25:10</a>. This practice foreshadows the ultimate liberation found in Jesus Christ, who proclaimed freedom for the captives and the oppressed (<a href="/luke/4-18.htm">Luke 4:18</a>). The command to set servants free is a call to justice and compassion, reflecting God's character and His desire for His people to live in community with fairness and mercy.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/h/hebrew_servant.htm">Hebrew Servant</a></b><br>Refers to a fellow Israelite who, due to financial hardship, sells themselves into servitude to pay off debts.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/i/israel.htm">Israel</a></b><br>The nation to whom these laws were given, emphasizing community and compassion among God's people.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/s/sabbatical_year.htm">Sabbatical Year</a></b><br>The seventh year, a time of release and freedom, reflecting God's provision and mercy.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_compassionate_provision.htm">God's Compassionate Provision</a></b><br>The law reflects God's heart for justice and compassion, ensuring that servitude is not perpetual but has a clear end.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/principle_of_rest_and_release.htm">Principle of Rest and Release</a></b><br>The sabbatical year is a reminder of God's provision and the importance of rest and renewal, both physically and spiritually.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/community_responsibility.htm">Community Responsibility</a></b><br>The Israelites were called to care for one another, ensuring that no one remained in bondage indefinitely, fostering a sense of community and mutual support.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/spiritual_freedom_in_christ.htm">Spiritual Freedom in Christ</a></b><br>Just as the Hebrew servant was set free, believers are reminded of the freedom they have in Christ, encouraging them to live in that freedom and extend grace to others.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_deuteronomy_15.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Deuteronomy 15</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/bible's_view_on_human_trafficking.htm">What is the Bible's stance on human trafficking?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_it_permissible_to_beat_slaves.htm">Is it permissible to beat slaves?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_the_old_testament_god_cruel.htm">Isn't the God of the Old Testament cruel and genocidal?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_defines_a_prayer_shawl.htm">What defines a prayer shawl?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/deuteronomy/15.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(12) <span class= "bld">If thy brother, an Hebrew man, or an Hebrew woman, be sold unto thee.</span>--This law is expressly referred to in <a href="/jeremiah/34-9.htm" title="That every man should let his manservant, and every man his maidservant, being an Hebrew or an Hebrewess, go free; that none should serve himself of them, to wit, of a Jew his brother.">Jeremiah 34:9</a>; <a href="/context/jeremiah/34-13.htm" title="Thus said the LORD, the God of Israel; I made a covenant with your fathers in the day that I brought them forth out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slaves, saying,">Jeremiah 34:13-14</a>, as given in the time of the Exodus, and as applicable both to men and women. It first appears in <a href="/context/exodus/21-2.htm" title="If you buy an Hebrew servant, six years he shall serve: and in the seventh he shall go out free for nothing.">Exodus 21:2-11</a>, where it occupies the first section of the Sinaitic code. There is no need to suppose that anything enacted here is contradictory to the Law as given there; but there are certain peculiarities about the case of the female slave which create exceptions. (See below on <a href="/deuteronomy/15-17.htm" title="Then you shall take an awl, and thrust it through his ear to the door, and he shall be your servant for ever. And also to your maidservant you shall do likewise.">Deuteronomy 15:17</a>.) Rashi notes two fresh points in the Law as given in Deuteronomy: one concerning the Hebrew woman (an Hebrew "or an Hebrewess"--<a href="/deuteronomy/15-12.htm" title="And if your brother, an Hebrew man, or an Hebrew woman, be sold to you, and serve you six years; then in the seventh year you shall let him go free from you.">Deuteronomy 15:12</a>; <a href="/jeremiah/34-9.htm" title="That every man should let his manservant, and every man his maidservant, being an Hebrew or an Hebrewess, go free; that none should serve himself of them, to wit, of a Jew his brother.">Jeremiah 34:9</a>) and another concerning the "furnishing" (<a href="/deuteronomy/15-14.htm" title="You shall furnish him liberally out of your flock, and out of your floor, and out of your wine press: of that with which the LORD your God has blessed you you shall give to him.">Deuteronomy 15:14</a>). . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/deuteronomy/15.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verses 12-18.</span> - From injunctions regarding the treatment of the poor and of debtors the transition is easy to the law concerning slaves, inasmuch as it was through the stress of poverty that any became such from among their brethren. The law, as here laid down, is the same as that in <a href="/exodus/21-2.htm">Exodus 21:2-6</a>, somewhat expanded; the most important addition being that the slave is not only to go free after six years of service, but is to be furnished by his master with the means of setting up a home for himself. The six years here specified are not to be confounded with the years ending at the sabbatical year; they are any six years during which the individual has been in bondage. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/deuteronomy/15-12.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">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">a fellow</span><br /><span class="heb">אָחִ֣יךָ</span> <span class="translit">(’ā·ḥî·ḵā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_251.htm">Strong's 251: </a> </span><span class="str2">A brother, )</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Hebrew,</span><br /><span class="heb">הָֽעִבְרִ֗י</span> <span class="translit">(hā·‘iḇ·rî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5680.htm">Strong's 5680: </a> </span><span class="str2">Hebrews -- perhaps descendant of Eber, also another name for an Israelite</span><br /><br /><span class="word">a man or</span><br /><span class="heb">א֚וֹ</span> <span class="translit">(’ōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_176.htm">Strong's 176: </a> </span><span class="str2">Desire, if</span><br /><br /><span class="word">a woman,</span><br /><span class="heb">הָֽעִבְרִיָּ֔ה</span> <span class="translit">(hā·‘iḇ·rî·yāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - proper - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5680.htm">Strong's 5680: </a> </span><span class="str2">Hebrews -- perhaps descendant of Eber, also another name for an Israelite</span><br /><br /><span class="word">sells himself</span><br /><span class="heb">יִמָּכֵ֨ר</span> <span class="translit">(yim·mā·ḵêr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Nifal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4376.htm">Strong's 4376: </a> </span><span class="str2">To sell</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to you</span><br /><span class="heb">לְךָ֜</span> <span class="translit">(lə·ḵā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition | second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/.htm">Strong's Hebrew</a> </span><span class="str2"></span><br /><br /><span class="word">and serves you</span><br /><span class="heb">וַעֲבָֽדְךָ֖</span> <span class="translit">(wa·‘ă·ḇā·ḏə·ḵā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular | second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5647.htm">Strong's 5647: </a> </span><span class="str2">To work, to serve, till, enslave</span><br /><br /><span class="word">six</span><br /><span class="heb">שֵׁ֣שׁ</span> <span class="translit">(šêš)</span><br /><span class="parse">Number - feminine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8337.htm">Strong's 8337: </a> </span><span class="str2">Six (a cardinal number)</span><br /><br /><span class="word">years,</span><br /><span class="heb">שָׁנִ֑ים</span> <span class="translit">(šā·nîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8141.htm">Strong's 8141: </a> </span><span class="str2">A year</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in the seventh</span><br /><span class="heb">הַשְּׁבִיעִ֔ת</span> <span class="translit">(haš·šə·ḇî·‘iṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Number - ordinal feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7637.htm">Strong's 7637: </a> </span><span class="str2">Seventh (an ordinal number)</span><br /><br /><span class="word">year</span><br /><span class="heb">וּבַשָּׁנָה֙</span> <span class="translit">(ū·ḇaš·šā·nāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw, Preposition-b, Article | Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8141.htm">Strong's 8141: </a> </span><span class="str2">A year</span><br /><br /><span class="word">you must set</span><br /><span class="heb">תְּשַׁלְּחֶ֥נּוּ</span> <span class="translit">(tə·šal·lə·ḥen·nū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Piel - Imperfect - second person masculine singular | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7971.htm">Strong's 7971: </a> </span><span class="str2">To send away, for, out</span><br /><br /><span class="word">him free.</span><br /><span class="heb">חָפְשִׁ֖י</span> <span class="translit">(ḥā·p̄ə·šî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2670.htm">Strong's 2670: </a> </span><span class="str2">Exempt</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/deuteronomy/15-12.htm">Deuteronomy 15:12 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/deuteronomy/15-12.htm">Deuteronomy 15:12 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/deuteronomy/15-12.htm">Deuteronomy 15:12 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/deuteronomy/15-12.htm">Deuteronomy 15:12 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/deuteronomy/15-12.htm">Deuteronomy 15:12 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/deuteronomy/15-12.htm">Deuteronomy 15:12 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/deuteronomy/15-12.htm">Deuteronomy 15:12 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/deuteronomy/15-12.htm">Deuteronomy 15:12 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/deuteronomy/15-12.htm">Deuteronomy 15:12 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/deuteronomy/15-12.htm">Deuteronomy 15:12 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/deuteronomy/15-12.htm">OT Law: Deuteronomy 15:12 If your brother a Hebrew man (Deut. De Du)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/deuteronomy/15-11.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Deuteronomy 15:11"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Deuteronomy 15:11" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/deuteronomy/15-13.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Deuteronomy 15:13"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Deuteronomy 15:13" /></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>