Deuteronomy 15:16

Translation
King James Version
And it shall be, if he say unto thee, I will not go away from thee; because he loveth thee and thine house, because he is well with thee;
Ask
KJV (with Strong's)
And it shall be, if he say H559 unto thee, I will not go away H3318 from thee; because he loveth H157 thee and thine house H1004, because he is well H2895 with thee;
Ask
Complete Jewish Bible
But if he says to you, 'I don't want to leave you,' because he loves you and your household, and because his life with you is a good one;
Ask
Berean Standard Bible
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,
Ask
American Standard Version
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;
Ask
World English Bible Messianic
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;
Ask
Geneva Bible (1599)
And if he say vnto thee, I will not go away from thee, because he loueth thee and thine house, and because he is well with thee,
Ask
Young's Literal Translation
`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--
Ask
See also
Exodus 21:5Exodus 21:6Psalms 40:8Psalms 40:6
In the KJVVerse 5,336 of 31,102

Study This Verse

SUMMARY

Deuteronomy 15:16 presents a unique and profound provision within the Mosaic Law concerning Hebrew servants: the voluntary choice of a servant to remain with their master beyond the mandated six years of service. This decision is rooted in a deep, genuine affection for the master and their entire household, coupled with a profound sense of contentment, security, and well-being experienced under that master's compassionate care. The verse illuminates a relationship built on mutual respect, loyalty, and authentic attachment, transcending mere legal obligation and underscoring the humane and redemptive spirit embedded within God's covenant instructions for Israelite society.

CONTEXT

  • Literary Context: Deuteronomy 15:16 is strategically positioned within a broader legislative section (Deuteronomy 15:12-18) that meticulously addresses the treatment and release of Hebrew servants. This passage immediately follows the foundational command for masters to release their Hebrew servants in the seventh year of service, providing them generously from their flock, threshing floor, and winepress, as a poignant remembrance of Israel's own miraculous liberation from bondage in Egypt (Deuteronomy 15:12-15). Verse 16 introduces a crucial and remarkable exception to this rule of mandatory release, detailing the specific, heart-driven conditions under which a servant might choose to forgo freedom and remain permanently. The subsequent verse (Deuteronomy 15:17) then outlines the solemn ceremonial act—piercing the servant's ear to the doorpost—that formally sealed this lifelong commitment, marking them as an enduring member of the household. This entire section collectively emphasizes God's profound concern for social justice, human dignity, and the compassionate treatment of the vulnerable within Israelite society, standing in stark contrast to the often brutal realities of servitude prevalent in surrounding ancient Near Eastern cultures.
  • Historical & Cultural Context: In the ancient Near East, various forms of servitude existed, frequently characterized by harsh conditions, perpetual bondage, and the treatment of individuals as mere chattel. The Mosaic Law, however, introduced revolutionary and compassionate principles designed to protect the dignity and fundamental rights of individuals, even those in servitude. Hebrew servitude was fundamentally distinct from chattel slavery; it was typically a temporary arrangement, often serving as a means of debt repayment, a consequence of poverty, or a way for individuals to secure sustenance and protection during times of hardship. The law of mandatory release every seventh year (Exodus 21:2) or during the Year of Jubilee (Leviticus 25:10) ensured that no Israelite would remain in perpetual, involuntary bondage. Deuteronomy 15:16 provides a unique and insightful glimpse into the potential for genuine, affectionate, and familial relationships to develop within this divinely ordained system, where a servant, having experienced benevolent care and a profound sense of belonging, would willingly choose to forgo their freedom and remain permanently. This provision reflects a societal ideal where masters were expected to treat their servants with compassion and generosity, remembering their shared history of liberation from Egyptian slavery (Deuteronomy 15:15).
  • Key Themes: This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes foundational to Deuteronomy and the broader Pentateuch. It highlights the theme of compassion and social justice, demonstrating God's meticulous concern for the vulnerable and His divine desire for a society marked by equity, generosity, and humane treatment, sharply distinguishing Israel from the practices of surrounding nations. The emphasis on the servant's voluntary choice underscores the profound value of personal agency and the possibility of relationships built on authentic love, loyalty, and mutual respect, rather than mere obligation or coercion. This points to the theme of covenant faithfulness, as the master's benevolent treatment mirrors God's own unwavering faithfulness to Israel, and the servant's willing commitment reflects the ideal response of Israel to God's boundless love. Furthermore, the concept of a servant finding "well-being" and "love" within a household profoundly foreshadows the New Testament understanding of spiritual freedom found in willing service to God. In Christ, true liberty is discovered not in independence from all authority, but in joyful, loving submission to a benevolent Master, as beautifully illuminated in passages like Romans 6:18 and 1 Corinthians 7:22.

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

  • loveth (Hebrew, ʼâhab', H157): This verb signifies a deep, genuine, and abiding affection, extending beyond mere liking or preference. It implies a profound bond of loyalty, care, and attachment that has organically developed between the servant and the master. Notably, this is the same word used to describe God's fervent love for Israel and the foundational command for Israel to love God with all their being (Deuteronomy 6:5). Its application here elevates the relationship beyond a purely transactional one, suggesting a familial or deeply communal bond.
  • house (Hebrew, bayith', H1004): This term refers not merely to the physical dwelling, but comprehensively to the entire household, encompassing the master's family, property, possessions, and the collective life and welfare within it. The servant's affection extends to this broader entity, indicating a profound sense of belonging, integration, and identification with the family unit, perceiving their own welfare as inextricably intertwined with that of the household.
  • well (Hebrew, ṭôwb', H2895): This primitive root conveys a state of being "good" or "well" in the broadest sense. In this context, "he is well with thee" signifies a profound state of contentment, satisfaction, and prosperity experienced by the servant. It implies that the servant has been treated justly, provided for abundantly, and feels secure, valued, and flourishing within the master's household. This "goodness" is the tangible outcome of the master's compassionate adherence to the law and the servant's overwhelmingly positive lived experience.

Verse Breakdown

  • "And it shall be, if he say unto thee, I will not go away from thee;": This opening clause meticulously establishes the foundational premise for the entire verse: the servant's explicit, unequivocal, and entirely voluntary declaration of intent to remain. The pivotal decision rests solely with the servant, powerfully highlighting their agency and exercise of free will. This is not a master's command or an imposed condition, but a servant's heartfelt choice, indicating a relationship dynamic that transcends mere obligation and legal compulsion.
  • "because he loveth thee and thine house,": This provides the primary and most profound motivation for the servant's extraordinary decision. The servant's choice is not driven by economic necessity, lack of alternatives, or fear, but by a deep-seated affection, loyalty, and attachment towards the master and the entire household. This clause reveals a relational bond that has blossomed far beyond the initial terms of service, evolving into a familial or deeply communal attachment, rooted in genuine care and reciprocal regard.
  • "because he is well with thee;": This offers a secondary, yet equally crucial, motivation, serving as the practical foundation for the love described. The servant's profound contentment and satisfaction stem directly from the positive and benevolent experience of being under the master's care. This implies that the master has provided exemplary treatment, ample provision, a secure environment, and a sense of belonging, making the servant's situation genuinely desirable and fostering a deep sense of satisfaction and flourishing. This "well-being" is a testament to the master's compassionate adherence to the humane principles of the Mosaic Law.

Literary Devices

Deuteronomy 15:16 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. The verse is meticulously structured as a Conditional Clause ("if he say unto thee..."), which precisely sets forth a specific, hypothetical scenario. This is immediately followed by two powerful Motivation Clauses ("because he loveth thee and thine house, because he is well with thee;"), which provide the explicit, heart-driven reasons for the servant's choice. This precise structure profoundly emphasizes the Volition and personal agency of the servant, making their decision the central and pivotal element of this legal provision. The deliberate repetition of "because he" reinforces the servant's active role and the deeply personal nature of their motivations. Furthermore, the verse implicitly uses Contrast by presenting a scenario of willing, loving, and lifelong servitude against the backdrop of the general law of mandatory release, and by extension, against the often-harsh and coercive realities of servitude in other ancient cultures. This contrast vividly highlights the unique, compassionate, and relational nature of God's law for His covenant people.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

Deuteronomy 15:16 profoundly illustrates God's character and His divine design for human relationships within the covenant community. It reveals a God who values not merely outward obedience to legal stipulations but also the underlying motivations of the heart—love, loyalty, and contentment. The law's extraordinary provision for voluntary, lifelong servitude, rooted in genuine affection and experienced well-being, serves as a powerful theological statement about the ideal nature of service: it should be born out of love, gratitude, and a sense of belonging, not coercion, fear, or mere obligation. This principle extends far beyond the ancient master-servant dynamic to all forms of human interaction, encouraging those in positions of authority to cultivate environments where others feel genuinely valued, respected, and cared for, thereby inspiring willing commitment and flourishing. The verse also implicitly speaks to the very nature of God's relationship with His people: He is a benevolent and gracious Master who provides for His "servants" so abundantly that their service becomes a joyful, voluntary response to His goodness, rather than a burdensome obligation.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

Deuteronomy 15:16, while rooted in an ancient legal and cultural context, offers timeless and universally applicable principles for fostering healthy, flourishing, and deeply committed relationships in any sphere of life. It challenges us, as individuals and as communities, to intentionally create environments—whether within families, workplaces, churches, or broader societal structures—where people feel so profoundly valued, genuinely loved, and comprehensively well-cared for that they willingly choose to commit themselves wholeheartedly and enduringly. This verse serves as a powerful call for those in positions of authority or leadership to exercise their influence with profound compassion, unwavering justice, and radical generosity, recognizing that genuine loyalty, enduring commitment, and inspired service are cultivated through benevolent treatment, mutual respect, and authentic care, rather than through coercion, manipulation, or mere contractual obligation. For believers, this passage serves as a profound and beautiful metaphor for our relationship with God. Our service to Christ should never be a reluctant obligation or a burdensome duty, but rather a joyful, spontaneous, and voluntary response to His immense, unfathomable love and the abundant "well-being" and spiritual flourishing He so graciously provides. When we truly experience His goodness, grace, and unfailing faithfulness, our hearts are moved to declare, with profound gratitude, "I will not go away from You," willingly choosing lifelong devotion and joyful service out of an overflowing love for Him and His "house," the Church.

Questions for Reflection

  • In what areas of your life (e.g., family, work, church, community) are you called to serve? Is your service primarily motivated by obligation, or by genuine love and a deep sense of well-being and contentment?
  • How can those in positions of authority or leadership (e.g., parents, employers, pastors, civic leaders) intentionally cultivate environments where people feel profoundly valued, genuinely loved, and truly "well with them," thereby inspiring willing, heartfelt, and enduring commitment?
  • Reflect deeply on your personal relationship with God. In what specific ways do you experience "being well with Him"—His provision, His peace, His presence, His purpose? How does this experience lead you to a deeper, more voluntary, and joyful commitment to His will and His kingdom?
  • What practical, tangible steps can you take this week to foster more loving, mutually beneficial, and genuinely committed relationships within your own "household," family, church, or community, mirroring the spirit of profound care and voluntary attachment found in this verse?

FAQ

What happens after the servant says "I will not go away from thee"?

Answer: If the Hebrew servant explicitly declares their desire to remain with their master, the law specifies a formal and solemn ceremony to solidify this lifelong commitment. According to Deuteronomy 15:17, the master was to take an awl (a sharp, pointed tool) and pierce the servant's ear through to the doorpost. This public act symbolized the servant's permanent and willing attachment to the household, making them a "servant forever." This was a visible and indelible mark of their chosen, permanent bond, signifying that they had voluntarily opted to become an enduring part of the family unit, forsaking the right to freedom in the seventh year or the Year of Jubilee. This ancient practice is also detailed in Exodus 21:6.

Was this still considered slavery, even if voluntary?

Answer: While the modern term "slavery" often carries strong negative connotations of forced labor, dehumanization, and chattel ownership, the Hebrew concept of servitude, particularly in this voluntary context, was fundamentally distinct. It was a unique form of permanent, familial attachment rather than the brutal chattel slavery prevalent elsewhere. The servant was not mere property to be bought and sold at will (a practice explicitly prohibited for Israelites in Leviticus 25:42). Instead, they were an integrated, valued, and permanent member of the household, choosing to remain due to genuine love, good treatment, and a sense of belonging. This was a covenantal relationship, formalized by the ear-piercing, signifying a lifelong bond of loyalty and care, akin to a permanent adoption into the family unit, albeit in a servant role.

How does this law differ from other ancient Near Eastern laws regarding servants?

Answer: The Mosaic Law, as profoundly exemplified in Deuteronomy 15, stands in stark and revolutionary contrast to many other ancient Near Eastern legal codes (such as the Code of Hammurabi) which generally allowed for perpetual, often brutal, and dehumanizing chattel slavery. The key distinctions embedded within Israelite law include: (1) The mandatory release of Hebrew servants after six years (Exodus 21:2), which fundamentally prevented lifelong involuntary servitude among Israelites. (2) The provision for the Year of Jubilee, ensuring that all land and persons returned to their ancestral families and freedom every fifty years (Leviticus 25:10). (3) Strict laws against kidnapping and selling Israelites into slavery, punishable by death (Exodus 21:16). (4) The pervasive emphasis on humane treatment, rooted in the profound remembrance of Israel's own liberation from Egyptian bondage (Deuteronomy 15:15). Deuteronomy 15:16 further highlights this uniqueness by allowing for a voluntary lifelong bond based on love, mutual well-being, and genuine affection—a concept largely absent from the coercive and exploitative systems of other nations.

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

Deuteronomy 15:16 finds its most profound and beautiful Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ, who embodies the ultimate "servant" who willingly and eternally chose to remain in perfect devotion to His Father. While the Old Testament servant was bound to an earthly master, Christ, the eternal Son of God, willingly emptied Himself of divine prerogatives and took on the very form of a servant (Philippians 2:7). His entire earthly ministry was characterized by an unparalleled, profound love for His Father and for His "house" (which is the people of God, the Church), and a deep, abiding sense of "being well with" the Father, even amidst unimaginable suffering and the agony of the cross. He did not come to be served, but to serve, and ultimately to give His life as a ransom for many (Mark 10:45). The ancient ear-piercing ceremony, symbolizing a permanent, willing bond, finds its ultimate and spiritual reality in Christ's eternal commitment to God's will, as beautifully foreshadowed in Psalm 40:6-8, which speaks of an "open ear" or "pierced ears" in the Septuagint, signifying His perfect, voluntary obedience. Through His perfect life, atoning sacrifice, and glorious resurrection, we, who were once enslaved to sin and death, are now graciously invited into a new, voluntary, and joyful servitude to Him, not out of obligation or fear, but out of overflowing love and profound gratitude for the glorious freedom and eternal "well-being" we find exclusively in Him (Romans 6:22). We become His "servants forever," not through a physical mark, but through the indelible seal of the Holy Spirit, willingly choosing to remain in His "house" (His kingdom, His church) because we love Him supremely and are profoundly, eternally "well with" Him (John 15:13-15).

Copy as

Commentary on Deuteronomy 15 verses 12–18

Here is, I. A repetition of the law that had been given concerning Hebrew servants who had sold themselves for servants, or were sold by their parents through extreme poverty, or were sold by the court of judgment for some crime committed. The law was, 1. That they should serve but six years, and in the seventh should go out free, Deu 15:12. Compare Exo 21:2. And, if the year of jubilee happened before they served out their time, that would be their discharge. God's Israel were a free people, and must not be compelled to perpetual slavery; thus are God's spiritual Israel called unto liberty. 2. That if, when their six years' service had expired, they had no mind to go out free, but would rather continue in service, as having less care, though taking more pains, than their masters, in this case they must lay themselves under an obligation to serve for ever, that is, for life, by having their ears bored to the door-posts, Deu 15:16, Deu 15:17. Compare Exo 21:6. If hereby a man disgraced himself with some, as of a mean and servile spirit, that had not a due sense of the honour and pleasure of liberty, yet, we may suppose, with others he got reputation, as of a quiet contented spirit, humble, and diligent, and loving, and not given to change.

II. Here is an addition to this law, requiring them to put some small stock into their servants' hands to set up with for themselves, when they sent them out of their service, Deu 15:13, Deu 15:14. It was to be supposed that they had nothing of their own, and that their friends had little or nothing for them, else they else they would have been redeemed before they were discharged by law; they had no wages for their service, and all they got by their labour was their masters', so that their liberty would do them little good, having nothing to begin the world with; therefore their masters are here commanded to furnish them liberally with corn and cattle. No certain measure is prescribed: that is left to the generosity of the master, who probably would have respect to the servant's merit and necessity; but the Jewish writers say, "He could not give less than the value of thirty shekels of silver, but as much more as he pleased" The maid-servants, though they were not to have their ears bored if they were disposed to stay, yet, if they went out free, they were to have a gratuity given them; for to this those words refer, Unto thy maid-servant thou shalt do likewise, Deu 15:17. The reasons for this are taken from the law of gratitude. They must do it, 1. In gratitude to God, who had not only brought them out of Egypt (Deu 15:15), but brought them out greatly enriched with the spoils of the Egyptians. Let them not send their servants out empty, for they were not sent empty out of the house of bondage. God's tender care of us and kindness to us oblige us to be careful of, and kind to, those that have a dependence upon us. Thus we must render according to the benefit done unto us. 2. In gratitude to their servants, Deu 15:18. "Grudge not to give him a little out of thy abundance, for he has been worth a double hired servant unto thee. The days of the hireling at most were but three years (Isa 16:14), but he has served thee six years, and, unlike the hired servant, without any wages." Masters and landlords ought to consider what need they have of, and what ease and advantage they have by, their servants and tenants, and should not only be just but kind to them. To these reasons it is added, as before in this chapter (Deu 15:4, Deu 15:6, Deu 15:10), The Lord they God shall bless thee. Then we may expect family blessings, the springs of family-prosperity, when we make conscience of our duty to our family-relations.

Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 12–18. Public domain.
Copy as
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
Copy as

Continue studying Deuteronomy 15:16 across the web’s major study libraries — every link below opens this exact verse, chapter, or book on the destination site.

Read & Compare

Commentaries

Original Language & Research

Sermons, Hymns & Audio

TrulyRandomVerse is not affiliated with these sites and doesn’t control their content. They’re linked because they’re genuinely useful.