Deuteronomy 15:16

KJV

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;

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;

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;

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,

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;

Commentary

### 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](/deuteronomy/15-12-15 "Deuteronomy 15:12-15 - Laws for Releasing Hebrew Servants and Remembering Deliverance")). 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](/deuteronomy/15-17 "Deuteronomy 15:17 - The Ear-Piercing Ceremony for Permanent Servitude")) 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](/exodus/21-2 "Exodus 21:2 - Hebrew Servants Released After Six Years")) or during the Year of Jubilee ([Leviticus 25:10](/leviticus/25-10 "Leviticus 25:10 - The Year of Jubilee")) 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](/deuteronomy/15-15 "Deuteronomy 15:15 - Remembering Deliverance from Egypt")).
* **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](/romans/6-18 "Romans 6:18 - Servants of Righteousness") and [1 Corinthians 7:22](/1_corinthians/7-22 "1 Corinthians 7:22 - Free in the Lord").

### 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](/deuteronomy/6-5 "Deuteronomy 6:5 - The Great Commandment")). 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.

* [Exodus 21:5-6](/exodus/21-5-6 "The Ear-Piercing Ceremony and Permanent Servitude")
* [Leviticus 25:39-43](/leviticus/25-39-43 "Humane Treatment of Fellow Israelites")
* [Psalm 40:6-8](/psalm/40-6-8 "Delight in Doing God's Will and Obedience")

### 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](/deuteronomy/15-17 "Deuteronomy 15:17 - The Ear-Piercing Ceremony for Permanent Servitude"), 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](/exodus/21-6 "Exodus 21:6 - The Permanent Servant").

**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](/leviticus/25-42 "Leviticus 25:42 - Israelites Not to be Sold as Slaves")). 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](/deuteronomy/15 "Deuteronomy 15 - Laws of Release and Lending"), 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](/exodus/21-2 "Exodus 21:2 - Hebrew Servants Released After Six Years")), 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](/leviticus/25-10 "Leviticus 25:10 - The Year of Jubilee")). (3) Strict laws against kidnapping and selling Israelites into slavery, punishable by death ([Exodus 21:16](/exodus/21-16 "Exodus 21:16 - Kidnapping is Punishable by Death")). (4) The pervasive emphasis on humane treatment, rooted in the profound remembrance of Israel's own liberation from Egyptian bondage ([Deuteronomy 15:15](/deuteronomy/15-15 "Deuteronomy 15:15 - Remembering Deliverance from Egypt")). 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](/philippians/2-7 "Philippians 2:7 - Christ's Humiliation and Obedience")). 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](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man Came to Serve")). 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](/psalm/40-6-8 "Psalm 40:6-8 - Delight in Doing God's Will and Obedience"), 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](/romans/6-22 "Romans 6:22 - Freed from Sin, Enslaved to God")). 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](/john/15-13-15 "John 15:13-15 - Friends, Not Servants, and Abiding in Christ's Love")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Exodus 21:5

And if the servant shall plainly say, I love my master, my wife, and my children; I will not go out free:

Exodus 21:6

Then his master shall bring him unto the judges; he shall also bring him to the door, or unto the door post; and his master shall bore his ear through with an aul; and he shall serve him for ever.

Psalms 40:8

I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law [is] within my heart.

Psalms 40:6

¶ Sacrifice and offering thou didst not desire; mine ears hast thou opened: burnt offering and sin offering hast thou not required.