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 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 profound affection for the master and their household, coupled with a deep sense of contentment and well-being experienced under that master's care. The verse highlights a relationship built on mutual respect and genuine attachment, transcending mere legal obligation and underscoring the humane and compassionate spirit embedded within God's covenant instructions for Israelite society.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 15:16 is situated within a broader section of laws (Deuteronomy 15:12-18) specifically addressing the treatment and release of Hebrew servants. This passage immediately follows the general 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 remembrance of Israel's own liberation from bondage in Egypt ([Deuteronomy 15:12-15](/deuteronomy/15-12 "Deuteronomy 15:12-15 - Laws for Releasing Hebrew Servants")). Verse 16 introduces a crucial exception to this rule of mandatory release, detailing the conditions under which a servant might *choose* to remain. The subsequent verse ([Deuteronomy 15:17](/deuteronomy/15-17 "Deuteronomy 15:17 - The Ear-Piercing Ceremony")) then outlines the ceremonial act—piercing the servant's ear to the doorpost—that formalized this lifelong commitment, marking them as a permanent member of the household. This entire section emphasizes God's concern for social justice and the humane treatment of the vulnerable within Israelite society, contrasting sharply with the harsh realities of servitude in surrounding ancient Near Eastern cultures.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, various forms of servitude existed, often involving harsh conditions and perpetual bondage. The Mosaic Law, however, introduced revolutionary principles designed to protect the dignity and rights of individuals, even those in servitude. Hebrew servitude was fundamentally different from chattel slavery; it was often a temporary arrangement, a means of debt repayment, or a way for impoverished individuals to secure sustenance and protection. The law of 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 bondage. Deuteronomy 15:16 provides a unique glimpse into the potential for genuine, affectionate relationships to develop within this system, where a servant, having experienced benevolent care and a sense of belonging, would willingly choose to forgo their freedom and remain permanently. This reflects a societal ideal where masters were expected to treat their servants with compassion, 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 within Deuteronomy and the Pentateuch. It highlights the theme of **compassion and social justice**, demonstrating God's meticulous concern for the vulnerable and His desire for a society marked by equity and humane treatment, distinct from the practices of surrounding nations. The emphasis on the servant's **voluntary choice** underscores the value of personal agency and the possibility of relationships built on love and loyalty, rather than mere obligation or coercion. This points to the theme of **covenant faithfulness**, as the master's benevolent treatment mirrors God's own faithfulness to Israel, and the servant's willing commitment reflects the ideal response of Israel to God's love. Furthermore, the concept of a servant finding "well-being" and "love" within a household foreshadows the New Testament understanding of **spiritual freedom found in willing service** to God, where true liberty is found not in independence from all authority, but in joyful submission to a loving Master, as seen 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, _'ahev_):** This verb signifies a deep, genuine affection, more than mere liking or preference. It implies a bond of loyalty, care, and attachment that has developed between the servant and the master. This is the same word used to describe God's love for Israel and the command for Israel to love God ([Deuteronomy 6:5](/deuteronomy/6-5 "Deuteronomy 6:5 - The Great Commandment")). Its use here elevates the relationship beyond a transactional one, suggesting a familial or communal bond.
* **thine house (Hebrew, _beitheka_):** This term refers not just to the physical dwelling, but to the entire household, including the master's family, property, and the collective life within it. The servant's love extends to this broader entity, indicating a profound sense of belonging and integration into the family unit, seeing their own welfare intertwined with that of the household.
* **is well with thee (Hebrew, _yitav lo 'immakh_):** This phrase literally translates to "it is good for him with you." It conveys a state of contentment, prosperity, and satisfaction. It implies that the servant has been treated justly, provided for adequately, and feels secure and valued within the master's household. This "goodness" is the practical outcome of the master's compassionate adherence to the law and the servant's positive experience.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it shall be, if he say unto thee, I will not go away from thee;":** This opening clause establishes the premise for the entire verse: the servant's explicit, voluntary declaration of intent to remain. The decision rests entirely with the servant, highlighting their agency and free will. This is not a master's command but a servant's choice, indicating a relationship dynamic that transcends mere obligation.
* **"because he loveth thee and thine house,":** This provides the primary motivation for the servant's decision. The servant's choice is not driven by economic necessity or lack of options, but by a deep-seated affection and loyalty towards the master and the entire household. This suggests a relational bond that has grown beyond the initial terms of service, evolving into a familial or communal attachment.
* **"because he is well with thee;":** This offers a secondary, yet equally crucial, motivation. The servant's contentment stems from the positive experience of being under the master's care. This implies that the master has provided good treatment, ample provision, and a secure environment, making the servant's situation desirable and fostering a sense of belonging and satisfaction. The "well-being" is a testament to the master's adherence to the humane principles of the Mosaic Law.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 15:16 employs several literary devices to convey its message. The verse is structured as a **Conditional Clause** ("if he say unto thee...") which sets up a specific scenario, immediately followed by **Motivation Clauses** ("because he loveth... because he is well...") that provide the explicit reasons for the servant's choice. This structure emphasizes the **Volition** of the servant, making their decision central to the legal provision. The repetition of "because he" reinforces the servant's agency and the personal nature of their motivations. Furthermore, the verse implicitly uses **Contrast** by presenting a scenario of willing, loving servitude against the backdrop of the general law of mandatory release, and by extension, against the often-harsh realities of servitude in other ancient cultures. This highlights the unique, compassionate, and relational nature of God's law for His people.

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

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

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 15:16, while rooted in an ancient legal context, offers timeless principles for fostering healthy and flourishing relationships in any sphere of life. It challenges us to create environments—whether in families, workplaces, churches, or communities—where people feel so valued, loved, and well-cared for that they willingly choose to commit themselves wholeheartedly. This verse encourages those in leadership to exercise their authority with compassion, justice, and generosity, recognizing that genuine loyalty and enduring commitment are cultivated through benevolent treatment and mutual respect, not through force or manipulation. For believers, this passage serves as a profound metaphor for our relationship with God. Our service to Christ should not be a reluctant obligation, but a joyful, voluntary response to His immense love and the abundant "well-being" He provides. When we truly experience His goodness, our hearts are moved to declare, "I will not go away from You," choosing lifelong devotion out of love for Him and His "house," the church.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life (family, work, church) are you called to serve? Is your service primarily motivated by obligation or by love and a sense of well-being?**
* **How can those in positions of authority or leadership cultivate environments where people feel valued, loved, and genuinely "well with them," inspiring willing commitment?**
* **Reflect on your relationship with God. In what ways do you experience "being well with Him"? How does this lead you to a deeper, more voluntary commitment to His will and His kingdom?**
* **What practical steps can you take to foster more loving and mutually beneficial relationships in your own "household" or community, mirroring the spirit of this verse?**

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

Answer: If the Hebrew servant declares their desire to remain with their master, the law specifies a formal ceremony to solemnize this lifelong commitment. According to [Deuteronomy 15:17](/deuteronomy/15-17 "Deuteronomy 15:17 - The Ear-Piercing Ceremony"), the master was to take an awl (a sharp, pointed tool) and pierce the servant's ear through to the doorpost. This act symbolized the servant's permanent attachment to the household, making them a "servant forever." This was a public and visible mark of their willing, permanent bond, signifying that they had chosen to become an enduring part of the family unit, forsaking the right to freedom in the seventh year or Jubilee. This practice is also mentioned in [Exodus 21:6](/exodus/21-6 "Exodus 21:6 - The Permanent Servant").

**Was this still considered slavery, even if voluntary?**

Answer: While the term "slavery" often carries negative connotations of forced labor and dehumanization, the Hebrew concept of servitude, especially in this voluntary context, was distinct. It was a form of permanent, familial attachment rather than chattel slavery. The servant was not property to be bought and sold at will (as prohibited in [Leviticus 25:42](/leviticus/25-42 "Leviticus 25:42 - Israelites Not to be Sold as Slaves")). Instead, they were an integrated, valued member of the household, choosing to remain due to love and good treatment. This was a covenantal relationship, formalized by the ear-piercing, signifying a lifelong bond of loyalty and care, much like 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 exemplified in [Deuteronomy 15](/deuteronomy/15 "Deuteronomy 15 - Laws of Release and Lending"), stands in stark contrast to many other ancient Near Eastern legal codes (e.g., Code of Hammurabi) which generally allowed for perpetual, often brutal, chattel slavery. The key distinctions in 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")), preventing lifelong involuntary servitude among Israelites. (2) The provision for the Year of Jubilee, ensuring all land and persons returned to their ancestral families ([Leviticus 25:10](/leviticus/25-10 "Leviticus 25:10 - The Year of Jubilee")). (3) Strict laws against kidnapping and selling Israelites into slavery ([Exodus 21:16](/exodus/21-16 "Exodus 21:16 - Kidnapping is Punishable by Death")). (4) The emphasis on humane treatment, remembering Israel's own liberation from Egypt ([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 and mutual well-being, a concept largely absent from the coercive systems of other nations.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 15:16 finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who embodies the ultimate "servant" who willingly chose to remain in eternal devotion. While the Old Testament servant was bound to an earthly master, Christ, the Son of God, willingly emptied Himself and took the form of a servant ([Philippians 2:7](/philippians/2-7 "Philippians 2:7 - Christ's Humiliation")). His entire earthly ministry was characterized by a profound love for His Father and His "house" (the people of God, the Church), and a deep sense of "being well with" the Father, even in suffering. He did not come to be served, but to serve, and 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 ear-piercing ceremony, symbolizing a permanent bond, finds its ultimate reality in Christ's eternal commitment to God's will, as foreshadowed in [Psalm 40:6-8](/psalm/40-6 "Psalm 40:6-8 - Delight in Doing God's Will"), which speaks of an "open ear" or "pierced ears" in the Septuagint, signifying His perfect obedience. Through His sacrifice, we, who were once slaves to sin, are now invited into a new, voluntary servitude to Him, not out of obligation, but out of love and gratitude for the freedom and "well-being" we find 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" because we love Him and are profoundly "well with" Him ([John 15:13-15](/john/15-13 "John 15:13-15 - Friends, Not Servants")).

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.