Deuteronomy 15:18

KJV

It shall not seem hard unto thee, when thou sendest him away free from thee; for he hath been worth a double hired servant [to thee], in serving thee six years: and the LORD thy God shall bless thee in all that thou doest.

KJV (with Strong's)

It shall not seem hard {H7185} unto thee {H5869}, when thou sendest him away {H7971} free {H2670} from thee; for he hath been worth {H7939} a double {H4932} hired servant {H7916} to thee, in serving {H5647} thee six {H8337} years {H8141}: and the LORD {H3068} thy God {H430} shall bless {H1288} thee in all that thou doest {H6213}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Don't resent it when you set him free, since during his six years of service he has been worth twice as much as a hired employee. Then ADONAI your God will bless you in everything you do.

Berean Standard Bible

Do not regard it as a hardship to set your servant free, because his six years of service were worth twice the wages of a hired hand. And the LORD your God will bless you in all you do.

American Standard Version

It shall not seem hard unto thee, when thou lettest him go free from thee; for to the double of the hire of a hireling hath he served thee six years: and Jehovah thy God will bless thee in all that thou doest.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 15:18 concludes the laws regarding the release of Hebrew servants in the sabbatical year, commanding masters to release their servants with a generous heart and without reluctance. It underscores the immense value of the servant's six years of dedicated labor, equating it to that of a "double hired servant," and promises divine blessing to the master who obeys this command with a willing spirit, thereby linking ethical conduct in economic relationships directly to God's favor.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 15:18 serves as the capstone to a series of laws (Deuteronomy 15:1-18) concerning the "Year of Release" (or sabbatical year), which occurred every seven years. This chapter begins with instructions for debt remission (Deuteronomy 15:1-6) and then transitions to the release of Hebrew servants (Deuteronomy 15:12-18). The immediate preceding verses (Deuteronomy 15:12-17) detail the specific conditions for releasing male and female Hebrew servants after six years of service, emphasizing that they should not be sent away empty-handed but generously provisioned from the master's flock, threshing floor, and winepress (Deuteronomy 15:13-14). Verse 18 specifically addresses the master's internal disposition, ensuring that this act of release and generosity is not perceived as a hardship, but rather as a just recompense for valuable service, culminating in a promise of divine blessing. This final verse reinforces the spirit of the law, moving beyond mere compliance to a commanded attitude of generosity.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, temporary servitude was a common economic reality, often entered into due to poverty or debt, not as chattel slavery. Hebrew law, unlike surrounding ancient Near Eastern codes, provided unique protections and limits for such servitude, notably the six-year term and the Year of Release. This system aimed to prevent perpetual poverty and to maintain the dignity of fellow Israelites, reflecting God's redemptive act in freeing Israel from Egyptian bondage, as explicitly stated in [Deuteronomy 15:15](/deuteronomy/15-15 "Deuteronomy 15:15 - Remember Your Bondage in Egypt"). The concept of a "hired servant" (Hebrew: *sakir*) typically referred to a day laborer or someone employed for a fixed period, whose wages were a significant part of their livelihood. The "double hired servant" phrasing highlights the substantial economic value of a long-term, consistent worker compared to the more transient nature of day laborers. The societal expectation was that masters would benefit significantly from such labor, making the act of release and provision a demonstration of covenant faithfulness rather than an economic burden.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Deuteronomy and the broader Pentateuch. Firstly, it exemplifies **Divine Justice and Compassion**, demonstrating God's concern for the vulnerable and His mandate for equitable treatment even within established societal structures, echoing the call for justice found in passages like [Deuteronomy 16:20](/deuteronomy/16-20 "Deuteronomy 16:20 - Justice, and Only Justice"). Secondly, it underscores the theme of **Covenant Obedience and Blessing**, a central tenet of Deuteronomy, where faithfulness to God's commands is directly linked to prosperity and divine favor, as seen throughout [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses"). The phrase "the LORD thy God shall bless thee" reinforces this reciprocal relationship. Thirdly, the verse emphasizes **Generosity of Spirit**, moving beyond mere legal compliance to demand a willing and cheerful heart in acts of charity and justice, reflecting the heart of God Himself. Finally, it highlights the **Value of Human Labor and Dignity**, acknowledging the profound contribution of the servant and ensuring their release is not an act of discarding but of honoring their service.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Hard (Hebrew, _qashah'_):** This word implies something burdensome, difficult, or grievous. In this context, it refers to the master's internal disposition, commanding that the act of releasing the servant and providing for them should not feel like a heavy burden or an unfair loss. It speaks to the attitude and heart behind the obedience, not just the action itself.
* **Double Hired Servant (Hebrew, _mishneh sakir'_):** This phrase is crucial for understanding the economic rationale presented. *Mishneh* means "double" or "second," and *sakir* refers to a "hired worker" or "laborer." It does not necessarily mean the servant was paid double wages, but rather that their consistent, dedicated service over six years provided the master with value equivalent to what two ordinary hired laborers might have provided or cost over the same period. A bondservant provided stable, long-term, and often more committed labor than transient day laborers, making their contribution exceptionally valuable and justifying the generosity at their release.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"It shall not seem hard unto thee, when thou sendest him away free from thee;":** This opening clause directly addresses the master's internal attitude. The command is not merely to release the servant, but to do so without reluctance, resentment, or a sense of loss. It emphasizes that the act of generosity and justice should be performed with a willing and cheerful heart, aligning the inner disposition with the outward deed.
* **"for he hath been worth a double hired servant [to thee], in serving thee six years:":** This provides the divine rationale for the command. God reminds the master of the immense value and significant contribution the servant has made. The servant's consistent and dedicated labor over six years is presented as being worth twice that of a typical hired laborer, underscoring that the master has received substantial benefit and that the act of release and provision is a just and proportionate response to that value, not an undue burden.
* **"and the LORD thy God shall bless thee in all that thou doest.":** This concluding promise serves as both encouragement and covenantal assurance. It links the master's willing obedience and generous spirit directly to divine favor. God promises to bless all the master's endeavors, reinforcing the Deuteronomic principle that faithfulness to God's commands, particularly those concerning justice and compassion for the vulnerable, results in tangible prosperity and success in every aspect of life.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 15:18 employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. The most prominent is **Didactic Instruction**, as the verse directly commands and explains the rationale behind the law. The phrase "It shall not seem hard unto thee" uses **Negative Command** to shape the desired internal disposition, emphasizing what *not* to feel. This is immediately followed by a **Justification** introduced by "for," which provides the economic and moral reasoning for the command, highlighting the servant's significant contribution. The comparison "worth a double hired servant" functions as a **Metaphor** or **Hyperbole**, underscoring the exceptional value of the servant's labor, making the master's generosity not a loss but a just acknowledgment. Finally, the verse concludes with a clear **Promise of Blessing**, a recurring **Covenantal Motif** throughout Deuteronomy, where obedience to God's statutes is consistently linked to divine favor and prosperity. This structure moves from command to rationale to promise, effectively persuading the audience to embrace the law with a willing heart.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 15:18 encapsulates profound theological truths about God's character and His expectations for His people. It reveals a God who is not only just but also deeply compassionate, valuing human dignity and labor, and desiring generosity of spirit from His followers. The command to release servants without reluctance, coupled with the reminder of their immense value, reflects God's own magnanimous nature and His commitment to social equity within the covenant community. The promised blessing for obedience reinforces the consistent biblical theme that acts of righteousness, particularly those involving care for the vulnerable and generous giving, are not forgotten by God but are met with His abundant favor, demonstrating that true prosperity flows from alignment with divine principles.

* [Deuteronomy 28:1-2](/deuteronomy/28-1 "Deuteronomy 28:1-2 - Blessings for Obedience") - This passage outlines the comprehensive blessings that follow obedience to God's commands, mirroring the promise of blessing in Deuteronomy 15:18.
* [Proverbs 19:17](/proverbs/19-17 "Proverbs 19:17 - Lending to the Poor") - "Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will repay him for his deed," directly linking acts of generosity to divine recompense.
* [2 Corinthians 9:6-7](/2_corinthians/9-6 "2 Corinthians 9:6-7 - Cheerful Giving") - Paul's teaching on cheerful giving ("God loves a cheerful giver") echoes the spirit of Deuteronomy 15:18's command not to let the act "seem hard."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 15:18 transcends its ancient context to offer timeless principles for how we engage with others, particularly in economic and relational spheres. It challenges us to cultivate a heart of genuine generosity and gratitude, moving beyond mere compliance with rules to embrace a spirit of willing service and giving. In our modern world, this translates to valuing the contributions of those who work for us or with us, ensuring fair and just compensation, and extending generosity without grudging. It calls us to see acts of kindness, charity, or even the fair treatment of employees not as burdens or losses, but as opportunities to reflect God's character and to trust in His promise of blessing. When we act with a willing and open hand, acknowledging the value of others and trusting in God's provision, we open ourselves to divine favor in all our endeavors, recognizing that true prosperity is not just about accumulation but about righteous living and generous giving.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life do I tend to act out of obligation or reluctance, rather than with a generous and willing heart?**
* **How can I better acknowledge and value the contributions of those who serve me, whether in my workplace, home, or community?**
* **What "sacrifices" or acts of generosity might God be calling me to, and how can I overcome any "hardness" of heart in responding?**
* **How does trusting in God's promise of blessing influence my willingness to be generous, even when it feels costly?**

### FAQ

**What does "It shall not seem hard unto thee" mean in a practical sense for the master?**

Answer: Practically, this means the master should not view the release of the servant, or the required generous provision, as a burdensome obligation, an unfair loss, or something to be resented. Instead, they are commanded to embrace it with a willing and cheerful attitude, recognizing it as a just and righteous act commanded by God, and as a proper acknowledgment of the servant's valuable six years of labor. It's a call to align their internal disposition with the external act of obedience.

**Why is the servant's value equated to a "double hired servant"?**

Answer: The phrase "double hired servant" (Hebrew: *mishneh sakir*) emphasizes the exceptional and sustained value of the bondservant's labor over six years. Unlike a transient day laborer (*sakir*) who might be hired for short periods and require frequent re-hiring or training, a bondservant provided consistent, dedicated, and long-term service. This stability and commitment likely yielded significantly more productivity and economic benefit to the master, perhaps twice what one would expect from a typical hired hand over the same duration. It serves as a divine reminder to the master that the servant's contribution was substantial, justifying the generosity at their release and countering any feeling that the release was an economic hardship.

**How does this verse connect to the broader theme of the Year of Release?**

Answer: Deuteronomy 15:18 is the culmination of the laws concerning the release of Hebrew servants within the Year of Release, which itself is part of the larger sabbatical cycle. The entire chapter, beginning with debt remission in [Deuteronomy 15:1](/deuteronomy/15-1 "Deuteronomy 15:1 - The Year of Release"), emphasizes God's design for economic justice, social equity, and the prevention of perpetual poverty among His people. This verse specifically ensures that the spirit of generosity and compassion, which underpins the entire Year of Release, is maintained even in the act of releasing servants, ensuring that masters do not begrudge the act but perform it willingly, trusting in God's promised blessing for their obedience.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 15:18, with its emphasis on liberation, generous provision, and the master's willing heart, finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Just as the Hebrew servant was released from bondage after six years, humanity was enslaved by sin, unable to free itself. Jesus, the ultimate "master" and Lord, did not merely release us from this bondage; He did so at infinite cost to Himself, through His sacrificial death on the cross. This was not done with a "hard" heart, but with a willing and joyful spirit, as described in [Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of Our Faith"), where He endured the cross "for the joy set before Him." He is the one who generously provides for our freedom, equipping us not with earthly provisions but with the spiritual riches of salvation, eternal life, and the indwelling Holy Spirit, far exceeding any "double hired servant's" worth. His act of liberation is the ultimate demonstration of God's compassion and justice, fulfilling the spirit of the law by setting us truly free from the dominion of sin and death, as proclaimed in [John 8:36](/john/8-36 "John 8:36 - The Son Sets You Free"). Furthermore, the promise of blessing for the obedient master in Deuteronomy foreshadows the immeasurable spiritual blessings poured out upon those who are "in Christ," for in Him, "every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places" is ours, as stated in [Ephesians 1:3](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3 - Spiritual Blessings in Christ"). Jesus embodies the perfect fulfillment of the law's intention: a liberator who gives abundantly, not grudgingly, and whose ultimate sacrifice secures true freedom and blessing for all who believe.

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

Isaiah 21:16

For thus hath the Lord said unto me, Within a year, according to the years of an hireling, and all the glory of Kedar shall fail:

Luke 17:7

But which of you, having a servant plowing or feeding cattle, will say unto him by and by, when he is come from the field, Go and sit down to meat?

Luke 17:8

And will not rather say unto him, Make ready wherewith I may sup, and gird thyself, and serve me, till I have eaten and drunken; and afterward thou shalt eat and drink?

Isaiah 16:14

But now the LORD hath spoken, saying, Within three years, as the years of an hireling, and the glory of Moab shall be contemned, with all that great multitude; and the remnant [shall be] very small [and] feeble.