Deuteronomy 23:16

KJV

He shall dwell with thee, [even] among you, in that place which he shall choose in one of thy gates, where it liketh him best: thou shalt not oppress him.

KJV (with Strong's)

He shall dwell {H3427} with thee, even among {H7130} you, in that place {H4725} which he shall choose {H977} in one {H259} of thy gates {H8179}, where it liketh him best {H2896}: thou shalt not oppress {H3238} him.

Complete Jewish Bible

Allow him to stay with you, in whichever place suits him best among your settlements; do not mistreat him.

Berean Standard Bible

Let him live among you wherever he chooses, in the town of his pleasing. Do not oppress him.

American Standard Version

he shall dwell with thee, in the midst of thee, in the place which he shall choose within one of thy gates, where it pleaseth him best: thou shalt not oppress him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 23:16 lays down a profoundly compassionate and counter-cultural law within the Mosaic covenant, mandating sanctuary and freedom for any servant or slave who has escaped from their master and sought refuge within Israel. This unique statute not only prohibits the return of such an individual to their former owner but also grants them the unprecedented right to choose their place of dwelling anywhere within the Israelite community, ensuring they are protected from any form of oppression. It stands as a testament to God's character as a protector of the vulnerable and a champion of human dignity, setting Israel apart from surrounding ancient Near Eastern legal codes.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 23:16 forms a two-verse legal unit with [Deuteronomy 23:15](/deuteronomy/23-15 "Deuteronomy 23:15 - No Return of Escaped Servants"), which explicitly states, "Thou shalt not deliver unto his master the servant which is escaped from his master unto thee." This immediate pairing establishes a clear and uncompromising directive against the extradition of an escaped individual. These verses are situated within a broader section of Deuteronomic law (chapters 12-26) that outlines various ethical, social, and cultic regulations for Israel as a holy nation dwelling in the Promised Land. The preceding verses in chapter 23 deal with those excluded from the assembly of the Lord, while the subsequent verses address laws concerning usury and vows, highlighting the diverse ethical landscape governed by God's covenant. This particular law underscores the ethical distinctiveness required of God's people, emphasizing compassion and justice even for those considered "property" in other cultures.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, the prevailing legal codes, such as the Code of Hammurabi (Laws 15-20), typically mandated the return of runaway slaves to their masters, often with severe penalties for those who harbored them. Deuteronomy 23:15-16 thus represents a radical departure from the norm. This law likely applied primarily to foreign slaves escaping cruel or oppressive masters in neighboring lands, as Israelite indentured servants (Hebrew slaves) had distinct legal protections and provisions for release, such as after six years of service ([Exodus 21:2](/exodus/21-2 "Exodus 21:2 - Hebrew Servants") and [Deuteronomy 15:12](/deuteronomy/15-12 "Deuteronomy 15:12 - Release of Hebrew Servants")). The phrase "in one of thy gates" refers to the city gates, which were centers of legal, commercial, and social activity, signifying that the escaped individual would be integrated into the public life and protection of the community. This law reflects Israel's own history as oppressed slaves in Egypt and God's subsequent deliverance, fostering an ethos of empathy for the marginalized and a rejection of the oppressive systems prevalent in the world.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Deuteronomy and the broader Old Testament. Firstly, it embodies **Divine Compassion and Refuge**, demonstrating God's profound concern for the vulnerable and oppressed. It mandates providing asylum and a safe haven for those fleeing hardship, reflecting a spirit of mercy that transcends typical legal boundaries. Secondly, the command "thou shalt not oppress him" underscores God's unwavering opposition to **Justice and Anti-Oppression**. It highlights the inherent dignity of every human being, regardless of their past status, echoing broader biblical principles of not afflicting the stranger or sojourner, as seen in [Exodus 22:21](/exodus/22-21 "Exodus 22:21 - Do Not Oppress a Sojourner"). Thirdly, the instruction that the servant "shall choose in one of thy gates, where it liketh him best" is revolutionary, emphasizing **Freedom of Choice and Autonomy**. It grants significant personal liberty to the escaped individual, allowing them to determine their own place of dwelling and livelihood, rather than being dictated by the community or authorities, thereby affirming their personhood over their former status as property.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Oppress (Hebrew, _lachats'_):** The Hebrew verb לָחַץ (_lachats_) carries a strong semantic range, meaning "to press," "to squeeze," "to crush," "to afflict," or "to distress." It signifies more than just unfair treatment; it implies a severe burden, hardship, or restriction imposed upon someone, often with an element of exploitation or coercion. The prohibition here is against any action that would cause distress, restrict the freedom, or exploit the vulnerable position of the escaped servant, ensuring their new-found liberty is not undermined by economic, social, or physical hardship.
* **Choose (Hebrew, _bachar'_):** The Hebrew verb בָּחַר (_bachar_) means "to choose," "to select," or "to prefer." In this context, its use is remarkably significant. It grants the escaped individual agency and self-determination, a privilege rarely afforded to slaves or even many free persons in the ancient world. They are not merely granted asylum but empowered to decide their own future and place within the community, highlighting a profound respect for their personal autonomy and dignity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He shall dwell with thee, [even] among you":** This initial clause establishes the fundamental right of the escaped individual to reside within the Israelite community. It is not merely a temporary shelter but an invitation to full integration. The repetition "with thee, [even] among you" emphasizes the completeness of their acceptance, indicating they are to be treated as a resident, not merely a transient.
* **"in that place which he shall choose in one of thy gates, where it liketh him best":** This is the most revolutionary part of the verse. It grants the escaped person an extraordinary degree of freedom and autonomy. "In one of thy gates" signifies any city or settlement within Israel, as city gates were the entry points and public centers. The phrase "where it liketh him best" (literally, "where it is good for him") underscores the individual's personal preference and welfare as the guiding principle for their new settlement, rather than the dictates of the community or any authority.
* **"thou shalt not oppress him":** This final, emphatic command serves as a crucial safeguard. Having granted refuge and freedom of choice, the law then prohibits any form of mistreatment, exploitation, or imposition of hardship. This ensures that the liberty granted is not nominal but practical, protecting the individual from economic, social, or physical coercion that might arise from their vulnerable status as a former slave or a newcomer.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 23:16 employs several powerful literary devices. The most prominent is **Legal Precedent**, as this law sets a unique standard for the treatment of escaped individuals, diverging sharply from the harsh norms of surrounding cultures. This contrast highlights Israel's distinct ethical identity under Yahweh's covenant. The verse also uses **Emphasis** through repetition and clear, declarative statements ("He shall dwell," "thou shalt not oppress"), underscoring the non-negotiable nature of the command. There is an implicit **Contrast** between the former state of servitude and the new state of freedom and choice, elevating the dignity of the individual. Furthermore, the inclusion of "where it liketh him best" introduces a strong element of **Human Agency** and **Personal Autonomy**, a rare and significant feature in ancient legal texts concerning those considered property.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 23:16 is a profound expression of God's character and His ethical demands upon His people. It reveals a God who is not merely concerned with ritual purity but with social justice, human dignity, and compassion for the marginalized. This law fundamentally challenges the economic and social structures of the ancient world by prioritizing human life and liberty over property rights, especially when those rights are built on oppression. It calls Israel to embody the very nature of their Deliverer, who freed them from the bondage of Egypt, thereby becoming a refuge for those fleeing similar circumstances. The theological implications extend to the concept of a just society, where the vulnerable are protected, and the oppressed find sanctuary, reflecting the divine mandate to "do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God" ([Micah 6:8](/micah/6-8 "Micah 6:8 - What the Lord Requires")).

* [Exodus 22:21](/exodus/22-21 "Exodus 22:21 - Do Not Afflict a Sojourner")
* [Isaiah 1:17](/isaiah/1-17 "Isaiah 1:17 - Learn to Do Good, Seek Justice")
* [Psalm 146:7-9](/psalms/146-7 "Psalm 146:7-9 - The Lord Upholds the Cause of the Oppressed")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 23:16, while rooted in a specific ancient context, offers timeless principles for contemporary believers and societies. It challenges us to cultivate a radical compassion for those who are vulnerable, displaced, or seeking refuge, urging us to be havens of safety and dignity in a world often marked by exploitation and indifference. This ancient law calls us to actively oppose all forms of oppression, whether it be human trafficking, forced labor, economic exploitation, or the systemic marginalization of immigrants and refugees. It reminds us that true freedom includes the right to self-determination and the absence of coercion. As followers of Christ, we are called to see the face of God in the "least of these" ([Matthew 25:40](/matthew/25-40 "Matthew 25:40 - Whatever You Did for One of the Least of These")), extending welcome, protection, and opportunities for flourishing, just as God commanded Israel to do.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways does my community or society currently "oppress" or fail to provide refuge for the vulnerable, and how can I actively work against this?**
* **How does the principle of granting "freedom of choice" to the escaped servant challenge my own assumptions about charity or aid, and how can I empower others rather than dictate to them?**
* **Considering Israel's own history as slaves, how does remembering our own past experiences of deliverance or hardship inform our responsibility to those in similar situations today?**

### FAQ

**Does this law apply to all types of servants, including Hebrew indentured servants?**

Answer: No, this law primarily applies to foreign slaves who have escaped from masters outside of Israel. Hebrew indentured servants, who entered service due to debt or poverty, were governed by different laws. These laws stipulated that Hebrew servants were to be released after six years of service, often with provisions to help them start anew, as detailed in [Exodus 21:2](/exodus/21-2 "Exodus 21:2 - Hebrew Servants") and [Deuteronomy 15:12-18](/deuteronomy/15-12 "Deuteronomy 15:12 - Release of Hebrew Servants"). The unique aspect of Deuteronomy 23:16 is its provision for perpetual freedom and integration for those who escaped from external, likely oppressive, bondage.

**How does this law compare to other ancient Near Eastern legal codes regarding runaway slaves?**

Answer: Deuteronomy 23:16 stands in stark contrast to most ancient Near Eastern legal codes, such as the Code of Hammurabi (c. 1754 BC). These codes typically mandated the return of runaway slaves to their masters, often imposing severe penalties, including death, on those who harbored them. For example, Hammurabi's Code prescribed death for anyone who harbored a runaway slave and did not bring them to the palace. Israel's law, therefore, was revolutionary, prioritizing human dignity and freedom over property rights, reflecting a unique divine ethic.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 23:16, with its radical command to offer refuge, freedom, and protection from oppression to the escaped, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Just as Israel was called to be a sanctuary for the oppressed, Christ Himself is the ultimate refuge for those enslaved by sin, despair, and the broken systems of the world. He came to "proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed" ([Luke 4:18](/luke/4-18 "Luke 4:18 - Jesus' Mission Statement")). Through His atoning work, He liberates us from the bondage of sin, granting us true spiritual freedom ([John 8:36](/john/8-36 "John 8:36 - The Son Sets You Free")) and welcoming us into His household, no longer strangers or sojourners but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God ([Ephesians 2:19](/ephesians/2-19 "Ephesians 2:19 - Fellow Citizens with the Saints")). Furthermore, Christ identifies with the marginalized and the refugee, declaring that when we offer shelter, food, and welcome to "the least of these," we are doing it to Him ([Matthew 25:35-40](/matthew/25-35 "Matthew 25:35 - I Was a Stranger and You Welcomed Me")). The compassionate spirit of Deuteronomy 23:16 is thus perfectly embodied and eternally realized in the expansive, liberating love of our Savior, who calls His followers to extend that same radical welcome and freedom to all.

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 22:21

Thou shalt neither vex a stranger, nor oppress him: for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt.

Exodus 23:9

Also thou shalt not oppress a stranger: for ye know the heart of a stranger, seeing ye were strangers in the land of Egypt.

Jeremiah 7:6

[If] ye oppress not the stranger, the fatherless, and the widow, and shed not innocent blood in this place, neither walk after other gods to your hurt:

Luke 15:15

And he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country; and he sent him into his fields to feed swine.

Luke 15:24

For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry.

Malachi 3:5

And I will come near to you to judgment; and I will be a swift witness against the sorcerers, and against the adulterers, and against false swearers, and against those that oppress the hireling in [his] wages, the widow, and the fatherless, and that turn aside the stranger [from his right], and fear not me, saith the LORD of hosts.

Isaiah 16:3

Take counsel, execute judgment; make thy shadow as the night in the midst of the noonday; hide the outcasts; bewray not him that wandereth.