Deuteronomy 24:14

KJV

¶ Thou shalt not oppress an hired servant [that is] poor and needy, [whether he be] of thy brethren, or of thy strangers that [are] in thy land within thy gates:

KJV (with Strong's)

Thou shalt not oppress {H6231} an hired servant {H7916} that is poor {H6041} and needy {H34}, whether he be of thy brethren {H251}, or of thy strangers {H1616} that are in thy land {H776} within thy gates {H8179}:

Complete Jewish Bible

"You are not to exploit a hired worker who is poor and needy, whether one of your brothers or a foreigner living in your land in your town.

Berean Standard Bible

Do not oppress a hired hand who is poor and needy, whether he is a brother or a foreigner residing in one of your towns.

American Standard Version

Thou shalt not oppress a hired servant that is poor and needy, whether he be of thy brethren, or of thy sojourners that are in thy land within thy gates:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 24:14 issues a foundational command against the exploitation of vulnerable laborers, specifically "hired servants" who are "poor and needy." This divine injunction extends protection to both fellow Israelites and resident foreigners, underscoring God's profound concern for social justice, economic equity, and the inherent dignity of all individuals within the community, particularly those most susceptible to abuse due to their precarious economic status.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a broader section of Deuteronomy (chapters 22-25) that delineates a diverse array of civil, social, and ethical laws intended to govern the Israelite community as they prepare to enter and settle in the Promised Land. These statutes cover everything from property rights and judicial fairness to family purity and the treatment of the marginalized. Specifically, Deuteronomy 24:14-15 forms a mini-unit concerning the prompt and just payment of hired laborers, immediately preceding the command in [Deuteronomy 24:15](/deuteronomy/24-15 "Deuteronomy 24:15 - Prompt Payment for Hired Servants") to pay a hired servant's wages before sunset. This immediate juxtaposition highlights the urgency and life-sustaining nature of these daily earnings for the vulnerable, emphasizing that withholding or delaying payment is a form of oppression. The broader context of these laws in Deuteronomy reflects a covenantal theology where ethical conduct and social justice are integral expressions of Israel's relationship with Yahweh, who delivered them from oppression in Egypt.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, "hired servants" (Hebrew: _sâkîr_) were distinct from slaves; they were free individuals who contracted their labor for wages, often on a daily basis. Many were landless, poor, or had fallen into economic hardship, making them entirely dependent on their daily earnings for survival and the sustenance of their families. There were no social safety nets, and a day's wage was often the difference between eating and starving. Employers, therefore, held significant power over these laborers. The phrase "within thy gates" refers to the towns and cities where such laborers would typically seek work, emphasizing that this law applies to all economic activities within Israelite society. The inclusion of "thy brethren" (fellow Israelites) and "thy strangers" (resident aliens or foreigners) underscores a remarkably inclusive ethic of justice, recognizing the vulnerability of non-Israelites who lacked tribal land or familial support networks. This command was a radical departure from the common exploitative practices of the surrounding ancient Near Eastern cultures.
* **Key Themes:** Deuteronomy 24:14 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Deuteronomy and the Old Testament. Firstly, it powerfully articulates the theme of **Justice for the Vulnerable**, demonstrating God's unwavering concern for the economically disadvantaged and those susceptible to exploitation. The law demands fairness and protection for the "poor and needy," affirming their inherent dignity and right to just treatment, echoing the broader call to care for widows, orphans, and sojourners found throughout the Pentateuch, such as in [Deuteronomy 10:18](/deuteronomy/10-18 "Deuteronomy 10:18 - God's Justice for the Vulnerable"). Secondly, it highlights the theme of **Inclusivity of Justice**, extending the protective arm of the law not only to fellow Israelites but explicitly to "strangers" (resident aliens). This demonstrates a foundational principle that God's justice transcends ethnic or national boundaries, demanding compassion and equity for all who reside within the community's borders, a principle also emphasized in [Leviticus 19:34](/leviticus/19-34 "Leviticus 19:34 - Love the Sojourner"). Finally, the verse speaks to the theme of **Divine Concern for Labor**, establishing a core principle of ethical labor practices: prompt, fair, and non-exploitative compensation. This reflects God's own character as the Liberator who heard the cries of the oppressed in Egypt (cf. [Exodus 3:7](/exodus/3-7 "Exodus 3:7 - God Hears the Cry of His People")) and now commands His people to embody a different kind of economic and social order.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Oppress (Hebrew, _‘āshaq'_):** This verb signifies more than just mistreatment; it carries the connotation of defrauding, violating, or extorting, often by taking advantage of someone's weakness or vulnerability. It implies an act of injustice where one with power or advantage withholds what is rightfully due or unjustly seizes what belongs to another. In the Old Testament, _‘āshaq_ is frequently associated with actions against the poor, the widow, and the orphan, highlighting a profound violation of God's righteous standards and a perversion of justice. It is a direct assault on the dignity and livelihood of the vulnerable.
* **Hired Servant (Hebrew, _sâkîr'_):** Distinct from a slave, a _sâkîr_ was a free person who exchanged their labor for wages, typically on a daily basis. They were often landless and lacked other means of support, making them entirely dependent on their daily earnings for survival. Their economic vulnerability was extreme, as a delay or denial of wages could mean starvation for them and their families. The law specifically targets this group because their dependence made them prime targets for exploitation.
* **Poor and Needy (Hebrew, _‘ānî wā’ebyôn'_):** This conjoined phrase emphasizes the severe destitution and complete reliance of the individual. _‘Ānî_ refers to someone who is afflicted, humble, or oppressed, often due to poverty. _’Ebyôn_ describes someone who is in want, destitute, or utterly dependent, often begging for sustenance. The combination highlights their extreme vulnerability and lack of resources, making them particularly susceptible to the injustice of oppression.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thou shalt not oppress an hired servant":** This is a direct, absolute prohibition, characteristic of covenant law. The "thou" is singular, addressing each Israelite directly, making it a personal responsibility. The command directly targets the abuse of power by employers over those who are economically dependent on them.
* **"[that is] poor and needy":** This parenthetical clause clarifies and emphasizes the specific condition of the hired servant for whom this protection is most critical. It highlights the economic vulnerability that makes them targets of oppression and underscores the compassionate intent of the law.
* **"[whether he be] of thy brethren, or of thy strangers that [are] in thy land within thy gates":** This clause defines the expansive scope of the law's protection. "Thy brethren" refers to fellow Israelites, emphasizing intra-community justice. "Thy strangers" refers to resident aliens or foreigners living among the Israelites, demonstrating an extraordinary inclusivity that extends justice beyond ethnic or national lines. "Within thy gates" signifies that this law applies to all economic activity and social interaction within the settled Israelite communities, making it a pervasive ethical standard.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 24:14 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. The primary device is a **Legal Command/Prohibition**, expressed in the direct, declarative "Thou shalt not," which underscores the absolute and non-negotiable nature of this divine injunction. This apodictic law leaves no room for ambiguity regarding the ethical standard. Furthermore, the verse utilizes **Inclusivity/Scope** through its explicit mention of "thy brethren" and "thy strangers," demonstrating the universal application of justice within the community, regardless of ethnic origin. This broad scope highlights a foundational principle of God's equitable concern for all people. Finally, there is an element of **Emphasis through Specification** by explicitly identifying the "poor and needy" hired servant, drawing attention to the particular vulnerability of this group and reinforcing the compassionate intent behind the law.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 24:14 is a powerful testament to God's character as a God of justice, righteousness, and compassion, particularly for the vulnerable. It reveals that true worship and covenant fidelity are not merely about ritual, but profoundly expressed through ethical conduct in daily life, especially in economic dealings. The command against oppressing the hired servant underscores the theological principle that human dignity, rooted in being created in God's image, demands fair treatment regardless of social or economic status. This law serves as a constant reminder that Israel's identity as a people delivered from oppression in Egypt (cf. [Deuteronomy 5:15](/deuteronomy/5-15 "Deuteronomy 5:15 - Remember Your Deliverance from Egypt")) should translate into a society that actively prevents and condemns similar injustices. The prompt payment of wages is not merely an economic transaction but a theological imperative, reflecting God's own timely provision and care for His creation. This principle resonates throughout the prophetic tradition, which consistently condemns social injustice and exploitation as a violation of God's covenant (e.g., [Amos 2:6-7](/amos/2-6 "Amos 2:6-7 - Oppression of the Poor")).

* [Leviticus 19:13](/leviticus/19-13 "Leviticus 19:13 - Do Not Oppress Your Neighbor")
* [James 5:4](/james/5-4 "James 5:4 - The Cry of Unpaid Laborers")
* [Proverbs 22:22](/proverbs/22-22 "Proverbs 22:22 - Do Not Rob the Poor")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 24:14 remains profoundly relevant for believers today, offering timeless principles for ethical conduct in economic and social spheres. It calls us to critically examine our own practices and the systems we participate in, ensuring that we uphold justice and dignity for all laborers. This includes advocating for fair wages, safe working conditions, and timely compensation, especially for those in vulnerable positions, whether locally or globally. The principle extends beyond formal employment, challenging us to cultivate an attitude of generosity, fairness, and compassion in all our dealings, recognizing the inherent worth of every individual regardless of their background or economic status. It compels us to be vigilant against any form of exploitation, whether overt or subtle, that takes advantage of another's need. Ultimately, this verse invites us to embody God's heart for justice and mercy, transforming our workplaces and communities into reflections of His righteous kingdom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the principle of "not oppressing" the poor and needy challenge contemporary economic practices or systems, both locally and globally?**
* **In what ways might we, perhaps unknowingly, contribute to or benefit from systems that exploit vulnerable workers?**
* **Beyond formal employment, how can the spirit of this command inform our daily interactions and attitudes towards those who serve us or are in less privileged positions?**
* **What practical steps can individuals or communities take to advocate for and ensure fair labor practices in their spheres of influence?**

### FAQ
**What is the difference between a "hired servant" and a "slave" in the context of ancient Israelite law?**

Answer: In ancient Israel, a "hired servant" (Hebrew: _sâkîr_) was a free individual who contracted their labor for wages, typically on a daily or seasonal basis. They were distinct from "slaves" (Hebrew: _‘eved_), who were typically acquired through debt, war, or birth and were considered property, though Israelite law (e.g., [Exodus 21:2-11](/exodus/21-2 "Exodus 21:2-11 - Laws Concerning Hebrew Servants")) provided significant protections for slaves, particularly Hebrew ones. Hired servants, like those mentioned in [Deuteronomy 24:14](/deuteronomy/24-14 "Deuteronomy 24:14 - Do Not Oppress Hired Servants"), were economically vulnerable precisely because their livelihood depended entirely on their daily wages. The law's focus on prompt payment (cf. [Deuteronomy 24:15](/deuteronomy/24-15 "Deuteronomy 24:15 - Pay Hired Servants Daily")) underscores their precarious, hand-to-mouth existence.

**Why is the inclusion of "strangers" significant in this command?**

Answer: The inclusion of "strangers" (Hebrew: _gēr_, resident aliens or foreigners) alongside "thy brethren" (fellow Israelites) is highly significant because it demonstrates the expansive and inclusive nature of God's justice. In the ancient world, resident foreigners often lacked the tribal and familial support networks that provided a safety net for native citizens, making them even more vulnerable to exploitation. By explicitly extending this protection to them, the law underscores that God's concern for justice and the dignity of all people transcends ethnic or national boundaries. It reflects Israel's own history as "strangers" in Egypt (cf. [Exodus 22:21](/exodus/22-21 "Exodus 22:21 - Do Not Oppress a Sojourner")) and commands them to show the same compassion they received.

**How does this ancient law apply to modern employment practices?**

Answer: While the specific economic context has changed, the underlying ethical principles of [Deuteronomy 24:14](/deuteronomy/24-14 "Deuteronomy 24:14 - Do Not Oppress Hired Servants") remain profoundly relevant. It calls for employers and economic systems to uphold fair labor practices, ensuring just wages, timely payment, and safe working conditions for all employees. It condemns any practice that takes advantage of a worker's vulnerability, whether through delayed payment, exploitative wages, unsafe environments, or any form of intimidation. The principle extends to global supply chains, urging consumers and businesses to consider the ethical implications of their purchasing and production decisions, ensuring that workers are not oppressed for economic gain. It serves as a timeless reminder that economic activity must always be tempered by justice, compassion, and respect for human dignity.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 24:14, with its emphatic command against oppressing the vulnerable laborer, finds profound fulfillment and amplification in the person and teachings of Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament law established the ethical framework for a just society, Jesus perfectly embodied and radically extended its spirit. He consistently identified with the poor, the marginalized, and the oppressed, declaring His mission to "proclaim good news to the poor... to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed" ([Luke 4:18-19](/luke/4-18 "Luke 4:18-19 - Jesus' Mission Statement")). His parables, such as the Good Samaritan ([Luke 10:25-37](/luke/10-25 "Luke 10:25-37 - The Parable of the Good Samaritan")), illustrate that true neighborly love extends to all, regardless of background or status, mirroring the Deuteronomic inclusion of "strangers." Furthermore, Jesus' teachings on justice and mercy (e.g., [Matthew 23:23](/matthew/23-23 "Matthew 23:23 - Justice, Mercy, and Faith")) underscore the heart of God for the vulnerable. The New Testament church, empowered by Christ's example, is called to live out these principles, actively seeking justice for the oppressed and ensuring that no one is exploited within or outside its community. The ultimate fulfillment lies in Christ's kingdom, where perfect justice will reign, and all forms of oppression will be abolished, reflecting the divine character that first legislated against the oppression of the hired servant.

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

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.

Proverbs 14:31

¶ He that oppresseth the poor reproacheth his Maker: but he that honoureth him hath mercy on the poor.

Proverbs 22:16

¶ He that oppresseth the poor to increase his [riches, and] he that giveth to the rich, [shall] surely [come] to want.

Amos 4:1

¶ Hear this word, ye kine of Bashan, that [are] in the mountain of Samaria, which oppress the poor, which crush the needy, which say to their masters, Bring, and let us drink.

Deuteronomy 15:12

¶ [And] if thy brother, an Hebrew man, or an Hebrew woman, be sold unto thee, and serve thee six years; then in the seventh year thou shalt let him go free from thee.

Deuteronomy 15:18

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.

Job 31:13

If I did despise the cause of my manservant or of my maidservant, when they contended with me;