Exodus 21:2

KJV

If thou buy an Hebrew servant, six years he shall serve: and in the seventh he shall go out free for nothing.

KJV (with Strong's)

If thou buy {H7069} an Hebrew {H5680} servant {H5650}, six {H8337} years {H8141} he shall serve {H5647}: and in the seventh {H7637} he shall go out {H3318} free {H2670} for nothing {H2600}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"If you purchase a Hebrew slave, he is to work six years; but in the seventh, he is to be given his freedom without having to pay anything.

Berean Standard Bible

If you buy a Hebrew servant, he is to serve you for six years. But in the seventh year, he shall go free without paying anything.

American Standard Version

If thou buy a Hebrew servant, six years he shall serve: and in the seventh he shall go out free for nothing.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 21:2 inaugurates the "Book of the Covenant" by laying down the fundamental law concerning Hebrew indentured servants, mandating a maximum term of six years for their service. This statute ensures their unconditional release in the seventh year, "for nothing," thereby preventing perpetual bondage and establishing a divinely ordained cycle of freedom and restoration. This law profoundly reflects God's unwavering concern for justice, mercy, and the inherent dignity of individuals, particularly those facing economic hardship within the covenant community, echoing Israel's own liberation from Egyptian slavery.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Exodus 21:2 stands at the very beginning of the "Book of the Covenant" [Exodus 20:22-23:33](/exodus/20-22-33 "Exodus 20:22-23:33 - The Book of the Covenant"), a comprehensive collection of civil and social laws delivered by God to Israel immediately following the foundational [Ten Commandments](/exodus/20 "Exodus 20 - The Ten Commandments"). These specific statutes serve as practical applications of the broader moral and ethical principles outlined in the Decalogue, translating divine will into the realities of daily life for the nascent Israelite society. The strategic placement of laws concerning servants [Exodus 21:2-11](/exodus/21-2-11 "Exodus 21:2-11 - Laws Concerning Servants") at the forefront of this legal code emphasizes the sanctity of human life and liberty, even preceding regulations on personal injury or property rights. This prioritization underscores the theological significance of human dignity and the prevention of exploitation within the covenant community, reflecting God's character as a liberator.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the broader Ancient Near East, various forms of servitude and slavery were widespread, often entailing perpetual bondage, severe conditions, and the dehumanization of individuals. However, the Israelite law, as revealed in [Exodus 21](/exodus/21 "Exodus 21 - Laws for Israelite Society"), presented a radical and compassionate departure from these norms. Unlike the chattel slavery prevalent elsewhere, the "Hebrew servant" (עֶבֶד עִבְרִי, *'eved 'ivri*) typically referred to a fellow Israelite who had entered into temporary service due to economic distress, debt, or as a form of restitution for a crime. This was a regulated form of indentured labor, designed as a social safety net rather than a permanent state of subjugation. The explicit stipulation of a six-year service limit and an unconditional release in the seventh year directly contrasted with the practices of surrounding nations and was deeply rooted in Israel's foundational experience of deliverance from slavery in Egypt (cf. [Deuteronomy 5:15](/deuteronomy/5-15 "Deuteronomy 5:15 - Remember You Were Slaves in Egypt")). This legal framework was a testament to God's unique covenant with Israel, fostering a society marked by justice and compassion.

* **Key Themes:** Exodus 21:2 contributes significantly to several overarching theological and narrative themes within the book of Exodus and the Pentateuch. Foremost is the theme of **Liberation and Redemption**, echoing Israel's own dramatic deliverance from Egyptian bondage, a foundational event that defines their identity as God's redeemed people [Exodus 15:13](/exodus/15-13 "Exodus 15:13 - God's Steadfast Love Leads His People"). The law also powerfully illustrates God's **Justice and Compassion** for the vulnerable and the poor, establishing safeguards against exploitation and ensuring human dignity even in conditions of servitude. Furthermore, the "six years he shall serve: and in the seventh he shall go out free" pattern deeply embeds the **Sabbath Principle** into Israelite social legislation. This rhythm of six units of labor followed by one of rest or release is seen throughout the creation account [Genesis 2:2-3](/genesis/2-2-3 "Genesis 2:2-3 - God Rests on the Seventh Day"), the weekly Sabbath commandment [Exodus 20:8-11](/exodus/20-8-11 "Exodus 20:8-11 - Remember the Sabbath Day"), and the agricultural Sabbath year for the land [Leviticus 25:1-7](/leviticus/25-1-7 "Leviticus 25:1-7 - The Sabbath Year for the Land"). This law extends that divine rhythm to human social structures, emphasizing the importance of rest, restoration, and periodic release as fundamental to God's design for His people.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **buy (Hebrew, _qânâh'_):** While often translated as "buy," this root carries a broader meaning of "to acquire" or "to procure." In the context of a "Hebrew servant," it refers to the acquisition of a person's labor or service rights, typically in exchange for payment of a debt or for sustenance, rather than the purchase of a person as chattel property. This nuance is crucial, as it acknowledges a social reality while immediately setting parameters for ethical engagement within the covenant community.
* **serve (Hebrew, _ʻâbad'_):** This verb signifies "to work" or "to serve." It encompasses a wide range of labor and service, from tilling the ground to performing various tasks for a master. In this verse, it defines the nature of the relationship, highlighting the period of obligated labor that the Hebrew servant undertakes. The term itself is neutral, but the law's stipulations ensure that this service is regulated and temporary, preventing it from becoming oppressive.
* **free (Hebrew, _chophshîy'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to exempt," this word denotes being "exempt from bondage, tax, or care." Its use here emphatically declares the servant's state of liberty upon release. This freedom is not conditional or partial; it is a full exemption from any further obligation or service, underscoring the completeness of their liberation.
* **for nothing (Hebrew, _chinnâm'_):** This adverb means "gratis," "devoid of cost, reason, or advantage," or "without a cause/cost/wages." It powerfully highlights the unconditional nature of the servant's release. The servant is not required to pay any sum, fulfill any further obligation, or earn their freedom. This "free for nothing" principle underscores God's grace embedded within the legal framework, ensuring that freedom is a gift, not a commodity to be earned or purchased by the one in servitude.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"If thou buy an Hebrew servant,"**: This opening clause establishes the premise of the law, addressing the specific scenario where an Israelite acquires the service of another Israelite. The term "buy" signifies the acquisition of labor rights, often due to economic hardship or debt, rather than the purchase of a person as property. It acknowledges a social reality while immediately setting parameters for ethical engagement within the covenant community.
* **"six years he shall serve:"**: This is the core stipulation of the law, setting a definitive temporal limit on the period of servitude. This six-year term was revolutionary in the ancient world, designed to prevent the indefinite exploitation of the vulnerable and to uphold the dignity of fellow Israelites who, like all of Israel, had been redeemed from bondage in Egypt. It reflects a divine principle of limited labor and eventual rest, mirroring the Sabbath cycle.
* **"and in the seventh he shall go out free for nothing."**: This concluding clause mandates the unconditional release of the servant in the seventh year. The phrase "for nothing" (חִנָּם, *chinnâm*) powerfully emphasizes that this freedom is an unmerited gift, not something the servant earns or pays for. This aligns the release with the broader Sabbath principle of rest and liberation, extending divine grace and restoration to the individual, ensuring their full reintegration into society as a free person.

#### Literary Devices
The passage primarily employs a **Casuistic Law** format, characterized by its "if...then" structure ("If thou buy... then..."). This legal style is prevalent in the Book of the Covenant, providing clear, specific guidelines for various real-life situations and ensuring clarity and practical application within the Israelite community. Furthermore, there is a profound **Parallelism** at play, echoing the divine pattern of six units of labor followed by a seventh unit of rest or release. This 6+1 cycle is foundational to the biblical worldview, seen in the creation narrative (six days of creation, one day of rest) and the weekly Sabbath commandment. By applying this rhythm to human social structures, the law reinforces its theological underpinnings, suggesting a divinely ordained rhythm for both work and rest, as well as for periods of servitude and liberation. The law also utilizes **Contrast** by implicitly setting Israelite practice apart from the harsher, often perpetual, forms of servitude prevalent in surrounding Ancient Near Eastern cultures. This contrast highlights God's unique covenant with Israel and His particular concern for human dignity and freedom within that covenant, demonstrating a radical ethic rooted in His character.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 21:2 is a profound testament to God's character as a God of justice, mercy, and liberation. It reveals His deep concern for the vulnerable and His commitment to preventing the exploitation of the poor, even within necessary social structures. The law establishes a divinely ordained rhythm of work and rest, not only for the land but also for human beings, ensuring that even in conditions of servitude, human dignity and the hope of freedom are preserved. This principle of release "for nothing" powerfully foreshadows the unmerited grace that is central to God's redemptive plan, reminding Israel that their own freedom from Egyptian bondage was a gift, not earned. It teaches that true freedom is ultimately a divine provision, a reflection of God's generous and liberating nature.

* [Deuteronomy 15:12-18](/deuteronomy/15-12-18 "Deuteronomy 15:12-18")
* [Leviticus 25:8-12](/leviticus/25-8-12 "Leviticus 25:8-12")
* [Jeremiah 34:8-11](/jeremiah/34-8-11 "Jeremiah 34:8-11")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 21:2, though addressing an ancient social structure, carries timeless principles that resonate deeply with our contemporary lives. It compels us to consider God's unwavering commitment to justice and compassion for the marginalized and indebted in every society. The law's emphasis on limited servitude and unconditional release reminds us that human dignity is paramount and that no one should be perpetually bound by circumstances, debt, or the power of another. It challenges us to examine systems and practices in our own societies that might perpetuate cycles of poverty, exploitation, or even psychological bondage. Furthermore, the "seventh year" principle invites us to consider the importance of rest, restoration, and periodic release from the burdens that can overwhelm us. It encourages us to cultivate a posture of grace, both in giving and receiving, recognizing that true freedom is often a gift, not something we can earn. This passage calls us to champion freedom, advocate for the oppressed, and extend grace as God has extended it to us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's concern for the "Hebrew servant" in this ancient law inform our responsibility towards the vulnerable and indebted in our modern society, particularly in economic or social systems?**
* **In what areas of our lives might we be experiencing a form of "servitude" (e.g., debt, workaholism, unhealthy relationships, habitual sin) from which we need to seek a "seventh year" of release and restoration?**
* **What does the phrase "go out free for nothing" teach us about the nature of true freedom, both in a societal context and in our spiritual journey with God?**

### FAQ
**Is this passage endorsing slavery?**

Answer: No, this passage does not endorse perpetual or chattel slavery as understood in many historical contexts. Instead, it meticulously regulates a specific form of indentured servitude among fellow Israelites, often entered into voluntarily due to debt or economic hardship. The law's primary purpose is to *limit* such servitude, ensuring it is temporary (a maximum of six years) and culminates in an unconditional release. This stands in stark contrast to the brutal and lifelong slavery practiced by many surrounding nations, highlighting God's unique concern for human dignity and the prevention of exploitation within His covenant people. It was a social safety net, not a system of dehumanization.

**Why is the term "Hebrew servant" used, and what's the significance of the "seventh year"?**

Answer: The term "Hebrew servant" (עֶבֶד עִבְרִי, *'eved 'ivri*) specifically refers to an Israelite who has sold themselves into service, typically as a means of debt repayment or survival during economic hardship. This distinction is crucial, as the laws for foreign slaves were different, reflecting a different status within the covenant community. The "seventh year" is profoundly significant because it aligns with the Sabbath principle, deeply embedded in Israelite theology and law. Just as God rested on the seventh day after creation [Genesis 2:2-3](/genesis/2-2-3 "Genesis 2:2-3 - God Rests on the Seventh Day"), and the land was to rest every seventh year [Leviticus 25:1-7](/leviticus/25-1-7 "Leviticus 25:1-7 - The Sabbath Year for the Land"), so too was the Hebrew servant to be released. This pattern emphasizes a divine rhythm of work and rest, and ultimately, a cycle of liberation and restoration, reflecting God's redemptive character and His desire for freedom for His people.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 21:2, with its emphasis on a limited term of servitude and an unconditional release "for nothing," powerfully foreshadows the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Humanity, in its fallen state, is universally enslaved to sin [Romans 6:17](/romans/6-17 "Romans 6:17 - Slaves to Sin") and bound by the law's demands, unable to earn its own freedom. Jesus, the ultimate "Servant" of God [Isaiah 53:11](/isaiah/53-11 "Isaiah 53:11 - The Suffering Servant"), entered into human flesh and perfectly fulfilled the law, offering Himself as the once-for-all sacrifice for sin. Through His atoning work on the cross, He purchased our freedom, not with perishable things like silver or gold, but with His precious blood [1 Peter 1:18-19](/1_peter/1-18-19 "1 Peter 1:18-19 - Redeemed by Christ's Blood"). This freedom is given to us "for nothing" on our part—it is a gift of unmerited grace received through faith [Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8-9 "Ephesians 2:8-9 - Saved by Grace Through Faith"). Just as the Hebrew servant found release in the seventh year, Christ brings the ultimate Jubilee, proclaiming liberty to the captives and opening the prison to those who are bound [Luke 4:18](/luke/4-18 "Luke 4:18 - Jesus Proclaims His Mission"). He is our true rest, our Sabbath, offering eternal freedom and spiritual release from the bondage of sin and death to all who believe [Hebrews 4:9-10](/hebrews/4-9-10 "Hebrews 4:9-10 - The Sabbath Rest for God's People"). In Christ, the temporary release of the Old Covenant servant finds its eternal and perfect fulfillment.

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

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 15:15

And thou shalt remember that thou wast a bondman in the land of Egypt, and the LORD thy God redeemed thee: therefore I command thee this thing to day.

Exodus 12:44

But every man's servant that is bought for money, when thou hast circumcised him, then shall he eat thereof.

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.

Exodus 22:3

If the sun be risen upon him, [there shall be] blood [shed] for him; [for] he should make full restitution; if he have nothing, then he shall be sold for his theft.

Jeremiah 34:8

¶ [This is] the word that came unto Jeremiah from the LORD, after that the king Zedekiah had made a covenant with all the people which [were] at Jerusalem, to proclaim liberty unto them;

Jeremiah 34:17

Therefore thus saith the LORD; Ye have not hearkened unto me, in proclaiming liberty, every one to his brother, and every man to his neighbour: behold, I proclaim a liberty for you, saith the LORD, to the sword, to the pestilence, and to the famine; and I will make you to be removed into all the kingdoms of the earth.