Jeremiah 34:14

KJV

At the end of seven years let ye go every man his brother an Hebrew, which hath been sold unto thee; and when he hath served thee six years, thou shalt let him go free from thee: but your fathers hearkened not unto me, neither inclined their ear.

KJV (with Strong's)

At the end {H7093} of seven {H7651} years {H8141} let ye go {H7971} every man {H376} his brother {H251} an Hebrew {H5680}, which hath been sold {H4376} unto thee; and when he hath served {H5647} thee six {H8337} years {H8141}, thou shalt let him go {H7971} free {H2670} from thee: but your fathers {H1} hearkened {H8085} not unto me, neither inclined {H5186} their ear {H241}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"At the end of seven years every one of you is to set free his brother Hebrew who has been sold to you and has served you six years. You are to let him go free from you." But your ancestors did not listen to me or pay any attention.

Berean Standard Bible

Every seventh year, each of you must free his Hebrew brother who has sold himself to you. He may serve you six years, but then you must let him go free. But your fathers did not listen or incline their ear.

American Standard Version

At the end of seven years ye shall let go every man his brother that is a Hebrew, that hath been sold unto thee, and hath served thee six years, thou shalt let him go free from thee: but your fathers hearkened not unto me, neither inclined their ear.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 34:14 serves as a stark divine indictment against the people of Judah and their leaders for their chronic and unrepentant failure to uphold God's covenant law concerning the release of Hebrew servants. This verse specifically recalls the Mosaic command that a Hebrew servant, having been sold into servitude (typically due to debt), must be set free after six years of service, or at the end of the seventh year. The prophet emphasizes that this was not a new or isolated transgression but a deep-seated, generational pattern of disobedience, highlighting Israel's historical stubbornness and refusal to heed the Lord's voice, which ultimately led to divine judgment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 34 is situated within a section of Jeremiah's prophecies delivered during the final siege of Jerusalem by Babylon, specifically during the reign of King Zedekiah. The immediate literary context reveals a critical moment of national hypocrisy. Under the dire threat of Babylonian invasion, King Zedekiah and the people of Jerusalem had made a solemn covenant before the Lord in the temple to release all Hebrew slaves, thereby attempting to fulfill the ancient Mosaic law (as detailed in [Jeremiah 34:8-10](/jeremiah/34-8 "Jeremiah 34:8-10 - The Covenant to Release Slaves")). However, as soon as the Babylonian army temporarily withdrew from Jerusalem (perhaps to engage Egyptian forces), the people shamelessly reneged on their oath, re-enslaving those they had just freed ([Jeremiah 34:11](/jeremiah/34-11 "Jeremiah 34:11 - The Broken Covenant")). Jeremiah 34:14, therefore, functions as God's indignant response, reminding them that this broken promise was not an anomaly but a continuation of a long-standing pattern of rebellion, making their current treachery all the more egregious.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The law concerning the release of Hebrew servants was a cornerstone of Israelite society, distinguishing it from surrounding cultures where perpetual slavery was common. This law, found in [Exodus 21:2-6](/exodus/21-2 "Exodus 21:2-6 - Law Concerning Hebrew Servants") and elaborated in [Deuteronomy 15:12-18](/deuteronomy/15-12 "Deuteronomy 15:12-18 - The Release of Servants"), mandated that a Hebrew who sold himself or was sold into servitude (usually due to poverty or debt) was to be released after six years of service or in the seventh year (the sabbatical year), whichever came first. This was not chattel slavery but a form of indentured servitude, designed to prevent the permanent impoverishment of fellow Israelites and to reflect God's own act of liberating Israel from bondage in Egypt. The repeated failure to observe this law, as highlighted by Jeremiah, indicates a systemic disregard for the covenant principles of justice, compassion, and the sanctity of human dignity within the Israelite community, mirroring a broader spiritual apostasy.
* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 34:14 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Jeremiah and the broader prophetic literature. It underscores the theme of **Divine Law and Covenant Obligation**, emphasizing that God's commands are not suggestions but binding obligations for His covenant people, particularly regarding justice and mercy. The verse's explicit mention of "your fathers hearkened not unto me" highlights the pervasive theme of **Generational Disobedience and Rebellion**, revealing a deep-seated pattern of Israel's unfaithfulness that spans centuries, culminating in the impending judgment of exile. This persistent rebellion demonstrates a profound lack of **Genuine Repentance**, as the people's "obedience" was merely circumstantial and self-serving, rather than born of a transformed heart. Finally, the verse implicitly speaks to the theme of **God's Justice and Judgment**, as the failure to uphold these fundamental laws of compassion and freedom directly precipitates the severe consequences prophesied by Jeremiah, including the destruction of Jerusalem and the Babylonian captivity ([Jeremiah 34:17-22](/jeremiah/34-17 "Jeremiah 34:17-22 - God's Judgment for Breaking the Covenant")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Hebrew (Hebrew, _ʻIbrîy'_):** This term specifically designates a fellow Israelite, distinguishing them from foreign slaves who could be held permanently. The law's intent was to ensure that no Israelite remained in perpetual bondage, reflecting the unique status of God's covenant people who had themselves been delivered from slavery in Egypt. It underscores a familial and national solidarity that was to govern their interactions.
* **let ye go free (Hebrew, _shâlach_ and _chophshîy'_):** The verb _shâlach_ means "to send away, let depart, release," while the adjective _chophshîy_ signifies "exempt from bondage, free, liberty." Together, they emphasize the divine command for emancipation and restoration of dignity. This was not merely a temporary release but a full restoration of liberty, allowing the individual to return to their familial land and livelihood, reflecting God's desire for the flourishing of His people.
* **hearkened (Hebrew, _shâmaʻ'_):** This word implies not just hearing with the ear, but hearing intelligently, with attention, and crucially, with the implication of obedience. When combined with "not unto me," it signifies a deliberate and profound refusal to obey God's direct commands.
* **inclined their ear (Hebrew, _nâṭâh_ and _ʼôzen'_):** The verb _nâṭâh_ means "to stretch or spread out; to bend away, incline," and _ʼôzen_ refers to "the ear." This phrase is a common biblical idiom for paying careful attention and being receptive to instruction. The negative construction, "neither inclined their ear," powerfully reinforces the idea of stubborn, willful disregard and an unwillingness to receive or submit to God's word, highlighting a deep-seated spiritual deafness.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"At the end of seven years let ye go every man his brother an Hebrew, which hath been sold unto thee;":** This clause directly quotes or paraphrases the core of the Mosaic law concerning Hebrew servitude. It establishes the specific timeframe for release—after seven years—and identifies the beneficiary: "every man his brother an Hebrew," emphasizing the familial bond and shared covenant identity that should preclude perpetual servitude among Israelites. The phrase "which hath been sold unto thee" acknowledges the legitimate means by which an Israelite might enter servitude, typically due to debt or poverty, but immediately places a divine limit on its duration.
* **"and when he hath served thee six years, thou shalt let him go free from thee:":** This part reiterates and clarifies the release mechanism, specifying that the release must occur after six full years of service. It underscores the mandatory nature of the emancipation ("thou shalt let him go free") and the complete liberation from the master's authority ("from thee"). This was a critical provision to prevent exploitation and ensure that servitude remained a temporary measure for economic recovery, not a permanent state.
* **"but your fathers hearkened not unto me, neither inclined their ear.":** This concluding clause pivots from the divine command to Israel's historical failure. The phrase "your fathers" indicates a long-standing, generational pattern of disobedience, not just a recent lapse. The double negative construction, "hearkened not unto me, neither inclined their ear," uses a powerful Hebrew idiom to convey a willful, stubborn, and complete rejection of God's voice and instruction. It highlights Israel's chronic spiritual deafness and their persistent refusal to submit to God's righteous demands, setting the stage for the impending judgment.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 34:14 employs several potent **Literary Devices** to convey its message. The primary device is **Quotation/Allusion**, as Jeremiah directly references or paraphrases the Mosaic Law found in [Exodus 21:2](/exodus/21-2 "Exodus 21:2 - Law of Hebrew Servants") and [Deuteronomy 15:12](/deuteronomy/15-12 "Deuteronomy 15:12 - The Release of Servants"). This serves to underscore the timeless and unchanging nature of God's command, contrasting it sharply with Israel's mutable obedience. The phrase "your fathers hearkened not unto me, neither inclined their ear" is a powerful **Idiom** for stubborn disobedience, signifying a deliberate spiritual deafness and unwillingness to heed divine instruction. This also functions as **Repetition** of a recurring theme throughout prophetic literature, emphasizing Israel's historical pattern of rebellion. Furthermore, there is a strong sense of **Contrast** between God's clear, compassionate command for release and Israel's consistent failure to obey, highlighting their hypocrisy and lack of integrity. The verse also carries an implicit **Foreshadowing** of judgment, as this chronic disobedience is the very reason for the impending Babylonian exile.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 34:14 profoundly reveals God's character as a God of justice, compassion, and covenant faithfulness, who demands genuine obedience from His people. The law concerning the release of Hebrew servants was not merely a legalistic requirement but a reflection of God's own liberating act in the Exodus and His desire for a society marked by equity and mercy. Israel's consistent failure to uphold this law demonstrated a fundamental misunderstanding or rejection of their identity as a people redeemed from bondage, called to extend freedom to others. Their disobedience was a direct affront to God's nature and a betrayal of the covenant relationship, illustrating that true worship involves ethical living and compassionate treatment of the vulnerable. This historical pattern of unfaithfulness ultimately led to the very bondage from which God had originally delivered them, demonstrating the inescapable consequences of rejecting divine truth and justice.

* [Exodus 21:2](/exodus/21-2 "Law Concerning Hebrew Servants")
* [Deuteronomy 15:12-18](/deuteronomy/15-12 "The Release of Servants and the Year of Release")
* [Leviticus 25:39-43](/leviticus/25-39 "Laws for Hebrew Servants and the Jubilee")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 34:14 challenges us to examine the integrity of our own commitments and the depth of our obedience to God's commands, especially concerning justice and compassion. It reminds us that God's standards are not subject to our convenience or changing circumstances. Just as Israel's "obedience" was superficial and self-serving, we are called to a genuine faith that translates into consistent, ethical action, particularly towards the vulnerable and marginalized. This verse compels us to consider how we treat those under our authority, those in our employ, or those who are economically or socially disadvantaged. Are our systems and personal practices aligned with God's heart for justice and liberation, or do they perpetuate forms of exploitation or neglect? The historical consequences for Judah serve as a sobering warning: persistent disobedience and a refusal to "incline our ear" to God's word inevitably lead to spiritual and often tangible decline. We are called to cultivate a heart that not only hears God's voice but actively and consistently obeys it, demonstrating true integrity in our promises and compassion in our actions.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life do I tend to make commitments to God or others that I later fail to uphold when circumstances become inconvenient?**
* **How does my treatment of those who are economically or socially vulnerable reflect God's heart for justice and compassion, as seen in this verse?**
* **Am I truly "inclining my ear" to God's Word, allowing it to challenge and transform my actions, or am I selectively hearing what is comfortable?**
* **What systemic injustices or exploitative practices in my community or society might this verse call me to address or advocate against?**

### FAQ

**What was the specific law referenced in Jeremiah 34:14, and why was it so important?**

Answer: The law referenced is the Mosaic command found in [Exodus 21:2](/exodus/21-2 "Exodus 21:2 - Law Concerning Hebrew Servants") and [Deuteronomy 15:12](/deuteronomy/15-12 "Deuteronomy 15:12 - The Release of Servants"). It mandated that a Hebrew servant, typically one who had sold himself due to debt or poverty, must be released after six years of service or in the seventh year (the sabbatical year). This law was crucial because it prevented perpetual servitude among Israelites, ensuring that economic hardship did not lead to permanent loss of freedom. It reflected God's character as a liberator who freed Israel from Egyptian bondage ([Deuteronomy 15:15](/deuteronomy/15-15 "Deuteronomy 15:15 - Remember You Were Slaves")). It also underscored the covenant principle of mutual care and compassion within the community, distinguishing Israel from nations that practiced chattel slavery.

**Why does Jeremiah emphasize that "your fathers hearkened not unto me"?**

Answer: Jeremiah's emphasis on the historical disobedience of "your fathers" highlights that the people's current transgression was not an isolated incident but part of a long-standing, generational pattern of rebellion against God's commands. It underscores the deep-seated spiritual apostasy and stubbornness of Israel, demonstrating that their failure to uphold the law of release was symptomatic of a broader disregard for God's covenant. This historical context intensifies the gravity of their current broken covenant, showing that their repentance was superficial and their hearts remained uninclined to God's will, ultimately justifying the severe judgment of exile prophesied by Jeremiah ([Jeremiah 34:17](/jeremiah/34-17 "Jeremiah 34:17 - God's Judgment for Breaking the Covenant")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 34:14, with its lament over Israel's failure to release their enslaved brethren, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who is the ultimate Liberator. While the Old Testament law provided for a temporary, physical release from servitude, Jesus came to proclaim and enact a spiritual freedom that addresses the deepest human bondage: slavery to sin and death. He announced His mission in the synagogue by quoting [Isaiah 61:1](/isaiah/61-1 "Isaiah 61:1 - The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me"), declaring, "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed" ([Luke 4:18](/luke/4-18 "Luke 4:18 - Jesus Proclaims His Mission")). Unlike the Israelites who failed to "let go free" their brothers, Christ perfectly fulfilled the law by offering true and eternal freedom. He purchased our freedom not with silver or gold, but with His precious blood, delivering us from the "bondage of corruption into the glorious freedom of the children of God" ([Romans 8:21](/romans/8-21 "Romans 8:21 - Freedom from Bondage")). Through His atoning sacrifice, Jesus became the ultimate "Year of Jubilee," releasing us from the debt of sin that held us captive ([Galatians 5:1](/galatians/5-1 "Galatians 5:1 - Freedom in Christ")). He is the one who truly "sets the captives free," not just for six years, but for eternity, establishing a new covenant where true obedience flows from a heart transformed by His liberating grace ([Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14 "Hebrews 2:14-15 - Christ's Victory Over Death")).

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.

1 Samuel 8:7

And the LORD said unto Samuel, Hearken unto the voice of the people in all that they say unto thee: for they have not rejected thee, but they have rejected me, that I should not reign over them.

1 Samuel 8:8

According to all the works which they have done since the day that I brought them up out of Egypt even unto this day, wherewith they have forsaken me, and served other gods, so do they also unto thee.

1 Kings 9:22

But of the children of Israel did Solomon make no bondmen: but they [were] men of war, and his servants, and his princes, and his captains, and rulers of his chariots, and his horsemen.

2 Kings 17:13

Yet the LORD testified against Israel, and against Judah, by all the prophets, [and by] all the seers, saying, Turn ye from your evil ways, and keep my commandments [and] my statutes, according to all the law which I commanded your fathers, and which I sent to you by my servants the prophets.

2 Kings 17:14

Notwithstanding they would not hear, but hardened their necks, like to the neck of their fathers, that did not believe in the LORD their God.

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;