Leviticus 25:43

KJV

Thou shalt not rule over him with rigour; but shalt fear thy God.

KJV (with Strong's)

Thou shalt not rule {H7287} over him with rigour {H6531}; but shalt fear {H3372} thy God {H430}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Do not treat him harshly, but fear your God.

Berean Standard Bible

You are not to rule over them harshly, but you shall fear your God.

American Standard Version

Thou shalt not rule over him with rigor, but shalt fear thy God.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 25:43 provides a profound ethical directive within the framework of Israel's covenant laws, specifically addressing the treatment of fellow Israelites who have entered into temporary servitude due to economic hardship. It strictly prohibits ruling over such individuals with harshness or oppression, instead mandating a compassionate and just approach rooted in a reverential fear of God. This verse encapsulates the divine expectation that Israel, having been delivered from rigorous bondage themselves, would reflect God's character of mercy and equity in their internal social structures, recognizing His ultimate ownership over all people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within [Leviticus Chapter 25](/leviticus/25 "Leviticus 25 - Laws of Sabbatical and Jubilee Years"), a pivotal section detailing the laws of the Sabbatical Year (every seventh year) and the Year of Jubilee (every fiftieth year). These unique socio-economic regulations were designed to prevent the permanent accumulation of wealth and land, ensure the periodic redistribution of resources, and provide a mechanism for the redemption of land and the liberation of those who had sold themselves into servitude. The preceding verses ([Leviticus 25:39-42](/leviticus/25-39 "Leviticus 25:39-42 - Laws Concerning Israelite Bondservants")) specifically address the conditions under which an Israelite might sell himself to a fellow Israelite, clarifying that this was not chattel slavery but a temporary, debt-based indentured servitude with a clear path to freedom at the Jubilee. The prohibition against ruling "with rigour" directly applies to these covenantal bondservants, emphasizing their continued status as fellow members of God's people, distinct from foreign slaves or property.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Near Eastern societies often practiced various forms of servitude, including chattel slavery, debt slavery, and indentured service. Israel's laws, however, presented a radical departure from these norms, particularly concerning the treatment of fellow Israelites. The memory of Israel's own brutal oppression in Egypt, where they were forced into "rigorous service" ([Exodus 1:13-14](/exodus/1-13 "Exodus 1:13-14 - Egyptian Oppression of Israel")), heavily influenced these divine mandates. God delivered them from such tyranny, and therefore, He commanded them not to replicate that oppressive system among themselves. The "fear thy God" clause serves as a theological anchor, reminding the Israelites that their actions toward the vulnerable were not merely social conventions but acts of obedience to the God who redeemed them and owned them ([Leviticus 25:55](/leviticus/25-55 "Leviticus 25:55 - God's Ownership of Israel")). This context underscores the unique ethical framework of the Mosaic Law, which sought to establish a just and merciful society reflecting God's own character.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Rigour (Hebrew, _parekh'_):** This term (פָּרֶךְ) denotes severity, harshness, cruelty, or oppressive force. It is notably used in the book of Exodus to describe the brutal and crushing labor imposed on the Israelites by the Egyptians ([Exodus 1:13-14](/exodus/1-13 "Exodus 1:13-14 - Egyptian Oppression of Israel")). Its deliberate use in Leviticus 25:43 serves as a powerful and poignant reminder to the Israelites of their own past suffering and a clear prohibition against inflicting similar cruelty upon their brethren. It signifies not merely hard work, but work that is demeaning, dehumanizing, and excessive, driven by an exploitative spirit rather than a just one.
* **Fear thy God (Hebrew, _yare' Elohim'_):** This phrase (יָרֵא אֱלֹהִים) does not imply terror or dread, but rather a profound, reverential awe, respect, and submission to God's authority, holiness, and sovereignty. It signifies a deep understanding of God's character and His ultimate ownership over all creation and all people. This "fear" is the foundational motivation for ethical conduct, leading to obedience to His commands and a desire to live in a way that honors Him. It transforms mere social ethics into a sacred duty, recognizing that one's treatment of others is ultimately a reflection of one's relationship with God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thou shalt not rule over him with rigour;":** This is a direct, emphatic prohibition against harsh, oppressive, or cruel treatment of a fellow Israelite who has entered into indentured service. The "him" refers specifically to the Israelite bondservant mentioned in the preceding verses, whose servitude was a temporary economic arrangement, not a permanent loss of personhood. This clause forbids any form of exploitation, excessive demands, or demeaning actions that would strip the individual of their dignity or reduce them to mere property. It demands that even in a master-servant relationship, the master must remember the servant's status as a fellow member of God's covenant people, deserving of humane and just treatment.
* **"but shalt fear thy God.":** This second clause provides the divine imperative and the ultimate motivation for the preceding prohibition. The command to "fear thy God" is not an alternative to humane treatment but its very foundation. It implies that the master's conduct must be governed by a profound reverence for God, recognizing His supreme authority and His ownership over all Israelites, master and servant alike ([Leviticus 25:55](/leviticus/25-55 "Leviticus 25:55 - God's Ownership of Israel")). Because God is just and merciful, and because He delivered Israel from rigorous oppression, His people are likewise commanded to embody these attributes in their interactions, particularly with the vulnerable. This phrase elevates the ethical command from a mere social rule to a theological imperative, making the treatment of others an act of worship and obedience to God.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 25:43 employs several powerful literary devices. **Contrast** is central, setting the forbidden "rigour" against the commanded "fear thy God," highlighting that humane treatment is a direct outflow of reverence for the Almighty. The term "rigour" itself functions as a potent **allusion** or **echo** to Israel's historical experience of oppression in Egypt, invoking the collective memory of their bondage and God's liberating act. This historical **analogy** serves as a strong ethical reminder: "Do not become what you escaped." The verse uses the **imperative mood** ("Thou shalt not rule," "shalt fear"), conveying a direct, non-negotiable divine command, emphasizing the seriousness and mandatory nature of this ethical instruction. The structure also presents a clear **cause and effect** or **motivation-action** relationship: the fear of God is presented as the foundational reason for abstaining from oppressive behavior.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 25:43 profoundly underscores God's character as a God of justice, mercy, and compassion, particularly for the vulnerable. It reveals that true piety is not merely ritualistic but extends to ethical conduct in daily life and social relationships. The command to "fear God" is presented as the ultimate motivation for social justice, demonstrating that reverence for God necessarily translates into righteous actions toward fellow human beings. This principle reflects the broader covenantal ethic that Israel's identity as God's redeemed people obligated them to live distinctively, embodying His holiness and justice in all their interactions. It teaches that all human beings, regardless of their social or economic status, possess inherent dignity because they are created and owned by God.

* [Deuteronomy 10:19](/deuteronomy/10-19 "Deuteronomy 10:19 - Love the Sojourner")
* [Proverbs 3:27-28](/proverbs/3-27 "Proverbs 3:27-28 - Do Not Withhold Good")
* [Micah 6:8](/micah/6-8 "Micah 6:8 - What the Lord Requires")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the specific context of Israelite bondservitude is ancient, the timeless principles embedded in Leviticus 25:43 remain profoundly relevant for believers today. This verse challenges us to examine our attitudes and actions toward all individuals, especially those in positions of vulnerability or dependency. It calls us to embody God's character of justice and mercy in every sphere of life—in our workplaces, our homes, our communities, and our global interactions. We are to be vigilant against any form of exploitation, harshness, or dehumanization, whether it manifests as unfair labor practices, dismissive treatment of subordinates, or a lack of empathy for the marginalized. Our motivation for such ethical conduct must stem from a deep, reverential "fear of God"—a recognition of His ultimate authority, His ownership over all humanity, and His call for us to reflect His righteousness. When we treat others with dignity and compassion, we are not merely adhering to humanistic principles, but actively honoring the God who delivered us from our own spiritual bondage and calls us to freedom and justice.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be tempted to "rule with rigour" over others, whether intentionally or unintentionally?**
* **How does my "fear of God" (reverence, awe, respect) practically influence my interactions with those who are in a less powerful position than myself?**
* **What specific actions can I take this week to uphold the dignity of others and oppose exploitation in my sphere of influence?**
* **How does remembering God's deliverance of Israel from oppression inform my responsibility to advocate for justice today?**

### FAQ

**What does "rigour" specifically mean in the context of Leviticus 25:43?**

Answer: In Leviticus 25:43, "rigour" translates the Hebrew word _parekh_ (פָּרֶךְ), which denotes severity, harshness, or oppressive force. It's a significant term because it is also used in [Exodus 1:13-14](/exodus/1-13 "Exodus 1:13-14 - Egyptian Oppression of Israel") to describe the cruel and brutal labor imposed on the Israelites by the Egyptians. Therefore, when God commands Israel not to rule with "rigour" over their own bondservants, He is explicitly telling them not to replicate the very oppression they suffered. It means not demanding excessive work, not treating them as mere property, not demeaning them, and not exploiting their vulnerable position for undue gain. It's a prohibition against any treatment that strips a person of their dignity and humanity.

**How does "fearing God" relate to treating others justly and compassionately?**

Answer: The command to "fear thy God" is the foundational motivation for treating others justly and compassionately. This "fear" is not terror, but a profound reverence, awe, and respect for God's holiness, sovereignty, and character. It means recognizing that God is the ultimate owner of all people ([Leviticus 25:55](/leviticus/25-55 "Leviticus 25:55 - God's Ownership of Israel")) and that our actions toward others are ultimately acts of obedience or disobedience to Him. When we truly fear God, we understand that He is a God of justice and mercy, and He demands that His people reflect His character. Therefore, treating others with dignity, fairness, and compassion is a direct expression of our reverence and love for God, shaping our ethical conduct in all relationships, especially with the vulnerable.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 25:43, with its command to avoid "rigour" and to "fear thy God" in the treatment of the vulnerable, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is the embodiment of divine justice and mercy, perfectly demonstrating what it means to "fear God" in absolute obedience and love. Christ never ruled with rigour; instead, He came not to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many ([Mark 10:45](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man Came to Serve")). His life and teachings consistently championed the dignity of every individual, especially the marginalized, the poor, and the oppressed. He taught the Golden Rule, urging His followers to "do to others what you would have them do to you" ([Matthew 7:12](/matthew/7-12 "Matthew 7:12 - The Golden Rule")), which is the positive expression of the Levitical prohibition against oppression. Furthermore, Christ's sacrificial act on the cross redeemed humanity from the ultimate "rigour" of sin and death, liberating us from spiritual bondage. As believers, we are now His bondservants, called to serve Him not out of fear of punishment, but out of love and gratitude, mirroring His own humility and selfless service ([Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5 "Philippians 2:5-8 - Christ's Humility")). Our Christ-centered identity compels us to extend the same grace, dignity, and freedom we have received to all those around us, fulfilling the spirit of this ancient command in the new covenant.

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.