Leviticus 25:44

Both thy bondmen, and thy bondmaids, which thou shalt have, [shall be] of the heathen that are round about you; of them shall ye buy bondmen and bondmaids.

Both thy bondmen {H5650}, and thy bondmaids {H519}, which thou shalt have, shall be of the heathen {H1471} that are round about {H5439} you; of them shall ye buy {H7069} bondmen {H5650} and bondmaids {H519}.

"'Concerning the men and women you may have as slaves: you are to buy men- and women-slaves from the nations surrounding you.

Your menservants and maidservants shall come from the nations around you, from whom you may purchase them.

And as for thy bondmen, and thy bondmaids, whom thou shalt have; of the nations that are round about you, of them shall ye buy bondmen and bondmaids.

Commentary

Leviticus 25:44 is part of a larger section in the Mosaic Law concerning the regulations for servitude and property within ancient Israel. This specific verse addresses the source from which Israelites could acquire permanent bondservants, distinguishing them from fellow Israelites who could only enter temporary, debt-based servitude.

Historical and Cultural Context

In the ancient Near East, various forms of servitude and slavery were common practices. The Mosaic Law, rather than introducing slavery, sought to regulate an existing institution, often providing more humane provisions than surrounding cultures. This verse specifically outlines that permanent "bondmen" and "bondmaids" (Hebrew: 'eved and shiphchah, terms that encompass both servant and slave) were to be acquired from the "heathen that are round about you," meaning non-Israelite peoples or foreigners. This contrasts sharply with the laws governing fellow Israelites, who, if they became servants due to debt or poverty, were to be treated as hired labourers and released in the Year of Jubilee (every fifty years), as detailed in Leviticus 25:39-43. This distinction underscored the unique covenant relationship God had with Israel.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Distinction in Law: The primary theme is the clear legal distinction between Israelites and non-Israelites regarding servitude. God’s law provided protections for His covenant people, preventing them from being permanently enslaved by their brethren.
  • Regulation, Not Institution: The verse regulates an existing societal practice, aiming to prevent abuses and provide a framework within the covenant, rather than establishing the institution of slavery itself. It was a concession to the realities of the time.
  • God's Ownership: Underlying all the laws of Leviticus is the principle that the land and the people belong to God. This divine ownership influenced how property and even human labor were to be managed (Leviticus 25:23).

Linguistic Insights

The KJV terms "bondmen" and "bondmaids" translate the Hebrew words 'eved (for male) and shiphchah (for female). While often translated as "slave" in modern versions, these terms in ancient Israel encompassed a wide range of statuses, from highly regarded household managers to those in involuntary servitude. The context of each passage determines the precise nature. The term "heathen" translates goyim, meaning "nations" or "Gentiles," referring to the non-Israelite peoples surrounding them.

Practical Application

Understanding Leviticus 25:44 requires acknowledging the vast cultural and ethical differences between ancient Israel and modern society. While the Bible records the practice of slavery, it also progressively lays groundwork for its eventual abolition by emphasizing humane treatment and the dignity of all people. The New Testament, while not directly abolishing slavery, transforms master-servant relationships through the radical teachings of love, equality in Christ, and mutual respect (Ephesians 6:9; Galatians 3:28). For believers today, this verse highlights:

  • The importance of God's law providing distinct provisions based on covenant relationship.
  • The need to interpret scripture within its historical context while seeking universal principles of justice and compassion.
  • The progressive revelation of God's character, moving humanity towards higher ethical standards exemplified in Christ's teachings.
Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Isaiah 14:1

    ¶ For the LORD will have mercy on Jacob, and will yet choose Israel, and set them in their own land: and the strangers shall be joined with them, and they shall cleave to the house of Jacob.

  • Isaiah 14:2

    And the people shall take them, and bring them to their place: and the house of Israel shall possess them in the land of the LORD for servants and handmaids: and they shall take them captives, whose captives they were; and they shall rule over their oppressors.

  • Exodus 12:44

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

  • Psalms 2:8

    Ask of me, and I shall give [thee] the heathen [for] thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth [for] thy possession.

  • Psalms 2:9

    Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel.

  • Revelation 2:26

    And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations:

  • Revelation 2:27

    And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father.
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