Leviticus 25:45

Moreover of the children of the strangers that do sojourn among you, of them shall ye buy, and of their families that [are] with you, which they begat in your land: and they shall be your possession.

Moreover of the children ^{H1121} of the strangers ^{H8453} that do sojourn ^{H1481} among you, of them shall ye buy ^{H7069}, and of their families ^{H4940} that are with you, which they begat ^{H3205} in your land ^{H776}: and they shall be your possession ^{H272}.

You may also buy the children of foreigners living with you and members of their families born in your land; you may own these.

You may also purchase them from the foreigners residing among you or their clans living among you who are born in your land. These may become your property.

Moreover of the children of the strangers that sojourn among you, of them shall ye buy, and of their families that are with you, which they have begotten in your land: and they shall be your possession.

Commentary

Leviticus 25:45 is part of the broader discussion in Leviticus 25 concerning the laws of the Sabbatical year and the Jubilee year, particularly focusing on the regulations for servitude and property within ancient Israel. This specific verse addresses the rules for acquiring and holding non-Israelite servants.

Context of Leviticus 25:45

The book of Leviticus outlines the laws and regulations given by God to the Israelites through Moses. Chapter 25 details the unique economic and social system God established for His people, centered around the Sabbath principle. This included the Sabbatical year for the land (every seven years) and the Jubilee year (every fifty years), which mandated the return of ancestral lands and the release of Israelite bondservants. Verses 39-43 specifically legislate the treatment and eventual freedom of Israelite servants, emphasizing that they are God's servants and should not be treated as slaves. In contrast, verses 44-46, including verse 45, outline different regulations for non-Israelites, allowing for their perpetual servitude.

Key Themes and Messages

Distinction in Law: This verse highlights a significant legal distinction between Israelites and non-Israelites concerning servitude. While Israelite bondservants were to be released in the Jubilee year (Leviticus 25:40), foreigners could be held as permanent "possessions."
Perpetual Servitude: Unlike the temporary nature of Israelite servitude, this verse permits the permanent ownership of "strangers" (non-Israelites) and their descendants born in the land, who would remain "your possession." This reflects the ancient Near Eastern cultural context where various forms of servitude were common.
God's Ownership: The underlying principle for the limited servitude of Israelites was God's ownership of them, stating, "For they are my servants, which I brought forth out of the land of Egypt" (Leviticus 25:42). This unique covenantal relationship did not extend in the same way to non-Israelites in this specific legal context.

Linguistic Insights

The term "strangers that do sojourn among you" refers to the Hebrew words ger (resident alien) and toshav (temporary resident). These were non-Israelites living within Israelite territory, often for economic reasons or seeking refuge. The word "possession" (Hebrew achuzzah) denotes inherited property or a permanent right of ownership, emphasizing the perpetual nature of this servitude for foreigners, contrasting with the temporary status of Israelite bondservants.

Practical Application and Reflection

Understanding Leviticus 25:45 requires considering the historical and cultural context of the ancient world, where various forms of servitude were a widespread economic reality. The Mosaic Law, while not abolishing servitude, introduced significant regulations that often mitigated its harshness, particularly for Israelites. For modern readers, this verse prompts reflection on:

Progressive Revelation: The Bible reveals God's character and will progressively. While these laws were given for a specific time and culture, the New Testament emphasizes the spiritual freedom and equality of all believers in Christ, transcending ethnic and social distinctions.
Justice and Compassion: Even within these laws, there were commands for just treatment of strangers and the vulnerable. The broader biblical narrative consistently calls for compassion and justice, which ultimately points towards the dignity of every human being as created in God's image.

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Cross-References

Isaiah 56:3

¶ Neither let the son of the stranger, that hath joined himself to the LORD, speak, saying, The LORD hath utterly separated me from his people: neither let the eunuch say, Behold, I [am] a dry tree.
Isaiah 56:6

Also the sons of the stranger, that join themselves to the LORD, to serve him, and to love the name of the LORD, to be his servants, every one that keepeth the sabbath from polluting it, and taketh hold of my covenant;