Leviticus 25:55

KJV

For unto me the children of Israel [are] servants; they [are] my servants whom I brought forth out of the land of Egypt: I [am] the LORD your God.

KJV (with Strong's)

For unto me the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478} are servants {H5650}; they are my servants {H5650} whom I brought forth {H3318} out of the land {H776} of Egypt {H4714}: I am the LORD {H3068} your God {H430}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For to me the people of Isra'el are slaves; they are my slaves whom I brought out of the land of Egypt; I am ADONAI your God.

Berean Standard Bible

For the Israelites are My servants. They are My servants, whom I brought out of the land of Egypt. I am the LORD your God.

American Standard Version

For unto me the children of Israel are servants; they are my servants whom I brought forth out of the land of Egypt: I am Jehovah your God.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 25:55 serves as the theological linchpin for the comprehensive social and economic regulations outlined in the preceding verses of Leviticus 25, particularly those concerning the Year of Jubilee and the redemption of land and people. This verse profoundly underscores God's ultimate and sovereign ownership over the children of Israel, declaring their status as His exclusive servants whom He personally liberated from Egyptian bondage, thereby establishing the divine rationale for their freedom from perpetual human servitude and the inalienable nature of their ancestral land. It culminates with a powerful affirmation of God's covenantal identity as "the LORD your God," solidifying the unique relationship that undergirds all His commands.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 25:55 brings to a theological crescendo the intricate laws governing the Sabbatical Year (Leviticus 25:1-7) and, more extensively, the Year of Jubilee (Leviticus 25:8-55). The chapter meticulously details a divinely ordained system designed to prevent the permanent accumulation of wealth by some and perpetual poverty or servitude by others. Laws concerning the redemption of land (Leviticus 25:23-28), houses (Leviticus 25:29-34), and most critically, the redemption of fellow Israelites who had sold themselves into servitude (Leviticus 25:35-54), all culminate in this verse. The principle is clear: no Israelite could be permanently enslaved to another, nor could their ancestral land be permanently alienated, because both the people and the land ultimately belonged to Yahweh. This verse provides the ultimate theological justification for these compassionate and equitable laws, rooting them in God's prior redemptive act and His ongoing proprietorship.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop for this declaration is the foundational event of the Exodus, where God miraculously delivered Israel from centuries of brutal slavery in Egypt. This act of divine liberation established Israel's identity as a people "bought" by God, not with money, but by His mighty hand and outstretched arm. The declaration "whom I brought forth out of the land of Egypt" directly echoes the preamble to the Ten Commandments in [Exodus 20:2](/exodus/20-2 "Exodus 20:2 - The First Commandment"), emphasizing that their freedom was a gift, not an earned right. In the ancient Near East, slavery was a common institution, often permanent and brutal. However, Israel's law, as revealed in [Exodus 21](/exodus/21 "Exodus 21 - Laws Concerning Servants") and elaborated in Leviticus 25, radically redefined servitude among Israelites, limiting its duration and conditions. This was a direct consequence of their unique status as God's redeemed servants, setting them apart from surrounding nations and establishing a societal structure built on justice and compassion, reflecting the character of their liberating God.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several key themes central to the book of Leviticus and the Pentateuch as a whole. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Ownership and Sovereignty**, asserting God's ultimate claim over His people and their land, which directly undergirds the Jubilee laws. This leads to the theme of **Redemption and Liberation**, highlighting God's foundational act of bringing Israel out of Egypt as the basis for their unique status and the ethical framework of their society. The verse also reinforces the theme of **Covenantal Relationship**, emphasizing the intimate bond between Yahweh and Israel, where His identity as "the LORD your God" (a recurring phrase, e.g., [Leviticus 18:2](/leviticus/18-2 "Leviticus 18:2 - I Am the LORD Your God")) demands their exclusive allegiance and shapes their societal structure. Finally, it speaks to the theme of **Justice and Equity**, as the laws rooted in this verse aim to prevent permanent oppression and ensure a measure of social balance, reflecting God's righteous character.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Servants (Hebrew, _ʻebed'_):** From H5650, this noun denotes a servant, bondman, or bond-servant. In this context, it signifies a relationship of belonging, allegiance, and devoted service to God. It implies a privileged status as those exclusively bound to Yahweh, rather than to human masters indefinitely. This divine proprietorship is the very basis for their freedom from permanent human bondage, elevating their status as those who serve the true and living God.
* **Brought Forth (Hebrew, _yâtsâʼ'_):** From H3318, this primitive root means "to go (causatively, bring) out" and conveys the act of liberation and exodus. It is the same verb used repeatedly to describe God's mighty act of taking Israel out of Egypt. It emphasizes God's active, personal, and decisive intervention in their history, establishing His claim over them not by creation alone, but by redemption. This act of "bringing forth" is the foundational event that defines Israel's identity and their obligation to serve Him alone.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** From H3068, this is the self-Existent or Eternal, Jehovah, the Jewish national name of God. It is the Tetragrammaton, God's personal, covenantal name, often rendered "Yahweh." It signifies God's self-existent, eternal nature and, crucially, His faithfulness to His covenant promises. When God declares, "I am the LORD your God," He is not merely stating His identity but reaffirming the unique, intimate, and binding covenant relationship He has established with Israel, underscoring His sovereign authority and their reciprocal obligation of obedience and worship.
* **God (Hebrew, _ʼĕlôhîym'_):** From H430, this plural noun (of `ʼĕlôah`) refers to "gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme God." In this context, it refers to the supreme, almighty God of Israel. Paired with "LORD" (Yahweh), it forms a powerful declaration of His absolute authority, divine power, and unique relationship with Israel as their exclusive deity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For unto me the children of Israel [are] servants":** This opening clause establishes the fundamental theological premise. The Israelites belong to God. Their identity is defined by their relationship to Him as His exclusive "servants" or bond-people. This is not a derogatory term but a declaration of divine ownership and a privileged status, implying a unique allegiance and responsibility. It sets the stage for the subsequent justification of the Jubilee laws.
* **"they [are] my servants whom I brought forth out of the land of Egypt":** This clause provides the historical and redemptive basis for God's claim. Their status as God's servants is not arbitrary but is directly tied to His powerful act of liberating them from slavery in Egypt. Their freedom from one master (Pharaoh) was for the purpose of serving another (Yahweh). This past redemption dictates their present and future allegiance and the terms of their societal structure, emphasizing that their freedom is not an end in itself, but a means to serve their Liberator.
* **"I [am] the LORD your God":** This concluding declaration reinforces the covenantal relationship. It is a formulaic statement found throughout the Pentateuch, affirming God's unique identity and His binding covenant with Israel. It underscores His sovereign authority over their lives, their land, and their social order, providing the ultimate divine warrant for all the preceding laws in Leviticus 25. This declaration serves as the ultimate authority and motivation for Israel's obedience and trust.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices that amplify its theological weight. **Repetition** is prominent with the phrase "my servants" appearing twice, emphasizing God's unequivocal ownership and the Israelites' singular identity. This repetition creates a powerful sense of divine proprietorship and exclusive claim, reinforcing the idea that their freedom from human servitude is a direct consequence of their divine bond. **Emphasis** is achieved through the direct, declarative statements, particularly "I am the LORD your God," which serves as a powerful covenantal affirmation, grounding the entire chapter's legislation in God's unchanging character and His unique relationship with Israel. The verse also utilizes **Covenantal Language**, drawing directly from the foundational declarations of the Sinai covenant (e.g., [Exodus 20:2](/exodus/20-2 "Exodus 20:2 - The First Commandment")), where God's identity as their deliverer and their God was first established. This intertextual connection reinforces the continuity of God's character and His ongoing relationship with His people, making the laws of Jubilee an extension of His covenant faithfulness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 25:55 encapsulates profound theological truths that resonate throughout Scripture. It establishes the principle of divine ownership and redemption as the foundation for human freedom and dignity. Because God alone redeemed Israel from bondage and claimed them as His own, no human authority could permanently enslave them or alienate their God-given inheritance. This highlights God's character as a liberator who champions justice and ensures the well-being of His people, preventing the oppressive systems common in the ancient world from taking root within Israel. It underscores that true freedom is found in serving the one true God, and that our identity and purpose are ultimately derived from our relationship with Him. This principle of divine proprietorship and redemptive liberation is foundational to understanding God's relationship with humanity, both in the Old and New Testaments.

* [Exodus 20:2](/exodus/20-2 "Exodus 20:2 - The First Commandment")
* [Deuteronomy 15:15](/deuteronomy/15-15 "Deuteronomy 15:15 - Remember You Were Slaves")
* [Psalm 116:16](/psalms/116-16 "Psalm 116:16 - Your Servant, the Son of Your Handmaid")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This verse serves as a timeless reminder that our ultimate allegiance belongs to God alone. Just as ancient Israel was redeemed from physical bondage to serve Yahweh, believers today are redeemed from the spiritual bondage of sin and death through Christ's sacrifice, becoming His "servants" (or bond-slaves, in a profound spiritual sense). This status defines our identity, purpose, and the boundaries of our freedom. It means we are not to be enslaved by worldly systems, cultural pressures, or personal desires that contradict God's will. Our freedom is not license, but liberation *for* devoted service to our Redeemer. This principle should shape our understanding of justice, human dignity, and our responsibility to advocate for those oppressed, recognizing that every person is ultimately God's creation, and believers are uniquely His redeemed. It calls us to live out our freedom in Christ by actively pursuing righteousness, compassion, and justice in a world still marred by various forms of bondage.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you still experience a sense of "bondage" (e.g., to fear, anxiety, materialism, approval of others)? How does the truth of God's ownership and your redemption speak to these areas?**
* **How does understanding yourself as God's "servant" (or bond-slave) impact your daily decisions, priorities, and relationships?**
* **Considering that God freed Israel to serve Him, how does your freedom in Christ compel you to serve Him and others in your community and the world?**

### FAQ

**What does it mean that the children of Israel "are servants" to God?**

Answer: The term "servants" (Hebrew: *ʻebed'*) here signifies a relationship of belonging, allegiance, and devoted service to God, rather than a demeaning form of slavery. It emphasizes God's ultimate ownership over Israel, not in a way that diminishes their dignity, but rather elevates it. Because they are God's exclusive servants, they cannot be permanently enslaved by human masters or worldly systems. Their service to God is the foundation of their true freedom and identity, setting them apart from other nations. This concept is foundational to understanding the [covenant relationship God established with Israel](/exodus/19-5 "Exodus 19:5 - If You Obey My Voice"), where their liberation was for the purpose of serving Him alone.

**How does this verse relate to the Year of Jubilee?**

Answer: Leviticus 25:55 provides the theological justification for all the laws concerning the Year of Jubilee in [Leviticus 25](/leviticus/25 "Leviticus 25 - The Year of Jubilee"). The Jubilee laws mandated the return of ancestral land and the release of Israelites who had sold themselves into servitude. This verse explains *why* these laws were necessary: because the land ultimately belongs to God ("the land is mine; for ye are strangers and sojourners with me" - [Leviticus 25:23](/leviticus/25-23 "Leviticus 25:23 - The Land Belongs to God")), and the people belong to God ("For unto me the children of Israel are servants"). No human transaction could override God's ultimate ownership and His redemptive act of bringing them out of Egypt. The Jubilee was a practical outworking of this divine claim, ensuring that economic and social inequalities did not become permanent and that Israel would remember their unique status as God's redeemed people.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 25:55 finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Just as God "brought forth" Israel from Egyptian bondage to be His servants, Christ, through His sacrificial death and resurrection, delivers humanity from the far greater bondage of sin, death, and the law, bringing us into a new covenant relationship as servants of righteousness. The old covenant declared, "I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt"; the new covenant proclaims that Christ has [redeemed us from the curse of the law](/galatians/3-13 "Galatians 3:13 - Christ Redeemed Us from the Curse of the Law") and from the dominion of sin, making us His own. We are no longer slaves to sin but [bond-servants of Christ](/romans/6-22 "Romans 6:22 - Freed from Sin, Enslaved to God"), a status that grants us true freedom and dignity. Our identity is now rooted in Him, for we have been [bought with a price](/1_corinthians/7-23 "1 Corinthians 7:23 - Bought with a Price"), not with silver or gold, but with the precious blood of the [Lamb of God](/1_peter/1-18-19 "1 Peter 1:18-19 - Redeemed by the Blood of Christ"). Therefore, our ultimate allegiance and service belong to Him alone, who is our Lord and God, fulfilling the ancient promise of divine ownership in a new and glorious way, granting us an eternal inheritance that can never be alienated, for [in Him we live and move and have our being](/acts/17-28 "Acts 17:28 - In Him We Live").

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

Leviticus 25:42

For they [are] my servants, which I brought forth out of the land of Egypt: they shall not be sold as bondmen.

Exodus 20:2

I [am] the LORD thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.

Exodus 13:3

And Moses said unto the people, Remember this day, in which ye came out from Egypt, out of the house of bondage; for by strength of hand the LORD brought you out from this [place]: there shall no leavened bread be eaten.

Isaiah 43:3

For I [am] the LORD thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour: I gave Egypt [for] thy ransom, Ethiopia and Seba for thee.

Luke 1:74

That he would grant unto us, that we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies might serve him without fear,

Luke 1:75

In holiness and righteousness before him, all the days of our life.

Romans 6:22

But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life.