### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **chophshîy**, represented by `{{H2670}}`, primarily means to be **exempt** from bondage, tax, or care, and is often translated as **free** or **liberty**. It appears 17 times in 17 unique verses, establishing it as a key term for the concept of manumission and release from servitude in scripture.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical law, `{{H2670}}` is central to the regulations concerning servitude. A Hebrew servant (`ʻebed` `{{H5650}}`) was required to be set **free** after six years of service, going out "for nothing" (`chinnâm` `{{H2600}}`) in the seventh year ([[Exodus 21:2]], [[Deuteronomy 15:12]]). This principle of release also applied if a master permanently injured a servant [[Exodus 21:26]]. The book of Jeremiah recounts how the people of Judah made a covenant to let their servants go **free** but then broke it, bringing them back into subjection (`kâbash` `{{H3533}}`) [[Jeremiah 34:9-11]]. The term is also used metaphorically, such as when God asks who has sent the wild ass out **free** [[Job 39:5]], or to describe death as a state where the servant is **free** from his master [[Job 3:19]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the meaning and context of `{{H2670}}`:
* `{{H5650}}` **ʻebed** (servant): This term defines the state from which one is made `chophshîy`. The relationship between being a **servant** and being set **free** is foundational to its legal use ([[Exodus 21:2]], [[Job 3:19]]).
* `{{H7971}}` **shâlach** (to send away, for, or out): This is the verb of action that grants freedom. A master is commanded to **send** his servant out **free** [[Deuteronomy 15:12]]. In [[Isaiah 58:6]], a true fast involves letting the oppressed **go** free.
* `{{H3533}}` **kâbash** (bring into bondage, subdue): As the direct opposite of granting freedom, this word describes forcing someone into servitude. The people of Judah sinned by bringing their freed servants back into **subjection** [[Jeremiah 34:16]].
* `{{H2600}}` **chinnâm** (for nothing, gratis): This word qualifies the release of a servant, specifying that he is to go out **free for nothing**, without having to pay for his freedom [[Exodus 21:2]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H2670}}` is significant, highlighting God's concern for justice and mercy.
* **Sabbatical Justice:** The law to release a Hebrew servant after six years establishes a divine principle against perpetual bondage. This act of setting someone **free** was not to be done grudgingly [[Deuteronomy 15:18]] but was a command rooted in justice.
* **Spiritual Liberation:** The concept is elevated to a spiritual metaphor in [[Isaiah 58:6]], where a fast chosen by God involves loosing the bands of wickedness (`reshaʻ` `{{H7562}}`) and letting the oppressed go **free**. This demonstrates that true worship includes acts of liberation.
* **Freedom as a Covenant Obligation:** The events in Jeremiah 34 show that granting freedom was a covenantal duty. The people's failure to set their servants **free** was an act of polluting God's name and resulted in judgment [[Jeremiah 34:16]]. Conversely, a servant could voluntarily choose not to go out **free** out of love (`ʼâhab` `{{H157}}`) for his master and family [[Exodus 21:5]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H2670}}` is a precise term that moves beyond a general idea of freedom. It is anchored in Israel's legal system as the formal release from servitude, ensuring justice and preventing systemic oppression. The concept extends into the spiritual realm, where setting others **free** is an expression of true righteousness and a reflection of God's character. It defines a critical aspect of covenantal life, demonstrating that mercy and liberty are integral to God's law.
TRV