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.
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.
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.
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.
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