The Hebrew word ʻêqer, represented by H6133, refers to stock. It appears only 1 time in 1 unique verse in the Bible. The term figuratively describes a transplanted person or naturalized citizen's lineage.
The single appearance of H6133 occurs in Leviticus 25:47, as part of a law concerning economic hardship. The passage outlines a scenario where an Israelite brother becomes poor and must sell himself into servitude. The law states that he may be sold to a wealthy sojourner or stranger, or more specifically, "to the stock of the stranger's family." Here, stock signifies the established lineage or family line of a non-Israelite living among them.
Several related words help clarify the context in which H6133 is used:
- H4940 mishpâchâh (family, kind(-red)): This word appears directly with H6133 to specify the "stranger's family" Leviticus 25:47. It defines a circle of relatives or a tribe, establishing the social unit to which the "stock" belongs.
- H1616 gêr (alien, sojourner, stranger): This term defines a foreigner residing in Israel. The law uses H6133 to identify the family line of a wealthy stranger who might purchase the service of an impoverished Israelite Leviticus 25:47.
- H251 ʼâch (brother): This word establishes the identity of the Israelite in the law. The entire regulation is triggered when "thy brother" becomes poor, setting up a contrast between the native Israelite and the foreign family's stock Leviticus 25:47.
- H4134 mûwk (be (waxen) poor(-er)): This root describes the state of impoverishment that leads to servitude. It is used to describe the Israelite who has "waxen poor" and must sell himself Leviticus 25:47.
The theological and legal weight of H6133 is derived entirely from its singular context in the laws of servitude and redemption.
- Socio-Economic Law: The term exists within a detailed legal framework governing the relationship between Israelites and resident aliens. It acknowledges the established family structure of a foreigner as a legitimate entity in matters of debt and servitude.
- Lineage and Status: By referring to the "stock" of a stranger's family, the law recognizes that a foreigner could achieve significant wealth and establish a lasting lineage within Israelite society Leviticus 25:47.
- Context for Redemption: The situation involving the sale of a brother to a foreign stock sets the stage for the laws of redemption. The framework in Leviticus provides for a kinsman to redeem a brother who has been sold due to poverty Leviticus 25:25.
In summary, H6133 is a specific legal term for the stock or lineage of a foreigner's family. Its sole appearance in Leviticus 25:47 is crucial for understanding the intricacies of Mosaic law as it pertained to servitude. The word highlights the complex social dynamics of ancient Israel, defining the legal standing of both the native brother in need and the prosperous, naturalized stranger.
TRV