Leviticus 25:39

Arabic 2018 (الترجمة الكاثوليكيّة (اليسوعيّة))

وإِذا ٱفتَقَرَ أَخوكَ مَعَكَ فباعَكَ نَفسَه، فلا تَسْتَخْدِمْه خِدمَةَ العَبيد،

What Does This Mean?

This verse from Leviticus states that if a fellow Israelite becomes impoverished and is sold to you as a servant, you should not force them to work as a slave. The speaker is God, giving instructions to the Israelites. The key message is to treat each other with dignity and not exploit those in need.

Explained for Children

Imagine you have a friend who has no toys and needs to borrow yours. This verse is like saying, 'If your friend needs to borrow your toys, don't force them to do extra chores as if they're a slave. Be kind and fair.'

Historical Background

The book of Leviticus was given to Moses by God around 1400 BCE. It was intended for the Israelites who were about to enter the Promised Land. This verse reflects the cultural practice of indentured servitude and the need for social justice.

Living It Out Today

Today, this verse can be applied to situations where someone might be taken advantage of due to financial hardship. For instance, it reminds us not to exploit a coworker by forcing them to work excessive hours without fair pay.

Topics

• justice
• compassion
• equality
• exploitation
• servanthood
• social responsibility

Related Verses

• Exodus 21:2-6
• Deuteronomy 15:12-15
• Ephesians 6:9
• 1 Timothy 6:1
• James 5:1-6

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did God give this instruction to the Israelites?

God gave this instruction to promote justice and fairness among the Israelites, ensuring they did not exploit their fellow brothers and sisters who might be in need.

What does 'waxen poor' mean in this context?

'Waxen poor' means becoming very poor or impoverished, indicating that the person has fallen on hard times and needs help or support.

How does this verse relate to modern business practices?

This verse can be seen as a reminder for employers to treat their employees fairly and not exploit them due to their financial need or vulnerability.

What are some practical ways to apply this verse in everyday life?

Practically, this can be applied by ensuring fair treatment of those who are financially struggling, offering fair pay and conditions, and being compassionate in times of need.