Leviticus 25:47

French Jerusalem 1998

Si l'étranger ou celui qui est ton hôte atteint une certaine aisance alors que ton frère, dans ses rapports avec lui, tombe dans la gêne et se vend à cet étranger, à cet hôte, ou au descendant de la famille d'un résidant,

What Does This Mean?

This verse from Leviticus describes a situation where a foreigner becomes wealthy and a nearby Israelite becomes poor and has to sell himself to the foreigner or to the foreigner's family. It speaks about the economic disparity and the laws surrounding servitude.

Explained for Children

Imagine you and your friend are playing with toys. Your friend has many new toys, while you have none left. This verse is like saying if your friend gives you a job to help you get toys again, even if they are from a different neighborhood.

Historical Background

The Book of Leviticus was written by Moses around 1446-1406 BCE. It contains laws and instructions for the Israelites, who were living in the wilderness after the Exodus from Egypt. This verse reflects the social and economic conditions of that time.

Living It Out Today

In modern times, this verse can be applied to situations where someone from a different background or community helps a person in need, such as a wealthy immigrant providing jobs for locals during an economic downturn.

Topics

• servitude
• poverty
• foreigners
• wealth
• economic disparity
• community

Related Verses

• Exodus 21:7
• Deuteronomy 15:12
• Ezekiel 45:4
• Luke 19:8
• James 2:5

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to 'sojourn'?

To sojourn means to stay in a place temporarily or to live as a stranger or foreigner in a community. In this context, it refers to a foreigner who has settled among the Israelites.

How does this verse relate to the broader laws of Leviticus?

This verse is part of the broader set of laws in Leviticus that govern how Israelites should treat one another, including foreigners, with justice and compassion to prevent exploitation.

Is there a modern equivalent to selling oneself into servitude?

While selling oneself into servitude is not common today, this verse can be seen as a metaphor for situations where people have to work for others to meet their basic needs, especially in times of economic hardship.

What does this verse tell us about the relationship between Israelites and foreigners?

This verse highlights the complex relationship between Israelites and foreigners, indicating that while foreigners could become wealthy and help Israelites, there were also laws in place to protect the Israelites from exploitation.