Exodus 21:2

French OST (Ostervald)

Si tu achètes un esclave hébreu, il servira six années, mais la septième il sortira libre, sans rien payer.

What Does This Mean?

This verse from Exodus says that if someone buys a Hebrew servant, they can keep them for six years, but in the seventh year, the servant must be set free without any payment. Moses is speaking here, and the key message is about the rights of Hebrew servants and the limits on their servitude.

Explained for Children

Imagine you have a friend who has to help you for six years to pay back a debt. After six years, they get to go home and be free again without paying anything extra. This is kind of like that, but for grown-ups a long time ago.

Historical Background

Moses wrote this part of the Bible around 1400 BC while leading the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt. The audience was the Israelites, and the cultural setting was one where slavery was common, but this verse establishes specific rights and limitations for Hebrew servants.

Living It Out Today

In modern times, this can be applied to work contracts. For example, an employee might agree to a six-year contract, and after that, they have the freedom to seek other opportunities without any penalty.

Topics

• freedom
• servitude
• contractual obligations
• Hebrew laws
• social justice
• biblical history

Related Verses

• Leviticus 25:39-41
• Deuteronomy 15:12-15
• Jeremiah 34:14
• Luke 4:18-19
• 1 Corinthians 7:21-24

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does the servant have to serve for six years?

The six-year period was likely intended to balance the need for repayment or service with the moral imperative to ensure eventual freedom, reflecting a structured approach to resolving debts or service obligations.

What happens if the servant does not want to go free?

Interestingly, there are other verses that address this scenario. For example, Deuteronomy 15:16-17 talks about what happens if a servant loves his master and wants to stay, in which case the master can pierce his ear as a sign of lifelong servitude.

How does this verse impact our understanding of slavery in the Bible?

This verse shows that the Bible recognizes the institution of slavery but also places limits on it, emphasizing the eventual freedom of servants and reflecting a more humane approach compared to other ancient laws.

What does this verse teach us about contractual obligations?

This verse illustrates the importance of honoring agreements but also setting clear boundaries and limits to prevent exploitation, suggesting a balance between contractual obligations and the rights of individuals.