King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 15:16 Mean?

Deuteronomy 15:16 in the King James Version says “And it shall be, if he say unto thee, I will not go away from thee; because he loveth thee and thine house, because he i...” — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And it shall be, if he say unto thee, I will not go away from thee; because he loveth thee and thine house, because he is well with thee;”

Deuteronomy 15:16 · KJV

Context

14

Thou shalt furnish him liberally out of thy flock, and out of thy floor, and out of thy winepress: of that wherewith the LORD thy God hath blessed thee thou shalt give unto him.

15

And thou shalt remember that thou wast a bondman in the land of Egypt, and the LORD thy God redeemed thee: therefore I command thee this thing to day.

16

And it shall be, if he say unto thee, I will not go away from thee; because he loveth thee and thine house, because he is well with thee;

17

Then thou shalt take an aul, and thrust it through his ear unto the door, and he shall be thy servant for ever. And also unto thy maidservant thou shalt do likewise.

18

It shall not seem hard unto thee, when thou sendest him away free from thee; for he hath been worth a double hired servant to thee, in serving thee six years: and the LORD thy God shall bless thee in all that thou doest.

Read Deuteronomy 15 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And it shall be, if he say unto thee, I will not go away from thee; because he loveth thee and thine house, because he is well with thee—The servant may choose permanent servitude out of love (אָהַב, ahav, covenant loyalty). This voluntary submission transforms the relationship: no longer debt-bondage but devoted service. He is well with thee (טוֹב לוֹ עִמָּךְ, tov lo immakh)—prosperity found in relationship, not independence.

This pictures the believer's relationship to Christ: I am my beloved's, and my beloved is mine (Song 6:3). We're freed to leave but choose to stay: Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life (John 6:68). Voluntary submission to Christ isn't slavery but supreme freedom: His service is perfect freedom (Book of Common Prayer). The ear-piercing ceremony (next verse) symbolizes permanent identity in the master's household.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

A servant choosing permanent status might do so for economic security, personal affection, or commitment to the master's children. This provision acknowledged that freedom isn't always economic independence—sometimes relationship and security surpass autonomy's appeal.

Reflection Questions

  1. Have you made the voluntary decision to serve Christ permanently, not just accept forgiveness?
  2. How does the servant saying 'I love thee' (personal devotion) transform obedience from duty to delight?
  3. What does it mean practically to find your 'good' (prosperity, well-being) in relationship with Christ rather than independence?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
וְהָיָה֙1 of 15
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

כִּֽי2 of 15
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

יֹאמַ֣ר3 of 15

“And it shall be if he say”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֵלֶ֔יךָ4 of 15
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

לֹ֥א5 of 15
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

אֵצֵ֖א6 of 15

“unto thee I will not go away”

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

מֵֽעִמָּ֑ךְ7 of 15
H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

כִּ֤י8 of 15
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

אֲהֵֽבְךָ֙9 of 15

“from thee because he loveth”

H157

to have affection for (sexually or otherwise)

וְאֶת10 of 15
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

בֵּיתֶ֔ךָ11 of 15

“thee and thine house”

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

כִּי12 of 15
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

ט֥וֹב13 of 15

“because he is well”

H2895

to be (transitively, do or make) good (or well) in the widest sense

ל֖וֹ14 of 15
H0
עִמָּֽךְ׃15 of 15
H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Deuteronomy. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Deuteronomy 15:16 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Deuteronomy 15:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Exodus 21:5-6Psalms 40:8Psalms 40:6

Test Your Knowledge

Deuteronomy 15 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterDeuteronomy Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Deuteronomy 15 with CommentaryAll Deuteronomy ChaptersComplete Deuteronomy QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes