King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 15:18 Mean?

Deuteronomy 15:18 in the King James Version says “It shall not seem hard unto thee, when thou sendest him away free from thee; for he hath been worth a double hired serva... — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

Deuteronomy 15:18 · KJV


Context

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.

19

All the firstling males that come of thy herd and of thy flock thou shalt sanctify unto the LORD thy God: thou shalt do no work with the firstling of thy bullock, nor shear the firstling of thy sheep.

20

Thou shalt eat it before the LORD thy God year by year in the place which the LORD shall choose, thou and thy household.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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—God addresses the master's potential resentment. The servant provided double (מִשְׁנֶה, mishneh) value—slaves worked comprehensively (24/7), while hired hands worked set hours. Releasing him is economically fair, not sacrificial loss.

Yet the deeper principle: obedience shouldn't seem hard when we calculate God's prior generosity. I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice (Romans 12:1)—in view of mercy, sacrifice seems reasonable. The freed servant's 'double service' reminds us: He saved us...not by works of righteousness which we have done (Titus 3:5). We've contributed nothing; therefore releasing others' debts is trivial compared to our canceled debt.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Economic calculations reveal God's justice: the law didn't exploit masters. Six years' comprehensive service exceeded twelve years of hired labor in productivity. God's commands are never arbitrary burdens but wise, equitable ordinances reflecting His character.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does calculating God's 'double' mercy toward you make obedience 'not seem hard'?
  2. In what areas are you tempted to view obedience as costly loss rather than reasonable response?
  3. What economic 'fairness' (balancing accounts, holding debts) must you release in light of Christ canceling your infinite debt?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 20 words
לֹֽא1 of 20
H3808

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

יִקְשֶׁ֣ה2 of 20

It shall not seem hard

H7185

properly, to be dense, i.e., tough or severe (in various applications)

בְעֵינֶ֗ךָ3 of 20

unto thee

H5869

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

בְּשַׁלֵּֽחֲךָ֙4 of 20

when thou sendest him away

H7971

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

אֹת֤וֹ5 of 20
H853

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

חָפְשִׁי֙6 of 20

free

H2670

exempt (from bondage, tax or care)

מֵֽעִמָּ֔ךְ7 of 20
H5973

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

כִּ֗י8 of 20
H3588

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

מִשְׁנֶה֙9 of 20

a double

H4932

properly, a repetition, i.e., a duplicate (copy of a document), or a double (in amount); by implication, a second (in order, rank, age, quality or loc

שְׂכַ֣ר10 of 20

from thee for he hath been worth

H7939

payment of contract; concretely, salary, fare, maintenance; by implication, compensation, benefit

שָׂכִ֔יר11 of 20

hired servant

H7916

a man who is hired by the day or year

עֲבָֽדְךָ֖12 of 20

to thee in serving

H5647

to work (in any sense); by implication, to serve, till, (causatively) enslave, etc

שֵׁ֣שׁ13 of 20

thee six

H8337

six (as an overplus beyond five or the fingers of the hand); as ordinal, sixth

שָׁנִ֑ים14 of 20

years

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

וּבֵֽרַכְךָ֙15 of 20

shall bless

H1288

to kneel; by implication to bless god (as an act of adoration), and (vice-versa) man (as a benefit); also (by euphemism) to curse (god or the king, as

יְהוָ֣ה16 of 20

and the LORD

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֱלֹהֶ֔יךָ17 of 20

thy God

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

בְּכֹ֖ל18 of 20
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

אֲשֶׁ֥ר19 of 20
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

תַּֽעֲשֶֽׂה׃20 of 20

thee in all that thou doest

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application


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 15:18 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 15:18 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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