King James Version
What Does Deuteronomy 23:15 Mean?
“Thou shalt not deliver unto his master the servant which is escaped from his master unto thee:”
Context
13
And thou shalt have a paddle upon thy weapon; and it shall be, when thou wilt ease thyself abroad, thou shalt dig therewith, and shalt turn back and cover that which cometh from thee: wilt: Heb. sittest down
14
For the LORD thy God walketh in the midst of thy camp, to deliver thee, and to give up thine enemies before thee; therefore shall thy camp be holy: that he see no unclean thing in thee, and turn away from thee. unclean: Heb. nakedness of any thing
15
Thou shalt not deliver unto his master the servant which is escaped from his master unto thee:
16
He shall dwell with thee, even among you, in that place which he shall choose in one of thy gates, where it liketh him best: thou shalt not oppress him. liketh: Heb. is good for him
17
There shall be no whore of the daughters of Israel, nor a sodomite of the sons of Israel. whore: or, sodomitess
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English ReadersDeuteronomy 23:15-16.—**REFUGEES.**
**Thou shalt not deliver . . . the servant.**—Even on Israelitish ground the escaped slave was free. Rashi adds, “Even a Canaanitish slave who has escaped from abroad into *the land *of Israel.”
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
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 23:15 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 23:15
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge