King James Version

What Does Leviticus 25:42 Mean?

Leviticus 25:42 in the King James Version says “For they are my servants, which I brought forth out of the land of Egypt: they shall not be sold as bondmen. as: Heb. wi...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 25 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“For they are my servants, which I brought forth out of the land of Egypt: they shall not be sold as bondmen. as: Heb. with the sale of a bondman”

Leviticus 25:42 · KJV

Context

40

But as an hired servant, and as a sojourner, he shall be with thee, and shall serve thee unto the year of jubile:

41

And then shall he depart from thee, both he and his children with him, and shall return unto his own family, and unto the possession of his fathers shall he return.

42

For they are my servants, which I brought forth out of the land of Egypt: they shall not be sold as bondmen. as: Heb. with the sale of a bondman

43

Thou shalt not rule over him with rigour; but shalt fear thy God.

44

Both thy bondmen, and thy bondmaids, which thou shalt have, shall be of the heathen that are round about you; of them shall ye buy bondmen and bondmaids.

Read Leviticus 25 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For they are my servants, which I brought forth out of the land of Egypt: they shall not be sold as bondmen.

This verse falls within the section on Sabbath Year and Jubilee. Sabbath year rest for land and Year of Jubilee releasing debts and slaves, teaching trust in God's provision.


The access to God's presence that Leviticus carefully regulated is now freely available through Christ's blood, tearing the veil and opening the way to God.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Sabbath year rest for land and Year of Jubilee releasing debts and slaves, teaching trust in God's provision. Chapters 17-27, often called the 'Holiness Code,' expand covenant obligations beyond ritual to encompass all of life—sexuality, economics, justice, and relationships. The repeated refrain 'I am the LORD' grounds these laws in God's character and covenant relationship with Israel. Israel received these laws while encamped at Sinai, before entering Canaan. The laws prepared them for life in the promised land, distinguishing them from Canaanite practices and establishing their identity as God's holy nation. The portable tabernacle, central to Levitical worship, accompanied them through wilderness wanderings and eventually found permanent form in Solomon's temple. Ancient sacrificial texts from cultures surrounding Israel demonstrate the widespread practice of animal sacrifice, but Israel's system uniquely emphasized moral atonement over magical efficacy.

Reflection Questions

  1. In what practical ways should this verse influence your church life, family relationships, or personal integrity?
  2. In what ways does this verse challenge contemporary cultural values or your personal attitudes?
  3. What does this verse teach about the seriousness of sin, the cost of redemption, or the beauty of holiness?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
כִּֽי1 of 12
H3588

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

עָֽבֶד׃2 of 12

“For they are my servants”

H5650

a servant

הֵ֔ם3 of 12
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

אֲשֶׁר4 of 12
H834

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

הוֹצֵ֥אתִי5 of 12

“which I brought forth”

H3318

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

אֹתָ֖ם6 of 12
H853

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

מֵאֶ֣רֶץ7 of 12

“out of the land”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

מִצְרָ֑יִם8 of 12

“of Egypt”

H4714

mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt

לֹ֥א9 of 12
H3808

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

יִמָּֽכְר֖וּ10 of 12

“they shall not be sold”

H4376

to sell, literally (as merchandise, a daughter in marriage, into slavery), or figuratively (to surrender)

מִמְכֶּ֥רֶת11 of 12

“as”

H4466

a sale

עָֽבֶד׃12 of 12

“For they are my servants”

H5650

a servant

Study Guide

Historical Context

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

Theological Significance

Leviticus 25:42 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 Leviticus 25:42 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Leviticus 25:55Romans 6:221 Corinthians 7:21-23

Places in This Verse

EgyptRegion · Modern: Ain Shams · 30.13°N, 31.31°E658 verses across 33 books
View all places in Leviticus 25 →

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