King James Version

What Does Leviticus 25:44 Mean?

Leviticus 25:44 in the King James Version says “Both thy bondmen, and thy bondmaids, which thou shalt have, shall be of the heathen that are round about you; of them sh...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 25 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Leviticus 25:44 · KJV

Context

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.

45

Moreover of the children of the strangers that do sojourn among you, of them shall ye buy, and of their families that are with you, which they begat in your land: and they shall be your possession.

46

And ye shall take them as an inheritance for your children after you, to inherit them for a possession; they shall be your bondmen for ever: but over your brethren the children of Israel, ye shall not rule one over another with rigour. they: Heb. ye shall serve yourselves with them

Read Leviticus 25 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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 holiness demanded in Leviticus becomes possible through Christ, who both satisfies God's righteous requirements and transforms believers by His Spirit.

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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 ways does this verse challenge contemporary cultural values or your personal attitudes?
  2. What practical steps can you take this week to apply the principles taught in this verse?
  3. How does this verse point to Christ, and how does that deepen your faith and gratitude?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
עֶ֥בֶד1 of 13

“Both thy bondmen”

H5650

a servant

וְאָמָֽה׃2 of 13

“and bondmaids”

H519

a maid-servant or female slave

אֲשֶׁ֣ר3 of 13
H834

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

יִֽהְיוּ4 of 13
H1961

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

לָ֑ךְ5 of 13
H0
מֵאֵ֣ת6 of 13
H853

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

הַגּוֹיִ֗ם7 of 13

“which thou shalt have shall be of the heathen”

H1471

a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts

אֲשֶׁר֙8 of 13
H834

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

סְבִיבֹ֣תֵיכֶ֔ם9 of 13

“that are round about”

H5439

(as noun) a circle, neighbour, or environs; but chiefly (as adverb, with or without preposition) around

מֵהֶ֥ם10 of 13
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

תִּקְנ֖וּ11 of 13

“you of them shall ye buy”

H7069

to erect, i.e., create; by extension, to procure, especially by purchase (causatively, sell); by implication to own

עֶ֥בֶד12 of 13

“Both thy bondmen”

H5650

a servant

וְאָמָֽה׃13 of 13

“and bondmaids”

H519

a maid-servant or female slave

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 25:44 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 25:44 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Exodus 12:44Isaiah 14:1-2Psalms 2:8-9Revelation 2:26-27

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