Deuteronomy 15:12

Authorized King James Version

And if thy brother, an Hebrew man, or an Hebrew woman, be sold unto thee, and serve thee six years; then in the seventh year thou shalt let him go free from thee.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
כִּֽי
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#2
יִמָּכֵ֨ר
be sold
to sell, literally (as merchandise, a daughter in marriage, into slavery), or figuratively (to surrender)
#3
לְךָ֜
H0
#4
אָחִ֣יךָ
And if thy brother
a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])
#5
הָֽעִבְרִיָּ֔ה
an Hebrew man
an eberite (i.e., hebrew) or descendant of eber
#6
א֚וֹ
desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if
#7
הָֽעִבְרִיָּ֔ה
an Hebrew man
an eberite (i.e., hebrew) or descendant of eber
#8
וַעֲבָֽדְךָ֖
unto thee and serve
to work (in any sense); by implication, to serve, till, (causatively) enslave, etc
#9
שֵׁ֣שׁ
thee six
six (as an overplus beyond five or the fingers of the hand); as ordinal, sixth
#10
וּבַשָּׁנָה֙
year
a year (as a revolution of time)
#11
וּבַשָּׁנָה֙
year
a year (as a revolution of time)
#12
הַשְּׁבִיעִ֔ת
then in the seventh
seventh
#13
תְּשַׁלְּחֶ֥נּוּ
thou shalt let him go
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
#14
חָפְשִׁ֖י
free
exempt (from bondage, tax or care)
#15
מֵֽעִמָּֽךְ׃
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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