Deuteronomy 15:16
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;
Original Language Analysis
וְהָיָה֙
H1961
וְהָיָה֙
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
1 of 15
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
2 of 15
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
לֹ֥א
H3808
לֹ֥א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
5 of 15
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
אֵצֵ֖א
unto thee I will not go away
H3318
אֵצֵ֖א
unto thee I will not go away
Strong's:
H3318
Word #:
6 of 15
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
מֵֽעִמָּ֑ךְ
H5973
מֵֽעִמָּ֑ךְ
Strong's:
H5973
Word #:
7 of 15
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
כִּ֤י
H3588
כִּ֤י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
8 of 15
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
אֲהֵֽבְךָ֙
from thee because he loveth
H157
אֲהֵֽבְךָ֙
from thee because he loveth
Strong's:
H157
Word #:
9 of 15
to have affection for (sexually or otherwise)
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
10 of 15
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
בֵּיתֶ֔ךָ
thee and thine house
H1004
בֵּיתֶ֔ךָ
thee and thine house
Strong's:
H1004
Word #:
11 of 15
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
כִּי
H3588
כִּי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
12 of 15
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
Historical Context
A servant choosing permanent status might do so for economic security, personal affection, or commitment to the master's children. This provision acknowledged that freedom isn't always economic independence—sometimes relationship and security surpass autonomy's appeal.
Questions for Reflection
- Have you made the voluntary decision to serve Christ permanently, not just accept forgiveness?
- How does the servant saying 'I love thee' (personal devotion) transform obedience from duty to delight?
- What does it mean practically to find your 'good' (prosperity, well-being) in relationship with Christ rather than independence?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
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—The servant may choose permanent servitude out of love (אָהַב, ahav, covenant loyalty). This voluntary submission transforms the relationship: no longer debt-bondage but devoted service. He is well with thee (טוֹב לוֹ עִמָּךְ, tov lo immakh)—prosperity found in relationship, not independence.
This pictures the believer's relationship to Christ: I am my beloved's, and my beloved is mine (Song 6:3). We're freed to leave but choose to stay: Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life (John 6:68). Voluntary submission to Christ isn't slavery but supreme freedom: His service is perfect freedom (Book of Common Prayer). The ear-piercing ceremony (next verse) symbolizes permanent identity in the master's household.