Exodus 21:2
If thou buy an Hebrew servant, six years he shall serve: and in the seventh he shall go out free for nothing.
Original Language Analysis
כִּ֤י
H3588
כִּ֤י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 11
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
תִקְנֶה֙
If thou buy
H7069
תִקְנֶה֙
If thou buy
Strong's:
H7069
Word #:
2 of 11
to erect, i.e., create; by extension, to procure, especially by purchase (causatively, sell); by implication to own
שֵׁ֥שׁ
six
H8337
שֵׁ֥שׁ
six
Strong's:
H8337
Word #:
5 of 11
six (as an overplus beyond five or the fingers of the hand); as ordinal, sixth
יַֽעֲבֹ֑ד
he shall serve
H5647
יַֽעֲבֹ֑ד
he shall serve
Strong's:
H5647
Word #:
7 of 11
to work (in any sense); by implication, to serve, till, (causatively) enslave, etc
יֵצֵ֥א
he shall go out
H3318
יֵצֵ֥א
he shall go out
Strong's:
H3318
Word #:
9 of 11
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
Cross References
Exodus 12:44But every man's servant that is bought for money, when thou hast circumcised him, then shall he eat thereof.Deuteronomy 15:18It shall not seem hard unto thee, when thou sendest him away free from thee; for he hath been worth a double hired servant to thee, in serving thee six years: and the LORD thy God shall bless thee in all that thou doest.Nehemiah 5:8And I said unto them, We after our ability have redeemed our brethren the Jews, which were sold unto the heathen; and will ye even sell your brethren? or shall they be sold unto us? Then held they their peace, and found nothing to answer.Exodus 22:3If the sun be risen upon him, there shall be blood shed for him; for he should make full restitution; if he have nothing, then he shall be sold for his theft.Deuteronomy 15:1At the end of every seven years thou shalt make a release.Deuteronomy 31:10And Moses commanded them, saying, At the end of every seven years, in the solemnity of the year of release, in the feast of tabernacles,
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern slavery was usually permanent. Israel's six-year limit was radically humane. Debt-servitude allowed poor Israelites to work off obligations while maintaining dignity and receiving eventual freedom.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the seven-year release reflect Sabbath principles of rest and renewal?
- What does God prioritizing slavery laws first teach about His heart for the oppressed?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
If thou buy an Hebrew servant, six years he shall serve: and in the seventh he shall go out free for nothing.
God's first civil law addresses slavery—revealing His priority to protect the vulnerable. 'Hebrew servant' (עֶבֶד עִבְרִי, eved ivri) refers to debt-servitude (not chattel slavery)—Israelites who sold themselves to pay debts. The six-year limit prevents permanent poverty-bondage. 'In the seventh go out free' (בַּשְּׁבִעִת יֵצֵא לַחָפְשִׁי, bashevi'it yetze lachofshi) parallels Sabbath principle—rest after labor, release after bondage. 'For nothing' (חִנָּם, chinnam) means without payment—freedom is gift, not purchase. This revolutionizes ancient economy where debt-slavery was perpetual. God champions the oppressed; His laws limit exploitation.