Leviticus 25:44

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
עֶ֥בֶד
Both thy bondmen
a servant
#2
וְאָמָֽה׃
and bondmaids
a maid-servant or female slave
#3
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#4
יִֽהְיוּ
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#5
לָ֑ךְ
H0
#6
מֵאֵ֣ת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#7
הַגּוֹיִ֗ם
which thou shalt have shall be of the heathen
a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts
#8
אֲשֶׁר֙
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#9
סְבִיבֹ֣תֵיכֶ֔ם
that are round about
(as noun) a circle, neighbour, or environs; but chiefly (as adverb, with or without preposition) around
#10
מֵהֶ֥ם
they (only used when emphatic)
#11
תִּקְנ֖וּ
you of them shall ye buy
to erect, i.e., create; by extension, to procure, especially by purchase (causatively, sell); by implication to own
#12
עֶ֥בֶד
Both thy bondmen
a servant
#13
וְאָמָֽה׃
and bondmaids
a maid-servant or female slave

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Leviticus. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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