share torah logo

Deuteronomy 15:12 - Six years serve, seventh year free?

Deuteronomy 15:12 - דברים 15:12

Hebrew Text

כִּי־יִמָּכֵר לְךָ אָחִיךָ הָעִבְרִי אוֹ הָעִבְרִיָּה וַעֲבָדְךָ שֵׁשׁ שָׁנִים וּבַשָּׁנָה הַשְּׁבִיעִת תְּשַׁלְּחֶנּוּ חָפְשִׁי מֵעִמָּךְ׃

English Translation

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

Transliteration

Ki-yimakher lekha akhikha ha'ivri o ha'ivriya va'avadekha shesh shanim uvashana hashvi'it teshalkhennu khofshi me'imakh.

Hebrew Leining Text

כִּֽי־יִמָּכֵ֨ר לְךָ֜ אָחִ֣יךָ הָֽעִבְרִ֗י א֚וֹ הָֽעִבְרִיָּ֔ה וַעֲבָֽדְךָ֖ שֵׁ֣שׁ שָׁנִ֑ים וּבַשָּׁנָה֙ הַשְּׁבִיעִ֔ת תְּשַׁלְּחֶ֥נּוּ חׇפְשִׁ֖י מֵעִמָּֽךְ׃
כִּֽי־יִמָּכֵ֨ר לְךָ֜ אָחִ֣יךָ הָֽעִבְרִ֗י א֚וֹ הָֽעִבְרִיָּ֔ה וַעֲבָֽדְךָ֖ שֵׁ֣שׁ שָׁנִ֑ים וּבַשָּׁנָה֙ הַשְּׁבִיעִ֔ת תְּשַׁלְּחֶ֥נּוּ חׇפְשִׁ֖י מֵעִמָּֽךְ׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context and General Meaning

The verse (Devarim 15:12) discusses the laws of an Eved Ivri (Hebrew indentured servant), who is sold into servitude due to financial hardship or theft (as explained in Shemot 22:2). The Torah mandates that such a servant must be freed after six years of service, aligning with the cycle of the Sabbatical (Shmita) year. This law reflects the Torah's emphasis on human dignity and the temporary nature of servitude, ensuring no Jew remains enslaved indefinitely.

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi (Devarim 15:12) clarifies that the term "כִּי־יִמָּכֵר לְךָ" ("if he is sold to you") refers to two scenarios:

  • A court selling a thief who cannot repay what he stole (based on Shemot 22:2).
  • An individual selling himself due to extreme poverty (as discussed in Vayikra 25:39).

Rashi also notes that the inclusion of "הָעִבְרִי אוֹ הָעִבְרִיָּה" ("a Hebrew man or woman") emphasizes that the law applies equally to both genders, though their specific labor obligations may differ.

Rambam's Legal Perspective

In Hilchot Avadim (Laws of Servants 2:1-3), the Rambam elaborates on the conditions of an Eved Ivri:

  • The six-year term is absolute—even if the Jubilee (Yovel) occurs earlier, the servant goes free in the seventh year.
  • The master must treat the servant with dignity, as the verse states "כִּי־טוֹב לוֹ עִמָּךְ" ("for it is good for him with you" – Devarim 15:16).
  • If the servant chooses to remain beyond six years (Devarim 15:16-17), his ear is pierced as a symbol of his voluntary servitude.

Talmudic and Midrashic Insights

The Talmud (Kiddushin 15a) derives from this verse that a Hebrew servant may not be sold publicly (e.g., in a marketplace) to avoid humiliation. The Midrash (Sifrei Devarim 119) highlights the ethical dimension: the six-year limit ensures the servant’s subjugation is temporary, reinforcing the idea that all Jews are ultimately servants of Hashem, not of other people.

Philosophical and Ethical Lessons

This law teaches:

  • Compassion: Even in servitude, the Torah demands humane treatment, as the servant is "אָחִיךָ" ("your brother").
  • Limits on Power: By setting a fixed term, the Torah curbs exploitation and reminds masters of their accountability.
  • Social Responsibility: The seventh-year release parallels Shmita, linking individual ethics to broader societal renewal.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Kiddushin 15a
The verse is discussed in the context of the laws regarding Hebrew slaves and their release in the seventh year.
📖 Gittin 38a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the conditions under which a Hebrew slave can be freed before the completion of six years.
📖 Makkot 2b
The verse is cited in a broader discussion about the laws of servitude and the ethical treatment of Hebrew slaves.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Deuteronomy 15:12 mean?
A: Deuteronomy 15:12 discusses the laws of an Eved Ivri (Hebrew servant). If a Jewish person is sold into servitude due to financial hardship, they must work for six years and be freed in the seventh year. This teaches compassion and limits servitude, emphasizing that no Jew should remain permanently enslaved.
Q: Why is the seventh year significant in this verse?
A: The seventh year is significant because it parallels the Shmita (Sabbatical) year, a time of release and rest. Just as the land rests every seventh year (Exodus 23:11), this verse teaches that people, too, deserve freedom and renewal. The Torah values human dignity and ensures no one remains indefinitely bound to servitude.
Q: Does this law apply today?
A: While the formal practice of Hebrew servitude does not apply today (as explained in the Talmud, Kiddushin 21a), the ethical principles remain relevant. The Torah’s emphasis on treating others with dignity, limiting hardship, and granting freedom influences Jewish laws on labor rights, fair treatment of workers, and tzedakah (charity) to prevent financial distress.
Q: What is the difference between an Eved Ivri and a non-Jewish servant?
A: An Eved Ivri (Hebrew servant) is a Jewish person sold temporarily (up to six years) due to debt or theft (Exodus 22:2). In contrast, a non-Jewish servant (under Torah law) could be held indefinitely unless freed by the master. However, Jewish law mandates kind treatment for all servants (Rambam, Hilchos Avadim 9:8).
Q: What lesson can we learn from this verse?
A: This verse teaches compassion, responsibility, and the impermanence of hardship. By limiting servitude to six years, the Torah ensures no one is trapped in poverty forever. It also reminds us that freedom is a divine right—reflected in the Exodus from Egypt—and that we must uphold human dignity in all circumstances (Rashi on Deuteronomy 15:15).