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Deuteronomy 15:14 - Generously free your servant

Deuteronomy 15:14 - דברים 15:14

Hebrew Text

הַעֲנֵיק תַּעֲנִיק לוֹ מִצֹּאנְךָ וּמִגָּרְנְךָ וּמִיִּקְבֶךָ אֲשֶׁר בֵּרַכְךָ יְהוָה אֱלֹהֶיךָ תִּתֶּן־לוֹ׃

English Translation

thou shalt furnish him liberally out of thy flock, and out of thy threshing floor, and out of thy winepress: of that with which the Lord thy God has blessed thee thou shalt give him.

Transliteration

Ha'anik ta'anik lo mitzonkha umigornekha umiyikvekha asher berakhkha Adonai Elohekha titten-lo.

Hebrew Leining Text

הַעֲנֵ֤יק תַּעֲנִיק֙ ל֔וֹ מִצֹּ֣אנְךָ֔ וּמִֽגׇּרְנְךָ֖ וּמִיִּקְבֶ֑ךָ אֲשֶׁ֧ר בֵּרַכְךָ֛ יְהֹוָ֥ה אֱלֹהֶ֖יךָ תִּתֶּן־לֽוֹ׃
הַעֲנֵ֤יק תַּעֲנִיק֙ ל֔וֹ מִצֹּ֣אנְךָ֔ וּמִֽגׇּרְנְךָ֖ וּמִיִּקְבֶ֑ךָ אֲשֶׁ֧ר בֵּרַכְךָ֛ יְהֹוָ֥ה אֱלֹהֶ֖יךָ תִּתֶּן־לֽוֹ׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Devarim 15:14) appears in the context of the laws concerning the eved Ivri (Hebrew indentured servant) who is to be released after six years of service. The Torah commands the master to generously provide for the servant upon his emancipation.

Explanation of the Command

The phrase "הַעֲנֵיק תַּעֲנִיק לוֹ" ("thou shalt furnish him liberally") employs a doubled verb (העניק תעניק), which, according to Rashi, emphasizes the requirement to give generously. The master must provide the servant with gifts from three primary sources:

  • מִצֹּאנְךָ ("out of thy flock") – livestock
  • וּמִגָּרְנְךָ ("out of thy threshing floor") – grain
  • וּמִיִּקְבֶךָ ("out of thy winepress") – wine and other produce

Rashi's Interpretation

Rashi (Devarim 15:14) explains that the gifts must come from the same blessings with which Hashem has enriched the master. The servant should not receive inferior or leftover items but rather a portion of the master’s finest possessions. This ensures the servant has the means to establish himself independently after his release.

Rambam’s Perspective

In Hilchos Avadim (3:14), the Rambam elaborates that the master must give according to the servant’s needs and the master’s capacity. The verse underscores that the gifts are not merely an act of kindness but a mitzvah (commandment) rooted in divine justice.

Midrashic Insight

The Midrash (Sifrei Devarim 120) connects this mitzvah to the broader principle of gratitude. Just as Hashem blessed the master, he must now bless the servant. This reflects the concept of hakaras hatov (recognizing the good), as the servant contributed to the master’s prosperity during his years of service.

Halachic Application

The Talmud (Kiddushin 17a) derives from this verse that the gifts must be substantial enough to provide the servant with a new beginning. The Gemara discusses whether the gifts are obligatory or a meritorious act, concluding that they are a binding requirement, not merely optional generosity.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Kiddushin 17a
The verse is cited in the discussion about the treatment of Hebrew slaves and the obligation to provide for them generously upon their release.
📖 Sotah 47b
The verse is referenced in the context of discussing the proper treatment of those who serve others, emphasizing generosity and kindness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Deuteronomy 15:14 mean?
A: This verse instructs a Jewish master to generously provide for a Hebrew servant when their term of service ends. The Torah commands giving them from your flock (sheep/goats), grain (from your threshing floor), and wine (from your winepress) – all things that God has blessed you with. Rashi explains this teaches us to share our blessings with others.
Q: Why is this commandment important in Judaism?
A: This mitzvah (commandment) teaches the Jewish value of treating workers with dignity and kindness. The Rambam (Hilchos Avadim 3:14) explains that we must give generously when freeing a servant, showing gratitude for their service. The Talmud (Kiddushin 17a) discusses how this prevents former servants from leaving empty-handed.
Q: How does this verse apply today?
A: While we don't have Hebrew servants today, Orthodox Judaism applies this principle to how we treat employees. The Shulchan Aruch (Choshen Mishpat 333) derives laws about proper severance pay from this verse. It teaches employers to be generous when workers leave their service.
Q: What can we learn from 'that which God has blessed you' in this verse?
A: The Sforno explains that recognizing our possessions come from God's blessings should make us more willing to share with others. The Midrash Tanchuma (Mishpatim 15) connects this to the idea that our wealth is given to us so we can help others in need.
Q: Why specify flock, grain and wine in this commandment?
A: Rashi notes these represent three categories: livestock (flock), produce (grain), and processed goods (wine). The Kli Yakar adds that these correspond to basic needs - clothing (from wool), food (grain), and drink (wine). This teaches we should provide for all of a person's fundamental requirements.