Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does Deuteronomy 15:16 mean in simple terms?
A: This verse describes a Hebrew servant who, after serving for six years, chooses to remain with his master rather than go free. He does this because he loves his master and his master's household, and he is happy in his service. According to Rashi, this shows a bond of mutual respect and contentment between the servant and master.
Q: Why is a Hebrew servant allowed to stay with his master after six years?
A: The Torah permits this as an exception to the usual rule of release after six years (Exodus 21:2). The Talmud (Kiddushin 20a) explains that this demonstrates the Torah's recognition of genuine human relationships and free will—if the servant truly prefers to stay out of love and satisfaction, he may do so.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Deuteronomy 15:16 today?
A: The Rambam (Hilchos Avadim 3:13) derives from this verse the importance of treating workers with dignity and creating a positive environment. Just as the servant stayed out of love, employers today should foster workplaces where employees feel valued and content.
Q: How was the servant's ear pierced according to this verse?
A: While this verse doesn't mention the piercing, Rashi (on Exodus 21:6) explains that if the servant chose to stay, he was brought to the doorpost where his ear was pierced with an awl. This symbolized that since he 'heard' at Sinai not to be a permanent servant yet chose otherwise, his ear is marked.
Q: Does this verse apply to modern employment relationships?
A: Yes, the Sefer Hachinuch (Mitzvah 482) teaches that the principles behind this verse—mutual respect, fair treatment, and voluntary commitment—are timeless. While the technical laws of Hebrew servants don't apply today, the ethical lessons about employer-employee relationships remain relevant.
Context in the Torah
This verse appears in Devarim (Deuteronomy) 15:16, within the laws concerning the Hebrew servant (eved ivri). The passage discusses a scenario where a servant, after completing six years of service, chooses to remain with his master rather than go free.
Rashi's Explanation
Rashi (Devarim 15:16) explains that the phrase "because he loves thee and thy house" indicates the servant's deep attachment to his master's household. He emphasizes that the servant's decision is not merely for material benefit but stems from genuine affection and satisfaction with his master's righteous conduct. Rashi also notes that the master must ensure the servant's well-being, as the Torah later commands, "thou shalt not make him to serve as a bondservant" (Vayikra 25:39).
Rambam's Perspective
In Hilchos Avadim (Laws of Servants 3:13), the Rambam (Maimonides) elaborates that this verse teaches the ethical treatment of servants. A master must provide for the servant's needs and treat him with dignity, as the servant's willingness to stay reflects the master's righteousness. Rambam further states that if a servant chooses to remain, the master must formally pierce his ear at the doorpost (retzuah), symbolizing his lifelong commitment (based on Shemos 21:6).
Midrashic Insight
The Mechilta (on Shemos 21:5) connects this verse to the broader theme of divine service. Just as the servant chooses to stay out of love for his master, so too should the Jewish people serve Hashem out of love, not obligation. The Midrash highlights that true service is joyful and voluntary, echoing the servant's declaration, "I will not go out free."
Halachic Implications
Moral Lesson
The verse underscores the Torah's emphasis on compassion and mutual respect in employer-servant relationships. The servant's love for his master's household reflects the ideal of creating a harmonious and ethical society, where even hierarchical relationships are infused with dignity and kindness.