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Deuteronomy 24:14 - Protect the vulnerable worker's dignity

Deuteronomy 24:14 - דברים 24:14

Hebrew Text

לֹא־תַעֲשֹׁק שָׂכִיר עָנִי וְאֶבְיוֹן מֵאַחֶיךָ אוֹ מִגֵּרְךָ אֲשֶׁר בְּאַרְצְךָ בִּשְׁעָרֶיךָ׃

English Translation

Thou shalt not oppress a hired servant that is poor and needy, whether he be of thy brethren, or of thy strangers that are in thy land within thy gates.

Transliteration

Lo-ta'ashok sakhir ani ve'evyon me'acheicha o migerecha asher be'artzecha bish'areicha.

Hebrew Leining Text

לֹא־תַעֲשֹׁ֥ק שָׂכִ֖יר עָנִ֣י וְאֶבְי֑וֹן מֵאַחֶ֕יךָ א֧וֹ מִגֵּרְךָ֛ אֲשֶׁ֥ר בְּאַרְצְךָ֖ בִּשְׁעָרֶֽיךָ׃
לֹא־תַעֲשֹׁ֥ק שָׂכִ֖יר עָנִ֣י וְאֶבְי֑וֹן מֵאַחֶ֕יךָ א֧וֹ מִגֵּרְךָ֛ אֲשֶׁ֥ר בְּאַרְצְךָ֖ בִּשְׁעָרֶֽיךָ׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Prohibition Against Oppressing Workers

The verse (Devarim 24:14) prohibits oppressing a poor or needy hired worker, whether they are from among the Jewish people (מֵאַחֶיךָ) or a stranger (מִגֵּרְךָ) residing in the land. This commandment emphasizes the ethical treatment of laborers, particularly those in vulnerable positions.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi comments that the phrase "לֹא־תַעֲשֹׁק" ("thou shalt not oppress") refers specifically to withholding wages. He cites the Talmud (Bava Metzia 111a), which states that delaying payment to a worker is akin to "stealing his soul," as the worker depends on timely wages for sustenance. Rashi further explains that the Torah emphasizes this prohibition for both Jewish and non-Jewish workers to teach that ethical treatment extends to all people.

Rambam's Halachic Perspective

Rambam (Hilchot Sechirut 11:2) elaborates on this mitzvah, ruling that one must pay a worker immediately upon completion of their work—whether at the end of the day for a daily worker or at the termination of a task for a project-based worker. He emphasizes that this applies equally to Jews and gerim (resident strangers), reinforcing the universal ethical principle of fair compensation.

Midrashic Insights

The Midrash (Sifrei Devarim 278) connects this verse to the broader theme of tzedek (justice) in interpersonal relationships. It teaches that oppressing a worker violates not only civil law but also spiritual integrity, as it reflects a lack of compassion and fear of Heaven. The inclusion of "אֲשֶׁר בְּאַרְצְךָ" ("that is in thy land") underscores that this obligation applies specifically within Eretz Yisrael, where the standards of justice must be upheld with greater stringency.

Application in Jewish Law

  • Timely Payment: The Shulchan Aruch (Choshen Mishpat 339:1) codifies that delaying wages is a severe transgression, and one who withholds payment violates multiple Torah prohibitions.
  • Equal Treatment: The Gemara (Bava Metzia 58b) teaches that mistreating a ger toshav (resident stranger) is particularly grievous, as they lack familial support networks.
  • Spiritual Consequences: The Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 588) explains that this mitzvah instills compassion and reinforces the idea that all laborers are entitled to dignity.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Bava Metzia 111b
The verse is cited in the context of discussing the prohibition against withholding wages from a worker, emphasizing the ethical treatment of laborers, especially those who are poor and needy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Deuteronomy 24:14 mean?
A: Deuteronomy 24:14 teaches that it is forbidden to withhold or delay the wages of a poor or needy worker, whether they are Jewish or a non-Jewish resident ('ger') living among the Jewish people. The Torah emphasizes fair treatment of laborers, especially those who are vulnerable.
Q: Why is paying workers on time important in Judaism?
A: Paying workers on time is a serious obligation in Judaism. The Talmud (Bava Metzia 111a) states that delaying a worker's wages is akin to taking their life, as they depend on timely payment for their livelihood. Rambam (Hilchos Sechirus 11:2) also rules that one must pay immediately when the work is completed.
Q: Who is included in the commandment 'Thou shalt not oppress a hired servant'?
A: This commandment applies to all workers—both Jewish ('thy brethren') and non-Jewish residents ('ger') living in the land. Rashi explains that the verse specifically mentions the 'poor and needy' to highlight our extra responsibility toward those who are financially vulnerable.
Q: How does this verse apply to employers today?
A: This verse reminds employers today of their ethical obligation to pay employees fairly and on time, especially hourly or contract workers. Jewish law (Halacha) strictly prohibits withholding wages, and businesses should establish clear payment terms to avoid even unintentional oppression of workers.
Q: What is the significance of the phrase 'within thy gates' in this verse?
A: The phrase 'within thy gates' (בִּשְׁעָרֶיךָ) teaches that this law applies not only in workplaces but in all areas under Jewish jurisdiction. Ibn Ezra explains that it emphasizes our responsibility toward workers in our communities, reinforcing that ethical treatment of laborers is a foundational societal value.