Deuteronomy 15:18 - Generous freedom brings divine blessing.

Join Our Newsletter To Be Informed When New Videos Are Posted

Join the thousands of fellow Studends who rely on our videos to learn how to read the bible in Hebrew for free!

Hebrew Text

לֹא־יִקְשֶׁה בְעֵינֶךָ בְּשַׁלֵּחֲךָ אֹתוֹ חָפְשִׁי מֵעִמָּךְ כִּי מִשְׁנֶה שְׂכַר שָׂכִיר עֲבָדְךָ שֵׁשׁ שָׁנִים וּבֵרַכְךָ יְהוָה אֱלֹהֶיךָ בְּכֹל אֲשֶׁר תַּעֲשֶׂה׃

English Translation

It shall not seem hard to thee, when thou sendest him away free from thee; for he has been worth double a hired servant to thee, in serving thee six years: and the Lord thy God shall bless thee in all that thou doest.

Transliteration

Lo-yikshe ve'eynekha beshalchekha oto chofshi me'imakh ki mishne sekhar sakhir avadekha shesh shanim uverakhekha Adonai Elohekha bekhol asher ta'aseh.

Hebrew Leining Text

לֹא־יִקְשֶׁ֣ה בְעֵינֶ֗ךָ בְּשַׁלֵּֽחֲךָ֨ אֹת֤וֹ חׇפְשִׁי֙ מֵֽעִמָּ֔ךְ כִּ֗י מִשְׁנֶה֙ שְׂכַ֣ר שָׂכִ֔יר עֲבָֽדְךָ֖ שֵׁ֣שׁ שָׁנִ֑ים וּבֵֽרַכְךָ֙ יְהֹוָ֣ה אֱלֹהֶ֔יךָ בְּכֹ֖ל אֲשֶׁ֥ר תַּעֲשֶֽׂה׃ {פ}

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Devarim 15:18) appears in the context of the laws concerning the Hebrew indentured servant (עבד עברי), who serves for six years and is then set free in the seventh year. The Torah instructs the master not to resent freeing the servant, emphasizing the servant's faithful labor and the divine blessing that follows this mitzvah.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Devarim 15:18) explains the phrase "לֹא־יִקְשֶׁה בְעֵינֶיךָ" ("It shall not seem hard to thee") as a directive to the master not to view the servant's departure as a financial loss. He clarifies that the servant has worked diligently for six years, effectively performing the labor of two hired workers (hence "double a hired servant"). Rashi also notes that the servant's labor was more valuable because he worked day and night, unlike a hired worker who only works during the day.

Rambam's Perspective

In Hilchos Avadim (Laws of Servants 3:12), the Rambam elaborates on the ethical obligation of the master. He emphasizes that the master must not withhold the servant's freedom out of greed or reluctance, as this violates the Torah's command. The Rambam also highlights that the servant's faithful service merits divine blessing for the master.

Midrashic Insight

The Mechilta (on Shemos 21:2) connects this mitzvah to the broader principle of compassion. It teaches that just as Hashem showed kindness to Bnei Yisrael by freeing them from Egypt, masters must emulate this kindness by freeing their servants with goodwill. The Midrash further states that the phrase "וּבֵרַכְךָ ה' אֱלֹהֶיךָ" ("the Lord thy God shall bless thee") is a promise that fulfilling this mitzvah brings abundant blessing.

Halachic Implications

The master must provide the servant with generous gifts upon release (based on Devarim 15:14), as taught in the Talmud (Kiddushin 17a).
The servant's six-year term is fixed, and delaying his release is prohibited (Rambam, Hilchos Avadim 2:2).
The blessing mentioned in the verse applies not only to this mitzvah but serves as a general principle that mitzvah observance brings divine reward (Sifri Devarim 15:18).

Moral Lesson

The verse underscores the Torah's emphasis on treating laborers with dignity and fairness. The servant's release is not merely a legal requirement but an opportunity for the master to demonstrate gratitude and trust in Hashem's providence. By fulfilling this mitzvah with a generous spirit, the master merits divine blessing in all his endeavors.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Kiddushin 17a

The verse is discussed in the context of the laws regarding the freeing of Hebrew slaves after six years of service, emphasizing the ethical treatment and the divine blessing associated with fulfilling this commandment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Deuteronomy 15:18 mean about sending a servant away?
A: This verse teaches that when a Jewish servant completes six years of service, the master must not hesitate to set them free. The Torah reminds the master that the servant has worked diligently ('worth double a hired servant') and that Hashem will bless the master for fulfilling this mitzvah properly.

Q: Why does the Torah say it shouldn't be 'hard' to free a servant after six years?
A: Rashi explains that the master might become emotionally attached to the servant or rely on their work. The Torah reassures the master that letting them go is the right thing to do, and Hashem will provide blessings in return. The Talmud (Kiddushin 20a) also discusses the ethical treatment of servants.

Q: What is the significance of the six years of service mentioned in this verse?
A: The six years correspond to the maximum term of service for a Jewish indentured servant (as stated in Exodus 21:2). The Rambam (Hilchos Avadim 2) explains this timeframe balances the servant's need to repay debts while preserving their dignity and freedom.

Q: How does this verse apply to ethical treatment of workers today?
A: While Jewish servitude no longer applies today, the principle teaches fair treatment of employees. The Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 482) derives that employers must respect workers' time and dignity, and trust that ethical business practices bring divine blessing.

Q: What does it mean that Hashem will bless 'all that you do' for freeing the servant?
A: The Sforno explains that fulfilling this mitzvah with a generous spirit demonstrates trust in Hashem, Who in turn blesses one's livelihood. This aligns with the broader Torah principle that righteousness in interpersonal matters brings divine reward (see also Proverbs 19:17).