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Leviticus 25:42 - Divine ownership, human dignity

Leviticus 25:42 - ויקרא 25:42

Hebrew Text

כִּי־עֲבָדַי הֵם אֲשֶׁר־הוֹצֵאתִי אֹתָם מֵאֶרֶץ מִצְרָיִם לֹא יִמָּכְרוּ מִמְכֶּרֶת עָבֶד׃

English Translation

For they are my servants, whom I brought out of the land of Miżrayim: they shall not be sold as bondmen.

Transliteration

Ki-avadai hem asher-hotzeiti otam me'eretz mitzrayim lo yimacheru mimkeret eved.

Hebrew Leining Text

כִּֽי־עֲבָדַ֣י הֵ֔ם אֲשֶׁר־הוֹצֵ֥אתִי אֹתָ֖ם מֵאֶ֣רֶץ מִצְרָ֑יִם לֹ֥א יִמָּכְר֖וּ מִמְכֶּ֥רֶת עָֽבֶד׃
כִּֽי־עֲבָדַ֣י הֵ֔ם אֲשֶׁר־הוֹצֵ֥אתִי אֹתָ֖ם מֵאֶ֣רֶץ מִצְרָ֑יִם לֹ֥א יִמָּכְר֖וּ מִמְכֶּ֥רֶת עָֽבֶד׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Source and Context

The verse (Vayikra 25:42) appears in the context of the laws concerning Hebrew indentured servants (עבד עברי) in Parashat Behar. It establishes the prohibition against selling a Jewish servant in a degrading manner, as one would sell a Canaanite slave. The Torah emphasizes that Bnei Yisrael are inherently servants of Hashem, having been redeemed from Egypt, and thus cannot be treated as ordinary slaves.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Vayikra 25:42) explains that the phrase "כי עבדי הם" ("for they are My servants") means that Bnei Yisrael are designated exclusively for Hashem's service. Since they were taken out of Egypt on the condition that they would serve Hashem, they cannot be sold into permanent servitude to another master. This reflects the principle that their ultimate allegiance is to Hashem alone.

Rambam's Halachic Perspective

In Hilchot Avadim (1:1), the Rambam derives from this verse that a Jewish servant must be treated with dignity. Unlike a Canaanite slave, whose servitude is permanent, a Jewish servant’s term is limited (either six years or until Yovel). The Rambam emphasizes that this law reinforces the idea that Bnei Yisrael are not truly "owned" by any human master—only by Hashem.

Midrashic Insight

The Torat Kohanim (Behar 7:3) elaborates that the redemption from Egypt was a transformative event that established Bnei Yisrael as Hashem’s eternal servants. The Midrash compares this to a king who redeems his son from captivity—once freed, the son cannot be sold again. Similarly, since Hashem liberated us from Egypt, we remain bound to Him and cannot be subjected to permanent servitude.

Key Themes

  • Divine Ownership: The verse underscores that Bnei Yisrael belong to Hashem, not to human masters.
  • Dignity in Servitude: Even when in temporary servitude, a Jew must be treated with respect, reflecting their inherent sanctity.
  • Historical Covenant: The Exodus from Egypt established an unbreakable bond between Hashem and His people, limiting their subjugation to others.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Kiddushin 22b
The verse is cited in a discussion about the laws of Hebrew slaves, emphasizing that they should not be sold as slaves because they are God's servants.
📖 Bava Metzia 10b
Referenced in the context of discussing the prohibition of selling a Hebrew slave in a degrading manner, highlighting their special status as God's servants.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Leviticus 25:42 mean?
A: Leviticus 25:42 teaches that the Jewish people are servants of Hashem (G-d) because He redeemed them from Egypt. Therefore, they should not be sold into permanent slavery like ordinary slaves. This emphasizes the special relationship between G-d and the Jewish people, as explained by Rashi and other traditional commentators.
Q: Why is Leviticus 25:42 important?
A: This verse is important because it highlights the dignity and freedom of the Jewish people. Since G-d liberated them from Egypt, they are meant to serve Him, not human masters in permanent servitude. The Rambam (Hilchos Avadim) elaborates on the laws of Jewish servants, showing how this principle shapes Jewish law.
Q: What can we learn from Leviticus 25:42 today?
A: We learn that every Jew has inherent spiritual value as a servant of G-d. This verse reminds us that true freedom comes from serving Hashem, not from material or physical pursuits. The Midrash (Toras Kohanim) connects this idea to the broader concept of Jewish identity and purpose.
Q: How does Leviticus 25:42 apply to modern times?
A: While literal slavery is no longer practiced, this verse teaches that Jews should never see themselves as subservient to human authority in a way that compromises their devotion to G-d. The Talmud (Kiddushin 22b) discusses how this principle influences Jewish labor laws and personal conduct.
Q: Why does the verse mention the Exodus from Egypt?
A: The Exodus is mentioned because it was the defining moment when G-d established the Jewish people as His nation. Rashi explains that since G-d redeemed them from slavery in Egypt, they must remain free to serve Him. This connection reinforces the idea that Jewish identity is rooted in divine service.