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Leviticus 25:44 - Gentile servitude laws explained

Leviticus 25:44 - ויקרא 25:44

Hebrew Text

וְעַבְדְּךָ וַאֲמָתְךָ אֲשֶׁר יִהְיוּ־לָךְ מֵאֵת הַגּוֹיִם אֲשֶׁר סְבִיבֹתֵיכֶם מֵהֶם תִּקְנוּ עֶבֶד וְאָמָה׃

English Translation

Both thy bondmen, and thy bondmaids, whom thou shalt have, shall be of the nations that are round about you; of them may you buy bondmen and bondmaids.

Transliteration

Ve'avdecha va'amatecha asher yihyu-lach me'et hagoyim asher sevivoteychem mehem tiknu eved va'ama.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְעַבְדְּךָ֥ וַאֲמָתְךָ֖ אֲשֶׁ֣ר יִהְיוּ־לָ֑ךְ מֵאֵ֣ת הַגּוֹיִ֗ם אֲשֶׁר֙ סְבִיבֹ֣תֵיכֶ֔ם מֵהֶ֥ם תִּקְנ֖וּ עֶ֥בֶד וְאָמָֽה׃
וְעַבְדְּךָ֥ וַאֲמָתְךָ֖ אֲשֶׁ֣ר יִהְיוּ־לָ֑ךְ מֵאֵ֣ת הַגּוֹיִ֗ם אֲשֶׁר֙ סְבִיבֹ֣תֵיכֶ֔ם מֵהֶ֥ם תִּקְנ֖וּ עֶ֥בֶד וְאָמָֽה׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Source and Context

The verse (Vayikra 25:44) is part of the Torah's laws regarding the treatment of slaves, specifically addressing the acquisition of non-Jewish slaves from surrounding nations. This is distinct from the laws governing Jewish indentured servants, which are discussed earlier in the same chapter.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Vayikra 25:44) clarifies that this verse permits purchasing slaves only from the surrounding nations ("מֵאֵת הַגּוֹיִם אֲשֶׁר סְבִיבֹתֵיכֶם"), not from the seven Canaanite nations, whom the Torah forbids keeping as permanent slaves (see Rashi on Devarim 20:16). He emphasizes that this is a permissive law, not a commandment, as the verse states "מֵהֶם תִּקְנוּ" ("may you buy") rather than an obligation.

Rambam's Legal Perspective

In Hilchos Avadim (Laws of Slaves 1:8), the Rambam codifies this law, stating that one may acquire non-Jewish slaves from other nations through purchase. However, he stresses (1:9) that even non-Jewish slaves must be treated with compassion, as the Torah mandates kindness toward all people under one's authority.

Moral and Ethical Considerations

  • The Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 347) explains that this law reflects the Torah's realistic approach to slavery as an existing social institution while regulating it to prevent abuse.
  • The Kli Yakar (Vayikra 25:44) notes that the Torah's permission is limited to slaves from surrounding nations to prevent Jews from becoming overly familiar with distant pagan cultures.

Historical Context

The Malbim explains that this law was given when slavery was a universal practice. The Torah's approach was to regulate and humanize the institution rather than abruptly abolish it, while simultaneously teaching higher ethical standards through other mitzvos.

Halachic Restrictions

The Talmud (Kiddushin 20a) derives from this verse that one may not acquire slaves from the seven Canaanite nations. The Sifra (Behar 7:5) adds that this permission applies only when the Jewish people are dwelling in their land, as the verse specifies "round about you."

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Gittin 38a
The verse is referenced in the discussion about the laws concerning the acquisition of non-Jewish slaves and the conditions under which they can be freed.
📖 Avodah Zarah 13b
The verse is cited in the context of discussing the permissibility of purchasing slaves from the surrounding nations and the regulations governing their treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Leviticus 25:44 mean about buying servants?
A: Leviticus 25:44 permits the Jewish people to acquire servants from the surrounding nations, but it comes with many ethical restrictions. According to Jewish law (Halacha), even non-Jewish servants must be treated with dignity and kindness. The Rambam (Hilchos Avadim) explains that masters must provide for their servants' needs and cannot mistreat them.
Q: Why does the Torah allow buying servants from other nations?
A: The Torah permits acquiring servants from other nations under strict guidelines as part of the societal structure of ancient times. However, Jewish law (as explained in the Talmud, Kiddushin 20a) emphasizes that servants must be treated fairly and given proper living conditions. Rashi notes that this was a regulated system, not a license for exploitation.
Q: How does Leviticus 25:44 apply to Jewish ethics today?
A: While the concept of servitude is largely obsolete today, the ethical principles behind this verse remain relevant. The Torah's emphasis on humane treatment (as discussed in Rambam's Mishneh Torah) teaches us to respect all people, regardless of status. Modern Jewish thought applies these values to employer-employee relationships, stressing fairness and compassion.
Q: What restrictions does Jewish law place on owning servants?
A: Jewish law imposes many restrictions: servants must be treated kindly (Rambam, Hilchos Avadim 9:8), cannot be overworked (Talmud, Kiddushin 22a), and must receive equal food and lodging as their master (Rashi on Leviticus 25:44). The Torah's approach was radically humane compared to ancient norms.
Q: Does Leviticus 25:44 condone slavery?
A: No, the Torah's system was fundamentally different from slavery as practiced historically. As the Rambam explains (Hilchos Avadim), Jewish law transformed servitude into a protected status with rights and dignity. The Talmud (Gittin 12b) further shows how Jewish law encouraged freeing servants whenever possible.