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Leviticus 25:45 - Strangers' status in Israel?

Leviticus 25:45 - ויקרא 25:45

Hebrew Text

וְגַם מִבְּנֵי הַתּוֹשָׁבִים הַגָּרִים עִמָּכֶם מֵהֶם תִּקְנוּ וּמִמִּשְׁפַּחְתָּם אֲשֶׁר עִמָּכֶם אֲשֶׁר הוֹלִידוּ בְּאַרְצְכֶם וְהָיוּ לָכֶם לַאֲחֻזָּה׃

English Translation

Moreover of the children of the strangers that do sojourn among you, of them shall you buy, and of their families that are with you, whom they have begotten in your land: and they shall be your possession.

Transliteration

Vegam mibnei hatoshavim hagrim imachem meihem tiknu umimishpachtam asher imachem asher holidu be'artzechem vehayu lachem la'achuza.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְ֠גַ֠ם מִבְּנֵ֨י הַתּוֹשָׁבִ֜ים הַגָּרִ֤ים עִמָּכֶם֙ מֵהֶ֣ם תִּקְנ֔וּ וּמִמִּשְׁפַּחְתָּם֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר עִמָּכֶ֔ם אֲשֶׁ֥ר הוֹלִ֖ידוּ בְּאַרְצְכֶ֑ם וְהָי֥וּ לָכֶ֖ם לַֽאֲחֻזָּֽה׃
וְ֠גַ֠ם מִבְּנֵ֨י הַתּוֹשָׁבִ֜ים הַגָּרִ֤ים עִמָּכֶם֙ מֵהֶ֣ם תִּקְנ֔וּ וּמִמִּשְׁפַּחְתָּם֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר עִמָּכֶ֔ם אֲשֶׁ֥ר הוֹלִ֖ידוּ בְּאַרְצְכֶ֑ם וְהָי֥וּ לָכֶ֖ם לַֽאֲחֻזָּֽה׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context and Source

The verse appears in Vayikra (Leviticus) 25:45, within the broader discussion of the laws concerning eved Ivri (Hebrew indentured servant) and eved Kena'ani (Canaanite slave). This passage addresses the acquisition of non-Jewish servants from among the resident strangers (toshavim) living among Bnei Yisrael.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Vayikra 25:45) clarifies that the "children of the strangers" (bnei ha-toshavim) refers to ger toshav—a non-Jew who has accepted the seven Noahide laws and resides in Eretz Yisrael under Jewish sovereignty. These individuals may be acquired as permanent slaves, unlike Hebrew servants who go free in the Yovel (Jubilee) year.

Rambam's Legal Perspective

Rambam (Hilchot Avadim 1:6-8) elaborates on the halachic distinctions:

  • A ger toshav may be purchased as a permanent slave, provided they accept the Noahide laws before a Beit Din.
  • Their children born in the land (asher holidu b'artzechem) also become hereditary property, unlike Hebrew servants whose children are not bound to servitude.
  • This acquisition is only permitted when the Yovel is in effect and Jewish sovereignty is established in Eretz Yisrael.

Midrashic Insight

The Torat Kohanim (Sifra, Behar 7:5) emphasizes that the phrase "ve-hayu lachem la-achuzah" ("they shall be your possession") teaches that these slaves are considered permanent property, but their humanity must still be respected. The Talmud (Kiddushin 22a) derives from here that one must treat a non-Jewish slave with dignity, as the verse states "for they are your brethren" (Devarim 15:12).

Halachic and Ethical Considerations

Later commentators, such as the Kli Yakar, note that the Torah's permission to acquire such slaves is not a blanket endorsement of slavery but a regulated system within a specific historical and legal framework. The emphasis on "whom they have begotten in your land" suggests that even in servitude, familial bonds are recognized, and masters are obligated to provide for the slaves' families.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Leviticus 25:45 mean when it talks about buying 'children of the strangers'?
A: This verse refers to non-Jewish servants (not slaves) who could be acquired under specific Torah laws. The Torah permits this under strict ethical guidelines (Rambam, Hilchot Avadim 1:1), requiring fair treatment and eventual release. The term 'possession' means they would work for the Jewish household but were protected by Torah laws.
Q: Why does the Torah allow acquiring servants from other nations?
A: The Torah permits this as a regulated system for integrating non-Jews into Israelite society while ensuring their dignity. Unlike oppressive slavery, Jewish law (Rashi, Leviticus 25:45) emphasizes kindness, fair wages (Talmud, Kiddushin 20a), and eventual freedom. It was a common ancient practice, but the Torah elevated it with moral restrictions.
Q: How does Leviticus 25:45 apply today?
A: While the laws of acquiring servants no longer apply today (Rambam, Hilchot Avadim 9:8), the ethical principles remain relevant: treating workers fairly, avoiding exploitation, and showing kindness to strangers (Midrash Tanchuma, Mishpatim 8). The verse reminds us of our responsibility toward those in vulnerable positions.