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Leviticus 25:53 - Kindness to indentured servants required

Leviticus 25:53 - ויקרא 25:53

Hebrew Text

כִּשְׂכִיר שָׁנָה בְּשָׁנָה יִהְיֶה עִמּוֹ לֹא־יִרְדֶּנּוּ בְּפֶרֶךְ לְעֵינֶיךָ׃

English Translation

As a yearly hired servant shall he be with him: and the other shall not rule with rigour over him in thy sight.

Transliteration

Kis'kheer shana b'shana yih'yeh imo lo-yir'denu b'ferekh l'einecha.

Hebrew Leining Text

כִּשְׂכִ֥יר שָׁנָ֛ה בְּשָׁנָ֖ה יִהְיֶ֣ה עִמּ֑וֹ לֹֽא־יִרְדֶּ֥נּֽוּ בְּפֶ֖רֶךְ לְעֵינֶֽיךָ׃
כִּשְׂכִ֥יר שָׁנָ֛ה בְּשָׁנָ֖ה יִהְיֶ֣ה עִמּ֑וֹ לֹֽא־יִרְדֶּ֥נּֽוּ בְּפֶ֖רֶךְ לְעֵינֶֽיךָ׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Vayikra 25:53) appears in the Torah portion of Behar, which discusses the laws of indentured servitude. Specifically, it addresses the case of an impoverished Jew who sells himself to a non-Jewish master. The Torah sets boundaries for this relationship to ensure the servant is treated with dignity.

Explanation of the Phrase "כִּשְׂכִיר שָׁנָה בְּשָׁנָה"

Rashi explains that the term "כִּשְׂכִיר שָׁנָה בְּשָׁנָה" ("as a yearly hired servant") means the servant should be treated like a day laborer, not as a permanent slave. The master must allow him to leave after the Jubilee year (Yovel) or when he redeems himself with money. The servant retains his rights and may not be subjected to excessive labor.

Prohibition Against Harsh Treatment ("לֹא־יִרְדֶּנּוּ בְּפֶרֶךְ")

The Torah forbids the master from ruling over the servant "בְּפֶרֶךְ" ("with rigour"). Rambam (Hilchos Avadim 1:6) clarifies that this includes:

  • Assigning unnecessary or demeaning tasks
  • Overburdening the servant with excessive work
  • Treating him with cruelty or humiliation

The Sifra (Behar 7:5) emphasizes that this law applies even if the servant is owned by a non-Jew—Jewish courts must intervene to prevent abuse.

Moral and Ethical Implications

The Talmud (Kiddushin 22a) derives from this verse that a master must treat his Jewish servant as an equal, not as property. The phrase "לְעֵינֶיךָ" ("in thy sight") implies that the Jewish community bears responsibility to ensure fair treatment. The Ramban adds that this law teaches compassion, reminding us that all Jews are ultimately servants of Hashem.

Connection to Brother Torah Values

This verse aligns with the broader Torah principle of human dignity (כבוד הבריות). Even in difficult financial circumstances, a Jew must never be degraded. The Or HaChaim highlights that the temporary nature of the servitude ("year by year") reinforces the idea that no Jew is permanently subjugated—freedom is an inherent right.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Kiddushin 20a
The verse is cited in a discussion about the laws of Hebrew slaves and the prohibition against treating them harshly.
📖 Bava Metzia 10b
Referenced in the context of labor laws and the ethical treatment of workers, emphasizing fair treatment as mandated by the Torah.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Leviticus 25:53 mean?
A: Leviticus 25:53 discusses the laws of an indentured servant (Hebrew: 'eved Ivri') who sells himself due to poverty. The verse teaches that the master must treat him fairly—like a hired worker year by year—and not oppress him harshly. Rashi explains that the phrase 'in your sight' means Jewish courts must ensure this law is enforced.
Q: Why is this verse about servants important?
A: This verse highlights the Torah's emphasis on human dignity and ethical labor practices. Even in servitude, a Jew retains rights and must be treated with respect. The Rambam (Hilchos Avadim 1:6) derives from here that a master must not overwork or humiliate his servant.
Q: How does Leviticus 25:53 apply today?
A: While Jewish servitude no longer exists today, the principle teaches fair treatment of workers. The Talmud (Bava Metzia 10a) extends this to all employees—employers must avoid exploitation. Modern halachic authorities apply these ethics to business and labor laws.
Q: What does 'not rule with rigour' mean?
A: The Torah forbids excessive labor or demeaning tasks (Sifra Behar 7:3). Rashi explains 'rigour' ('perek') as unreasonable demands beyond normal work. The master must treat the servant as an equal, not a slave—reflecting Judaism’s balance between social responsibility and personal freedom.