Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does Leviticus 25:54 mean?
A: Leviticus 25:54 discusses the laws of a Jewish indentured servant who was not redeemed (bought back) by family or others before the Jubilee year. The verse states that even if he wasn't redeemed earlier, he and his children must go free in the Jubilee year. This teaches the importance of freedom and the temporary nature of servitude in Jewish law.
Q: Why is the Jubilee year important in this verse?
A: The Jubilee year (Yovel) is important because it represents a reset in societal and economic structures. Every 50 years, as commanded in the Torah, slaves go free, and ancestral lands return to their original owners. This verse emphasizes that no one can be kept in permanent servitude—freedom is guaranteed by the Torah's laws.
Q: What can we learn from Leviticus 25:54 today?
A: This verse teaches timeless lessons about human dignity and social justice. Even in difficult circumstances, the Torah ensures that servitude is temporary and that freedom is a fundamental right. Today, we can apply this by valuing fairness, compassion, and the importance of giving people opportunities for a fresh start.
Q: How does Jewish law interpret 'he and his children with him' in this verse?
A: Rashi explains that 'he and his children with him' means that if a servant had children while in servitude, they too go free in the Jubilee year. This highlights the Torah's concern for family unity—ensuring that parents and children are not separated due to economic hardship.
Q: Does this verse apply to all types of servants in Jewish law?
A: No, this verse specifically refers to a Jewish indentured servant (Eved Ivri), not a non-Jewish servant (Eved Kena'ani). The laws differ based on the circumstances of servitude. The Torah provides a structured system where even servitude has ethical boundaries and a path to freedom.
Context in Vayikra (Leviticus)
The verse (Vayikra 25:54) discusses the laws of an eved Ivri (Hebrew indentured servant) who was not redeemed by other means before the Yovel (Jubilee) year. According to Torah law, even if the servant was not redeemed through payment or other methods, he and his family must go free when Yovel arrives.
Rashi's Explanation
Rashi (Vayikra 25:54) clarifies that "in these years" refers to the six-year cycles leading up to Yovel. If the servant was not redeemed during those years, Yovel itself becomes the automatic mechanism for his release. Rashi emphasizes that Yovel overrides all prior conditions—even if the servant had originally agreed to a longer term of service, Yovel nullifies such agreements.
Rambam's Legal Perspective
In Hilchos Avadim (Laws of Servants 2:3), the Rambam codifies this law, stating that Yovel is a gezeiras hakasuv (divine decree) that cannot be circumvented. Even if the servant willingly wishes to remain, the Torah mandates his freedom, as the verse states, "he and his children with him"—indicating a complete restoration of family liberty.
Midrashic Insight
The Sifra (Behar 8:9) connects this law to the broader theme of divine ownership: "For they are My servants" (Vayikra 25:55). The Midrash teaches that since all Jews are ultimately servants of Hashem, no human can permanently claim ownership over another. Yovel serves as a reminder that true freedom comes from serving Hashem alone.
Practical Implications