Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version But if your servant says to you, “I do not want to leave you,” because he loves you and your family and is well off with you, New Living Translation “But suppose your servant says, ‘I will not leave you,’ because he loves you and your family, and he has done well with you. English Standard Version But if he says to you, ‘I will not go out from you,’ because he loves you and your household, since he is well-off with you, Berean Standard Bible But if your servant says to you, ‘I do not want to leave you,’ because he loves you and your household and is well off with you, Berean Literal Bible And it shall come to pass that if he says to you, ‘I will not go away from you,’ because he loves you and your house, since it is good to him with you, King James Bible And it shall be, if he say unto thee, I will not go away from thee; because he loveth thee and thine house, because he is well with thee; New King James Version And if it happens that he says to you, ‘I will not go away from you,’ because he loves you and your house, since he prospers with you, New American Standard Bible But it shall come about, if he says to you, ‘I will not leave you,’ because he loves you and your household, since he is doing well with you, NASB 1995 “It shall come about if he says to you, ‘I will not go out from you,’ because he loves you and your household, since he fares well with you; NASB 1977 “And it shall come about if he says to you, ‘I will not go out from you,’ because he loves you and your household, since he fares well with you; Legacy Standard Bible And it will be that, if he says to you, ‘I will not go out from you,’ because he loves you and your household, since he fares well with you; Amplified Bible Now if the servant says to you, ‘I will not leave you,’ because he loves you and your household, since he is doing well with you; Berean Annotated Bible But if your servant says to you, ‘I do not want to leave you, because he loves you and your household and is well off with you, Christian Standard Bible But if your slave says to you, ‘I don’t want to leave you,’ because he loves you and your family, and is well off with you, Holman Christian Standard Bible But if your slave says to you, ‘I don’t want to leave you,’ because he loves you and your family, and is well off with you, American Standard Version And it shall be, if he say unto thee, I will not go out from thee, because he loveth thee and thy house, because he is well with thee; Contemporary English Version But one of your slaves may say, "I love you and your family, and I would be better off staying with you, so please don't make me leave." English Revised Version And it shall be, if he say unto thee, I will not go out from thee; because he loveth thee and thine house, because he is well with thee; GOD'S WORD® Translation But suppose a male slave says to you, "I don't want to leave you," because he loves you and your family and is happy with you. Good News Translation "But your slave may not want to leave; he may love you and your family and be content to stay. International Standard Version "Should that slave say to you, 'I won't leave you,' because he loves you and your household, and it was good for him to be with you, NET Bible However, if the servant says to you, "I do not want to leave you," because he loves you and your household, since he is well off with you, New Heart English Bible It shall be, if he tells you, "I will not go out from you"; because he loves you and your house, because he is well with you; Webster's Bible Translation And it shall be, if he shall say to thee, I will not leave thee; because he loveth thee and thy house, because he is well with thee; Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleBut if your servant says to you, ‘I do not want to leave you,’ because he loves you and your household and is well off with you, World English Bible It shall be, if he tells you, “I will not go out from you,” because he loves you and your house, because he is well with you, Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd it has been, when he says to you, I do not go out from you, because he has loved you and your house, because [it is] good for him with you, Berean Literal Bible And it shall come to pass that if he says to you, ‘I will not go away from you,’ because he loves you and your house, since it is good to him with you, Young's Literal Translation And it hath been, when he saith unto thee, I go not out from thee -- because he hath loved thee, and thy house, because it is good for him with thee -- Smith's Literal Translation And it was when he shall say to thee, I will not go forth from thee; for he loved thee and thy house, for it was well to him with thee; Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleBut if he say: I will not depart: because he loveth thee, and thy house, and findeth that he is well with thee: Catholic Public Domain Version But if he will say, ‘I am not willing to depart,’ because he loves you and your household, and because he feels that it would be good for him to stay with you, New American Bible But if he says to you, “I do not wish to leave you,” because he loves you and your household, since he is well off with you, New Revised Standard Version But if he says to you, “I will not go out from you,” because he loves you and your household, since he is well off with you, Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleBut if he says to you. I will not go away from you, because I love you and your household, and because it is better for me to be with you, Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And if he will say to you: “I did not go out from your presence, because I loved you and your household and your people is suitable for me”; OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And it shall be, if he say unto thee: 'I will not go out from thee'; because he loveth thee and thy house, because he fareth well with thee; Brenton Septuagint Translation And if he should say to thee, I will not go out from thee, because he continues to love thee and thy house, because he is well with thee; Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Release of Hebrew Servants…15Remember that you were slaves in the land of Egypt, and the LORD your God redeemed you; that is why I am giving you this command today. 16 But if your servant says to you, ‘I do not want to leave you,’ because he loves you and your household and is well off with you, 17then take an awl and pierce it through his ear into the door, and he will become your servant for life. And treat your maidservant the same way.… Cross References But if your servant says to you, Exodus 21:5 But if the servant declares, ‘I love my master and my wife and children; I do not want to go free,’ 2 Samuel 15:21 But Ittai answered the king, “As surely as the LORD lives, and as my lord the king lives, wherever my lord the king may be, whether it means life or death, there will your servant be!” Genesis 24:58 They called Rebekah and asked her, “Will you go with this man?” “I will go,” she replied. ‘I do not want to leave you,’ Ruth 1:16 But Ruth replied: “Do not urge me to leave you or to turn from following you. For wherever you go, I will go, and wherever you live, I will live; your people will be my people, and your God will be my God. 2 Kings 2:2 and Elijah said to Elisha, “Please stay here, for the LORD has sent me on to Bethel.” But Elisha replied, “As surely as the LORD lives and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.” So they went down to Bethel. Luke 24:29 But they pleaded with Him, “Stay with us, for it is nearly evening and the day is almost over.” So He went in to stay with them. because he loves you and your household Joshua 24:15 But if it is unpleasing in your sight to serve the LORD, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living. As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD!” John 11:5 Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. Acts 16:31-34 They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved, you and your household.” / Then Paul and Silas spoke the word of the Lord to him and to everyone in his house. / At that hour of the night, the jailer took them and washed their wounds. And without delay, he and all his household were baptized. … and is well off with you, Genesis 30:27 But Laban replied, “If I have found favor in your eyes, please stay. I have learned by divination that the LORD has blessed me because of you.” Genesis 39:2-4 And the LORD was with Joseph, and he became a successful man, serving in the household of his Egyptian master. / When his master saw that the LORD was with him and made him prosper in all he did, / Joseph found favor in his sight and became his personal attendant. Potiphar put him in charge of his household and entrusted him with everything he owned. 1 Timothy 6:6 Of course, godliness with contentment is great gain. Leviticus 25:39-42 If a countryman among you becomes destitute and sells himself to you, then you must not force him into slave labor. / Let him stay with you as a hired worker or temporary resident; he is to work for you until the Year of Jubilee. / Then he and his children are to be released, and he may return to his clan and to the property of his fathers. … 1 Samuel 8:17 He will take a tenth of your flocks, and you yourselves will become his slaves. Jeremiah 34:9-10 that each man should free his Hebrew slaves, both male and female, and no one should hold his fellow Jew in bondage. / So all the officials and all the people who entered into this covenant agreed that they would free their menservants and maidservants and no longer hold them in bondage. They obeyed and released them, Nehemiah 5:5 We and our children are just like our countrymen and their children, yet we are subjecting our sons and daughters to slavery. Some of our daughters are already enslaved, but we are powerless to redeem them because our fields and vineyards belong to others.” Treasury of Scripture And it shall be, if he say to you, I will not go away from you; because he loves you and your house, because he is well with you; Exodus 21:5,6 And if the servant shall plainly say, I love my master, my wife, and my children; I will not go out free: … Psalm 40:6,8 Sacrifice and offering thou didst not desire; mine ears hast thou opened: burnt offering and sin offering hast thou not required… Jump to Previous Dear Desire Happy House Household Loved Loves Servant WantJump to Next Dear Desire Happy House Household Loved Loves Servant WantDeuteronomy 15 1. The seventh year a year of release for the poor7. one must be generous in lending or giving 12. A Hebrew servant, except by choice, must be freed in the seventh year 19. All firstborn males of the cattle are to be sanctified unto the Lord. But if your servant says to you, In ancient Israel, servitude was often a result of poverty or debt, and the Mosaic Law provided guidelines for the treatment of servants. This phrase introduces a scenario where a servant voluntarily chooses to remain with their master. The context is the sabbatical year, a time when Hebrew servants were to be released (Deuteronomy 15:12). This provision highlights the servant's agency and the possibility of a positive relationship between servant and master. ‘I do not want to leave you,’ because he loves you and your household and is well off with you, Persons / Places / Events 1. Servant (Hebrew: ?????, 'eved')In ancient Israel, a servant could be a fellow Hebrew who, due to poverty, sold themselves into servitude. This was not slavery as understood in modern terms but a form of indentured servitude with specific rights and protections. 2. Master The person to whom the servant is bound. The relationship between the servant and master is central to this verse, highlighting mutual respect and care. 3. Household The family and property of the master. The servant's decision to stay is based on the love and well-being found within this household. 4. Year of Release Every seventh year, Hebrew servants were to be released, as part of the Sabbatical year laws, which aimed to prevent perpetual servitude and promote economic balance. 5. Love and Loyalty The servant's declaration of love and loyalty to the master and household is a key event, reflecting a deep bond that transcends mere obligation. Teaching Points The Value of Voluntary ServiceThe decision of the servant to remain is based on love and well-being, not compulsion. This reflects the Christian call to serve God and others out of love rather than obligation. Mutual Respect and Care The relationship between the servant and master is built on mutual respect and care. In our relationships, whether in family, work, or church, we should strive to create environments where others feel valued and loved. Freedom in Commitment True freedom is found in willingly committing to serve where we are loved and where we love. This mirrors the Christian life, where freedom is found in serving Christ and others. The Role of Love in Decision Making The servant's choice is motivated by love, a powerful force in decision-making. As Christians, our decisions should be guided by love for God and others. Economic and Social Justice The Sabbatical year laws, including the release of servants, reflect God's concern for economic and social justice. Christians are called to advocate for fairness and justice in society. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Deuteronomy 15:16?2. Why might a servant choose to stay with his master in Deuteronomy 15:16? 3. How does Deuteronomy 15:16 reflect God's view on servitude and freedom? 4. What connections exist between Deuteronomy 15:16 and New Testament teachings on servanthood? 5. How can Deuteronomy 15:16 guide Christian employers in treating their employees? 6. What principles from Deuteronomy 15:16 apply to modern Christian relationships and commitments? 7. Why does Deuteronomy 15:16 allow for voluntary servitude in ancient Israelite society? 8. How does Deuteronomy 15:16 align with the concept of freedom in Christianity? 9. What historical context explains the servant's choice in Deuteronomy 15:16? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Deuteronomy 15? 11. What does 'You Cannot Serve Two Masters' mean? 12. Deuteronomy 15:16-17 allows perpetual servitude--how does this align with the broader biblical theme of liberation from bondage? 13. In Exodus 21:2-6, how is the practice of permanently marking a servant's ear and lifelong servitude reconciled with moral or ethical standards? 14. 1 Peter 2:18: Why does the text appear to condone slavery by telling slaves to submit to their masters, and how is that consistent with a just God? What Does Deuteronomy 15:16 Mean But if your servant says to you,• The law grants freedom after six years (Deuteronomy 15:12–15), yet it also honors choice—God never forces devotion. • Exodus 21:5–6 shows the same option, underscoring the consistency of God’s Word. • Voluntary allegiance parallels our own: “Though you were slaves to sin, you became obedient from the heart” (Romans 6:17). ‘I do not want to leave you,’ • The servant’s personal declaration mirrors Peter’s “Lord, to whom would we go?” (John 6:68). • Genuine commitment springs from desire, not compulsion—like Ruth’s covenant with Naomi (Ruth 1:16). • Our relationship with Christ is likewise chosen: “If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself” (Matthew 16:24). because he loves you and your household • Love fulfills the law (Romans 13:10) and extends to the whole household, reflecting “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household” (Acts 16:31). • 1 John 5:1 links love for God with love for His family; the servant’s affection foreshadows the believer’s love for Christ and His church. • Ephesians 6:5–9 calls servants to obedience “with sincerity of heart,” uniting earthly service with heavenly devotion. and is well off with you • “It is good for him with you”—the servant thrives under righteous care (Proverbs 10:22). • Psalm 34:8 invites, “Taste and see that the LORD is good,” echoing the servant’s experience. • Jesus promises abundant life to those who remain with Him (John 10:10), illustrating the blessings of abiding under a benevolent master. summary Deuteronomy 15:16 portrays a servant who, having tasted his master’s goodness, freely chooses lifelong service motivated by love and well-being. The verse upholds human choice within God’s gracious provision and points ahead to the believer’s joyful, voluntary surrender to Christ, staying close because we love Him, His household, and the abundant life found only in His care. Verses 16, 17. - It might happen, however, that the slave chose rather to remain with his master than to be manumitted, and in that case he was not to be forced to go free, which would be a hardship to him, but was to be, by a formal process of nailing his ear to the door of his master's house, constituted his slave for life (cf. Exodus 21:5). This was not a painful operation, especially as the servant's ear was probably already pierced for a ring; nor does any infamy appear to have been attached to the bearing of this badge of perpetual servitude. There is no mention here, as in Exodus, of the matter being referred to the judges; and this has led some to suppose that, by the time this later prescription was given, the earlier usage had passed away; but it is more natural to suppose that this usage was so regular and well known that it was needless formally to announce it.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew But ifכִּֽי־ (kî-) Conjunction Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction your servant says יֹאמַ֣ר (yō·mar) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 559: To utter, say to you, אֵלֶ֔יךָ (’ê·le·ḵā) Preposition | second person masculine singular Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to ‘I do not לֹ֥א (lō) Adverb - Negative particle Strong's 3808: Not, no want to leave you,’ אֵצֵ֖א (’ê·ṣê) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common singular Strong's 3318: To go, bring, out, direct and proxim because כִּ֤י (kî) Conjunction Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction he loves אֲהֵֽבְךָ֙ (’ă·hê·ḇə·ḵā) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular | second person masculine singular Strong's 157: To have affection f you וְאֶת־ (wə·’eṯ-) Conjunctive waw | Direct object marker Strong's 853: Untranslatable mark of the accusative case and your household בֵּיתֶ֔ךָ (bê·ṯe·ḵā) Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular Strong's 1004: A house and כִּי־ (kî-) Conjunction Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction is well off ט֥וֹב (ṭō·wḇ) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 2895: To be pleasing or good with you, מֵעִמָּ֑ךְ (mê·‘im·māḵ) Preposition-m | second person masculine singular Strong's 5973: With, equally with Links Deuteronomy 15:16 NIVDeuteronomy 15:16 NLT Deuteronomy 15:16 ESV Deuteronomy 15:16 NASB Deuteronomy 15:16 KJV Deuteronomy 15:16 BibleApps.com Deuteronomy 15:16 Biblia Paralela Deuteronomy 15:16 Chinese Bible Deuteronomy 15:16 French Bible Deuteronomy 15:16 Catholic Bible OT Law: Deuteronomy 15:16 It shall be if he tell you (Deut. De Du) |
    |