And if a sojourner or stranger wax rich by thee, and thy brother that dwelleth by him wax poor, and sell himself unto the stranger or sojourner by thee, or to the stock of the stranger’s family:
If a foreigner or visitor living among you becomes wealthy, and your fellow Israelite who lives nearby becomes poor and has to sell himself as a servant to that foreigner or to someone from the foreigner's family:
This verse describes a situation where an Israelite becomes so poor that they must sell themselves as a servant to a wealthy foreigner living in their community.
📚 Historical Context
In ancient Israelite society, God provided laws through Moses to safeguard the vulnerable and promote economic equality, as part of the broader instructions for holy living in the Promised Land. Leviticus 25 specifically addresses the Year of Jubilee, a 50-year cycle where debts were canceled, land returned, and certain forms of servitude ended to prevent permanent poverty. This verse focuses on a situation where an Israelite might sell themselves into service to a foreigner due to hardship, emphasizing the right of redemption by family members.
Explore Similar Verses
Ask the AI Assistant
Have a question about this chapter or verse? Ask below for a clear explanation.