Deuteronomy 15:14 - You shall furnish him liberally out of your flock, out of your threshing floor, and out of your wine press. As Yahweh your God has blessed you, you shall give to him.

Generated Verse: Deuteronomy 15:14

What does "Deuteronomy 15:14" mean?


Deuteronomy 15:14 outlines the generosity required when releasing a Hebrew servant who has served for six years. Let's break down the verse:

"You shall furnish him liberally...": This emphasizes the generosity required. It's not enough to just set them free; you must provide them with resources to start a new life. The word "liberally" suggests giving generously and freely, without begrudging.

"...out of your flock, out of your threshing floor, and out of your wine press...": These represent the main sources of wealth and sustenance in an agrarian society.
Flock: Refers to livestock – sheep, goats, cattle – which provided meat, milk, wool, and could be sold or used for breeding.
Threshing floor: Represents grain, the staple food. Giving from the threshing floor means providing grain, flour, or other agricultural produce.
Wine press: Refers to wine and other products made from grapes, another valuable commodity.

By specifying these three sources, the verse makes it clear that the freed servant should receive a share of the landowner's accumulated wealth, not just leftovers or unwanted items.

"As Yahweh your God has blessed you, you shall give to him.": This is the key reason for the generosity. The ability to provide comes from God's blessing. The phrase emphasizes that the prosperity of the owner is a gift from God, and they are now called to share that blessing with someone who has served them. It links the act of giving to a broader understanding of God's provision and justice. The amount given should be proportional to the blessing received. It also instills a sense of gratitude and responsibility.

In essence, Deuteronomy 15:14 teaches that when a Hebrew servant is freed after their term of service, they should be given generously from the resources of the household – flocks, grain, and wine – in proportion to the blessings the owner has received from God. This generosity is not merely a kind gesture, but a reflection of God's justice and a recognition of the owner's own blessings.

Therefore, the verse calls for:

Generosity: Give freely and abundantly.
Proportionality: Give in relation to how God has blessed you.
Justice: Recognize the servant's service and provide them with the means to start a new life.
Gratitude: Acknowledge that your prosperity comes from God.

The verse goes beyond a simple "thank you" and establishes a social system that promotes fairness and opportunities for those who had been in servitude. It's about empowering someone to rebuild their life with dignity.