Exodus 21:2 - “If you buy a Hebrew servant, he shall serve six years and in the seventh he shall go out free without paying anything.
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What does "Exodus 21:2" mean?
Exodus 21:2 outlines a law regarding the treatment of Hebrew slaves (or indentured servants) in ancient Israelite society. Let's break it down:
"If you buy a Hebrew servant...": This refers to a situation where an Israelite, due to poverty or debt, would sell themselves or be sold into servitude to another Israelite. It's important to note that this was not the same as chattel slavery practiced in other cultures, where people were considered property.
"...he shall serve six years...": The servant was obligated to work for their master for a period of six years.
"...and in the seventh he shall go out free...": At the end of the six-year period, in the seventh year, the servant was to be released from their obligations and set free.
"...without paying anything.": The servant was not required to pay any kind of fee or ransom to gain their freedom. Their release was automatic after the six years of service.
Key Implications and Context:
Protection against permanent enslavement: This law was designed to prevent Israelites from being permanently enslaved by other Israelites. It limited the period of servitude.
Social Safety Net: In a society without robust social welfare systems, this was a mechanism to deal with poverty and debt, while also ensuring people weren't trapped in servitude indefinitely.
Emphasis on Freedom: The law highlights a value placed on freedom and the idea that Israelites should not permanently control other Israelites.
Distinction from Chattel Slavery: This type of servitude was different from the chattel slavery seen in other cultures. The servant was still considered a person with rights, and their servitude was time-limited. They were not considered property to be bought and sold indefinitely.
Other verses elaborate on this law: Later verses in Exodus 21 discuss scenarios like if the servant came alone he leaves alone, if married his wife leaves with him, and what happens if the servant wants to stay with their master. There are also different rules for female servants.
In Summary:
Exodus 21:2 describes a law that limited the duration of indentured servitude for Hebrew servants to six years, ensuring their automatic release in the seventh year without any required payment. This law aimed to prevent perpetual enslavement among Israelites and reflected a societal value of freedom. It is important to note that, regardless of ancient laws, no human being should be considered property.
Exodus 21:2 - “If you buy a Hebrew servant, he shall serve six years and in the seventh he shall go out free without paying anything.
What does "Exodus 21:2" mean?
Exodus 21:2 outlines a law regarding the treatment of Hebrew slaves (or indentured servants) in ancient Israelite society. Let's break it down:
"If you buy a Hebrew servant...": This refers to a situation where an Israelite, due to poverty or debt, would sell themselves or be sold into servitude to another Israelite. It's important to note that this was not the same as chattel slavery practiced in other cultures, where people were considered property.
"...he shall serve six years...": The servant was obligated to work for their master for a period of six years.
"...and in the seventh he shall go out free...": At the end of the six-year period, in the seventh year, the servant was to be released from their obligations and set free.
"...without paying anything.": The servant was not required to pay any kind of fee or ransom to gain their freedom. Their release was automatic after the six years of service.
Key Implications and Context:
Protection against permanent enslavement: This law was designed to prevent Israelites from being permanently enslaved by other Israelites. It limited the period of servitude.
Social Safety Net: In a society without robust social welfare systems, this was a mechanism to deal with poverty and debt, while also ensuring people weren't trapped in servitude indefinitely.
Emphasis on Freedom: The law highlights a value placed on freedom and the idea that Israelites should not permanently control other Israelites.
Distinction from Chattel Slavery: This type of servitude was different from the chattel slavery seen in other cultures. The servant was still considered a person with rights, and their servitude was time-limited. They were not considered property to be bought and sold indefinitely.
Other verses elaborate on this law: Later verses in Exodus 21 discuss scenarios like if the servant came alone he leaves alone, if married his wife leaves with him, and what happens if the servant wants to stay with their master. There are also different rules for female servants.
In Summary:
Exodus 21:2 describes a law that limited the duration of indentured servitude for Hebrew servants to six years, ensuring their automatic release in the seventh year without any required payment. This law aimed to prevent perpetual enslavement among Israelites and reflected a societal value of freedom. It is important to note that, regardless of ancient laws, no human being should be considered property.