Leviticus 25:44

Both thy bondmen, and thy bondmaids, which thou shalt have, shall be of the heathen that are round about you; of them shall ye buy bondmen and bondmaids.

Leviticus 25:44 (KJV)

Context

Leviticus 25:44 belongs to the Law of the Year of Jubilee. In this chapter, God gives Israel rules about the land, its rest, and the treatment of fellow Israelites who became poor or owed debt. Verses 39-43 say that an Israelite should not be sold as a permanent slave, because the people belong to God, who brought them out of Egypt.

This verse answers a practical question: if Israelites could not be enslaved, who would serve them? God allows them to buy bondmen and bondmaids from the surrounding heathen nations. The permission is limited to those nations, not to the covenant people.

Meaning

The words “bondmen” and “bondmaids” mean male and female slaves or servants. Slavery in the Old Testament was different from the transatlantic slave trade. It often came from war or debt, and the law set boundaries to protect slaves. This verse does not endorse slavery as an ideal; it regulates an existing social practice under the Old Covenant.

God’s permission here served to preserve the distinct identity and freedom of Israel. The people were to be a holy nation, set apart for Him. Allowing them to buy slaves from other nations kept the covenant community from permanent servitude among themselves.

Biblical connections

The New Testament does not comment directly on this verse, but it shows the fuller picture. Galatians 3:28 teaches that in Christ Jesus all are equal, whether slave or free, male or female. Paul also encourages slaves to gain their freedom if they can (1 Corinthians 7:21), and he condemns man-stealing (1 Timothy 1:10). These passages point to the dignity of every person.

Application

Christians should read this verse within the whole Bible story. It is not a timeless approval of slavery. Instead, it shows how God worked with ancient Israel in their culture while planting seeds of justice and mercy. We should treat every person with dignity, because all are made in God’s image.

Reflection

This verse challenges us to see how God’s laws prepared His people for a better way. The Old Covenant allowed what was less than perfect, but the New Covenant in Christ brings freedom and equality. Let us live as people who honor God by honoring others.