Deuteronomy 15:13 (KJV)

What does Deuteronomy 15:13 mean?

Deuteronomy 15:13 commands that when someone sets a servant free, the master must not send the servant away empty-handed. The verse insists on generosity and provision for the newly freed person, rather than simply releasing them with nothing.

In this part of Deuteronomy, Moses is speaking to the Israelites about the treatment of Hebrew servants. The context is the release of servants after a set period, usually seven years, as part of the laws God gave Israel. The verse emphasizes that freedom should come with support, ensuring the former servant has resources to begin independent life.

The Hebrew behind Deuteronomy 15:13

• sendest (שָׁלַח, shalach): This word means "to send" or "to let go." Here, it refers to the act of releasing a servant from service, highlighting the master's responsibility in the process.
• free (חָפְשִׁי, chofshi): This word means "free" or "liberated." It stresses that the servant is not just being let go, but is being given true freedom, no longer under obligation.
• away (שָׁלַח, shalach): The same word as "sendest," repeated for emphasis, underlining the act of release.
• empty (רֵיקָם, reyqam): This word means "empty" or "without anything." The verse uses it to make clear that the servant should not leave with nothing, but should be given something substantial.

Why Deuteronomy 15:13 matters

• Deuteronomy 15:13 clarifies that biblical freedom for servants was not just about ending service, but about ensuring a fair and compassionate transition to independence.
• The verse highlights a principle of generosity and care for the vulnerable, which stands out in the ancient world where released servants were often left with nothing.
• This command connects to the broader passage, which outlines how Israel was to remember their own history as former slaves in Egypt, shaping their treatment of others with justice and kindness.