Deuteronomy 15:16 (KJV)

What does Deuteronomy 15:16 mean?

Deuteronomy 15:16 describes a situation where a servant, after serving his master for a set period, chooses not to leave when offered freedom because he loves his master and feels content in his master's household. The verse highlights the servant's voluntary decision to remain, motivated by affection and well-being.

In this part of Deuteronomy, Moses is instructing the Israelites about the treatment of Hebrew servants. After six years of service, servants were to be set free, but if a servant expressed a genuine desire to stay—out of love (not obligation or fear)—the law made provision for that choice. The verse shows a personal relationship and mutual satisfaction between the servant and the master's household.

The Hebrew behind Deuteronomy 15:16

• "say" (אָמַר, 'amar): This word means "to say" or "to declare." Here, it emphasizes that the servant's desire to stay must be clearly expressed, not assumed or coerced.
• "away" (יָצָא, yatsa'): This word means "to go out" or "to depart." The verse focuses on the servant's refusal to leave, making it clear that staying is a deliberate choice.
• "loveth" (אָהַב, 'ahav): This word means "to love." The use of 'ahav' shows the servant's emotional attachment, indicating genuine affection for both the master and the household.
• "house" (בַּיִת, bayit): This word means "house" or "household." It points to the servant's connection not just with the master, but with the whole family or community.
• "well" (טוֹב, tov): This word means "good" or "well." The servant's sense of well-being is a key reason for choosing to stay, highlighting satisfaction and positive experience.

Why Deuteronomy 15:16 matters

• Deuteronomy 15:16 clarifies that the servant's continued service is voluntary and rooted in love, not forced labor or fear, which counters common assumptions about ancient servitude.
• The verse emphasizes the importance of personal relationships and well-being in the law, showing that the servant's feelings and welfare are valued.
• This verse connects to the broader passage about release from servitude, illustrating that the law provided both freedom and the option for a servant to remain if he truly desired, balancing justice and compassion.