But afterward they turned, and caused the servants and the handmaids, whom they had let go free, to return, and brought them into subjection for servants and for handmaids.

JEREMIAH 34:11KJV
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Jeremiah 34:11 (KJV)

What does Jeremiah 34:11 mean?

Jeremiah 34:11 describes how the people, after first freeing their servants and handmaids as commanded, changed their minds and forced those same people back into slavery. The verse highlights a reversal, where those who had been released were made to serve again against their will.

The prophet Jeremiah is reporting what the leaders and people of Jerusalem did during a time of crisis, when they had promised to let their Hebrew slaves go free. After making this promise and releasing them, they "turned" and brought the freed men and women back into forced service. This act is shown as a serious breach of trust and obedience, especially in light of their earlier public commitment.

The Hebrew behind Jeremiah 34:11

  • "turned" (שׁוּב, shuv): This word means to turn back or return, and here it emphasizes a reversal of action—a deliberate undoing of their earlier decision to free the servants.
  • "free" (חָפְשִׁי, chofshi): This word means liberty or freedom, showing that the servants were truly released, not just given lighter duties.
  • "subjection" (כָּבַשׁ, kavash): This word means to bring under control or to subdue, stressing that the people didn't just ask the servants to return—they forced them back into servitude.

Why Jeremiah 34:11 matters

  • Jeremiah 34:11 clears up that the people's sin was not just in owning slaves, but in breaking a solemn promise to God and to their fellow Israelites.
  • The verse highlights the seriousness of going back on a public commitment, especially one made in response to God's word.
  • This action sets up the reason for God's strong response in the following verses, showing how seriously God views justice and faithfulness among His people.

Where else these words appear

“subjection” Hebrew H3533 · used in 13 verses

  • Genesis 1:28 And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.
  • 2 Samuel 8:11 Which also king David did dedicate unto the LORD, with the silver and gold that he had dedicated of all nations which he subdued;
  • Esther 7:8 Then the king returned out of the palace garden into the place of the banquet of wine; and Haman was fallen upon the bed whereon Esther was. Then said the king, Will he force the queen also before me in the house? As the word went out of the king's mouth, they covered Haman's face.

“free” Hebrew H2670 · used in 17 verses

  • Exodus 21:2 If thou buy an Hebrew servant, six years he shall serve: and in the seventh he shall go out free for nothing.
  • Deuteronomy 15:13 And when thou sendest him out free from thee, thou shalt not let him go away empty:
  • Psalms 88:5 Free among the dead, like the slain that lie in the grave, whom thou rememberest no more: and they are cut off from thy hand.

“handmaids” Hebrew H8198 · used in 58 verses

  • Genesis 12:16 And he entreated Abram well for her sake: and he had sheep, and oxen, and he asses, and menservants, and maidservants, and she asses, and camels.
  • Genesis 32:5 And I have oxen, and asses, flocks, and menservants, and womenservants: and I have sent to tell my lord, that I may find grace in thy sight.
  • 2 Samuel 14:12 Then the woman said, Let thine handmaid, I pray thee, speak one word unto my lord the king. And he said, Say on.