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 34:11KJVWhat 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.