Leviticus 25:55 (KJV)

What does Leviticus 25:55 mean?

Leviticus 25:55 says that the people of Israel belong to God as His servants because He brought them out of slavery in Egypt. This verse reminds the Israelites that their ultimate loyalty and identity are tied to God, not to any human master or owner.

In this verse, God is speaking to the Israelites through Moses, explaining the reason behind the laws about servitude and release in the year of Jubilee. The context is about how Israelites should not be treated as permanent slaves by each other, since they are already God’s servants, having been freed from Egypt. This sets a limit on human ownership and emphasizes God’s authority over His people.

The Hebrew behind Leviticus 25:55

• "servants" (עֲבָדִים, ʿavadim): This word means "servants" or "slaves." Here, it highlights that the Israelites are not to be owned by other people, but belong to God in a special relationship.
• "brought forth" (הוֹצֵאתִי, hotse'ti): This verb means "to bring out" or "to lead out." It refers to God’s act of delivering the Israelites from Egypt, which is the foundation for their unique status.
• "LORD" (יְהוָה, YHWH): This is God’s personal name, used here to stress His authority and covenant relationship with Israel.
• "God" (אֱלֹהִים, Elohim): This title for God underscores His power and role as the supreme being who claims Israel as His own.

Why Leviticus 25:55 matters

• Leviticus 25:55 clarifies that no Israelite can ever be a true slave to another Israelite, because their only true master is God Himself.
• The verse ties the laws about servitude directly to the Exodus, showing that Israel’s freedom from Egypt is meant to shape their social and ethical life.
• This verse helps explain why the year of Jubilee required the release of Israelite servants: it is a reminder of God’s ongoing claim over His people and their freedom.