16 But (A)if he says to you, ‘I will not go out from you,’ because he loves you and your household, since he is well-off with you, 17 then you shall take an awl, and put it through his ear into the door, and he shall be your slave[a] forever. And to your female slave[b] you shall do the same. 18 It shall not seem hard to you when you let him go free from you, for at half the cost of a hired worker he has served you six years. So the Lord your God will bless you in all that you do.

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. Deuteronomy 15:17 Or servant; the Hebrew term ‘ebed designates a range of social and economic roles (see Preface)
  2. Deuteronomy 15:17 Or servant

Bible Gateway Recommends

ESV Illuminated Scripture Journal: 27-Volume Old Testament  Boxed Set
ESV Illuminated Scripture Journal: 27-Volume Old Testament Boxed Set
Retail: $199.99
Our Price: $111.99
Save: $88.00 (44%)
4.5 of 5.0 stars
Fire Bible ESV Version, Imitation Leather, Tan/Berry
Fire Bible ESV Version, Imitation Leather, Tan/Berry
Retail: $79.95
Our Price: $56.49
Save: $23.46 (29%)
4.5 of 5.0 stars
ESV Student Study Bible, TruTone, Sky Blue with Ivy Design
ESV Student Study Bible, TruTone, Sky Blue with Ivy Design
Retail: $44.99
Our Price: $19.99
Save: $25.00 (56%)
4.5 of 5.0 stars
ESV Men's Study Bible (TruTone, Brown)
ESV Men's Study Bible (TruTone, Brown)
Retail: $69.99
Our Price: $44.99
Save: $25.00 (36%)
5.0 of 5.0 stars