Catholic Public Domain Version
Deuteronomy 15:12
“When your brother, a Hebrew man or a Hebrew woman, has been sold to you, and has served you for six years, in the seventh year you shall set him free.”
Verse Explanation
A saved explanation for Deuteronomy 15:12.
Plain-language explanation
Deuteronomy 15:12 speaks to the case of a Hebrew person who has been sold into service. After six years of serving, the command is that in the seventh year the person must be set free.
Catholic context
Many Catholics read this as part of God’s concern for human dignity and mercy within the laws of Israel. The law aims to prevent long-term exploitation by requiring release and giving a clear limit to service.
Historical background
In ancient Israel, household service could involve people who were bound by debt or circumstances. This verse is part of a wider instruction in Deuteronomy that regulated such arrangements and protected vulnerable persons, especially by ensuring a periodic “reset” in the seventh year.
Reflection
God’s word here is firm about timing: mercy is not optional. If someone has served faithfully, the law teaches that the relationship must not become endless or dehumanizing.
Practical takeaway
Let this encourage you to honor fair limits in work and service, and to treat others with respect—remembering that obligations should never erase a person’s dignity.
Prayer
Lord God, help me to see every person as made in your image. Teach me mercy and fairness in my dealings, and give me a heart that releases others from burdens when it is time. Amen.