Deuteronomy 15:12-18

EasyEnglish Bible

Slaves

¹² You may buy another Israelite to be your servant, a man or a woman. Let that servant work for you for six years. Then in the seventh year, you must let him go free. ¹³ When you let him go, you must not send him away with nothing to take with him. ¹⁴ Give him gifts of sheep, grain and wine. Be generous! Give him many good things, as the Lord has blessed you with good things. ¹⁵ Remember that you were once slaves in Egypt. But the Lord your God rescued you from there. This is why I am giving you this command today.

¹⁶ But perhaps your servant will say to you, ‘I do not want to leave you!’ He may say that because he loves you and your family. He enjoys his life with you. ¹⁷ If he says that, you must take a tool with a sharp point. Push it through his ear, into your door. After that, he will be your servant for his whole life. Do the same thing for any female servant who wants to stay with you.

¹⁸ Do not think that it will be difficult for you if he goes free. Remember that he has served you well for six years. He has been worth twice as much as a servant that you pay to do your work. The Lord your God will bless you in everything that you do.