Leviticus 25:39-46

Good News Translation

Release of Slaves

^39 (A)If any Israelites living near you become so poor that they sell themselves to you as a slave, you shall not make them do the work of a slave. ⁴⁰ They shall stay with you as hired workers and serve you until the next Year of Restoration. ⁴¹ At that time they and their children shall leave you and return to their family and to the property of their ancestors. ⁴² The people of Israel are the Lord's slaves, and he brought them out of Egypt; they must not be sold into slavery. ⁴³ Do not treat them harshly, but obey your God. ⁴⁴ If you need slaves, you may buy them from the nations around you. ⁴⁵ You may also buy the children of the foreigners who are living among you. Such children born in your land may become your property, ⁴⁶ and you may leave them as an inheritance to your children, whom they must serve as long as they live. But you must not treat any Israelites harshly.