Deuteronomy 15:12-18

Good News Translation

The Treatment of Slaves^(A)

^12 (B)“If any Israelites, male or female, sell themselves^[a] to you as slaves, you are to release them after they have served you for six years. When the seventh year comes, you must let them go free. ¹³ When you set them free, do not send them away empty-handed. ¹⁴ Give to them generously from what the Lord has blessed you with—sheep, grain, and wine. ¹⁵ Remember that you were slaves in Egypt and the Lord your God set you free; that is why I am now giving you this command.

¹⁶ “But your slave may not want to leave; he may love you and your family and be content to stay. ¹⁷ Then take him to the door of your house and there pierce his ear; he will then be your slave for life. Treat your female slave in the same way. ¹⁸ Do not be resentful when you set slaves free; after all, they have served you for six years at half the cost of hired servants.^[b] Do this, and the Lord your God will bless you in all that you do.