46 You may also pass them on as an inheritance to your sons after you, to receive as a possession; you can use them as permanent slaves. (A)But in respect to your countrymen, the sons of Israel, you shall not rule with [a]severity over one another.

Of Redeeming a Person Who Is Poor

47 ‘Now if the [b]means of a stranger or of a foreign resident with you becomes sufficient, and a countryman of yours becomes poor in relation to him and sells himself to a stranger who is residing with you, or to the descendants of a stranger’s family, 48 then he shall have redemption right after he has been sold. One of his brothers may redeem him,

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. Leviticus 25:46 Or violence
  2. Leviticus 25:47 Lit hand...reaches

46 You can bequeath them to your children as inherited property and can make them slaves for life, but you must not rule over your fellow Israelites ruthlessly.

47 “‘If a foreigner residing among you becomes rich and any of your fellow Israelites become poor and sell themselves(A) to the foreigner or to a member of the foreigner’s clan, 48 they retain the right of redemption(B) after they have sold themselves. One of their relatives(C) may redeem them:

Read full chapter