Deuteronomy 15:18 Do not regard it as a hardship to set your servant free, because his six years of service were worth twice the wages of a hired hand. And the LORD your God will bless you in all you do.

Bible > Deuteronomy > Chapter 15 > Verse 18

◄ Deuteronomy 15:18 ►

New International Version
Do not consider it a hardship to set your servant free, because their service to you these six years has been worth twice as much as that of a hired hand. And the LORD your God will bless you in everything you do.

New Living Translation
“You must not consider it a hardship when you release your servants. Remember that for six years they have given you services worth double the wages of hired workers, and the LORD your God will bless you in all you do.

English Standard Version
It shall not seem hard to you when you let him go free from you, for at half the cost of a hired worker he has served you six years. So the LORD your God will bless you in all that you do.

Berean Standard Bible
Do not regard it as a hardship to set your servant free, because his six years of service were worth twice the wages of a hired hand. And the LORD your God will bless you in all you do.

King James Bible
It shall not seem hard unto thee, when thou sendest him away free from thee; for he hath been worth a double hired servant to thee, in serving thee six years: and the LORD thy God shall bless thee in all that thou doest.

New King James Version
It shall not seem hard to you when you send him away free from you; for he has been worth a double hired servant in serving you six years. Then the LORD your God will bless you in all that you do.

New American Standard Bible
“It shall not seem difficult for you when you set him free, because he has given you six years with double the service of a hired worker; so the LORD your God will bless you in whatever you do.

NASB 1995
“It shall not seem hard to you when you set him free, for he has given you six years with double the service of a hired man; so the LORD your God will bless you in whatever you do.

NASB 1977
“It shall not seem hard to you when you set him free, for he has given you six years with double the service of a hired man; so the LORD your God will bless you in whatever you do.

Legacy Standard Bible
“It shall not seem hard in your sight when you let him go to be free from you, for he has given you six years with double the service of a hired man; so Yahweh your God will bless you in whatever you do.

Amplified Bible
“It shall not seem hard to you when you set him free, for he has served you six years with double the service of a hired man; so the LORD your God will bless you in everything you do.

Christian Standard Bible
Do not regard it as a hardship when you set him free, because he worked for you six years—worth twice the wages of a hired worker. Then the LORD your God will bless you in everything you do.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Do not regard it as a hardship when you set him free, because he worked for you six years—worth twice the wages of a hired hand. Then the LORD your God will bless you in everything you do.”

American Standard Version
It shall not seem hard unto thee, when thou lettest him go free from thee; for to the double of the hire of a hireling hath he served thee six years: and Jehovah thy God will bless thee in all that thou doest.

Contemporary English Version
Don't complain when you have to set a slave free. After all, you got six years of service at half the cost of hiring someone to do the work.

English Revised Version
It shall not seem hard unto thee, when thou lettest him go free from thee; for to the double of the hire of an hireling hath he served thee six years: and the LORD thy God shall bless thee in all that thou doest.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
If you have to let your slave go free, it won't be a hardship for you. It would have cost you twice as much to hire someone to do the same work for those six years. Besides, the LORD your God will bless you in everything you do.

Good News Translation
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. Do this, and the LORD your God will bless you in all that you do.

International Standard Version
Don't view this as a hardship for yourself when you set him free, for he will have served you for six years—twice the time of a paid worker. Then the LORD will bless you in all that you do."

Majority Standard Bible
Do not regard it as a hardship to set your servant free, because his six years of service were worth twice the wages of a hired hand. And the LORD your God will bless you in all you do.

NET Bible
You should not consider it difficult to let him go free, for he will have served you for six years, twice the time of a hired worker; the LORD your God will bless you in everything you do.

New Heart English Bible
It shall not seem hard to you, when you let him go free from you; for to the double of the hire of a hireling has he served you six years: and the LORD your God will bless you in all that you do.

Webster's Bible Translation
It shall not seem hard to thee, when thou sendest him away free from thee; for he hath been of double the worth of a hired servant to thee, in serving thee six years: and the LORD thy God shall bless thee in all that thou doest.

World English Bible
It shall not seem hard to you when you let him go free from you, for he has been double the value of a hired hand as he served you six years. Yahweh your God will bless you in all that you do.

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
It is not hard in your eyes in your sending him away free from you; for [his worth has been] double the hire of a hired worker [when] he has served you six years; and your God YHWH has blessed you in all that you do.

Young's Literal Translation
'It is not hard in thine eyes, in thy sending him away free from thee; for the double of the hire of an hireling he hath served thee six years, and Jehovah thy God hath blessed thee in all that thou dost.

Smith's Literal Translation
It shall not be hard in thine eye in thy sending him away free from thee, because for the year of the wages of the hireling he served thee six years: and Jehovah thy God blessed thee in all which thou shalt do.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
Turn not away thy eyes from them when thou makest them tree: because he hath served thee six years according to the wages of a hireling: that the Lord thy God may bless thee in all the works that thou dost.

Catholic Public Domain Version
You should not avert your eyes from them when you set them free, because he has served you for six years, in a manner deserving of the pay of a hired hand. So may the Lord your God bless you in all the works that you do.

New American Bible
Do not be reluctant when you let them go free, since the service they have given you for six years was worth twice a hired laborer’s salary; and the LORD, your God, will bless you in everything you do.

New Revised Standard Version
Do not consider it a hardship when you send them out from you free persons, because for six years they have given you services worth the wages of hired laborers; and the LORD your God will bless you in all that you do.

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
You shall not show displeasure when you let him go free from you; for he has served you double according to the wages of a hired servant, in serving you six years; and the LORD your God shall bless you in all that you do.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And it shall not be evil in your eyes when you have released him as a son of freedom from your presence because for double the hire of a hired man he worked for you six years, and LORD JEHOVAH your God will bless you in everything that you do.

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
It shall not seem hard unto thee, when thou lettest him go free from thee; for to the double of the hire of a hireling hath he served thee six years; and the LORD thy God will bless thee in all that thou doest.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
It shall not seem hard to thee when they are sent out free from thee, because thy servant has served thee six years according to the annual hire of a hireling; so the Lord thy God shall bless thee in all things whatsoever thou mayest do.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

Release of Hebrew Servants
…17then take an awl and pierce it through his ear into the door, and he will become your servant for life. And treat your maidservant the same way. 18Do not regard it as a hardship to set your servant free, because his six years of service were worth twice the wages of a hired hand. And the LORD your God will bless you in all you do.

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

Exodus 21:2-6
If you buy a Hebrew servant, he is to serve you for six years. But in the seventh year, he shall go free without paying anything. / If he arrived alone, he is to leave alone; if he arrived with a wife, she is to leave with him. / If his master gives him a wife and she bears him sons or daughters, the woman and her children shall belong to her master, and only the man shall go free. ...

Leviticus 25:39-43
If a countryman among you becomes destitute and sells himself to you, then you must not force him into slave labor. / Let him stay with you as a hired worker or temporary resident; he is to work for you until the Year of Jubilee. / Then he and his children are to be released, and he may return to his clan and to the property of his fathers. ...

Jeremiah 34:14
Every seventh year, each of you must free his Hebrew brother who has sold himself to you. He may serve you six years, but then you must let him go free. But your fathers did not listen or incline their ear.

1 Corinthians 7:21-23
Were you a slave when you were called? Do not let it concern you—but if you can gain your freedom, take the opportunity. / For he who was a slave when he was called by the Lord is the Lord’s freedman. Conversely, he who was a free man when he was called is Christ’s slave. / You were bought at a price; do not become slaves of men.

Galatians 4:7
So you are no longer a slave, but a son; and since you are a son, you are also an heir through God.

Ephesians 6:5-9
Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear and sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ. / And do this not only to please them while they are watching, but as servants of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart. / Serve with good will, as to the Lord and not to men, ...

Colossians 3:22-25
Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything, not only to please them while they are watching, but with sincerity of heart and fear of the Lord. / Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being, as for the Lord and not for men, / because you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as your reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. ...

Philemon 1:15-16
For perhaps this is why he was separated from you for a while, so that you might have him back for good— / no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a beloved brother. He is especially beloved to me, but even more so to you, both in person and in the Lord.

Matthew 18:27
His master had compassion on him, forgave his debt, and released him.

Luke 17:10
So you also, when you have done everything commanded of you, should say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty.’”

Romans 6:18
You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness.

1 Timothy 6:1-2
All who are under the yoke of slavery should regard their masters as fully worthy of honor, so that God’s name and our teaching will not be discredited. / Those who have believing masters should not show disrespect because they are brothers, but should serve them all the more, since those receiving their good service are beloved believers. Teach and encourage these principles.

Titus 2:9-10
Slaves are to submit to their own masters in everything, to be well-pleasing, not argumentative, / not stealing from them, but showing all good faith, so that in every respect they will adorn the teaching about God our Savior.

1 Peter 2:18-19
Servants, submit yourselves to your masters with all respect, not only to those who are good and gentle, but even to those who are unreasonable. / For if anyone endures the pain of unjust suffering because he is conscious of God, this is to be commended.

Genesis 31:41
Thus for twenty years I have served in your household—fourteen years for your two daughters and six years for your flocks—and you have changed my wages ten times!

Treasury of Scripture

It shall not seem hard to you, when you send him away free from you; for he has been worth a double hired servant to you, in serving you six years: and the LORD your God shall bless you in all that you do.

shall not

Deuteronomy 15:10
Thou shalt surely give him, and thine heart shall not be grieved when thou givest unto him: because that for this thing the LORD thy God shall bless thee in all thy works, and in all that thou puttest thine hand unto.

a double

Isaiah 16:14
But now the LORD hath spoken, saying, Within three years, as the years of an hireling, and the glory of Moab shall be contemned, with all that great multitude; and the remnant shall be very small and feeble.

Isaiah 21:16
For thus hath the Lord said unto me, Within a year, according to the years of an hireling, and all the glory of Kedar shall fail:

Luke 17:7,8
But which of you, having a servant plowing or feeding cattle, will say unto him by and by, when he is come from the field, Go and sit down to meat? …

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Bless Blessing Consider Cost Double Half Hand Hard Hardship Hire Hired Hireling Lettest Regular Seem Sendest Servant Served Serving Six Time Twice Working Worth

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Bless Blessing Consider Cost Double Half Hand Hard Hardship Hire Hired Hireling Lettest Regular Seem Sendest Servant Served Serving Six Time Twice Working Worth

Deuteronomy 15

1. The seventh year a year of release for the poor
7. one must be generous in lending or giving
12. A Hebrew servant, except by choice, must be freed in the seventh year
19. All firstborn males of the cattle are to be sanctified unto the Lord.

Berean Study Bible

Do not regard it as a hardship
The Hebrew word for "hardship" here is "קָשָׁה" (qashah), which conveys the idea of something being difficult or severe. In the context of ancient Israel, releasing a servant could be seen as a financial loss, yet God instructs His people not to view it as burdensome. This reflects a divine principle of generosity and trust in God's provision. The command challenges believers to prioritize compassion and obedience over material gain, trusting that God’s ways lead to greater blessings.

when you set your servant free
The Hebrew term for "servant" is "עֶבֶד" (eved), which can mean a servant or slave. In the context of Deuteronomy, this refers to a Hebrew servant who has served for six years and is to be released in the seventh year. This practice underscores the value of freedom and the dignity of every individual, reminding the Israelites of their own liberation from Egypt. It serves as a call to remember God's deliverance and to extend that grace to others.

because his service to you these six years
The phrase highlights the period of service, which is significant in the Hebrew context. The number six often symbolizes incompleteness, leading to the seventh year, which is a time of completion and rest. This mirrors the creation week and the Sabbath principle, emphasizing rest and renewal. The servant's six years of labor are to be appreciated and honored, reflecting a fair and just treatment of those who work for us.

has been worth twice the wages of a hired hand
This comparison to a "hired hand" (Hebrew: "שָׂכִיר" - sakir) suggests that the servant's contribution is of great value. The servant's work is not to be underestimated or undervalued. This phrase encourages a recognition of the servant's dedication and the benefits they have brought, promoting a sense of gratitude and fairness. It also implies that the servant's release is not a loss but a fulfillment of justice and righteousness.

And the LORD your God will bless you
The promise of blessing is a recurring theme in Deuteronomy, where obedience to God's commands results in divine favor. The Hebrew word for "bless" is "בָּרַךְ" (barak), which means to kneel, implying a bestowal of favor and prosperity. This assurance from God encourages believers to act in faith, knowing that God rewards those who follow His statutes. It reinforces the idea that God's economy operates on principles of generosity and trust.

in all you do
This phrase encompasses every aspect of life, suggesting that God's blessing is not limited to specific areas but is holistic. The Hebrew word "כֹּל" (kol) means "all" or "every," indicating the comprehensive nature of God's provision. This promise serves as a motivation for believers to integrate their faith into every action, trusting that God’s favor will permeate all endeavors when they align with His will.

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 18. - Where a slave determined to have his freedom, the master was to set him free without grudge; for he hath been worth a double hired servant to thee, in serving thee six years; literally, double the hire of a hireling he hath served thee six years, i.e. he hath saved to thee as much again as it would have cost thee to pay a hired laborer to do the same amount of work.

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

Do not
לֹא־ (lō-)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

regard it
בְעֵינֶ֗ךָ (ḇə·‘ê·ne·ḵā)
Preposition-b | Noun - cdc | second person masculine singular
Strong's 5869: An eye, a fountain

as a hardship
יִקְשֶׁ֣ה (yiq·šeh)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7185: To be hard, severe or fierce

to set
בְּשַׁלֵּֽחֲךָ֙ (bə·šal·lê·ḥă·ḵā)
Preposition-b | Verb - Piel - Infinitive construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 7971: To send away, for, out

[your servant]
אֹת֤וֹ (’ō·ṯōw)
Direct object marker | third person masculine singular
Strong's 853: Untranslatable mark of the accusative case

free,
חָפְשִׁי֙ (ḥā·p̄ə·šî)
Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 2670: Exempt

because
כִּ֗י (kî)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

his six
שֵׁ֣שׁ (šêš)
Number - feminine singular construct
Strong's 8337: Six (a cardinal number)

years
שָׁנִ֑ים (šā·nîm)
Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 8141: A year

of service
עֲבָֽדְךָ֖ (‘ă·ḇā·ḏə·ḵā)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular | second person masculine singular
Strong's 5647: To work, to serve, till, enslave

were worth twice
מִשְׁנֶה֙ (miš·neh)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4932: A repetition, a duplicate, a double, a second

the wages
שְׂכַ֣ר (śə·ḵar)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 7939: Payment of contract, salary, fare, maintenance, compensation, benefit

of a hired hand.
שָׂכִ֔יר (śā·ḵîr)
Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 7916: A man at wages

And the LORD
יְהוָ֣ה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

your God
אֱלֹהֶ֔יךָ (’ĕ·lō·he·ḵā)
Noun - masculine plural construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 430: gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative

will bless you
וּבֵֽרַכְךָ֙ (ū·ḇê·raḵ·ḵā)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular | second person masculine singular
Strong's 1288: To kneel, to bless God, man, to curse

in all
בְּכֹ֖ל (bə·ḵōl)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

you do.
תַּעֲשֶֽׂה׃ (ta·‘ă·śeh)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 6213: To do, make

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OT Law: Deuteronomy 15:18 It shall not seem hard to you (Deut. De Du)