Old Testament
Leviticus 25:39
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In Leviticus 25:39, God instructs the Israelites on how to treat their fellow countrymen who fall into poverty.
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites in the wilderness
"If one of your people becomes so poor that they sell themselves to you, don't make them work as a slave.
And if thy brother that dwelleth by thee be waxen poor, and be sold unto thee; thou shalt not compel him to serve as a bondservant:
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In Leviticus 25:39, God instructs the Israelites on how to treat their fellow countrymen who fall into poverty. If a person becomes so destitute that they have to sell themselves for survival, they should not be treated as a slave. Instead, they are to be treated with dignity and respect, as a hired worker. This reflects God's concern for the welfare of His people and emphasizes the importance of compassion and justice in community life. The verse highlights the idea that even in dire circumstances, individuals retain their humanity and should not be subjected to harsh treatment. The underlying principle is to ensure that economic hardship does not lead to exploitation or dehumanization. This commandment serves as a reminder to the Israelites to care for one another and to uphold the values of kindness and fairness, especially towards those who are vulnerable.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Leviticus 25:39 to your life
This verse encourages us to treat those in need with kindness and respect, especially when they are vulnerable. It reminds us to avoid exploiting others in difficult situations and to support one another in our communities, fostering a spirit of compassion and care.
Curated for this public verse page. Leviticus Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Leviticus 25:39 mean?
Leviticus 25:39 instructs the Israelites to treat fellow countrymen who fall into poverty with dignity, rather than as slaves. It emphasizes compassion and justice, ensuring that those in need are not exploited.
What is the meaning of 'sell themselves' in Leviticus 25:39?
In Leviticus 25:39, 'sell themselves' refers to individuals who, due to extreme poverty, offer their labor to others for survival. This situation highlights the need for humane treatment rather than exploitation.
How does Leviticus 25:39 apply today?
Leviticus 25:39 encourages modern readers to treat those in need with respect and compassion, avoiding exploitation. It serves as a reminder to support vulnerable individuals in our communities.
What themes are present in Leviticus 25:39?
Key themes in Leviticus 25:39 include compassion, justice, community support, and the dignity of individuals facing economic hardship. The verse highlights the importance of treating others fairly.

The Book of Leviticus
Leviticus 1: The Burnt Offering
The LORD calls to Moses from the tabernacle and gives instructions for the burnt offering. A man who brings a burnt offering from the herd presents a male without blemish at the door of the tabernacle. He lays his hand on the head of the offering, kills it, and Aaron's sons the priests sprinkle the blood around the altar. The animal is flayed and cut into pieces, and the whole is burned on the altar as a sweet savor to the LORD.
Unlock the full Leviticus summary
Continue reading every chapter — themes, structure, and turning points.
The complete summary of Leviticus — a chapter-by-chapter breakdown covering all 27 chapters.
What you get
Every chapter of Leviticus summarized in clear, modern English
How each section connects — narrative flow, key themes, and turning points
Permanent access — read anytime, on any device
Best value • Save over 90%
One-time purchase • Access anytime
ClearBible summaries are proprietary content and may not be copied, republished, or resold.
Checkout works as a guest. After payment, you create an account to claim your unlock.