Old Testament
Leviticus 25:46
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In Leviticus 25:46, God provides guidelines for the treatment of slaves and the inheritance of property.
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites in the wilderness
You may pass them down as an inheritance to your children, and they may serve as slaves permanently. But you must never rule harshly over your fellow Israelites.
And ye shall take them as an inheritance for your children after you, to inherit them for a possession; they shall be your bondmen for ever: but over your brethren the children of Israel, ye shall not rule one over another with rigour.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In Leviticus 25:46, God provides guidelines for the treatment of slaves and the inheritance of property. The verse states that Israelites can pass down slaves as an inheritance to their children, meaning that these individuals would serve their masters indefinitely. However, it emphasizes the importance of treating fellow Israelites with kindness and fairness, prohibiting harsh treatment or oppression. This reflects a broader principle in the Hebrew Scriptures about the dignity of every person, especially those within the community of faith. The verse highlights the balance between ownership and ethical responsibility, reminding the Israelites that their relationships should be characterized by compassion rather than exploitation. This instruction serves as a reminder that even in systems of servitude, there are moral obligations to uphold the well-being of others, particularly those who are vulnerable or in a subordinate position.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Leviticus 25:46 to your life
This verse encourages us to reflect on how we treat those who work for us or depend on us. It reminds us to act with kindness and fairness, ensuring that our relationships are built on respect and compassion, rather than exploitation or harshness.
Curated for this public verse page. Leviticus Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Leviticus 25:46 mean?
Leviticus 25:46 outlines the rules regarding the inheritance of slaves among the Israelites, stating that they can be passed down to children as permanent servants. However, it also emphasizes the need for fair treatment of fellow Israelites, prohibiting harsh treatment.
What is the meaning of 'bondmen for ever' in Leviticus 25:46?
The phrase 'bondmen for ever' refers to the practice of allowing Israelites to own slaves as a permanent inheritance. This indicates that these individuals would serve their masters indefinitely, but it comes with the responsibility to treat them ethically.
How does Leviticus 25:46 relate to community responsibility?
Leviticus 25:46 emphasizes community responsibility by instructing Israelites to treat one another with kindness, even in systems of servitude. It reminds them that their relationships should reflect compassion rather than exploitation.
What principles can we learn from Leviticus 25:46?
From Leviticus 25:46, we learn the importance of ethical treatment and compassion in relationships, especially towards those who are vulnerable. It encourages us to act with fairness and respect in all interactions.

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.