(Exodus 21 — 2) "If you buy a Hebrew man-servant" — Scripture

Mekhilta DeRabbi Yishmael Mekhilta Tractate Nezikin 1:7

Curated by The Jewish Mythology Team · Published January 24, 2025

(Exodus 21:2) "If you buy a Hebrew man-servant": Scripture here speaks of one sold by beth-din (to pay for what he has stolen), in which instance he serves both the father and the son. But perhaps it speaks of one who sells himself (because of poverty)? (This is not so, for (Leviticus 25:39) "And if your brother grows poor with you, and he is sold to you" speaks of one who sells himself. How, then, am I to understand "If you buy a Hebrew man-servant"? As referring to one who is sold by beth-din because of his theft, that he serves the master and his son.

Themes

Charity Egypt Exodus Passover Poverty

Biblical References

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