44 " 'Your male and female slaves are to come from the nations around you; from them you may buy slaves.
44 Both thy bondmen, and thy bondmaids, which thou shalt have, shall be of the heathen that are round about you; of them shall ye buy bondmen and bondmaids.
44 As for your male and female slaves whom you may have: you may buy male and female slaves from among the nations that are around you.
44 "The male and female slaves which you have are to come from the surrounding nations; you are permitted to buy slaves from them.
44 And as for your male and female slaves whom you may have--from the nations that are around you, from them you may buy male and female slaves.
44 "However, you may purchase male and female slaves from among the nations around you.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Leviticus 25:44
Commentary on Leviticus 25:39-55
(Read Leviticus 25:39-55)
A native Israelite, if sold for debt, or for a crime, was to serve but six years, and to go out the seventh. If he sold himself, through poverty, both his work and his usage must be such as were fitting for a son of Abraham. Masters are required to give to their servants that which is just and equal, John 8:32. We cannot ransom our fellow-sinners, but we may point out Christ to them; while by his grace our lives may adorn his gospel, express our love, show our gratitude, and glorify his holy name.