New International VersionSo all the officials and people who entered into this covenant agreed that they would free their male and female slaves and no longer hold them in bondage. They agreed, and set them free.
New Living TranslationThe officials and all the people had obeyed the king’s command,
English Standard VersionAnd they obeyed, all the officials and all the people who had entered into the covenant that everyone would set free his slave, male or female, so that they would not be enslaved again. They obeyed and set them free.
Berean Standard BibleSo all the officials and all the people who entered into this covenant agreed that they would free their menservants and maidservants and no longer hold them in bondage. They obeyed and released them,
King James BibleNow when all the princes, and all the people, which had entered into the covenant, heard that every one should let his manservant, and every one his maidservant, go free, that none should serve themselves of them any more, then they obeyed, and let them go.
New King James VersionNow when all the princes and all the people, who had entered into the covenant, heard that everyone should set free his male and female slaves, that no one should keep them in bondage anymore, they obeyed and let them go.
New American Standard BibleAnd all the officials and all the people obeyed who had entered into the covenant that each person was to set his male servant free and each his female servant, so that no one would keep them in bondage any longer; they obeyed, and set them free.
NASB 1995And all the officials and all the people obeyed who had entered into the covenant that each man should set free his male servant and each man his female servant, so that no one should keep them any longer in bondage; they obeyed, and set them free.
NASB 1977And all the officials and all the people obeyed, who had entered into the covenant that each man should set free his male servant and each man his female servant, so that no one should keep them any longer in bondage; they obeyed, and set them free.
Legacy Standard BibleAnd all the officials and all the people obeyed who had entered into the covenant that each man should let his male slave go free and each man his female slave, so that no one should enslave them any longer; they obeyed and let them go free.
Amplified BibleSo all the princes and all the people who had entered into the covenant agreed that everyone would let his male servant and his female servant go free, and that no one would keep them in bondage any longer; they obeyed, and set them free.
Christian Standard BibleAll the officials and people who entered into covenant to let their male and female slaves go free—in order not to enslave them any longer—obeyed and let them go free.
Holman Christian Standard BibleAll the officials and people who entered into covenant to free their male and female slaves—in order not to enslave them any longer—obeyed and freed them.
American Standard VersionAnd all the princes and all the people obeyed, that had entered into the covenant, that every one should let his man-servant, and every one his maid-servant, go free, that none should make bondmen of them any more; they obeyed, and let them go:
English Revised VersionAnd all the princes and all the people obeyed, which had entered into the covenant, that every one should let his manservant, and every one his maidservant, go free, that none should serve themselves of them any more; they obeyed, and let them go:
GOD'S WORD® TranslationAll the officials and all the people agreed and promised to free their male and female slaves and not to keep them as slaves anymore. So they set them free.
Good News TranslationAll the people and their leaders agreed to free their slaves and never to enslave them again. They did set them free,
International Standard VersionAll the officials and all the people who had entered into the covenant agreed that each would set his male and female slaves free so that they would not enslave them any longer. They obeyed and they released them.
NET BibleAll the people and their leaders had agreed to this. They had agreed to free their male and female slaves and not keep them enslaved any longer. They originally complied with the covenant and freed them.
New Heart English BibleAnd all the officials and all the people obeyed, who had entered into the covenant, that everyone should let his male servant, and everyone his female servant, go free, that none should make bondservants of them any more; they obeyed, and let them go:
Webster's Bible TranslationNow when all the princes, and all the people who had entered into the covenant, heard that every one should liberate his man-servant, and every one his maid-servant, that none should retain them in service any more, then they obeyed, and let them go. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleSo all the officials and all the people who entered into this covenant agreed that they would free their menservants and maidservants and no longer hold them in bondage. They obeyed and released them,
World English BibleAll the princes and all the people obeyed who had entered into the covenant, that everyone should let his male servant and everyone his female servant go free, that no one should make bondservants of them any more. They obeyed and let them go, Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand all the heads listen, and all the people who have come into the covenant to each send forth his manservant and each his maidservant free, so as not to lay service on them anymore, indeed, they listen, and send them away;
Young's Literal Translation and hearken do all the heads, and all the people who have come in to the covenant to send forth each his man-servant and each his maid-servant free, so as not to lay service on them any more, yea, they hearken, and send them away;
Smith's Literal TranslationAnd all the chiefs will hear, and all the people which came into the covenant, to send away a man his servant and a man his maid, free, no more to serve with them, and they will hear and will send away. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd all the princes, and all the people who entered into the covenant, heard that every man should let his manservant, and every man his maidservant go free, and should no more have dominion over them: and they obeyed, and let them go free.
Catholic Public Domain VersionThen all the leaders and all the people who entered into the pact, heard that each one should release his man servant, and each one his woman servant, to be free, and that they should no longer rule over them. Therefore, they listened, and they released them.
New American BibleAll the princes and the people who entered this covenant agreed to set free their slaves, their male and female servants, so that they should no longer be in servitude. But even though they agreed and freed them,
New Revised Standard VersionAnd they obeyed, all the officials and all the people who had entered into the covenant that all would set free their slaves, male or female, so that they would not be enslaved again; they obeyed and set them free. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd all the princes and all the people obeyed, and took upon themselves to let every one his manservant and his maidservant go free, that they should not make them to serve them any more; so they let them go free.
Peshitta Holy Bible TranslatedAnd all of the Princes and all the people heard, and they took upon themselves that they would release, each man, his Servant, and each man his Handmaid, as children of freedom, that they would not serve them again, and they freed them OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917and all the princes and all the people hearkened, that had entered into the covenant to let every one his man-servant, and every one his maid-servant, go free, and not to make bondmen of them any more; they hearkened, and let them go;
Brenton Septuagint TranslationThen all the nobles, and all the people who had entered into the covenant, engaging to set free every one his man-servant, and every one his maid, turned,
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context Freedom for Hebrew Slaves… 9that each man should free his Hebrew slaves, both male and female, and no one should hold his fellow Jew in bondage. 10So allthe officialsand allthe peoplewhoenteredinto this covenantagreedthat they would freetheir menservantsand maidservantsand no longerhold them in bondage.They obeyedand released them,11but later they changed their minds and took back the menservants and maidservants they had freed, and they forced them to become slaves again.…
Cross References Exodus 21:2-6If 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. ...
Deuteronomy 15:12-15If a fellow Hebrew, a man or a woman, is sold to you and serves you six years, then in the seventh year you must set him free. / And when you release him, do not send him away empty-handed. / You are to furnish him liberally from your flock, your threshing floor, and your winepress. You shall give to him as the LORD your God has blessed you. ...
Leviticus 25:39-46If 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. ...
Nehemiah 5:1-13About that time there was a great outcry from the people and their wives against their fellow Jews. / Some were saying, “We and our sons and daughters are numerous. We must get grain in order to eat and stay alive.” / Others were saying, “We are mortgaging our fields, our vineyards, and our homes to get grain during the famine.” ...
Isaiah 58:6Isn’t this the fast that I have chosen: to break the chains of wickedness, to untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and tear off every yoke?
Ezekiel 34:4You have not strengthened the weak, healed the sick, bound up the injured, brought back the strays, or searched for the lost. Instead, you have ruled them with violence and cruelty.
Ezekiel 46:17But if he gives a gift from his inheritance to one of his servants, it will belong to that servant until the year of freedom; then it will revert to the prince. His inheritance belongs only to his sons; it shall be theirs.
1 Corinthians 7:21-23Were 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 5:1It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not be encumbered once more by a yoke of slavery.
Philemon 1:15-16For 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 18:27His master had compassion on him, forgave his debt, and released him.
Luke 4:18“The Spirit of the Lord is on Me, because He has anointed Me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent Me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to release the oppressed,
Romans 6:18You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness.
Romans 8:21that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God.
1 Peter 2:16Live in freedom, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God.
Treasury of Scripture Now when all the princes, and all the people, which had entered into the covenant, heard that every one should let his manservant, and every one his maidservant, go free, that none should serve themselves of them any more, then they obeyed, and let them go. when. Jeremiah 26:10,16 When the princes of Judah heard these things, then they came up from the king's house unto the house of the LORD, and sat down in the entry of the new gate of the LORD'Shouse… Jeremiah 36:12,24,25 Then he went down into the king's house, into the scribe's chamber: and, lo, all the princes sat there,even Elishama the scribe, and Delaiah the son of Shemaiah, and Elnathan the son of Achbor, and Gemariah the son of Shaphan, and Zedekiah the son of Hananiah, and all the princes… Jeremiah 38:4 Therefore the princes said unto the king, We beseech thee, let this man be put to death: for thus he weakeneth the hands of the men of war that remain in this city, and the hands of all the people, in speaking such words unto them: for this man seeketh not the welfare of this people, but the hurt. then. Jeremiah 3:10,11 And yet for all this her treacherous sister Judah hath not turned unto me with her whole heart, but feignedly, saith the LORD… Isaiah 29:13 Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw nearme with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men: Mark 6:20 For Herod feared John, knowing that he was a just man and an holy, and observed him; and when he heard him, he did many things, and heard him gladly. Jump to Previous BondmenBondservantsCovenantEnteredFemaleFreeHeardHearkenedLiberateMaidservantMaid-ServantMaleManservantMan-ServantObeyedOfficialsPrincesRetainServantServeServiceThemselvesJump to Next BondmenBondservantsCovenantEnteredFemaleFreeHeardHearkenedLiberateMaidservantMaid-ServantMaleManservantMan-ServantObeyedOfficialsPrincesRetainServantServeServiceThemselvesJeremiah 34 1.Jeremiah prophesies the captivity of Zedekiah and the city.8.The princes and the people having dismissed their bond-servants,11.contrary to the covenant of God, re-assume them.12.Jeremiah gives them and Zedekiah into the hands of their enemies.So all the officials and all the people who entered into this covenantThis phrase highlights the collective decision made by both the leaders and the general populace of Judah. The context is a covenant made during the reign of King Zedekiah, as described earlier in Jeremiah 34. This covenant was a response to the Babylonian siege of Jerusalem, a desperate attempt to seek God's favor by obeying His laws regarding the release of Hebrew slaves. The involvement of "all the officials and all the people" indicates a national commitment, reflecting the communal nature of ancient Israelite society where leaders and people were often united in religious and social reforms. This mirrors the covenantal structure seen throughout the Old Testament, where the entire community is bound by agreements made before God. agreed that they would free their menservants and maidservants
The agreement to free Hebrew slaves is rooted in the Mosaic Law, specifically inExodus 21:2-6 andDeuteronomy 15:12-18, which commanded the release of Hebrew slaves after six years of service. This act of liberation was not merely a social reform but a religious obligation, reflecting God's deliverance of Israel from slavery in Egypt. The decision to free slaves during a time of crisis underscores the belief that obedience to God's commands could invoke His mercy and intervention. This act also prefigures the ultimate liberation found in Christ, who frees believers from the bondage of sin. and no longer hold them in bondage
This phrase emphasizes the intended permanence of the release, aligning with the Jubilee principles found inLeviticus 25, where every fiftieth year, slaves were to be freed, and debts forgiven. The concept of not holding others in bondage resonates with the New Testament teachings of forgiveness and freedom in Christ (Galatians 5:1). Historically, this reflects a significant social and economic shift, as slavery was a common practice in ancient Near Eastern cultures. The call to release slaves was a radical step towards justice and equality, reflecting God's desire for His people to live in freedom and mutual respect. They obeyed and released them
The initial obedience of the people and officials is noteworthy, as it demonstrates a willingness to align with God's commands, even at personal and economic cost. This act of obedience is a recurring theme in Scripture, where blessings are often contingent upon adherence to God's laws (Deuteronomy 28). However, the subsequent verses inJeremiah 34 reveal that this obedience was short-lived, as the people later reneged on their promise, leading to God's judgment. This serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of sustained faithfulness and integrity in one's commitments. The release of the slaves can also be seen as a type of Christ's redemptive work, where He releases humanity from the bondage of sin and death. Persons / Places / Events 1. JeremiahA prophet called by God to deliver messages of judgment and hope to the people of Judah. He is the author of the book and the one conveying God's commands. 2. ZedekiahThe last king of Judah, during whose reign this event takes place. He is involved in making the covenant to release the slaves. 3. Officials and People of JudahThe leaders and citizens who entered into the covenant to release their slaves, demonstrating a temporary obedience to God's command. 4. CovenantA solemn agreement made before God to release Hebrew slaves, reflecting a return to the laws given in the Torah regarding the treatment of slaves. 5. SlavesThe male and female Hebrew slaves who were to be set free as part of the covenant, in accordance with God's law. Teaching Points Obedience to God's CommandsTrue obedience involves consistency and faithfulness, not just temporary compliance. Reflect on areas in your life where you may be obeying God only partially or temporarily. The Importance of CovenantsCovenants are serious commitments before God. Consider the covenants you have made, such as marriage or baptism, and evaluate your faithfulness to them. Freedom and JusticeGod values freedom and justice, as seen in His commands to release slaves. Advocate for justice and freedom in your community, reflecting God's heart for the oppressed. Remembrance of DeliveranceJust as Israel was to remember their deliverance from Egypt, remember your own deliverance from sin and let it motivate your obedience to God. Repentance and RestorationWhen you fall short, like the people of Judah, seek repentance and restoration. God's grace is available to restore us when we turn back to Him. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of Jeremiah 34:10?
2.How does Jeremiah 34:10 illustrate the importance of keeping our promises to God?
3.What lessons can we learn from the people's initial obedience in Jeremiah 34:10?
4.How does Jeremiah 34:10 connect to the concept of freedom in Galatians 5:1?
5.In what ways can we apply the principle of release in our lives today?
6.How does Jeremiah 34:10 challenge us to honor commitments in our Christian walk?
7.What historical context surrounds the covenant mentioned in Jeremiah 34:10?
8.How does Jeremiah 34:10 reflect on the theme of freedom and servitude?
9.What archaeological evidence supports the events described in Jeremiah 34:10?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Jeremiah 34?
11.Jeremiah 34:18-20 - If ancient covenant rituals had such dire consequences, why is there little to no concrete historical record of this specific covenant's breach and punishment?
12.Jeremiah 34:8-11 - Why would the Israelites release their slaves, then immediately re-enslave them, if this event was truly a binding covenant?
13.Jeremiah 10:3-4: How do we reconcile this passage condemning the practice of decorating a cut tree with modern traditions like Christmas trees?
14.How did Moses die according to biblical accounts?What Does Jeremiah 34:10 Mean So all the officials and all the peopleJeremiah points to a moment when every level of society—“officials” down to “people”—acted together. This echoes earlier national gatherings where leaders and laity stood side-by-side to reaffirm God’s law (2 Kings 23:1-3). When an entire community unites around obedience, accountability rises; no one can claim ignorance or exemption (cf.Exodus 19:8).
Who entered into this covenantThe word “covenant” places the scene in solemn, binding territory. King Zedekiah initiated it (Jeremiah 34:8), but the signatories pledged directly to the Lord, much like Israel did at Sinai (Exodus 24:3-7). Breaking such a vow is not merely civil disobedience; it is spiritual treachery (Jeremiah 11:1-8).
Agreed that they would free their menservants and maidservantsThe promise targets Hebrew debt-slaves who, according to the Law, should be released in the seventh year (Exodus 21:2;Deuteronomy 15:12-15). Centuries of neglect had turned a temporary safeguard into perpetual servitude. By “agreeing,” the people publicly acknowledged God’s original design for liberty (Leviticus 25:39-41). • Slavery in Israel was relief-oriented, not profit-driven. • Freedom after six years reminded both master and servant that the LORD had redeemed Israel from Egypt (Deuteronomy 15:15). • Failure to free these servants invited judgment, as Nehemiah later warned his generation (Nehemiah 5:8-13).
And no longer hold them in bondageThe phrase signals permanent release, not a token gesture.Isaiah 58:6 describes true fasting as “to let the oppressed go free,” and Jeremiah’s audience finally recognized that social righteousness cannot be postponed. Keeping fellow Israelites in bondage defied God’s redemption narrative (Jeremiah 34:13-14).
They obeyed and released themFor a brief, shining moment, obedience triumphed. Action validated intention; servants actually walked free. Scripture records this obedience to show how quickly hearts can respond when conviction meets courage (2 Chronicles 34:32). Sadly, verse 11 reveals they soon reversed course, illustratingJames 1:23-24—hearing without sustained doing is self-deception.
summaryJeremiah 34:10 captures a rare collective act of obedience: every rank in Judah entered a covenant before God, released their Hebrew slaves, and honored the divine mandate for liberty. The verse celebrates the power of unified repentance while warning that initial compliance must mature into lasting faithfulness. Verse 10. - Now when all the princes, etc. This verse should rather be rendered thus: Then all the princes, and all the people, etc., obeyed, every one letting his slave, and every one his handmaid, go free, not serving them. selves of them any more; they even obeyed, and let them go.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew So allכָל־(ḵāl)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605:The whole, all, any, everythe officialsהַשָּׂרִ֨ים(haś·śā·rîm)Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 8269:Chieftain, chief, ruler, official, captain, princeand allוְכָל־(wə·ḵāl)Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605:The whole, all, any, everythe peopleהָעָ֜ם(hā·‘ām)Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5971:A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flockwhoאֲשֶׁר־(’ă·šer-)Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834:Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order thatenteredבָּ֣אוּ(bā·’ū)Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 935:To come in, come, go in, gointo this covenantבַבְּרִ֗ית(ḇab·bə·rîṯ)Preposition-b, Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 1285:A covenantagreedוַיִּשְׁמְעוּ֩(way·yiš·mə·‘ū)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 8085:To hear intelligentlyto freeלְ֠שַׁלַּח(lə·šal·laḥ)Preposition-l | Verb - Piel - Infinitive construct
Strong's 7971:To send away, for, outtheir menservantsעַבְדּ֞וֹ(‘aḇ·dōw)Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 5650:Slave, servantand maidservantsשִׁפְחָתוֹ֙(šip̄·ḥā·ṯōw)Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 8198:Maid, maidservantand no longerלְבִלְתִּ֥י(lə·ḇil·tî)Preposition-l
Strong's 1115:A failure of, not, except, without, unless, besides, because not, untilto hold them in bondage.עֲבָד־(‘ă·ḇāḏ-)Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 5647:To work, to serve, till, enslaveThey obeyedוַֽיִּשְׁמְע֖וּ(way·yiš·mə·‘ū)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 8085:To hear intelligentlyand released them,וַיְשַׁלֵּֽחוּ׃(way·šal·lê·ḥū)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 7971:To send away, for, out
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OT Prophets: Jeremiah 34:10 All the princes and all the people (Jer.) |
