You are not to rule over them harshlyThis phrase addresses the treatment of fellow Israelites who have become servants due to poverty. The command not to rule harshly reflects God's concern for justice and compassion within the community. In the ancient Near Eastern context, slavery was common, but Israel was called to a higher standard, emphasizing humane treatment. This principle is echoed in the New Testament, where masters are instructed to treat their servants justly and fairly (
Colossians 4:1). The idea of not ruling harshly can also be seen as a type of Christ, who leads with gentleness and humility (
Matthew 11:29).
but you shall fear your God
The fear of God is a central theme throughout Scripture, signifying reverence, awe, and obedience to His commandments. This phrase connects the ethical treatment of others with one's relationship with God, suggesting that true reverence for God is demonstrated through just actions. The fear of God is foundational in the wisdom literature, such asProverbs 9:10, where it is described as the beginning of wisdom. This fear is not terror but a profound respect that influences behavior, aligning with Jesus' teaching that love for God and neighbor are the greatest commandments (Matthew 22:37-39).
Persons / Places / Events
1.
Moses- The prophet and leader of the Israelites who received the laws from God, including those in Leviticus.
2.
Israelites- The chosen people of God to whom the laws in Leviticus were given.
3.
Canaan- The land promised to the Israelites, where they were to implement these laws.
4.
Jubilee Year- A significant event in Israelite society where debts were forgiven, and slaves were freed, emphasizing the context of
Leviticus 25.
5.
God (Yahweh)- The divine lawgiver who commands the Israelites to act justly and with reverence for Him.
Teaching Points
Respect and DignityAs believers, we are called to treat others with respect and dignity, recognizing their inherent worth as God's creation.
Fear of GodOur actions towards others should be motivated by a reverent fear of God, acknowledging His authority and justice.
Leadership and AuthorityThose in positions of authority should exercise their power with humility and compassion, avoiding harshness.
Social JusticeThe principles in
Leviticus 25:43 encourage us to advocate for fair treatment and justice in our communities.
Reflecting God's CharacterBy treating others well, we reflect God's character and His commandments, serving as a witness to His love and justice.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Leviticus 25:43?
2.How does Leviticus 25:43 guide us in treating others with respect?
3.What does "do not rule over them harshly" teach about leadership?
4.How can we apply Leviticus 25:43 in modern workplace relationships?
5.How does this verse connect to Jesus' teachings on servanthood?
6.In what ways can we "fear your God" in daily interactions?
7.What does Leviticus 25:43 teach about the treatment of servants or workers?
8.How does Leviticus 25:43 align with modern views on human rights and dignity?
9.Why does Leviticus 25:43 emphasize not ruling over others harshly?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Leviticus 25?
11.Why does the Bible never explicitly condemn slavery?
12.What does fearing God entail?
13.Why does the command to release servants (Lev 25:39–46) appear inconsistent with other biblical passages endorsing servitude?
14.What are the Bible's teachings on lending money?What Does Leviticus 25:43 Mean
You are not to rule over them harshlyLeviticus 25 speaks to Israelites who, because of poverty, sold themselves as servants to fellow Israelites until the Year of Jubilee. The Lord steps in to protect these vulnerable workers.
• “Harshly” points to crushing labor, verbal abuse, or exploitative demands (seeExodus 1:13-14 for Egypt’s example to avoid).
• God had already forbidden oppression of hired workers (Deuteronomy 24:14-15) and foreigners (Exodus 22:21), so He now applies the same mercy to indentured Israelites.
• The command shows that authority is never a license for tyranny; it is a stewardship (compareEphesians 6:9 andColossians 4:1, where masters are told to stop threatening because both master and servant share one Master in heaven).
• Practical take-away: employers, ministry leaders, parents, and anyone with influence must treat people as image-bearers, not as commodities.
but you shall fear your GodThe antidote to harsh rule is a healthy, worshipful awe of God.
• Fear of God means living conscious of His presence and judgment (Psalm 111:10;Proverbs 8:13).
• When leaders remember they will answer to the Lord, kindness naturally replaces cruelty (Leviticus 19:14, 32).
• The New Testament applies the same principle to workers and bosses alike: work and lead “with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord” (Colossians 3:22-24).
• Fear of God links social ethics to worship; mistreating people is ultimately an offense against their Maker (Proverbs 14:31).
summaryLeviticus 25:43 anchors social relationships in reverence for God. He forbids oppressive authority—“You are not to rule over them harshly”—and supplies the motive—“but you shall fear your God.” Remembering His watchful eye transforms the way we use power: we protect, serve, and dignify others because we first bow before Him.
(43)
Thou shalt not rule over him with rigour.--The master is forbidden to tyrannise over him as if he were a slave without any rights.
Verse 43. -
Thou shalt not rule over him with rigour; but shalt fear thy God, is paralleled by the New Testament injunction, "And, ye masters, do the same things unto them, forbearing threatening: knowing that your Master also is in heaven; neither is there respect of persons with him" (
Ephesians 6:9).
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
You are notלֹא־(lō-)Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808:Not, noto ruleתִרְדֶּ֥ה(ṯir·deh)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 7287:To tread down, subjugate, to crumble offover them harshly,בְּפָ֑רֶךְ(bə·p̄ā·reḵ)Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 6531:Harshness, severitybut you shall fearוְיָרֵ֖אתָ(wə·yā·rê·ṯā)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 3372:To fear, to revere, caus, to frightenyour God.מֵאֱלֹהֶֽיךָ׃(mê·’ĕ·lō·he·ḵā)Preposition-m | Noun - masculine plural construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 430:gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative
Links
Leviticus 25:43 NIVLeviticus 25:43 NLTLeviticus 25:43 ESVLeviticus 25:43 NASBLeviticus 25:43 KJV
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OT Law: Leviticus 25:43 You shall not rule over him (Le Lv Lev.) 
