👉 And if a sojourner or stranger wax rich by thee, and thy brother [that dwelleth] by him wax poor, and sell himself unto the stranger [or] sojourner by thee, or to the stock of the strangerâs family:
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Leviticus 25:47. It's a pretty serious part of Jewish law about how to handle situations where someone is gaining wealth while another is struggling. Here's a simple explanation: The Core Idea: This verse addresses a situation where someone who has gained wealth – often through trade or business – becomes indebted to someone else, and that debt impacts the person who is still poor. It’s about fairness and protecting vulnerable people. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “And if a sojourner or stranger wax rich…” : This means someone who is visiting or traveling from a different country has accumulated wealth. “Wax rich” suggests they're growing wealthier, perhaps through trade or business. “…by thee” : This refers to the person in charge (the owner of the property or situation) – you . It’s saying that this person is benefiting from the stranger’s wealth. “and thy brother [that dwelleth] by him wax poor…” : This is the crucial part. The “brother” who is struggling is still living with and dependent on the person who has gained wealth. It means they are in a precarious situation – one is impoverished, while the other is comfortable. “and sell himself unto the stranger [or] sojourner by thee:” : This is where it gets more complex. The person who has gained wealth must give some of their earnings to the poor brother. They must “sell themselves” – meaning they surrender a portion of their wealth. It’s essentially a transaction where one person gives something to another. What's the purpose/implication? This verse is meant to ensure fairness and prevent exploitation. It’s about protecting those who are less fortunate from being taken advantage of. It’s a way of upholding justice and preventing someone from gaining so much wealth that it harms others. Important Note: This verse is often interpreted as a warning against greed and the dangers of excessive wealth. It's a reminder that wealth should be used responsibly and with consideration for those around you. In short, this verse establishes a clear boundary: If someone gains wealth through another’s misfortune, they must give back some of it to those who are struggling. --- Would you like me to: Explain any of these points in more detail? Provide an example of how this verse might have been applied historically? Discuss the significance of this passage within Jewish law (Halakha)?
