Definition: That every man should let his manservant, and every man his maidservant, [being] an Hebrew or an Hebrewess, go free; that none should serve himself of them, [to wit], of a Jew his brother.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Jeremiah 34:9. It's a really important and somewhat complex passage about justice and responsibility. Here’s the explanation in simpler terms: What it means: This verse is essentially saying that God wants to create a society where everyone is treated with fairness and respect, and no one should be exploited or taken advantage of by others. It's a strong statement about equality and protecting vulnerable people. Let’s unpack the parts: “Jeremiah 34:9 That every man should let his manservant, and every man his maidservant, [being] an Hebrew or an Hebrewess…” This is the core of the verse. It’s referring to specific roles within a community . Hebrew: This refers to people descended from the ancient Israelites. Hebrewess: This refers to women who were traditionally responsible for managing property and families – essentially, women in a religious context. This is a key point; God wants to ensure that women aren't unfairly burdened or exploited. “[to wit], of a Jew his brother.” This is the crucial part that connects it to the broader issue of justice. It means that no one should be allowed to work for someone else who is also Jewish . What does this mean practically? The idea behind this verse is that in a just society, everyone should have equal opportunities and not be forced into servitude or exploitation. It's about protecting vulnerable people – especially those who are women – from being used as slaves or exploited by others. It's a call for fairness and preventing abuse of power. Context & Significance: This verse comes from a time when there were tensions between different Jewish groups. Jeremiah was urging the Israelites to establish a more equitable society, where everyone would be treated with dignity and respect. It’s a reminder that God values justice and fairness above all else. In short, this verse is about ensuring that everyone has equal rights and isn't taken advantage of by others – particularly within the Jewish community. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of the verse? Discuss why this passage is significant in biblical history? Give a real-world example of how this principle might be applied today?