Definition: 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.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Leviticus 25:44. It’s a pretty important passage about how Israel was to handle labor and servants. Here's the explanation in simpler terms: Basically, it says: “Israel is allowed to hire people – both their bondmen (servants) and their bondmaids (maidens) – from outside of Israel. They are permitted to buy them as if they were our employees.” Let’s unpack that a little further: “Both thy bondmen, and thy bondmaids…” This means Israel is allowed to hire people who are around Israel. It's not just anyone – it’s specifically those who live in the surrounding areas or are connected to Israel. “…which thou shalt have…” This is a rule that must be followed. It’s something that needs to happen. “Of them shall ye buy bondmen and bondmaids.” This is the key part. Israel is allowed to hire people, but they are specifically required to buy them as if they were their own employees. This means they have a legal obligation to pay them a wage (a bond) – essentially a loan. Why did this happen? This law was put in place during the Mosaic period (when Israel was receiving its laws from God). It was a way for Israel to ensure stability and predictability in their labor system. By hiring people from outside, they could: Provide Reliable Labor: They could know who was working for them and when. Protect Their Property: They could protect their land and resources by having reliable workers. Ensure a Consistent Supply of Labor: This helps ensure there's enough labor to keep the economy functioning. Important Note: It’s crucial to understand this law was given as a guideline – not an absolute rule. It was meant to help Israel prosper and maintain its relationship with God, but it also had consequences for those who were bound by this law. --- Do you want me to explain any of these parts in more detail, or perhaps explore the historical context behind this verse? For example, we could talk about: The significance of “bond” as a form of payment. How this law impacted Israel's relationship with its neighbors.