Leviticus 25:43
Translations
King James Version (KJV)
You shall not rule over him with rigor; but shall fear your God.
American King James Version (AKJV)
You shall not rule over him with rigor; but shall fear your God.
American Standard Version (ASV)
Thou shalt not rule over him with rigor, but shalt fear thy God.
Basic English Translation (BBE)
Do not be a hard master to him, but have the fear of God before you.
Webster's Revision
Thou shalt not rule over him with rigor, but shalt fear thy God.
World English Bible
You shall not rule over him with harshness, but shall fear your God.
English Revised Version (ERV)
Thou shalt not rule over him with rigour; but shalt fear thy God.
Clarke's Leviticus 25:43 Bible Commentary
Thou shalt not rule over him with rigor - What is rigorous service? "Service which is not determined, and service whereof there is no need." This is the definition given by the Jews; but much more is implied in this command than is expressed here. Labour beyond the person's strength, or labor too long continued, or in unhealthy or uncomfortable places and circumstances, or without sufficient food, etc., is labor exacted with rigour, and consequently inhuman; and this law is made, not for the Mosaic dispensation and the Jewish people, but for every dispensation and for every people under heaven.
Barnes's Leviticus 25:43 Bible Commentary
Fear thy God - Yahweh was the Lord and Master of His people. To treat a Hebrew as a slave was therefore to interfere with the rights of Yahweh. Compare Romans 14:4.
Wesley's Leviticus 25:43 Bible Commentary
25:43 Fear thy God - Though thou dost not fear them who are in thy power, and unable to right themselves, yet fear that God who hath commanded thee to use them kindly, and who can and will avenge their cause, if thou oppress them.