Leviticus 25:53 vs Colossians 4:1: Justice
Compare Leviticus 25:53 with Colossians 4:1 on treating workers justly.

Setting the Scene

Leviticus 25 addresses the Year of Jubilee, protecting Israelites who had sold themselves into service because of debt.

Colossians 3–4 gives practical instructions for Christian households, showing how Christ’s lordship reshapes every relationship.


Text of the Passages

Leviticus 25:53: “He shall stay with him as a hired worker year by year; he shall not rule over him harshly in your sight.”

Colossians 4:1: “Masters, supply your slaves with what is right and fair, since you know that you also have a Master in heaven.”


Key Parallels

• Protection of the vulnerable: both passages push against abuse of power.

• Emphasis on justice and fairness: “hired worker” status in Leviticus parallels “right and fair” treatment in Colossians.

• Accountability: in Leviticus, the community watches; in Colossians, God watches—“your Master in heaven.”


Notable Differences

• Old-covenant setting vs. new-covenant setting—yet the moral expectation remains consistent.

• Leviticus focuses on debt-servants among fellow Israelites; Colossians speaks to believers scattered through the Roman Empire, covering every social rank.


The Lord’s Heart for Workers

• Dignity: Every worker is made in God’s image (Genesis 1:27).

• Compensation: “Do not withhold wages” (Deuteronomy 24:14-15; James 5:4).

• Gentle authority: “Do not threaten” (Ephesians 6:9).


Practical Takeaways Today

• View employees as partners, not property.

• Pay promptly and generously, reflecting “what is right and fair.”

• Lead with humility, remembering Christ evaluates every managerial decision (2 Corinthians 5:10).

• Foster workplaces where justice and mercy echo God’s character (Micah 6:8).


Summing Up

Across both covenants, Scripture calls those with authority to mirror God’s righteous rule. Leviticus 25:53 and Colossians 4:1 unite in declaring that true leadership rejects harshness, practices fairness, and remembers the ultimate Master who sees and rewards all.

How can Leviticus 25:53 guide Christians in ethical business practices today?
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