What is the meaning of Leviticus 25:43?

You are not to rule over them harshly

Leviticus 25 speaks to Israelites who, because of poverty, sold themselves as servants to fellow Israelites until the Year of Jubilee. The Lord steps in to protect these vulnerable workers.

• “Harshly” points to crushing labor, verbal abuse, or exploitative demands (see Exodus 1:13-14 for Egypt’s example to avoid).

• God had already forbidden oppression of hired workers (Deuteronomy 24:14-15) and foreigners (Exodus 22:21), so He now applies the same mercy to indentured Israelites.

• The command shows that authority is never a license for tyranny; it is a stewardship (compare Ephesians 6:9 and Colossians 4:1, where masters are told to stop threatening because both master and servant share one Master in heaven).

• Practical take-away: employers, ministry leaders, parents, and anyone with influence must treat people as image-bearers, not as commodities.

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but you shall fear your God

The antidote to harsh rule is a healthy, worshipful awe of God.

• Fear of God means living conscious of His presence and judgment (Psalm 111:10; Proverbs 8:13).

• When leaders remember they will answer to the Lord, kindness naturally replaces cruelty (Leviticus 19:14, 32).

• The New Testament applies the same principle to workers and bosses alike: work and lead “with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord” (Colossians 3:22-24).

• Fear of God links social ethics to worship; mistreating people is ultimately an offense against their Maker (Proverbs 14:31).

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summary

Leviticus 25:43 anchors social relationships in reverence for God. He forbids oppressive authority—“You are not to rule over them harshly”—and supplies the motive—“but you shall fear your God.” Remembering His watchful eye transforms the way we use power: we protect, serve, and dignify others because we first bow before Him.