Deuteronomy 15:13When you let him go free from you, you shall not let him go empty:
The setting
Eastern Jordan Valley, 1406 BC. Moses continues explaining how to treat released servants with dignity. Modern-day Jordan.
The emotion here: passionate about preventing exploitation
The original word
reykam (רֵיקָם) — empty-handed, with nothing, like sending someone into winter naked
Why it matters
Ancient Near Eastern law codes had no provision for generous release — this was revolutionary
Read with care
What most readers miss in Deuteronomy 15:13
The double negative 'not...empty' emphasizes how wrong it would be to send them away with nothing
Common misconceptionThis sounds like modern severance pay, but it was actually about giving people a chance to rebuild their entire lives after six years of service.
The thread continues
Verses that echo Deuteronomy 15:13
Bible Genome reading
Deuteronomy 15:13 — Bible Genome reading
Emotional genome
Deuteronomy 15:13 comes from the book of Deuteronomy, written during the exodus period. These words are attributed to Moses. The dominant emotion in this verse is grateful, with a comfort power of 60% and a tone that is commanding. It belongs to the law genre of biblical literature. Key themes include generosity, dignity, provision. Notable phrases: not let him go empty. This verse contains a command.
Emotionally similar
Verses that meet the same grateful
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life.”
— John 3:16
“I have fought the good fight. I have finished the course. I have kept the faith.”
— 2 Timothy 4:7
“It will be, that whoever will call on the name of the Lord will be saved.'”
— Acts 2:21
“for by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God,”
— Ephesians 2:8
“So now it wasn't you who sent me here, but God, and he has made me a father to Pharaoh, lord of all his house, and ruler over all the land o…”
— Genesis 45:8
Your reflection
What does Deuteronomy 15:13 mean to you, today?
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