Commentary on Harmony of the Law Volume 2 Complete John Calvin
JOHN CALVIN
and thus they suppose the six years were counted. But since this is a mere conjecture, I know not whether my opinion is not more suitable, that for six years their labors had been twice as profitable as would have been those of a free-man who is not under the compulsion of a slave.
Leviticus 25:39-55
Leviticus 25
Leviticus 25:39-55
39. And if thy brother that dwelleth by thee be waxen poor, and be sold unto thee; thou shalt not compel him to serve as a bond-servant:
39. Si attenuatus fuerit frater tuus apud te, ita ut vendat se tibi, non uteris opera ejus tanquam servi opera.
40. But as an hired servant, and as a sojourner, he shall be with thee, and shall serve thee unto the year
40. Tanquam mercenarius, tanquam colonus erit tecum: usque ad annum Jubilaei serviet tibi. of jubilee:
41. And then shall he depart from thee, both he and his children with him, and shall return unto his own family, and unto the possession of his fathers shall he return.
41. Egredietur autem a te ipse, et liberi ejus cum eo, ac revertetur ad familiam suam, et ad possessionem patrum suorum revertetur.
42. For they are my servants, which I brought forth out of the land of Egypt: they shall not be sold as bond-men.
42. Sunt enim servi mei quos eduxi e terra AEgypti: non vendentur venditione servili.
43. Thou shalt not rule over him with rigor, but shalt fear thy God.
43. Non dominaberis illis dure sed timebis a Deo tuo.