[39] “ ‘If any of your fellow Israelites become poor and sell themselves to you, do not make them work as slaves. [40] They are to be treated as hired workers or temporary residents among you; they are to work for you until the Year of Jubilee. [41] Then they and their children are to be released, and they will go back to their own clans and to the property of their ancestors. [42] Because the Israelites are my servants, whom I brought out of Egypt, they must not be sold as slaves. [43] Do not rule over them ruthlessly, but fear your God. [44] “ ‘Your male and female slaves are to come from the nations around you; from them you may buy slaves. [45] You may also buy some of the temporary residents living among you and members of their clans born in your country, and they will become your property. [46] You can bequeath them to your children as inherited property and can make them slaves for life, but you must not rule over your fellow Israelites ruthlessly.
