The Biblical understanding of slavery is very different when compared to later developments of the term. Rather than being something forced or thrust upon an individual with little to no rights, this form of bond labour comprised of the legal indenture of a poor individual to a fellow Hebrew. In this instance, the debtor is not considered to be one’s possession, but is to be treated a hired worker. Wenham points out: These laws are designed to make the slavery as humane as possible.
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39 Si ton frère devient pauvre près de toi, et qu'il se vende à toi, tu ne lui imposeras point le travail d'un esclave.