What was Hebrewess?

The term Hebrewess is not found as a proper name or specific character in the text of Jeremiah 34. Instead, it refers more broadly to female Hebrew slaves (Hebrew women) within the covenantal and social framework of ancient Israel. The relevant passage, Jeremiah 34:8-22, addresses a covenant made by King Zedekiah and the people of Jerusalem to release their fellow Hebrew male and female slaves, in obedience to God‘s law. The word Hebrewess is a derived term referring specifically to the female Hebrew slave mentioned in this context (v. 9, 10, 14).

In Hebrew, the word for a female Hebrew slave is עִבְרִיָּה (ʿivriyyāh), the feminine form of עִבְרִי (ʿivri, “Hebrew”). This denotes someone descended from Eber (Genesis 10:21), commonly referring to Israelites or Hebrews as distinct from surrounding nations. In Jeremiah 34, both male (ʿivri) and female (ʿivriyyāh) Hebrews had been enslaved by fellow Israelites in violation of God’s command that they be released after six years of service (cf. Exodus 21:2; Deuteronomy 15:12).

Thus, the Hebrewess represents female members of the covenant community who had been wrongly kept in bondage, in defiance of God’s law and justice.

Biblical Context and References

The account of the Hebrewess is found in Jeremiah 34:8-22, where King Zedekiah makes a temporary covenant to free all Hebrew slaves—both men and women. Initially, the people obey and release their servants, but later they violate the covenant by taking them back into bondage.

“…so all the people who had entered into the covenant released their male and female slaves and no longer held them bound. But afterward they changed their minds and took back the slaves they had freed and enslaved them again.” (Jeremiah 34:10-11, NIV)

This violation provokes the judgment of God, who speaks through the prophet Jeremiah, condemning their disobedience and announcing coming judgment through sword, plague, and famine. God also declares that those who broke the covenant will become like the sacrificial animals they cut in two when sealing their vow (v. 18).

Cross-References

• Exodus 21:2-11 – Laws regarding the release of Hebrew servants.

• Deuteronomy 15:12-15 – Command to release Hebrew slaves after six years.

• Leviticus 25:39-46 – Limits and regulations regarding servitude among Israelites.

• Nehemiah 5:1-13 – Nehemiah rebukes the nobles for enslaving fellow Jews.

What Happened in Jeremiah 34?

During the reign of King Zedekiah, as Babylon was threatening Jerusalem, the king and leaders made a covenant to release all Hebrew slaves. This act may have been a desperate attempt to appease God or gain divine favor in a time of national crisis. They likely also hoped that by freeing their fellow Israelites, they might avoid God’s wrath or earn mercy.

Initially, this covenant was observed. The male and female slaves—including the Hebrewesses—were set free. However, the commitment proved shallow. The slave owners quickly reversed their decision, forcibly reclaiming the freed men and women, bringing them back into bondage. This brazen act of betrayal brought strong condemnation from God through Jeremiah. The Lord declared that they had profaned His name (Jeremiah 34:16) and would be punished by the invading armies of Babylon.

What It Means for Today’s Christians

The account of the Hebrewess in Jeremiah 34 underscores the seriousness of obedience to God‘s covenant commands and the value of human dignity, especially within God’s covenant people. These Hebrew women were not outsiders; they were sisters in the faith, yet they were treated as property and wrongfully oppressed.

For believers today, this passage serves as a powerful call to uphold justice, keep promises before God, and resist exploiting others—especially the vulnerable. The Israelites’ breaking of their covenant shows how easily external religious actions can be undone by inner rebellion. God demands genuine repentance, not temporary compliance.

Moreover, this story reminds us of our call to release others from spiritual bondage. As Christ has freed us, we are to reflect His liberating love to others (Galatians 5:1). The Hebrewess represents those who need liberation—from sin, injustice, or oppression—and we are accountable for how we treat them.

How Their Story Points to Jesus and the Gospel

The plight of the Hebrewess in Jeremiah 34 foreshadows the gospel message of freedom through Christ. Just as God commanded the Israelites to free their fellow Hebrews, so Jesus came to proclaim freedom for the captives (Luke 4:18). His mission includes setting free those bound by sin, shame, or societal injustice.

The broken covenant of Jeremiah 34 points to the need for a new and better covenant, fulfilled in Jesus Christ (Hebrews 8:6-13). Where the people failed to keep their promise, Jesus perfectly fulfilled the law and laid down His life to redeem those enslaved by sin—men and women alike. The Hebrewess thus becomes a symbol of the redeemed Church, set free by the mercy of God and brought into new life through Christ.

Broader Biblical Themes

• Freedom and Redemption – God’s heart is to liberate the oppressed and redeem those in bondage (Exodus 6:6; Luke 4:18).

• Covenant Faithfulness – God takes covenants seriously. To break a vow before Him invites judgment (Ecclesiastes 5:4-6).

• Justice and Compassion – God‘s people are called to reflect His justice by treating others with dignity, especially the vulnerable (Micah 6:8; James 1:27).

• False Repentance vs. True Obedience – Outward reforms must flow from a transformed heart (Matthew 15:8).

• Jesus as the Fulfillment of the Law – Christ fulfilled the law’s demands and established a new covenant of grace and freedom (Romans 8:1-4; Hebrews 9:15).

Reflection Questions

1. How does the treatment of the Hebrewess in Jeremiah 34 reveal the heart of God toward the oppressed?

2. What does this passage teach about the importance of keeping covenants and promises before God?

3. In what ways might Christians today be guilty of taking back what they once surrendered to God?

4. How does the story of the Hebrewess point us to our need for the gospel and the freedom found in Christ?

5. Are there areas in your life where you are holding others in “bondage”—through bitterness, control, or unforgiveness?

6. How can we as a church live out true justice and mercy as commanded in Scripture?

7. What does it mean to live as someone freed by Christ—and to extend that freedom to others?

Though unnamed and often overlooked, the Hebrewess of Jeremiah 34 serves as a vivid reminder of God’s concern for justice, covenant faithfulness, and the liberation of His people. Her story echoes through Scripture and finds its ultimate fulfillment in the redeeming love of Christ.