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BSB
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Exodus 21

BSB·36 verses ·Old Testament
✦ Tap any verse to open Scripture Explorer — original Hebrew/Greek, commentary, notes & highlights
1Theseוְאֵ֙לֶּה֙wə·’êl·leh — These; those; the onesH428 — Full Word Study → are the ordinancesהַמִּשְׁפָּטִ֔יםham·miš·pā·ṭîm — Justice, judgment, or legal decisionH4941 — Full Word Study → thatאֲשֶׁ֥ר’ă·šer — who, which, that; when, where, becauseH834 — Full Word Study → you are to setתָּשִׂ֖יםtā·śîm — to put, place, set, appointH7760 — Full Word Study → before themלִפְנֵיהֶֽם׃lip̄·nê·hem — face; presence; beforeH6440 — Full Word Study →: 2Ifכִּ֤יkî — because, since, that (conjunction/reason marker)H3588 — Full Word Study → you buyתִקְנֶה֙ṯiq·neh — to acquire, buy, or possess through paymentH7069 — Full Word Study → a Hebrewעִבְרִ֔י‘iḇ·rî — Hebrew personH5680 — Full Word Study → servantעֶ֣בֶד‘e·ḇeḏ — Servant; slave; one in bondage or serviceH5650 — Full Word Study →, he is to serve youיַעֲבֹ֑דya·‘ă·ḇōḏ — to serve, labor, workH5647 — Full Word Study → for sixשֵׁ֥שׁšêš — The number six; sixth in orderH8337 — Full Word Study → yearsשָׁנִ֖יםšā·nîm — Year; period of time or ageH8141 — Full Word Study →. But in the seventh year, he shall goיֵצֵ֥אyê·ṣê — To go out, come forth, exitH3318 — Full Word Study → freeלַֽחָפְשִׁ֖יla·ḥā·p̄ə·šî — free, liberated, exempt from obligationH2670 — Full Word Study → without paying anythingחִנָּֽם׃ḥin·nām — without cause; freely; in vainH2600 — Full Word Study →. 3Ifאִם־’im- — If, whether; conditional conjunction with wide applicabilityH518 — Full Word Study → he arrived aloneיָבֹ֖אyā·ḇō — to come, go, enter, arriveH935 — Full Word Study →, he is to leave aloneיֵצֵ֑אyê·ṣê — To go out, come forth, exitH3318 — Full Word Study →; ifאִם־’im- — If, whether; conditional conjunction with wide applicabilityH518 — Full Word Study → heה֔וּאhū — He, she, it; the third person pronounH1931 — Full Word Study → arrived with a wifeאִשָּׁה֙’iš·šāh — Woman; wife; femaleH802 — Full Word Study →, she is to leaveוְיָצְאָ֥הwə·yā·ṣə·’āh — To go out, come forth, exitH3318 — Full Word Study → with himעִמּֽוֹ׃‘im·mōw — with, together with, amongH5973 — Full Word Study →. 4Ifאִם־’im- — If, whether; conditional conjunction with wide applicabilityH518 — Full Word Study → his masterאֲדֹנָיו֙’ă·ḏō·nāw — Lord, master, owner, rulerH113 — Full Word Study → givesיִתֶּן־yit·ten- — to give, grant, or bestowH5414 — Full Word Study → him a wifeאִשָּׁ֔ה’iš·šāh — Woman; wife; femaleH802 — Full Word Study → and she bearsוְיָלְדָה־wə·yā·lə·ḏāh- — to give birth, beget, or bear a childH3205 — Full Word Study → him sonsבָנִ֖יםḇā·nîm — Son; descendant; member of a groupH1121 — Full Word Study → orא֣וֹ’ōw — or, whether; also expressing desire or preferenceH176 — Full Word Study → daughtersבָנ֑וֹתḇā·nō·wṯ — daughter; female child or descendantH1323 — Full Word Study →, the womanהָאִשָּׁ֣הhā·’iš·šāh — Woman; wife; femaleH802 — Full Word Study → and her childrenוִילָדֶ֗יהָwî·lā·ḏe·hā — Child, boy, or young person; offspringH3206 — Full Word Study → shall belong toתִּהְיֶה֙tih·yeh — to be, become, exist, happenH1961 — Full Word Study → her masterלַֽאדֹנֶ֔יהָla·ḏō·ne·hā — Lord, master, owner, rulerH113 — Full Word Study →, and only the man shall go freeיֵצֵ֥אyê·ṣê — To go out, come forth, exitH3318 — Full Word Study →. 5But ifוְאִם־wə·’im- — If, whether; conditional conjunction with wide applicabilityH518 — Full Word Study → the servantהָעֶ֔בֶדhā·‘e·ḇeḏ — Servant; slave; one in bondage or serviceH5650 — Full Word Study → declaresאָמֹ֤ר’ā·mōr — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study →, ‘I loveאָהַ֙בְתִּי֙’ā·haḇ·tî — To love; affection, attachment, or preferenceH157 — Full Word Study → my masterאֲדֹנִ֔י’ă·ḏō·nî — Lord, master, owner, rulerH113 — Full Word Study → and my wifeאִשְׁתִּ֖י’iš·tî — Woman; wife; femaleH802 — Full Word Study → and childrenבָּנָ֑יbā·nāy — Son; descendant; member of a groupH1121 — Full Word Study →; I do notלֹ֥אlō — not; negation; absenceH3808 — Full Word Study → want to goאֵצֵ֖א’ê·ṣê — To go out, come forth, exitH3318 — Full Word Study → freeחָפְשִֽׁי׃ḥā·p̄ə·šî — free, liberated, exempt from obligationH2670 — Full Word Study →,’ 6then his masterאֲדֹנָיו֙’ă·ḏō·nāw — Lord, master, owner, rulerH113 — Full Word Study → is to bring himוְהִגִּישׁ֤וֹwə·hig·gî·šōw — to draw near, approach, come closeH5066 — Full Word Study → beforeאֶל־’el- — to, toward, against; directional and relational prepositionH413 — Full Word Study → the judgesהָ֣אֱלֹהִ֔יםhā·’ĕ·lō·hîm — God, the divine beingH430 — Full Word Study →. And he shall take himוְהִגִּישׁוֹ֙wə·hig·gî·šōw — to draw near, approach, come closeH5066 — Full Word Study → toאֶל־’el- — to, toward, against; directional and relational prepositionH413 — Full Word Study → the doorהַדֶּ֔לֶתhad·de·leṯ — Door; gate; valve or leaf of a doorH1817 — Full Word Study → orא֖וֹ’ōw — or, whether; also expressing desire or preferenceH176 — Full Word Study → doorpostהַמְּזוּזָ֑הham·mə·zū·zāh — doorpost, door frame, thresholdH4201 — Full Word Study → and pierceוְרָצַ֨עwə·rā·ṣa‘ — to pierce, bore through, perforateH7527 — Full Word Study → his earאָזְנוֹ֙’ā·zə·nōw — Ear; the organ of hearing and listeningH241 — Full Word Study → with an awlבַּמַּרְצֵ֔עַbam·mar·ṣê·a‘ — a pointed tool for piercing leather or woodH4836 — Full Word Study →. Then he shall serve his masterוַעֲבָד֖וֹwa·‘ă·ḇā·ḏōw — to serve, labor, workH5647 — Full Word Study → for lifeלְעֹלָֽם׃סlə·‘ō·lām — forever, eternity, perpetual durationH5769 — Full Word Study →. 7And ifוְכִֽי־wə·ḵî- — because, since, that (conjunction/reason marker)H3588 — Full Word Study → a manאִ֛ישׁ’îš — man, male person, husbandH376 — Full Word Study → sellsיִמְכֹּ֥רyim·kōr — to sell; to exchange for paymentH4376 — Full Word Study → his daughterבִּתּ֖וֹbit·tōw — daughter; female child or descendantH1323 — Full Word Study → as a servantלְאָמָ֑הlə·’ā·māh — Female servant or bondmaid in household or covenant serviceH519 — Full Word Study →, she is notלֹ֥אlō — not; negation; absenceH3808 — Full Word Study → to go freeתֵצֵ֖אṯê·ṣê — To go out, come forth, exitH3318 — Full Word Study → as the menservants doהָעֲבָדִֽים׃hā·‘ă·ḇā·ḏîm — Servant; slave; one in bondage or serviceH5650 — Full Word Study →. 8Ifאִם־’im- — If, whether; conditional conjunction with wide applicabilityH518 — Full Word Study → she is displeasingרָעָ֞הrā·‘āh — evil, bad, harm, disasterH7451 — Full Word Study → in the eyesבְּעֵינֵ֧יbə·‘ê·nê — Eye; sight; appearance; fountainH5869 — Full Word Study → of her masterאֲדֹנֶ֛יהָ’ă·ḏō·ne·hā — Lord, master, owner, rulerH113 — Full Word Study → whoאֲשֶׁר־’ă·šer- — who, which, that; when, where, becauseH834 — Full Word Study → had designated her for himselfיְעָדָ֖הּyə·‘ā·ḏāh — to appoint, meet, or assemble togetherH3259 — Full Word Study →, he must allow her to be redeemedוְהֶפְדָּ֑הּwə·hep̄·dāh — to redeem, ransom, or buy backH6299 — Full Word Study →. He has noלֹאlō — not; negation; absenceH3808 — Full Word Study → rightיִמְשֹׁ֥לyim·šōl — To rule, reign, or exercise dominionH4910 — Full Word Study → to sell herלְמָכְרָ֖הּlə·mā·ḵə·rāh — to sell; to exchange for paymentH4376 — Full Word Study → to foreignersלְעַ֥םlə·‘am — a people; nation; communityH5971 — Full Word Study →, since he has broken faithבְּבִגְדוֹ־bə·ḇiḡ·ḏōw- — To act treacherously; betray or deal unfaithfullyH898 — Full Word Study → with her. 9And ifוְאִם־wə·’im- — If, whether; conditional conjunction with wide applicabilityH518 — Full Word Study → he chooses herיִֽיעָדֶ֑נָּהyî·‘ā·ḏen·nāh — to appoint, meet, or assemble togetherH3259 — Full Word Study → for his sonלִבְנ֖וֹliḇ·nōw — Son; descendant; member of a groupH1121 — Full Word Study →, he must dealיַעֲשֶׂה־ya·‘ă·śeh- — to do, make, or accomplish; to act or performH6213 — Full Word Study → with her as withכְּמִשְׁפַּ֥טkə·miš·paṭ — Justice, judgment, or legal decisionH4941 — Full Word Study → a daughterהַבָּנ֖וֹתhab·bā·nō·wṯ — daughter; female child or descendantH1323 — Full Word Study →. 10Ifאִם־’im- — If, whether; conditional conjunction with wide applicabilityH518 — Full Word Study → he takesיִֽקַּֽח־yiq·qaḥ- — to take, seize, or receiveH3947 — Full Word Study → another wifeאַחֶ֖רֶת’a·ḥe·reṯ — another, different, or following person or thingH312 — Full Word Study →, he must notלֹ֥אlō — not; negation; absenceH3808 — Full Word Study → reduceיִגְרָֽע׃yiḡ·rā‘ — to diminish, reduce, or take awayH1639 — Full Word Study → the foodשְׁאֵרָ֛הּšə·’ê·rāh — Flesh; kinship; blood relativeH7607 — Full Word Study →, clothingכְּסוּתָ֥הּkə·sū·ṯāh — covering, garment, clothingH3682 — Full Word Study →, or marital rights of his first wife. 11If, howeverוְאִם־wə·’im- — If, whether; conditional conjunction with wide applicabilityH518 — Full Word Study →, he does notלֹ֥אlō — not; negation; absenceH3808 — Full Word Study → provideיַעֲשֶׂ֖הya·‘ă·śeh — to do, make, or accomplish; to act or performH6213 — Full Word Study → her with theseאֵ֔לֶּה’êl·leh — These; those; the onesH428 — Full Word Study → three thingsשְׁלָ֨שׁ־šə·lāš- — The number three; a group of three thingsH7969 — Full Word Study →, she is free to goוְיָצְאָ֥הwə·yā·ṣə·’āh — To go out, come forth, exitH3318 — Full Word Study → withoutאֵ֥ין’ên — nothing, nonexistence, absenceH369 — Full Word Study → monetary paymentכָּֽסֶף׃סkā·sep̄ — Silver; money; price; valueH3701 — Full Word Study →. 12Whoever strikesמַכֵּ֥הmak·kêh — To strike, smite, or defeat with forceH5221 — Full Word Study → and killsוָמֵ֖תwā·mêṯ — to die; to put to death; to killH4191 — Full Word Study → a manאִ֛ישׁ’îš — man, male person, husbandH376 — Full Word Study → must surely be put to deathמ֥וֹתmō·wṯ — to die; to put to death; to killH4191 — Full Word Study →. 13If, howeverוַאֲשֶׁר֙wa·’ă·šer — who, which, that; when, where, becauseH834 — Full Word Study →, he did notלֹ֣אlō — not; negation; absenceH3808 — Full Word Study → lie in waitצָדָ֔הṣā·ḏāh — to hunt, chase, pursue; to destroyH6658 — Full Word Study →, but Godוְהָאֱלֹהִ֖יםwə·hā·’ĕ·lō·hîm — God, the divine beingH430 — Full Word Study → allowed it to happenאִנָּ֣ה’in·nāh — to meet, encounter, befallH579 — Full Word Study →, then I will appointוְשַׂמְתִּ֤יwə·śam·tî — to put, place, set, appointH7760 — Full Word Study → for you a placeמָק֔וֹםmā·qō·wm — A place, location, or spaceH4725 — Full Word Study → whereאֲשֶׁ֥ר’ă·šer — who, which, that; when, where, becauseH834 — Full Word Study → he may fleeיָנ֖וּסyā·nūs — to flee, escape, or run awayH5127 — Full Word Study →. 14But ifוְכִֽי־wə·ḵî- — because, since, that (conjunction/reason marker)H3588 — Full Word Study → a manאִ֛ישׁ’îš — man, male person, husbandH376 — Full Word Study → schemesבְעָרְמָ֑הḇə·‘ā·rə·māh — craftiness, prudent cunning, strategic wisdomH6195 — Full Word Study → and acts willfullyיָזִ֥דyā·ziḏ — to act presumptuously; to boil over with prideH2102 — Full Word Study → againstעַל־‘al- — upon, over, against; concerningH5921 — Full Word Study → his neighborרֵעֵ֖הוּrê·‘ê·hū — neighbor, friend, companion, associateH7453 — Full Word Study → to kill himלְהָרְג֣וֹlə·hā·rə·ḡōw — To kill, slay, or murderH2026 — Full Word Study →, you must take himתִּקָּחֶ֖נּוּtiq·qā·ḥen·nū — to take, seize, or receiveH3947 — Full Word Study → away fromמֵעִ֣םmê·‘im — with, together with, amongH5973 — Full Word Study → My altarמִזְבְּחִ֔יmiz·bə·ḥî — altar; place of sacrifice and worshipH4196 — Full Word Study → to be put to deathלָמֽוּת׃סlā·mūṯ — to die; to put to death; to killH4191 — Full Word Study →. 15Whoever strikesוּמַכֵּ֥הū·mak·kêh — To strike, smite, or defeat with forceH5221 — Full Word Study → his fatherאָבִ֛יו’ā·ḇîw — H1 — Full Word Study → or motherוְאִמּ֖וֹwə·’im·mōw — mother; female parentH517 — Full Word Study → must surely be put to deathמ֥וֹתmō·wṯ — to die; to put to death; to killH4191 — Full Word Study →. 16Whoever kidnapsוְגֹנֵ֨בwə·ḡō·nêḇ — to steal; to take secretly or by stealthH1589 — Full Word Study → another manאִ֧ישׁ’îš — man, male person, husbandH376 — Full Word Study → must be put to deathמ֥וֹתmō·wṯ — to die; to put to death; to killH4191 — Full Word Study →, whether he sells himוּמְכָר֛וֹū·mə·ḵā·rōw — to sell; to exchange for paymentH4376 — Full Word Study → or the man is foundוְנִמְצָ֥אwə·nim·ṣā — to find, discover, obtainH4672 — Full Word Study → in his possessionבְיָד֖וֹḇə·yā·ḏōw — hand; power, strength, controlH3027 — Full Word Study →. 17Anyone who cursesוּמְקַלֵּ֥לū·mə·qal·lêl — to make light; to curse; to despiseH7043 — Full Word Study → his fatherאָבִ֛יו’ā·ḇîw — H1 — Full Word Study → or motherוְאִמּ֖וֹwə·’im·mōw — mother; female parentH517 — Full Word Study → must surely be put to deathמ֥וֹתmō·wṯ — to die; to put to death; to killH4191 — Full Word Study →. 18Ifוְכִֽי־wə·ḵî- — because, since, that (conjunction/reason marker)H3588 — Full Word Study → menאֲנָשִׁ֔ים’ă·nā·šîm — human being, man, mortal personH582 — Full Word Study → are quarrelingיְרִיבֻ֣ןyə·rî·ḇun — To contend, strive, dispute, or plead a caseH7378 — Full Word Study → and oneאִישׁ֙’îš — man, male person, husbandH376 — Full Word Study → strikesוְהִכָּה־wə·hik·kāh- — To strike, smite, or defeat with forceH5221 — Full Word Study → the otherרֵעֵ֔הוּrê·‘ê·hū — neighbor, friend, companion, associateH7453 — Full Word Study → with a stoneבְּאֶ֖בֶןbə·’e·ḇen — Stone; rock; precious stoneH68 — Full Word Study → orא֣וֹ’ōw — or, whether; also expressing desire or preferenceH176 — Full Word Study → a fistבְאֶגְרֹ֑ףḇə·’eḡ·rōp̄ — Closed hand; fist used for strikingH106 — Full Word Study →, and he does notוְלֹ֥אwə·lō — not; negation; absenceH3808 — Full Word Study → dieיָמ֖וּתyā·mūṯ — to die; to put to death; to killH4191 — Full Word Study → but is confinedוְנָפַ֥לwə·nā·p̄al — to fall; collapse; perishH5307 — Full Word Study → to bedלְמִשְׁכָּֽב׃lə·miš·kāḇ — bed, sleeping place, or couchH4904 — Full Word Study →, 19then the one who struck himהַמַּכֶּ֑הham·mak·keh — To strike, smite, or defeat with forceH5221 — Full Word Study → shall go unpunishedוְנִקָּ֣הwə·niq·qāh — to be clean, innocent, or acquittedH5352 — Full Word Study →, as long asאִם־’im- — If, whether; conditional conjunction with wide applicabilityH518 — Full Word Study → the other can get upיָק֞וּםyā·qūm — To rise, stand, or be establishedH6965 — Full Word Study → and walk aroundוְהִתְהַלֵּ֥ךְwə·hiṯ·hal·lêḵ — to go, walk, travel, proceedH1980 — Full Word Study → outsideבַּח֛וּץba·ḥūṣ — Outside, exterior, or open space beyond a boundaryH2351 — Full Word Study → withעַל־‘al- — upon, over, against; concerningH5921 — Full Word Study → his staffמִשְׁעַנְתּ֖וֹmiš·‘an·tōw — Staff; support; sustenanceH4938 — Full Word Study →. Neverthelessרַ֥קraq — only, merely, nothing butH7535 — Full Word Study →, he must compensateיִתֵּ֖ןyit·tên — to give, grant, or bestowH5414 — Full Word Study → the man for his lost workשִׁבְתּ֛וֹšiḇ·tōw — cessation, rest, or sitting stillH7674 — Full Word Study → and see that he is completely healedוְרַפֹּ֥אwə·rap·pō — To heal, restore to healthH7495 — Full Word Study →. 20Ifוְכִֽי־wə·ḵî- — because, since, that (conjunction/reason marker)H3588 — Full Word Study → a manאִ֨ישׁ’îš — man, male person, husbandH376 — Full Word Study → strikesיַכֶּה֩yak·keh — To strike, smite, or defeat with forceH5221 — Full Word Study → his manservantעַבְדּ֜וֹ‘aḇ·dōw — Servant; slave; one in bondage or serviceH5650 — Full Word Study → orא֤וֹ’ōw — or, whether; also expressing desire or preferenceH176 — Full Word Study → maidservantאֲמָתוֹ֙’ă·mā·ṯōw — Female servant or bondmaid in household or covenant serviceH519 — Full Word Study → with a rodבַּשֵּׁ֔בֶטbaš·šê·ḇeṭ — tribe; staff; scepter; rodH7626 — Full Word Study →, and the servant diesוּמֵ֖תū·mêṯ — to die; to put to death; to killH4191 — Full Word Study → byתַּ֣חַתta·ḥaṯ — Under, beneath, instead of, in place ofH8478 — Full Word Study → his handיָד֑וֹyā·ḏōw — hand; power, strength, controlH3027 — Full Word Study →, he shall surely be punishedנָקֹ֖םnā·qōm — To avenge, take vengeance, or execute judgmentH5358 — Full Word Study →. 21Howeverאַ֥ךְ’aḵ — Surely, certainly, only, neverthelessH389 — Full Word Study →, ifאִם־’im- — If, whether; conditional conjunction with wide applicabilityH518 — Full Word Study → the servant gets up after a dayי֛וֹםyō·wm — day; time; period; ageH3117 — Full Word Study → orא֥וֹ’ōw — or, whether; also expressing desire or preferenceH176 — Full Word Study → twoיוֹמַ֖יִםyō·w·ma·yim — day; time; period; ageH3117 — Full Word Study →, the owner shall notלֹ֣אlō — not; negation; absenceH3808 — Full Word Study → be punishedיֻקַּ֔םyuq·qam — To avenge, take vengeance, or execute judgmentH5358 — Full Word Study →, sinceכִּ֥יkî — because, since, that (conjunction/reason marker)H3588 — Full Word Study → the servant is his propertyכַסְפּ֖וֹḵas·pōw — Silver; money; price; valueH3701 — Full Word Study →. 22Ifוְכִֽי־wə·ḵî- — because, since, that (conjunction/reason marker)H3588 — Full Word Study → menאֲנָשִׁ֗ים’ă·nā·šîm — human being, man, mortal personH582 — Full Word Study → who are fightingיִנָּצ֣וּyin·nā·ṣū — to quarrel; to be laid wasteH5327 — Full Word Study → strikeוְנָ֨גְפ֜וּwə·nā·ḡə·p̄ū — To strike, smite, or plague with force or judgmentH5062 — Full Word Study → a pregnantהָרָה֙hā·rāh — pregnant, with child, conceiveH2030 — Full Word Study → womanאִשָּׁ֤ה’iš·šāh — Woman; wife; femaleH802 — Full Word Study → and her childיְלָדֶ֔יהָyə·lā·ḏe·hā — Child, boy, or young person; offspringH3206 — Full Word Study → is born prematurelyוְיָצְא֣וּwə·yā·ṣə·’ū — To go out, come forth, exitH3318 — Full Word Study →, but there isיִהְיֶ֖הyih·yeh — to be, become, exist, happenH1961 — Full Word Study → no further injuryאָס֑וֹן’ā·sō·wn — harm, mischief, or disasterH611 — Full Word Study →, he shall surely be finedעָנ֣וֹשׁ‘ā·nō·wōš — to fine, impose a penalty, condemnH6064 — Full Word Study → asכַּֽאֲשֶׁ֨רka·’ă·šer — who, which, that; when, where, becauseH834 — Full Word Study → the woman’sהָֽאִשָּׁ֔הhā·’iš·šāh — Woman; wife; femaleH802 — Full Word Study → husbandבַּ֣עַלba·‘al — Master, owner, lord, husbandH1167 — Full Word Study → demandsיָשִׁ֤יתyā·šîṯ — to set, place, or appointH7896 — Full Word Study → and as the court allowsוְנָתַ֖ןwə·nā·ṯan — to give, grant, or bestowH5414 — Full Word Study →. 23But ifוְאִם־wə·’im- — If, whether; conditional conjunction with wide applicabilityH518 — Full Word Study → a serious injuryאָס֖וֹן’ā·sō·wn — harm, mischief, or disasterH611 — Full Word Study → resultsיִהְיֶ֑הyih·yeh — to be, become, exist, happenH1961 — Full Word Study →, then you must requireוְנָתַתָּ֥הwə·nā·ṯat·tāh — to give, grant, or bestowH5414 — Full Word Study → a lifeנֶ֖פֶשׁne·p̄eš — soul, life, person, selfH5315 — Full Word Study → forתַּ֥חַתta·ḥaṯ — Under, beneath, instead of, in place ofH8478 — Full Word Study → a lifeנָֽפֶשׁ׃nā·p̄eš — soul, life, person, selfH5315 — Full Word Study → 24eyeעַ֚יִן‘a·yin — Eye; sight; appearance; fountainH5869 — Full Word Study → forתַּ֣חַתta·ḥaṯ — Under, beneath, instead of, in place ofH8478 — Full Word Study → eyeעַ֔יִן‘a·yin — Eye; sight; appearance; fountainH5869 — Full Word Study →, toothשֵׁ֖ןšên — Tooth; ivory; sharp edge; cragH8127 — Full Word Study → forתַּ֣חַתta·ḥaṯ — Under, beneath, instead of, in place ofH8478 — Full Word Study → toothשֵׁ֑ןšên — Tooth; ivory; sharp edge; cragH8127 — Full Word Study →, handיָ֚דyāḏ — hand; power, strength, controlH3027 — Full Word Study → forתַּ֣חַתta·ḥaṯ — Under, beneath, instead of, in place ofH8478 — Full Word Study → handיָ֔דyāḏ — hand; power, strength, controlH3027 — Full Word Study →, footרֶ֖גֶלre·ḡel — Foot; by extension, journey, way, or standingH7272 — Full Word Study → forתַּ֥חַתta·ḥaṯ — Under, beneath, instead of, in place ofH8478 — Full Word Study → footרָֽגֶל׃rā·ḡel — Foot; by extension, journey, way, or standingH7272 — Full Word Study →, 25burnכְּוִיָּה֙kə·wî·yāh — A severe burn or burning injuryH3555 — Full Word Study → forתַּ֣חַתta·ḥaṯ — Under, beneath, instead of, in place ofH8478 — Full Word Study → burnכְּוִיָּ֔הkə·wî·yāh — A severe burn or burning injuryH3555 — Full Word Study →, woundפֶּ֖צַעpe·ṣa‘ — wound, injury, or blow to the bodyH6482 — Full Word Study → forתַּ֣חַתta·ḥaṯ — Under, beneath, instead of, in place ofH8478 — Full Word Study → woundפָּ֑צַעpā·ṣa‘ — wound, injury, or blow to the bodyH6482 — Full Word Study →, and stripe forתַּ֖חַתta·ḥaṯ — Under, beneath, instead of, in place ofH8478 — Full Word Study → stripeחַבּוּרָֽה׃סḥab·bū·rāh — A bruise, wound, or stripe on the bodyH2250 — Full Word Study →. 26Ifוְכִֽי־wə·ḵî- — because, since, that (conjunction/reason marker)H3588 — Full Word Study → a manאִ֜ישׁ’îš — man, male person, husbandH376 — Full Word Study → strikesיַכֶּ֨הyak·keh — To strike, smite, or defeat with forceH5221 — Full Word Study → and blindsוְשִֽׁחֲתָ֑הּwə·ši·ḥă·ṯāh — to destroy, ruin, or corruptH7843 — Full Word Study → the eyeעֵ֥ין‘ên — Eye; sight; appearance; fountainH5869 — Full Word Study → of his manservantעַבְדּ֛וֹ‘aḇ·dōw — Servant; slave; one in bondage or serviceH5650 — Full Word Study → orאֽוֹ־’ōw- — or, whether; also expressing desire or preferenceH176 — Full Word Study → maidservantאֲמָת֖וֹ’ă·mā·ṯōw — Female servant or bondmaid in household or covenant serviceH519 — Full Word Study →, he must let the servant goיְשַׁלְּחֶ֖נּוּyə·šal·lə·ḥen·nū — to send, let go, releaseH7971 — Full Word Study → freeלַֽחָפְשִׁ֥יla·ḥā·p̄ə·šî — free, liberated, exempt from obligationH2670 — Full Word Study → as compensation forתַּ֥חַתta·ḥaṯ — Under, beneath, instead of, in place ofH8478 — Full Word Study → the eyeעֵ֥ין‘ên — Eye; sight; appearance; fountainH5869 — Full Word Study →. 27And ifוְאִם־wə·’im- — If, whether; conditional conjunction with wide applicabilityH518 — Full Word Study → he knocks outיַפִּ֑ילyap·pîl — to fall; collapse; perishH5307 — Full Word Study → the toothשֵׁ֥ןšên — Tooth; ivory; sharp edge; cragH8127 — Full Word Study → of his manservantעַבְדּ֛וֹ‘aḇ·dōw — Servant; slave; one in bondage or serviceH5650 — Full Word Study → orאֽוֹ־’ōw- — or, whether; also expressing desire or preferenceH176 — Full Word Study → maidservantאֲמָת֖וֹ’ă·mā·ṯōw — Female servant or bondmaid in household or covenant serviceH519 — Full Word Study →, he must let the servant goיְשַׁלְּחֶ֖נּוּyə·šal·lə·ḥen·nū — to send, let go, releaseH7971 — Full Word Study → freeלַֽחָפְשִׁ֥יla·ḥā·p̄ə·šî — free, liberated, exempt from obligationH2670 — Full Word Study → as compensation forתַּ֥חַתta·ḥaṯ — Under, beneath, instead of, in place ofH8478 — Full Word Study → the toothשֵׁ֥ןšên — Tooth; ivory; sharp edge; cragH8127 — Full Word Study →. 28Ifוְכִֽי־wə·ḵî- — because, since, that (conjunction/reason marker)H3588 — Full Word Study → an oxשׁ֥וֹרšō·wr — Ox, bull, or cattleH7794 — Full Word Study → goresיִגַּ֨חyig·gaḥ — to gore, push, thrust with hornsH5055 — Full Word Study → a manאִ֛ישׁ’îš — man, male person, husbandH376 — Full Word Study → orא֥וֹ’ōw — or, whether; also expressing desire or preferenceH176 — Full Word Study → womanאִשָּׁ֖ה’iš·šāh — Woman; wife; femaleH802 — Full Word Study → to deathוָמֵ֑תwā·mêṯ — to die; to put to death; to killH4191 — Full Word Study →, the oxהַשּׁ֗וֹרhaš·šō·wr — Ox, bull, or cattleH7794 — Full Word Study → must surely be stonedסָק֨וֹלsā·qō·wl — to stone; to throw stonesH5619 — Full Word Study →, and its meatבְּשָׂר֔וֹbə·śā·rōw — Flesh; body; meat; human natureH1320 — Full Word Study → must notוְלֹ֤אwə·lō — not; negation; absenceH3808 — Full Word Study → be eatenיֵאָכֵל֙yê·’ā·ḵêl — to eat, consume, devourH398 — Full Word Study →. But the ownerוּבַ֥עַלū·ḇa·‘al — Master, owner, lord, husbandH1167 — Full Word Study → of the oxהַשּׁ֖וֹרhaš·šō·wr — Ox, bull, or cattleH7794 — Full Word Study → shall not be held responsibleנָקִֽי׃nā·qî — Innocent, blameless, free from guiltH5355 — Full Word Study →. 29But ifוְאִ֡םwə·’im — If, whether; conditional conjunction with wide applicabilityH518 — Full Word Study → the oxשׁוֹר֩šō·wr — Ox, bull, or cattleH7794 — Full Word Study → has a habitמִתְּמֹ֣לmit·tə·mōl — Yesterday; time past; formerlyH8543 — Full Word Study → of goringנַגָּ֨חnag·gāḥ — to gore; to push with hornsH5056 — Full Word Study →, and its ownerבִּבְעָלָיו֙biḇ·‘ā·lāw — Master, owner, lord, husbandH1167 — Full Word Study → has been warnedוְהוּעַ֤דwə·hū·‘aḏ — to testify, witness, or solemnly affirmH5749 — Full Word Study → yet does notוְלֹ֣אwə·lō — not; negation; absenceH3808 — Full Word Study → restrain itיִשְׁמְרֶ֔נּוּyiš·mə·ren·nū — To guard, keep, observe, preserveH8104 — Full Word Study →, and it killsוְהֵמִ֥יתwə·hê·mîṯ — to die; to put to death; to killH4191 — Full Word Study → a manאִ֖ישׁ’îš — man, male person, husbandH376 — Full Word Study → orא֣וֹ’ōw — or, whether; also expressing desire or preferenceH176 — Full Word Study → womanאִשָּׁ֑ה’iš·šāh — Woman; wife; femaleH802 — Full Word Study →, then the oxהַשּׁוֹר֙haš·šō·wr — Ox, bull, or cattleH7794 — Full Word Study → must be stonedיִסָּקֵ֔לyis·sā·qêl — to stone; to throw stonesH5619 — Full Word Study → and its ownerבְּעָלָ֖יוbə·‘ā·lāw — Master, owner, lord, husbandH1167 — Full Word Study → must alsoוְגַם־wə·ḡam- — also, even, moreover, both...andH1571 — Full Word Study → be put to deathיוּמָֽת׃yū·māṯ — to die; to put to death; to killH4191 — Full Word Study →. 30Ifאִם־’im- — If, whether; conditional conjunction with wide applicabilityH518 — Full Word Study → paymentכֹּ֖פֶרkō·p̄er — Ransom; redemption price; atonement coveringH3724 — Full Word Study → is demandedיוּשַׁ֣תyū·šaṯ — to set, place, or appointH7896 — Full Word Study → of him instead, he may redeemפִּדְיֹ֣ןpiḏ·yōn — Price paid for release or redemptionH6306 — Full Word Study → his lifeנַפְשׁ֔וֹnap̄·šōw — soul, life, person, selfH5315 — Full Word Study → by payingוְנָתַן֙wə·nā·ṯan — to give, grant, or bestowH5414 — Full Word Study → the fullכְּכֹ֥לkə·ḵōl — All, every, whole, totalityH3605 — Full Word Study → amount demandedיוּשַׁ֖תyū·šaṯ — to set, place, or appointH7896 — Full Word Study → of himעָלָֽיו׃‘ā·lāw — upon, over, against; concerningH5921 — Full Word Study →. 31Ifאוֹ־’ōw- — or, whether; also expressing desire or preferenceH176 — Full Word Study → the ox gores a sonבֵ֥ןḇên — Son; descendant; member of a groupH1121 — Full Word Study → orאוֹ־’ōw- — or, whether; also expressing desire or preferenceH176 — Full Word Study → a daughterבַ֣תḇaṯ — daughter; female child or descendantH1323 — Full Word Study →, it shall be doneיֵעָ֥שֶׂהyê·‘ā·śeh — to do, make, or accomplish; to act or performH6213 — Full Word Study → to him according to the sameהַזֶּ֖הhaz·zeh — this, that; the one, the otherH2088 — Full Word Study → ruleכַּמִּשְׁפָּ֥טkam·miš·pāṭ — Justice, judgment, or legal decisionH4941 — Full Word Study →. 32Ifאִם־’im- — If, whether; conditional conjunction with wide applicabilityH518 — Full Word Study → the oxהַשּׁ֖וֹרhaš·šō·wr — Ox, bull, or cattleH7794 — Full Word Study → goresיִגַּ֥חyig·gaḥ — to gore, push, thrust with hornsH5055 — Full Word Study → a manservantעֶ֛בֶד‘e·ḇeḏ — Servant; slave; one in bondage or serviceH5650 — Full Word Study → orא֣וֹ’ōw — or, whether; also expressing desire or preferenceH176 — Full Word Study → maidservantאָמָ֑ה’ā·māh — Female servant or bondmaid in household or covenant serviceH519 — Full Word Study →, the owner must pay thirtyשְׁלֹשִׁ֣יםšə·lō·šîm — thirty; group of thirtyH7970 — Full Word Study → shekelsשְׁקָלִ֗יםšə·qā·lîm — Ancient unit of weight and currency; shekelH8255 — Full Word Study → of silverכֶּ֣סֶף׀ke·sep̄ — Silver; money; price; valueH3701 — Full Word Study → to the master of that servantלַֽאדֹנָ֔יוla·ḏō·nāw — Lord, master, owner, rulerH113 — Full Word Study →, and the oxוְהַשּׁ֖וֹרwə·haš·šō·wr — Ox, bull, or cattleH7794 — Full Word Study → must be stonedיִסָּקֵֽל׃סyis·sā·qêl — to stone; to throw stonesH5619 — Full Word Study →. 33Ifוְכִֽי־wə·ḵî- — because, since, that (conjunction/reason marker)H3588 — Full Word Study → a manאִ֜ישׁ’îš — man, male person, husbandH376 — Full Word Study → opensיִפְתַּ֨חyip̄·taḥ — to open, loosen, or beginH6605 — Full Word Study → orא֠וֹ’ōw — or, whether; also expressing desire or preferenceH176 — Full Word Study → digsיִכְרֶ֥הyiḵ·reh — To dig; to plot or schemeH3738 — Full Word Study → a pitבֹּ֖רbōr — Pit, cistern, or dungeon; a deep holeH953 — Full Word Study → and failsוְלֹ֣אwə·lō — not; negation; absenceH3808 — Full Word Study → to cover itיְכַסֶּ֑נּוּyə·ḵas·sen·nū — to cover, conceal, hideH3680 — Full Word Study →, and an oxשּׁ֖וֹרšō·wr — Ox, bull, or cattleH7794 — Full Word Study → orא֥וֹ’ōw — or, whether; also expressing desire or preferenceH176 — Full Word Study → a donkeyחֲמֽוֹר׃ḥă·mō·wr — donkey; beast of burdenH2543 — Full Word Study → fallsוְנָֽפַל־wə·nā·p̄al- — to fall; collapse; perishH5307 — Full Word Study → into itשָׁ֥מָּהšām·māh — There, in that placeH8033 — Full Word Study →, 34the ownerבַּ֤עַלba·‘al — Master, owner, lord, husbandH1167 — Full Word Study → of the pitהַבּוֹר֙hab·bō·wr — Pit, cistern, or dungeon; a deep holeH953 — Full Word Study → shall make restitutionיְשַׁלֵּ֔םyə·šal·lêm — to complete, make peace, repayH7999 — Full Word Study →; he must payיָשִׁ֣יבyā·šîḇ — to turn back, return, restoreH7725 — Full Word Study → its ownerלִבְעָלָ֑יוliḇ·‘ā·lāw — Master, owner, lord, husbandH1167 — Full Word Study →, and the dead animal will beיִֽהְיֶה־yih·yeh- — to be, become, exist, happenH1961 — Full Word Study → his. 35Ifוְכִֽי־wə·ḵî- — because, since, that (conjunction/reason marker)H3588 — Full Word Study → a man’sאִ֛ישׁ’îš — man, male person, husbandH376 — Full Word Study → oxשֽׁוֹר־šō·wr- — Ox, bull, or cattleH7794 — Full Word Study → injuresיִגֹּ֧ףyig·gōp̄ — To strike, smite, or plague with force or judgmentH5062 — Full Word Study → his neighbor’sרֵעֵ֖הוּrê·‘ê·hū — neighbor, friend, companion, associateH7453 — Full Word Study → oxשׁ֥וֹרšō·wr — Ox, bull, or cattleH7794 — Full Word Study → and it diesוָמֵ֑תwā·mêṯ — to die; to put to death; to killH4191 — Full Word Study →, they must sellוּמָ֨כְר֜וּū·mā·ḵə·rū — to sell; to exchange for paymentH4376 — Full Word Study → the liveהַחַי֙ha·ḥay — alive, living, lifeH2416 — Full Word Study → one and divideוְחָצ֣וּwə·ḥā·ṣū — to divide, split, or cut in halfH2673 — Full Word Study → the proceedsכַּסְפּ֔וֹkas·pōw — Silver; money; price; valueH3701 — Full Word Study →; they also mustוְגַ֥םwə·ḡam — also, even, moreover, both...andH1571 — Full Word Study → divideיֶֽחֱצֽוּן׃ye·ḥĕ·ṣūn — to divide, split, or cut in halfH2673 — Full Word Study → the dead animalהַמֵּ֖תham·mêṯ — to die; to put to death; to killH4191 — Full Word Study →. 36But ifא֣וֹ’ōw — or, whether; also expressing desire or preferenceH176 — Full Word Study → it was knownנוֹדַ֗עnō·w·ḏa‘ — to know, understand, perceiveH3045 — Full Word Study → thatכִּ֠יkî — because, since, that (conjunction/reason marker)H3588 — Full Word Study → the oxשׁ֣וֹרšō·wr — Ox, bull, or cattleH7794 — Full Word Study → had a habitמִתְּמ֣וֹלmit·tə·mō·wl — Yesterday; time past; formerlyH8543 — Full Word Study → of goringנַגָּ֥חnag·gāḥ — to gore; to push with hornsH5056 — Full Word Study →, yet its ownerבְּעָלָ֑יוbə·‘ā·lāw — Master, owner, lord, husbandH1167 — Full Word Study → failedוְלֹ֥אwə·lō — not; negation; absenceH3808 — Full Word Study → to restrain itיִשְׁמְרֶ֖נּוּyiš·mə·ren·nū — To guard, keep, observe, preserveH8104 — Full Word Study →, he shall pay full compensationשַׁלֵּ֨םšal·lêm — to complete, make peace, repayH7999 — Full Word Study →, oxשׁוֹר֙šō·wr — Ox, bull, or cattleH7794 — Full Word Study → forתַּ֣חַתta·ḥaṯ — Under, beneath, instead of, in place ofH8478 — Full Word Study → oxהַשּׁ֔וֹרhaš·šō·wr — Ox, bull, or cattleH7794 — Full Word Study →, and the dead animal will beיִֽהְיֶה־yih·yeh- — to be, become, exist, happenH1961 — Full Word Study → his.
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Chapter Commentary — Exodus 21
Chapter Overview

Overview: The Foundation of Just Civil Law

Exodus 21 marks a crucial transition in God's revealed law. After the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20), the Lord now provides specific civil and case laws that govern how His people are to treat one another justly. This chapter establishes principles of fairness, restitution, and proportional justice that protect the vulnerable and maintain social order. These laws reveal God's heart: He cares deeply about how the poor are treated, how servants are protected, and how justice is administered. The chapter shows us that true holiness extends beyond worship into the everyday treatment of our neighbors.

Verses 1–11: The Dignity of Servants

The first section addresses Hebrew servants bought into servitude, typically due to poverty or debt. A servant is to be released after six years of service (verse 2)—a remarkable provision showing that even slavery in Israel had built-in mercy and limits. If a man entered service alone, he left alone; if married when entering, his wife departed with him (verse 3). However, if the master provided him a wife and children were born, those remained with the master (verse 4). This protected the master's investment while preventing family separation when the servant was free to go.

Verses 5–6 present an extraordinary picture: if a servant loved his master, wife, and children so deeply that he chose to remain indefinitely, he could do so voluntarily. The master would pierce his ear at the doorpost (a public, witnessed act), marking him as a devoted servant for life. This speaks to the power of genuine relationship and freely chosen loyalty—a beautiful image of devotion that transcends obligation.

Verses 7–11 address the special case of a daughter sold as a maidservant. She cannot be released like male servants. Instead, if she displeases her master-betrothed, he must allow her to be redeemed; he cannot sell her to foreigners since that would be deceitful (verse 8). If betrothed to his son, she receives a daughter's standing. If he takes another wife, the first servant-wife retains her food, clothing, and marital rights (verse 10). If he denies her these, she goes free without payment (verse 11). These laws protect vulnerable women from exploitation.

Application: Even in Old Testament servitude, God embedded dignity and protection. This teaches us to value all people, especially the vulnerable, and to honor commitments and promises.

Verses 12–27: The Value of Human Life

This section establishes that human life is sacred. Premeditated murder demands the death penalty (verse 12). However, unintentional killing—where God "delivers" a person into another's hand—allows the slayer to flee to an appointed place of refuge (verse 13). Premeditated assault, even at the altar, warrants execution (verse 14).

Striking parents merits death (verse 15), as does man-stealing (verse 16) and cursing parents (verse 17). When men fight and one is injured but survives, restitution covers lost time and healing (verses 18–19). Masters who fatally beat servants face punishment; the exception (verses 20–21) permits discipline that doesn't result in death within a day or two, since the servant is the master's property.

Verses 22–25 address harm to pregnant women. If miscarriage occurs without further injury, the offender pays according to the husband's assessment and judges' determination. If death follows, the principle of "life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth" applies—the famous lex talionis (law of retaliation). This wasn't meant as cruel revenge but as a limit on punishment, ensuring justice was proportional.

Verses 26–27 show mercy: if a master strikes a servant's eye or tooth so severely it's damaged, the servant gains freedom—even property rights are forfeited when human dignity is violated.

Application: Our words and actions toward others carry weight. God takes seriously how we treat those under our authority.

Verses 28–36: Responsibility and Negligence

The final section addresses liability for livestock damage. An ox that gores someone to death is stoned, but the owner is innocent (verse 28)—unless the ox was known to be dangerous and the owner failed to restrain it, in which case the owner dies too (verse 29). Compensation can be required (verses 30–32), and similar principles apply to open pits (verses 33–34) and livestock disputes (verses 35–36).

Application: We are responsible for the foreseeable consequences of our negligence. Good stewardship includes managing risks and preventing harm to others.

Application for Today

Exodus 21 teaches that God's law reflects His character: just, merciful, and protective of the vulnerable. While we no longer observe ceremonial or civil law, these principles guide Christian ethics. We are called to honor human dignity, practice fairness, take responsibility for our actions, and treat those under our care—whether employees, children, or anyone dependent on us—with integrity and compassion. Justice, in God's eyes, is never divorced from mercy.

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