About Exodus

Exodus tells the story of Israel's deliverance from Egyptian slavery, the giving of the Law at Sinai, and the establishment of the tabernacle as the center of worship.

Author: MosesWritten: c. 1445-1405 BCReading time: ~5 minVerses: 36
DeliveranceRedemptionCovenantLawWorshipGod's Presence

King James Version

Exodus 21

36 verses with commentary

Laws About Servants

Now these are the judgments which thou shalt set before them.

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Now these are the judgments which thou shalt set before them.

'Judgments' (מִשְׁפָּטִים, mishpatim) means judicial decisions, case laws, ordinances—applications of the Decalogue's principles to specific situations. The Ten Words (ch. 20) provide foundation; the mishpatim build the superstructure of covenant community life. 'Set before them' (תָּשִׂים לִפְנֵיהֶם, tasim lifneihem) echoes 19:7—formal presentation for acceptance. These aren't suggestions but divine legislation governing Israel's society. The mishpatim reveal God's justice: protecting the vulnerable (slaves, widows, aliens), limiting revenge (lex talionis), and establishing due process. Unlike Hammurabi's Code (which predates Moses), these laws ground justice in God's character, not king's decree.

If thou buy an Hebrew servant, six years he shall serve: and in the seventh he shall go out free for nothing.

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If thou buy an Hebrew servant, six years he shall serve: and in the seventh he shall go out free for nothing.

God's first civil law addresses slavery—revealing His priority to protect the vulnerable. 'Hebrew servant' (עֶבֶד עִבְרִי, eved ivri) refers to debt-servitude (not chattel slavery)—Israelites who sold themselves to pay debts. The six-year limit prevents permanent poverty-bondage. 'In the seventh go out free' (בַּשְּׁבִעִת יֵצֵא לַחָפְשִׁי, bashevi'it yetze lachofshi) parallels Sabbath principle—rest after labor, release after bondage. 'For nothing' (חִנָּם, chinnam) means without payment—freedom is gift, not purchase. This revolutionizes ancient economy where debt-slavery was perpetual. God champions the oppressed; His laws limit exploitation.

If he came in by himself, he shall go out by himself: if he were married , then his wife shall go out with him. by himself: Heb. with his body

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If he came in by himself, he shall go out by himself: if he were married, then his wife shall go out with him.

This judgment (mishpat) from the Book of the Covenant applies moral law to civil society. God's justice is comprehensive—addressing economic disputes, family relations, and community welfare. The case laws teach covenant people how to love God and neighbor practically. Through detailed ordinances, God shapes Israel as holy nation, distinct from pagan neighbors. These laws reveal God's character: just, merciful, concerned with details of everyday life.

If his master have given him a wife, and she have born him sons or daughters; the wife and her children shall be her master's, and he shall go out by himself.

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If his master have given him a wife, and she have born him sons or daughters; the wife and her children shall be her master's, and he shall go out by himself.

This judgment (mishpat) from the Book of the Covenant applies moral law to civil society. God's justice is comprehensive—addressing economic disputes, family relations, and community welfare. The case laws teach covenant people how to love God and neighbor practically. Through detailed ordinances, God shapes Israel as holy nation, distinct from pagan neighbors. These laws reveal God's character: just, merciful, concerned with details of everyday life.

And if the servant shall plainly say, I love my master, my wife, and my children; I will not go out free: shall: Heb. saying shall say

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And if the servant shall plainly say, I love my master, my wife, and my children; I will not go out free:

Love can voluntarily extend servitude—'I love' (אָהַבְתִּי, ahavti) my master, wife, children. The servant may prefer security with a good master over freedom with poverty. This provision protects servants' choice—freedom isn't forced. The ear-piercing ritual (v. 6) marks permanent voluntary service. The New Testament applies this to Christ-service: we're bought, freed, then voluntarily bond ourselves to Christ as love-slaves (Romans 1:1, doulos). We serve not from compulsion but love. Christ is the good Master; we willingly say 'I love my Master and will serve Him forever.'

Then his master shall bring him unto the judges; he shall also bring him to the door, or unto the door post; and his master shall bore his ear through with an aul; and he shall serve him for ever.

View commentary
Then his master shall bring him unto the judges; he shall also bring him to the door, or unto the door post; and his master shall bore his ear through with an aul; and he shall serve him for ever.

This judgment (mishpat) from the Book of the Covenant applies moral law to civil society. God's justice is comprehensive—addressing economic disputes, family relations, and community welfare. The case laws teach covenant people how to love God and neighbor practically. Through detailed ordinances, God shapes Israel as holy nation, distinct from pagan neighbors. These laws reveal God's character: just, merciful, concerned with details of everyday life.

And if a man sell his daughter to be a maidservant, she shall not go out as the menservants do.

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And if a man sell his daughter to be a maidservant, she shall not go out as the menservants do.

This provision regulates Hebrew servitude (עֶבֶד עִבְרִי, eved ivri), protecting indentured servants from exploitation. Unlike ancient Near Eastern chattel slavery, Israel's system limited bondage to six years with mandatory release, reflecting God's concern for human dignity. These laws temper economic necessity with compassion, ensuring even servants retain personhood and future hope. The regulations reveal God's heart for the vulnerable and point to ultimate redemption—Christ freed us from sin's slavery to serve Him voluntarily.

If she please not her master, who hath betrothed her to himself, then shall he let her be redeemed: to sell her unto a strange nation he shall have no power, seeing he hath dealt deceitfully with her. please: Heb. be evil in the eyes of, etc

View commentary
If she please not her master, who hath betrothed her to himself, then shall he let her be redeemed: to sell her unto a strange nation he shall have no power, seeing he hath dealt deceitfully with her.

This judgment (mishpat) from the Book of the Covenant applies moral law to civil society. God's justice is comprehensive—addressing economic disputes, family relations, and community welfare. The case laws teach covenant people how to love God and neighbor practically. Through detailed ordinances, God shapes Israel as holy nation, distinct from pagan neighbors. These laws reveal God's character: just, merciful, concerned with details of everyday life.

And if he have betrothed her unto his son, he shall deal with her after the manner of daughters.

View commentary
And if he have betrothed her unto his son, he shall deal with her after the manner of daughters.

This judgment (mishpat) from the Book of the Covenant applies moral law to civil society. God's justice is comprehensive—addressing economic disputes, family relations, and community welfare. The case laws teach covenant people how to love God and neighbor practically. Through detailed ordinances, God shapes Israel as holy nation, distinct from pagan neighbors. These laws reveal God's character: just, merciful, concerned with details of everyday life.

If he take him another wife; her food, her raiment, and her duty of marriage, shall he not diminish.

View commentary
If he take him another wife; her food, her raiment, and her duty of marriage, shall he not diminish.

This judgment (mishpat) from the Book of the Covenant applies moral law to civil society. God's justice is comprehensive—addressing economic disputes, family relations, and community welfare. The case laws teach covenant people how to love God and neighbor practically. Through detailed ordinances, God shapes Israel as holy nation, distinct from pagan neighbors. These laws reveal God's character: just, merciful, concerned with details of everyday life.

And if he do not these three unto her, then shall she go out free without money.

View commentary
And if he do not these three unto her, then shall she go out free without money.

This judgment (mishpat) from the Book of the Covenant applies moral law to civil society. God's justice is comprehensive—addressing economic disputes, family relations, and community welfare. The case laws teach covenant people how to love God and neighbor practically. Through detailed ordinances, God shapes Israel as holy nation, distinct from pagan neighbors. These laws reveal God's character: just, merciful, concerned with details of everyday life.

Laws About Violence

He that smiteth a man, so that he die, shall be surely put to death.

View commentary
He that smiteth a man, so that he die, shall be surely put to death.

Lex talionis (law of retaliation) begins—'smiteth a man so he die' (מַכֵּה אִישׁ וָמֵת, makkeh ish vamet) means fatal striking. The doubled verb 'shall surely die' (מוֹת יוּמָת, mot yumat) emphasizes certainty. This implements the sixth commandment—murder requires capital punishment. Why death for death? Genesis 9:6: 'whoever sheds human blood, by man shall his blood be shed, for God made man in His image.' Murder assaults God's image; only death atones. The law protects life's sanctity by making murder capital. Distinction between murder (vv. 12-14) and manslaughter (vv. 13) shows justice requires intent consideration.

And if a man lie not in wait, but God deliver him into his hand; then I will appoint thee a place whither he shall flee.

View commentary
And if a man lie not in wait, but God deliver him into his hand; then I will appoint thee a place whither he shall flee.

This judgment (mishpat) from the Book of the Covenant applies moral law to civil society. God's justice is comprehensive—addressing economic disputes, family relations, and community welfare. The case laws teach covenant people how to love God and neighbor practically. Through detailed ordinances, God shapes Israel as holy nation, distinct from pagan neighbors. These laws reveal God's character: just, merciful, concerned with details of everyday life.

But if a man come presumptuously upon his neighbour, to slay him with guile; thou shalt take him from mine altar, that he may die.

View commentary
But if a man come presumptuously upon his neighbour, to slay him with guile; thou shalt take him from mine altar, that he may die.

This judgment (mishpat) from the Book of the Covenant applies moral law to civil society. God's justice is comprehensive—addressing economic disputes, family relations, and community welfare. The case laws teach covenant people how to love God and neighbor practically. Through detailed ordinances, God shapes Israel as holy nation, distinct from pagan neighbors. These laws reveal God's character: just, merciful, concerned with details of everyday life.

And he that smiteth his father, or his mother, shall be surely put to death.

View commentary
And he that smiteth his father, or his mother, shall be surely put to death.

This judgment (mishpat) from the Book of the Covenant applies moral law to civil society. God's justice is comprehensive—addressing economic disputes, family relations, and community welfare. The case laws teach covenant people how to love God and neighbor practically. Through detailed ordinances, God shapes Israel as holy nation, distinct from pagan neighbors. These laws reveal God's character: just, merciful, concerned with details of everyday life.

And he that stealeth a man, and selleth him, or if he be found in his hand, he shall surely be put to death.

View commentary
And he that stealeth a man, and selleth him, or if he be found in his hand, he shall surely be put to death.

This judgment (mishpat) from the Book of the Covenant applies moral law to civil society. God's justice is comprehensive—addressing economic disputes, family relations, and community welfare. The case laws teach covenant people how to love God and neighbor practically. Through detailed ordinances, God shapes Israel as holy nation, distinct from pagan neighbors. These laws reveal God's character: just, merciful, concerned with details of everyday life.

And he that curseth his father, or his mother, shall surely be put to death. curseth: or, revileth

View commentary
And he that curseth his father, or his mother, shall surely be put to death.

This judgment (mishpat) from the Book of the Covenant applies moral law to civil society. God's justice is comprehensive—addressing economic disputes, family relations, and community welfare. The case laws teach covenant people how to love God and neighbor practically. Through detailed ordinances, God shapes Israel as holy nation, distinct from pagan neighbors. These laws reveal God's character: just, merciful, concerned with details of everyday life.

And if men strive together, and one smite another with a stone, or with his fist, and he die not, but keepeth his bed: another: or, his neighbour

View commentary
And if men strive together, and one smite another with a stone, or with his fist, and he die not, but keepeth his bed:

This judgment (mishpat) from the Book of the Covenant applies moral law to civil society. God's justice is comprehensive—addressing economic disputes, family relations, and community welfare. The case laws teach covenant people how to love God and neighbor practically. Through detailed ordinances, God shapes Israel as holy nation, distinct from pagan neighbors. These laws reveal God's character: just, merciful, concerned with details of everyday life.

If he rise again, and walk abroad upon his staff, then shall he that smote him be quit: only he shall pay for the loss of his time, and shall cause him to be thoroughly healed. the loss: Heb. his ceasing

View commentary
If he rise again, and walk abroad upon his staff, then shall he that smote him be quit: only he shall pay for the loss of his time, and shall cause him to be thoroughly healed.

This judgment (mishpat) from the Book of the Covenant applies moral law to civil society. God's justice is comprehensive—addressing economic disputes, family relations, and community welfare. The case laws teach covenant people how to love God and neighbor practically. Through detailed ordinances, God shapes Israel as holy nation, distinct from pagan neighbors. These laws reveal God's character: just, merciful, concerned with details of everyday life.

And if a man smite his servant, or his maid, with a rod, and he die under his hand; he shall be surely punished. punished: Heb. avenged

View commentary
And if a man smite his servant, or his maid, with a rod, and he die under his hand; he shall be surely punished.

This provision regulates Hebrew servitude (עֶבֶד עִבְרִי, eved ivri), protecting indentured servants from exploitation. Unlike ancient Near Eastern chattel slavery, Israel's system limited bondage to six years with mandatory release, reflecting God's concern for human dignity. These laws temper economic necessity with compassion, ensuring even servants retain personhood and future hope. The regulations reveal God's heart for the vulnerable and point to ultimate redemption—Christ freed us from sin's slavery to serve Him voluntarily.

Notwithstanding, if he continue a day or two, he shall not be punished: for he is his money.

View commentary
Notwithstanding, if he continue a day or two, he shall not be punished: for he is his money.

This judgment (mishpat) from the Book of the Covenant applies moral law to civil society. God's justice is comprehensive—addressing economic disputes, family relations, and community welfare. The case laws teach covenant people how to love God and neighbor practically. Through detailed ordinances, God shapes Israel as holy nation, distinct from pagan neighbors. These laws reveal God's character: just, merciful, concerned with details of everyday life.

If men strive, and hurt a woman with child, so that her fruit depart from her, and yet no mischief follow: he shall be surely punished, according as the woman's husband will lay upon him; and he shall pay as the judges determine.

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If men strive, and hurt a woman with child, so that her fruit depart from her, and yet no mischief follow: he shall be surely punished, according as the woman's husband will lay upon him; and he shall pay as the judges determine.

This judgment (mishpat) from the Book of the Covenant applies moral law to civil society. God's justice is comprehensive—addressing economic disputes, family relations, and community welfare. The case laws teach covenant people how to love God and neighbor practically. Through detailed ordinances, God shapes Israel as holy nation, distinct from pagan neighbors. These laws reveal God's character: just, merciful, concerned with details of everyday life.

And if any mischief follow, then thou shalt give life for life,

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And if any mischief follow, then thou shalt give life for life,

Lex talionis principle: 'life for life' (נֶפֶשׁ תַּחַת נָפֶשׁ, nefesh tachat nefesh)—exact equivalence, not escalation. This LIMITS revenge, preventing blood feuds. If injury is minor, penalty is minor; if death results, death penalty follows. Ancient cultures allowed unlimited vengeance (Lamech: 'seventy-sevenfold,' Genesis 4:24); lex talionis caps punishment at the offense level. Jesus doesn't abolish this civil justice principle but transcends it personally—'turn the other cheek' (Matthew 5:39) governs personal relations, not civil magistrates. God ordains governments to 'bear the sword' (Romans 13:4) in executing justice.

Eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot,

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Eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot,

The famous formula: exact correspondence between crime and punishment. 'Eye for eye' (עַיִן תַּחַת עָיִן, ayin tachat ayin) means the punishment fits the crime—no more, no less. This prevents both excessive vengeance and inadequate justice. Rabbinic tradition interpreted this as monetary compensation (paying the value of an eye), showing the law's spirit was restitution, not mutilation. Jesus quotes this in Matthew 5:38 to contrast civil justice with personal forgiveness—governments execute justice; individuals extend mercy. Paul echoes: 'Do not avenge yourselves...let God avenge' (Romans 12:19). God's justice is perfect; our vengeance isn't.

Burning for burning, wound for wound, stripe for stripe.

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Burning for burning, wound for wound, stripe for stripe.

This judgment (mishpat) from the Book of the Covenant applies moral law to civil society. God's justice is comprehensive—addressing economic disputes, family relations, and community welfare. The case laws teach covenant people how to love God and neighbor practically. Through detailed ordinances, God shapes Israel as holy nation, distinct from pagan neighbors. These laws reveal God's character: just, merciful, concerned with details of everyday life.

And if a man smite the eye of his servant, or the eye of his maid, that it perish; he shall let him go free for his eye's sake.

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And if a man smite the eye of his servant, or the eye of his maid, that it perish; he shall let him go free for his eye's sake.

This provision regulates Hebrew servitude (עֶבֶד עִבְרִי, eved ivri), protecting indentured servants from exploitation. Unlike ancient Near Eastern chattel slavery, Israel's system limited bondage to six years with mandatory release, reflecting God's concern for human dignity. These laws temper economic necessity with compassion, ensuring even servants retain personhood and future hope. The regulations reveal God's heart for the vulnerable and point to ultimate redemption—Christ freed us from sin's slavery to serve Him voluntarily.

And if he smite out his manservant's tooth, or his maidservant's tooth; he shall let him go free for his tooth's sake.

View commentary
And if he smite out his manservant's tooth, or his maidservant's tooth; he shall let him go free for his tooth's sake.

This provision regulates Hebrew servitude (עֶבֶד עִבְרִי, eved ivri), protecting indentured servants from exploitation. Unlike ancient Near Eastern chattel slavery, Israel's system limited bondage to six years with mandatory release, reflecting God's concern for human dignity. These laws temper economic necessity with compassion, ensuring even servants retain personhood and future hope. The regulations reveal God's heart for the vulnerable and point to ultimate redemption—Christ freed us from sin's slavery to serve Him voluntarily.

Laws About Property Damage

If an ox gore a man or a woman, that they die: then the ox shall be surely stoned, and his flesh shall not be eaten; but the owner of the ox shall be quit.

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If an ox gore a man or a woman, that they die: then the ox shall be surely stoned, and his flesh shall not be eaten; but the owner of the ox shall be quit.

This case law addresses property damage and personal injury, establishing liability principles. The mishpatim (מִשְׁפָּטִים, judgments) apply Decalogue principles to everyday situations, creating just society. Owner responsibility reflects broader biblical principle: we're stewards of possessions, accountable for harm they cause. The law balances justice (compensation for victims) with mercy (proportional rather than excessive penalties). These principles undergird modern tort law and demonstrate God's concern for social order.

But if the ox were wont to push with his horn in time past , and it hath been testified to his owner, and he hath not kept him in, but that he hath killed a man or a woman; the ox shall be stoned, and his owner also shall be put to death.

View commentary
But if the ox were wont to push with his horn in time past, and it hath been testified to his owner, and he hath not kept him in, but that he hath killed a man or a woman; the ox shall be stoned, and his owner also shall be put to death.

This case law addresses property damage and personal injury, establishing liability principles. The mishpatim (מִשְׁפָּטִים, judgments) apply Decalogue principles to everyday situations, creating just society. Owner responsibility reflects broader biblical principle: we're stewards of possessions, accountable for harm they cause. The law balances justice (compensation for victims) with mercy (proportional rather than excessive penalties). These principles undergird modern tort law and demonstrate God's concern for social order.

If there be laid on him a sum of money, then he shall give for the ransom of his life whatsoever is laid upon him.

View commentary
If there be laid on him a sum of money, then he shall give for the ransom of his life whatsoever is laid upon him.

This judgment (mishpat) from the Book of the Covenant applies moral law to civil society. God's justice is comprehensive—addressing economic disputes, family relations, and community welfare. The case laws teach covenant people how to love God and neighbor practically. Through detailed ordinances, God shapes Israel as holy nation, distinct from pagan neighbors. These laws reveal God's character: just, merciful, concerned with details of everyday life.

Whether he have gored a son, or have gored a daughter, according to this judgment shall it be done unto him.

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Whether he have gored a son, or have gored a daughter, according to this judgment shall it be done unto him.

This judgment (mishpat) from the Book of the Covenant applies moral law to civil society. God's justice is comprehensive—addressing economic disputes, family relations, and community welfare. The case laws teach covenant people how to love God and neighbor practically. Through detailed ordinances, God shapes Israel as holy nation, distinct from pagan neighbors. These laws reveal God's character: just, merciful, concerned with details of everyday life.

If the ox shall push a manservant or a maidservant; he shall give unto their master thirty shekels of silver, and the ox shall be stoned.

View commentary
If the ox shall push a manservant or a maidservant; he shall give unto their master thirty shekels of silver, and the ox shall be stoned.

The 'thirty shekels of silver' (שְׁלֹשִׁים שֶׁקֶל כֶּסֶף, sheloshim sheqel kesef) is the compensation for a slave's life—the exact price Judas received for betraying Christ (Matthew 26:15, Zechariah 11:12-13). Jesus' betrayal price fulfilled this prophetic shadow—He was valued as a slave, though He is Lord. The ox is stoned (capital punishment) even for killing a servant—showing animals that kill humans forfeit life (Genesis 9:5-6). Human life, even servant life, has infinite value. Judas's thirty pieces of silver mock Christ's worth—the priceless One sold for slave-price.

And if a man shall open a pit, or if a man shall dig a pit, and not cover it, and an ox or an ass fall therein;

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And if a man shall open a pit, or if a man shall dig a pit, and not cover it, and an ox or an ass fall therein;

This case law addresses property damage and personal injury, establishing liability principles. The mishpatim (מִשְׁפָּטִים, judgments) apply Decalogue principles to everyday situations, creating just society. Owner responsibility reflects broader biblical principle: we're stewards of possessions, accountable for harm they cause. The law balances justice (compensation for victims) with mercy (proportional rather than excessive penalties). These principles undergird modern tort law and demonstrate God's concern for social order.

The owner of the pit shall make it good, and give money unto the owner of them; and the dead beast shall be his.

View commentary
The owner of the pit shall make it good, and give money unto the owner of them; and the dead beast shall be his.

This case law addresses property damage and personal injury, establishing liability principles. The mishpatim (מִשְׁפָּטִים, judgments) apply Decalogue principles to everyday situations, creating just society. Owner responsibility reflects broader biblical principle: we're stewards of possessions, accountable for harm they cause. The law balances justice (compensation for victims) with mercy (proportional rather than excessive penalties). These principles undergird modern tort law and demonstrate God's concern for social order.

And if one man's ox hurt another's, that he die; then they shall sell the live ox, and divide the money of it; and the dead ox also they shall divide.

View commentary
And if one man's ox hurt another's, that he die; then they shall sell the live ox, and divide the money of it; and the dead ox also they shall divide.

This case law addresses property damage and personal injury, establishing liability principles. The mishpatim (מִשְׁפָּטִים, judgments) apply Decalogue principles to everyday situations, creating just society. Owner responsibility reflects broader biblical principle: we're stewards of possessions, accountable for harm they cause. The law balances justice (compensation for victims) with mercy (proportional rather than excessive penalties). These principles undergird modern tort law and demonstrate God's concern for social order.

Or if it be known that the ox hath used to push in time past , and his owner hath not kept him in; he shall surely pay ox for ox; and the dead shall be his own.

View commentary
Or if it be known that the ox hath used to push in time past, and his owner hath not kept him in; he shall surely pay ox for ox; and the dead shall be his own.

This case law addresses property damage and personal injury, establishing liability principles. The mishpatim (מִשְׁפָּטִים, judgments) apply Decalogue principles to everyday situations, creating just society. Owner responsibility reflects broader biblical principle: we're stewards of possessions, accountable for harm they cause. The law balances justice (compensation for victims) with mercy (proportional rather than excessive penalties). These principles undergird modern tort law and demonstrate God's concern for social order.

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