King James Version
Exodus 21:16 in the King James Version says “And he that stealeth a man, and selleth him, or if he be found in his hand, he shall surely be put to death.” — study this verse from Exodus chapter 21 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.
“And he that stealeth a man, and selleth him, or if he be found in his hand, he shall surely be put to death.”
Exodus 21:16 · KJV
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.
And he that smiteth his father, or his mother, shall be surely put to death.
And he that stealeth a man, and selleth him, or if he be found in his hand, he shall surely be put to death.
And he that curseth his father, or his mother, shall surely be put to death. curseth: or, revileth
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
KJV Study — Public Domain
“And he that stealeth”
H1589to thieve (literally or figuratively); by implication, to deceive
“a man”
H376a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
“and selleth”
H4376to sell, literally (as merchandise, a daughter in marriage, into slavery), or figuratively (to surrender)
“him or if he be found”
H4672properly, to come forth to, i.e., appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e., find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present
“in his hand”
H3027a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
This verse is found in the book of Exodus. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Exodus 21:16 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Verses related to Exodus 21:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge