New International Reader s Version - NIrV - 1996
Exodus 21
2
"Suppose you buy a Hebrew servant. He must serve you for six years. But in the seventh year, you must set him free. He does not have to pay anything.
Reference
3
"If he does not have a wife when he comes, he must go free alone. But if he has a wife when he comes, she must go with him.
4
Suppose his master gives him a wife. And suppose she has sons or daughters by him. Then only the man will go free. The woman and her children will belong to her master.
5
"But suppose the servant says, 'I love my master and my wife and children. I don't want to go free.'
6
Then his master must take him to the judges. He must be taken to the door or doorpost of his master's house. His master must poke a hole through his ear lobe into the doorpost. Then he will become his servant for life.
Reference
7
"Suppose a man sells his daughter as a servant. Then she can't go free as male servants do.
Reference
Parallel theme
Nehemiah 5:5
8
"But what if the master who has chosen her does not like her? Then he must let the man buy her back. He has no right to sell her to strangers. He has broken his promise to her.
9
"What if he chooses her to get married to his son? Then he must grant her the rights of a daughter.
10
"What if he marries another woman? He must still give the first one her food and clothes and make love to her.
11
If he does not provide her with those three things, she can go free. She does not have to pay anything.
13
Suppose he did not do it on purpose. Suppose I let it happen. Then he can escape to a place I will choose.
Reference
14
But suppose he kills someone on purpose. Then take him away from my altar and put him to death.
Reference
Sacrifice
Hebrews 10:26
15
"If anyone attacks his father or mother, he will be put to death.
16
"If anyone kidnaps and sells another person, he will be put to death. If he still has the person with him when he is caught, he will be put to death.
Reference
18
"Suppose two men get into a fight and argue with each other. One hits the other with a stone or his fist. He does not die but has to stay in bed.
Reference
Parallel theme
Exodus 21:20
19
And later he gets up and walks around outside with his walking stick. Then the man who hit him will not be held accountable. But he must pay the one who was hurt for the time he spent in bed. He must be sure that the person is completely healed.
20
"Suppose a man beats his male or female slave to death with a club. Then he must be punished.
21
But he will not be punished if the slave gets up after a day or two. After all, the slave is his property.
22
"Suppose some men are fighting and one of them hits a pregnant woman. And suppose she has her baby early but is not badly hurt. Then the man who hurt her must pay a fine. He must pay what the woman's husband asks for and the court allows.
Reference
Parallel theme
Exodus 21:30
23
"But if someone is badly hurt, a life must be taken for a life.
Reference
Parallel theme
Deuteronomy 19:21
24
An eye must be put out for an eye. A tooth must be knocked out for a tooth. A hand must be cut off for a hand and a foot for a foot.
Reference
25
A burn must be given for a burn, a wound for a wound, and a bruise for a bruise.
26
"Suppose a man hits his male or female servant in the eye and destroys it. Then he must let the servant go free to pay for the eye.
27
"Suppose he knocks out the tooth of a male or female servant. Then he must let the servant go free to pay for the tooth.
28
"Suppose a bull kills a man or woman with its horns. Then you must kill the bull by throwing stones at it. Its meat must not be eaten. The owner of the bull will not be held accountable.
Reference
Parallel theme
Exodus 21:32
29
"But suppose the bull has had the habit of attacking people. And suppose the owner has been warned but has not kept it fenced in. Then if it kills a man or woman, you must kill it with stones. The owner must also be put to death.
30
"But suppose payment is required of him instead. Then he can save his life by paying what is required.
Reference
31
"The same law applies if the bull wounds a son or daughter with its horns.
32
"Suppose the bull wounds a male or female slave. Then the owner must pay the slave's master 12 ounces of silver. You must kill the bull with stones.
Reference
Parallel theme
Matthew 26:15
33
"Suppose a man uncovers a pit or digs one and does not cover it. And suppose an ox or donkey falls into it.
34
Then the owner of the pit must pay the animal's owner for the loss. The dead animal will belong to the owner of the pit.
35
"Suppose a man's bull wounds a neighbor's bull and it dies. Then they must sell the live one. And they must share the money and the dead animal equally.
36
"But suppose people knew that the bull had the habit of attacking. And suppose the owner did not keep it fenced in. Then he must give another animal to pay for the dead animal. The dead animal will belong to him.
Summary of Exodus 21
Exodus chapter 21 contains additional laws God tells Moses to give to the people of Israel. While the laws in chapter 20 set the foundation for the relationship between the people of Israel and God, as well as the people of Israel and each other, chapter 21 explains how to apply these principles to servants, injuries, violence, and animals.
First of all, God instructs Moses to tell the people of Israel that Hebrew servants purchased for silver and bronze may serve for six years, but in the seventh year, they must go away free. This means that no one shall be permanent property belonging to another.
If the servant purchased has entered his master’s service unmarried, he may leave the master’s service unmarried. Similarly, if the servant purchased arrives in the master’s service with a wife, he shall go away with his wife. However, if the servant does not have a wife when he enters service, but the master marries his servant, the servant’s wife belongs to the master. If a servant purchased wants to remain in his master’s service, a sign of this is the piercing of the servant’s ear with an awl.
Next, God instructs Moses to tell the people of Israel that if a woman has sold herself into service, her rights and freedoms, as well as her obligations, shall be regulated by special laws. For example, if the master is displeased with the service of the woman, he shall let her go entirely free. He cannot sell her to a foreigner, but shall redeem her.
In addition, if the girl promised to be given to the son of the master who bought her, she shall be treated like any daughter, and the master shall provide her with the same food, clothing, and marital rights. If the master takes another wife, he shall provide the first wife with the same food, clothing, and marital rights. If the master does not treat the first wife equally, she shall be treated as a servant girl, but she shall not be released for payment.
It is then said that a person who kills another person shall be subject to capital punishment, but God makes a distinction between an intentional and an accidental killing.
To show that God distinguishes between intentional and accidental killing, He tells Moses that He will provide a place for a person who killed someone accidentally to flee to.
God commands Moses to declare that a person who strikes or curses his father or mother shall be put to death. Since dishonor of parents is a serious violation of the commandment “Honor thy father and thy mother.”
Moses is commanded to decree that if a person strikes another and causes him an injury, the offender shall suffer the punishment due to the injury if the injured person takes time to recover.
A law is introduced concerning a person who injured another in a fight. If the person injured is injured by another but survives, the one that injured him must make the injured person whole for any loss of time.
Another law introduced by God concerns a person who injures another by an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth. This law indicates that excessive revenge is prohibited.
God instructs Moses to decree that if during a fight an injury occurs to a pregnant woman, the responsible party shall be made to suffer according to the injury, and if there is additional injury, the responsible party shall be made to suffer accordingly.
God instructs Moses to decree that a servant who has been injured by his master shall leave his service free of charge if the master has injured the servant. This shows that the master shall be held accountable and shall suffer the punishment for his injury to the servant.
The last of the laws decree that if the ox of a person kills another, the owner of the ox shall suffer. The owner of the ox shall suffer even if the ox belonged to the dead person and the owner knew that the ox was dangerous but did not watch it.
The same law extends to animals that injure servants. If the owner of the animal knew that the animal was dangerous but did not watch it, he shall suffer for the injury to the servant.
The same law extends to animals that injure the animals of other people. It shows that the negligence of the owner leads to suffering.
The most important lessons in Exodus, chapter 21, concern the protection and limitation of the use of violence against people, animals, and servants. Another essential point is the introduction of differentiated punishments.
With regard to servants, the law says that they may serve for only six years and then be sent away free of charge. The law shows care for the poor and indicates that no one shall be a servant forever. The law also shows that the people of Israel have been servants in Egypt, and it does not apply to them.
The laws concerning violence show that God differentiates between intentional and accidental damage. The law also reflects the idea that not everything can be punished in the same way. A hand that has injured another shall suffer, but not more than necessary. The law shows that vengeance should be measured and not exceed the damage suffered.
The laws concerning parents show that the family is a fundamental cell of society. In addition, family members shall treat each other with respect and honor.
The laws concerning animals show that those who put others in danger shall suffer for the consequences of their negligence, whether it concerns animals or people.
It can be seen that the laws introduced by Moses, as well as those introduced later by Jesus, reflect a high culture of human relationships. God cares about every person and wants society to care about every person as well. Family and community have a profound significance for God, and He wants people to honor their relatives and care for their community.
It is said that no one shall use violence against anyone. However, this does not mean that people may take advantage of their power. People shall treat each other with respect and care, and those in authority shall not demean those under their authority.
It should also be noted that God cares about every aspect of the life of His people. He cares not only about spiritual issues but also about material ones, such as animals and property. Organized society is necessary for the well-being of all members of society, and it is especially important to have laws against violence.
Such laws are necessary because human violence cannot stand without punishment. However, the punishment shall be differentiated depending on the circumstances of the victim and the perpetrator, as well as the consequences of the victim’s injury.
The chapter reflects a number of important laws of the Torah, which regulate human relationships. The laws ensure a measure of human relationships, as far as it is possible without a higher power. The laws indicate that the punishment shall be appropriate to the injury and that vengeance shall not go beyond the limits of the injury suffered.
Since people tend to insult, injure, and kill each other, society must have laws prohibiting such actions and stipulating punishments for them. However, the punishments shall not be cruel or excessive. In addition, the law shall stipulate that people who are in a position of power shall suffer more for the abuse of their position.
The law also stipulates that people may not put others in danger, whether it concerns animals or people. In addition, people shall be responsible for their negligence and misconduct.
In summary, it can be said that the laws described in Exodus, chapter 21, reflect the principles of the Ten Commandments. God wants Israel to be an organized state with laws regulating human relationships, animal husbandry, property, family, violence, and revenge. All laws reflect concern for the well-being of the people, their dignity, and life.
First of all, God instructs Moses to tell the people of Israel that Hebrew servants purchased for silver and bronze may serve for six years, but in the seventh year, they must go away free. This means that no one shall be permanent property belonging to another.
If the servant purchased has entered his master’s service unmarried, he may leave the master’s service unmarried. Similarly, if the servant purchased arrives in the master’s service with a wife, he shall go away with his wife. However, if the servant does not have a wife when he enters service, but the master marries his servant, the servant’s wife belongs to the master. If a servant purchased wants to remain in his master’s service, a sign of this is the piercing of the servant’s ear with an awl.
Next, God instructs Moses to tell the people of Israel that if a woman has sold herself into service, her rights and freedoms, as well as her obligations, shall be regulated by special laws. For example, if the master is displeased with the service of the woman, he shall let her go entirely free. He cannot sell her to a foreigner, but shall redeem her.
In addition, if the girl promised to be given to the son of the master who bought her, she shall be treated like any daughter, and the master shall provide her with the same food, clothing, and marital rights. If the master takes another wife, he shall provide the first wife with the same food, clothing, and marital rights. If the master does not treat the first wife equally, she shall be treated as a servant girl, but she shall not be released for payment.
It is then said that a person who kills another person shall be subject to capital punishment, but God makes a distinction between an intentional and an accidental killing.
To show that God distinguishes between intentional and accidental killing, He tells Moses that He will provide a place for a person who killed someone accidentally to flee to.
God commands Moses to declare that a person who strikes or curses his father or mother shall be put to death. Since dishonor of parents is a serious violation of the commandment “Honor thy father and thy mother.”
Moses is commanded to decree that if a person strikes another and causes him an injury, the offender shall suffer the punishment due to the injury if the injured person takes time to recover.
A law is introduced concerning a person who injured another in a fight. If the person injured is injured by another but survives, the one that injured him must make the injured person whole for any loss of time.
Another law introduced by God concerns a person who injures another by an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth. This law indicates that excessive revenge is prohibited.
God instructs Moses to decree that if during a fight an injury occurs to a pregnant woman, the responsible party shall be made to suffer according to the injury, and if there is additional injury, the responsible party shall be made to suffer accordingly.
God instructs Moses to decree that a servant who has been injured by his master shall leave his service free of charge if the master has injured the servant. This shows that the master shall be held accountable and shall suffer the punishment for his injury to the servant.
The last of the laws decree that if the ox of a person kills another, the owner of the ox shall suffer. The owner of the ox shall suffer even if the ox belonged to the dead person and the owner knew that the ox was dangerous but did not watch it.
The same law extends to animals that injure servants. If the owner of the animal knew that the animal was dangerous but did not watch it, he shall suffer for the injury to the servant.
The same law extends to animals that injure the animals of other people. It shows that the negligence of the owner leads to suffering.
The most important lessons in Exodus, chapter 21, concern the protection and limitation of the use of violence against people, animals, and servants. Another essential point is the introduction of differentiated punishments.
With regard to servants, the law says that they may serve for only six years and then be sent away free of charge. The law shows care for the poor and indicates that no one shall be a servant forever. The law also shows that the people of Israel have been servants in Egypt, and it does not apply to them.
The laws concerning violence show that God differentiates between intentional and accidental damage. The law also reflects the idea that not everything can be punished in the same way. A hand that has injured another shall suffer, but not more than necessary. The law shows that vengeance should be measured and not exceed the damage suffered.
The laws concerning parents show that the family is a fundamental cell of society. In addition, family members shall treat each other with respect and honor.
The laws concerning animals show that those who put others in danger shall suffer for the consequences of their negligence, whether it concerns animals or people.
It can be seen that the laws introduced by Moses, as well as those introduced later by Jesus, reflect a high culture of human relationships. God cares about every person and wants society to care about every person as well. Family and community have a profound significance for God, and He wants people to honor their relatives and care for their community.
It is said that no one shall use violence against anyone. However, this does not mean that people may take advantage of their power. People shall treat each other with respect and care, and those in authority shall not demean those under their authority.
It should also be noted that God cares about every aspect of the life of His people. He cares not only about spiritual issues but also about material ones, such as animals and property. Organized society is necessary for the well-being of all members of society, and it is especially important to have laws against violence.
Such laws are necessary because human violence cannot stand without punishment. However, the punishment shall be differentiated depending on the circumstances of the victim and the perpetrator, as well as the consequences of the victim’s injury.
The chapter reflects a number of important laws of the Torah, which regulate human relationships. The laws ensure a measure of human relationships, as far as it is possible without a higher power. The laws indicate that the punishment shall be appropriate to the injury and that vengeance shall not go beyond the limits of the injury suffered.
Since people tend to insult, injure, and kill each other, society must have laws prohibiting such actions and stipulating punishments for them. However, the punishments shall not be cruel or excessive. In addition, the law shall stipulate that people who are in a position of power shall suffer more for the abuse of their position.
The law also stipulates that people may not put others in danger, whether it concerns animals or people. In addition, people shall be responsible for their negligence and misconduct.
In summary, it can be said that the laws described in Exodus, chapter 21, reflect the principles of the Ten Commandments. God wants Israel to be an organized state with laws regulating human relationships, animal husbandry, property, family, violence, and revenge. All laws reflect concern for the well-being of the people, their dignity, and life.