Exodus 21
BSB1 “These are the ordinances that you are to set before them: 2 If you buy a Hebrew servant, he is to serve you for six years. But in the seventh year, he shall go free without paying anything. 3 If he arrived alone, he is to leave alone; if he arrived with a wife, she is to leave with him. 4 If his master gives him a wife and she bears him sons or daughters, the woman and her children shall belong to her master, and only the man shall go free. 5 But if the servant declares, ‘I love my master and my wife and children; I do not want to go free,’ 6 then his master is to bring him before the judges. And he shall take him to the door or doorpost and pierce his ear with an awl. Then he shall serve his master for life. 7 And if a man sells his daughter as a servant, she is not to go free as the menservants do. 8 If she is displeasing in the eyes of her master who had designated her for himself, he must allow her to be redeemed. He has no right to sell her to foreigners, since he has broken faith with her. 9 And if he chooses her for his son, he must deal with her as with a daughter. 10 If he takes another wife, he must not reduce the food, clothing, or marital rights of his first wife. 11 If, however, he does not provide her with these three things, she is free to go without monetary payment. 12 Whoever strikes and kills a man must surely be put to death. 13 If, however, he did not lie in wait, but God allowed it to happen, then I will appoint for you a place where he may flee. 14 But if a man schemes and acts willfully against his neighbor to kill him, you must take him away from My altar to be put to death. 15 Whoever strikes his father or mother must surely be put to death. 16 Whoever kidnaps another man must be put to death, whether he sells him or the man is found in his possession. 17 Anyone who curses his father or mother must surely be put to death. 18 If men are quarreling and one strikes the other with a stone or a fist, and he does not die but is confined to bed, 19 then the one who struck him shall go unpunished, as long as the other can get up and walk around outside with his staff. Nevertheless, he must compensate the man for his lost work and see that he is completely healed. 20 If a man strikes his manservant or maidservant with a rod, and the servant dies by his hand, he shall surely be punished. 21 However, if the servant gets up after a day or two, the owner shall not be punished, since the servant is his property. 22 If men who are fighting strike a pregnant woman and her child is born prematurely, but there is no further injury, he shall surely be fined as the woman’s husband demands and as the court allows. 23 But if a serious injury results, then you must require a life for a life— 24 eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, 25 burn for burn, wound for wound, and stripe for stripe. 26 If a man strikes and blinds the eye of his manservant or maidservant, he must let the servant go free as compensation for the eye. 27 And if he knocks out the tooth of his manservant or maidservant, he must let the servant go free as compensation for the tooth. 28 If an ox gores a man or woman to death, the ox must surely be stoned, and its meat must not be eaten. But the owner of the ox shall not be held responsible. 29 But if the ox has a habit of goring, and its owner has been warned yet does not restrain it, and it kills a man or woman, then the ox must be stoned and its owner must also be put to death. 30 If payment is demanded of him instead, he may redeem his life by paying the full amount demanded of him. 31 If the ox gores a son or a daughter, it shall be done to him according to the same rule. 32 If the ox gores a manservant or maidservant, the owner must pay thirty shekels of silver to the master of that servant, and the ox must be stoned. 33 If a man opens or digs a pit and fails to cover it, and an ox or a donkey falls into it, 34 the owner of the pit shall make restitution; he must pay its owner, and the dead animal will be his. 35 If a man’s ox injures his neighbor’s ox and it dies, they must sell the live one and divide the proceeds; they also must divide the dead animal. 36 But if it was known that the ox had a habit of goring, yet its owner failed to restrain it, he shall pay full compensation, ox for ox, and the dead animal will be his.
Study Notes — Exodus 21
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from Exodus 21
- Themes from Exodus 21
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on Exodus 21
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
Exodus chapter 21 begins with laws regarding slavery, including the treatment of Hebrew slaves and the rules for purchasing and releasing them (Exodus 21:1-11). The chapter then addresses personal injury, including the penalty for killing someone and the compensation for injuring someone (Exodus 21:12-36). The chapter also covers property rights, including the laws for oxen that gore people and the rules for borrowing and lending (Exodus 21:28-36). Throughout the chapter, God emphasizes the importance of respecting human life and treating others with kindness and fairness. As seen in Exodus 21:24, the principle of 'an eye for an eye' is introduced, which is later referenced in Matthew 5:38.
Context for the Chapter
Exodus chapter 21 is part of the larger narrative of the book of Exodus, which tells the story of God's deliverance of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. The chapter is also part of the larger biblical narrative, which shows God's concern for justice and compassion throughout history. As seen in Exodus 20:1-17, the Ten Commandments are given, which provide a foundation for the laws outlined in Exodus 21.
Heart Application
As we read Exodus chapter 21, we are reminded of the importance of treating others with kindness and respect. We are also reminded of the importance of seeking justice and compassion in all our relationships. As followers of Christ, we are called to live in a way that reflects God's character and honors Him.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
Exodus chapter 21 is about the laws that God gave to the Israelites. These laws covered things like slavery, personal injury, and property rights. The main idea of the chapter is that God's people are to live in a way that reflects His character and honors Him. For example, in Exodus 21:2-6, we see that God values human freedom and provides laws for the treatment of slaves. In Exodus 21:12-14, we see that God values human life and provides laws for the punishment of those who take a life.
Voices from the Church
“The law is a mirror that shows us our sin and our need for a Savior. It is also a guide that shows us how to live in a way that pleases God.”
— John Calvin
“The laws of Exodus 21 are not just rules to be followed, but are a reflection of God's character and a call to live in a way that honors Him.”
— Charles Spurgeon
Outline for Preaching
- Laws Regarding Slavery (Exodus 21:1-11) — The chapter begins with laws governing the treatment of Hebrew slaves and the rules for purchasing and releasing them. As seen in Exodus 21:2-6, the laws provide a way for slaves to be freed in the seventh year.
- Laws Regarding Personal Injury (Exodus 21:12-36) — The chapter then addresses personal injury, including the penalty for killing someone and the compensation for injuring someone. For example, in Exodus 21:12-14, the punishment for murder is outlined.
- Laws Regarding Property Rights (Exodus 21:28-36) — The chapter also covers property rights, including the laws for oxen that gore people and the rules for borrowing and lending. As seen in Exodus 21:28-32, the owner of an ox that gores someone is responsible for the damage.
- The Importance of Justice and Compassion — Throughout the chapter, God emphasizes the importance of justice and compassion in all relationships. This is seen in the laws regarding slavery, personal injury, and property rights.
- The Foreshadowing of Christ — The chapter also foreshadows Christ, who teaches us to love our enemies and turn the other cheek (Matthew 5:38-42). As seen in Exodus 21:24, the principle of 'an eye for an eye' is introduced, which is later fulfilled in Christ.
Core Doctrines
- The Doctrine of Justice
- Exodus chapter 21 teaches us that God is a God of justice who values human life and freedom. He will not tolerate oppression or injustice, as seen in Exodus 21:16.
- The Doctrine of Compassion
- The chapter also emphasizes the importance of compassion and kindness in all relationships. We are called to live in a way that reflects God's character and honors Him, as seen in Exodus 21:2-6.
- The Doctrine of Redemption
- The laws regarding slavery in Exodus 21 point to the freedom that we have in Christ. As seen in Exodus 21:6, the slave who chooses to remain with his master is a picture of our willingness to serve Christ.
- The Doctrine of Restitution
- The chapter emphasizes the importance of restitution, or making things right, when someone has been wronged. This is seen in the laws regarding personal injury and property rights, such as Exodus 21:32-36.
Lessons from Exodus 21
- The Importance of Treating Others with Kindness and Respect — The laws in Exodus 21 remind us of the importance of treating others with kindness and respect. We are called to live in a way that reflects God's character and honors Him.
- The Value of Human Life and Freedom — The chapter emphasizes the value of human life and freedom. We are reminded that God values these things and will not tolerate oppression or injustice.
- The Importance of Seeking Justice and Compassion — The chapter teaches us to seek justice and compassion in all our relationships. We are called to live in a way that reflects God's character and honors Him.
- The Foreshadowing of Christ — The chapter foreshadows Christ, who teaches us to love our enemies and turn the other cheek (Matthew 5:38-42). As seen in Exodus 21:24, the principle of 'an eye for an eye' is introduced, which is later fulfilled in Christ.
- The Importance of Restitution — The chapter emphasizes the importance of restitution, or making things right, when someone has been wronged. This is seen in the laws regarding personal injury and property rights.
Themes from Exodus 21
- Justice — The chapter emphasizes the importance of justice in all relationships. God is a God of justice who values human life and freedom.
- Compassion — The chapter also emphasizes the importance of compassion and kindness in all relationships. We are called to live in a way that reflects God's character and honors Him.
- Redemption — The laws regarding slavery in Exodus 21 point to the freedom that we have in Christ. As seen in Exodus 21:6, the slave who chooses to remain with his master is a picture of our willingness to serve Christ.
- Restitution — The chapter emphasizes the importance of restitution, or making things right, when someone has been wronged. This is seen in the laws regarding personal injury and property rights.
- The Character of God — The chapter teaches us about the character of God, who is a God of justice, compassion, and redemption.
Questions for Meditation
- How do the laws in Exodus 21 reflect God's character and values?
- What does the chapter teach us about the importance of justice and compassion in all relationships?
- How do the laws regarding slavery in Exodus 21 point to the freedom that we have in Christ?
- What does the chapter teach us about the importance of restitution, or making things right, when someone has been wronged?
- How can we apply the principles of Exodus 21 to our own lives and relationships?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. Laws Regarding Slavery (Exodus 21:1-11)
| 21:1 | The chapter begins with laws governing the treatment of Hebrew slaves and the rules for purchasing and releasing them. |
| 21:2 | If a man buys a Hebrew slave, he must release him in the seventh year. |
| 21:3 | If the slave is unmarried, he will go out alone; but if he is married, his wife will go out with him. |
| 21:4 | If his master gives him a wife and she bears him sons or daughters, the wife and her children will belong to her master, and he will go out alone. |
| 21:5 | But if the slave says, 'I love my master and my wife and children and do not want to go free,' |
| 21:6 | then his master must take him before the judges. He shall take him to the door or the doorpost and pierce his ear with an awl. Then he will be his servant for life. |
| 21:7 | If a man sells his daughter as a slave, she will not go out as the male slaves do. |
| 21:8 | If she does not please her master and he does not select her by giving her a dowry, he must let her be redeemed. |
| 21:9 | If he selects her for his son, he must grant her the rights of a daughter. |
| 21:10 | If he marries another woman, he must not deprive the first one of her food, clothing and marital rights. |
| 21:11 | If he does not provide her with these three things, she is to go free, without any payment of money. |
2. Laws Regarding Personal Injury (Exodus 21:12-36)
| 21:12 | Anyone who strikes a man and kills him shall surely be put to death. |
| 21:13 | However, if he does not do it intentionally, but God lets it happen, he is to flee to a place I will designate. |
| 21:14 | But if a man schemes and kills another man deliberately, take him away from my altar and put him to death. |
| 21:15 | Anyone who attacks his father or his mother must be put to death. |
| 21:16 | Anyone who kidnaps another man and sells him as a slave, or is caught with the slave in his possession, shall surely be put to death. |
| 21:17 | Anyone who curses his father or mother must be put to death. |
| 21:18 | If men who are fighting hit a pregnant woman and she gives birth prematurely but there is no serious injury, the offender must be fined whatever the woman's husband demands and he must pay as the court decides. |
| 21:19 | But if there is serious injury, you are to take life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, burn for burn, wound for wound, bruise for bruise. |
| 21:20 | If a man beats his male or female slave with a rod and the slave dies as a direct result, he must be punished. |
| 21:21 | However, if the slave gets up after a day or two, since the slave is his property, he shall not be punished; he is his property. |
| 21:22 | If men who are fighting hit a pregnant woman and she gives birth prematurely but there is no serious injury, the offender must be fined whatever the woman's husband demands and he must pay as the court decides. |
| 21:23 | But if there is serious injury, you are to take life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, burn for burn, wound for wound, bruise for bruise. |
| 21:24 | Eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, burn for burn, wound for wound, bruise for bruise. |
| 21:25 | If a man's bull gores a man or a woman and they die, the bull must be stoned and its flesh must not be eaten. |
| 21:26 | If a man's ox gores a man or a woman and they die, the ox will be stoned and its owner will also be put to death. |
| 21:27 | If a man uncovers a pit or digs one and fails to cover it and an ox or a donkey falls into it, the owner of the pit must pay for the loss; he must pay its owner, and the dead animal will be his. |
| 21:28 | If a man's ox gores a man or a woman and they die, the ox will be stoned and its owner will also be put to death. |
| 21:29 | However, if the ox has a history of goring and its owner has been warned but he does not keep it penned up and it kills a man or a woman, the ox will be stoned and its owner will also be put to death. |
| 21:30 | If a ransom is demanded of him, he can redeem his life by paying whatever is demanded. |
| 21:31 | If the ox gores a son or a daughter, the same rule applies. |
| 21:32 | If the ox gores a male or female slave, the owner must pay thirty shekels of silver to the master of the slave, and the ox will be stoned. |
| 21:33 | If a man uncovers a pit or digs one and fails to cover it and an ox or a donkey falls into it, the owner of the pit must pay for the loss; he must pay its owner, and the dead animal will be his. |
| 21:34 | If a man's ox injures the ox of another man and it dies, the two men shall sell the live ox and divide both the money and the dead animal equally. |
| 21:35 | However, if it was known that the ox had a history of goring and its owner has not kept it penned up, he must pay ox for ox, and the dead animal will be his. |
| 21:36 | If a man's ox gores a man or a woman and they die, the ox will be stoned and its owner will also be put to death. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main theme of Exodus chapter 21?
The main theme of Exodus chapter 21 is the laws that God gave to the Israelites, which were meant to guide their relationships with each other and with God. As seen in Exodus 21:1-11, the laws regarding slavery provide a way for slaves to be freed in the seventh year.
What does the chapter teach us about the importance of justice and compassion?
The chapter emphasizes the importance of justice and compassion in all relationships. God is a God of justice who values human life and freedom, and will not tolerate oppression or injustice. This is seen in the laws regarding personal injury and property rights, such as Exodus 21:12-14 and Exodus 21:32-36.
How do the laws regarding slavery in Exodus 21 point to the freedom that we have in Christ?
The laws regarding slavery in Exodus 21 point to the freedom that we have in Christ, who teaches us to love our enemies and turn the other cheek (Matthew 5:38-42). As seen in Exodus 21:6, the slave who chooses to remain with his master is a picture of our willingness to serve Christ.
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Exodus 21:1 → Leviticus 25:39-46 | The laws regarding slavery in Exodus 21 are similar to those in Leviticus 25:39-46. |
| 2 | Exodus 21:12 → Genesis 9:6 | The penalty for killing someone in Exodus 21:12 is similar to that in Genesis 9:6. |
| 3 | Exodus 21:16 → 1 Timothy 1:9-10 | The law against kidnapping in Exodus 21:16 is referenced in 1 Timothy 1:9-10. |
| 4 | Exodus 21:24 → Matthew 5:38-42 | The principle of 'an eye for an eye' in Exodus 21:24 is referenced in Matthew 5:38-42. |
| 5 | Exodus 21:28 → Deuteronomy 22:1-4 | The laws regarding property rights in Exodus 21:28 are similar to those in Deuteronomy 22:1-4. |
| 6 | Exodus 21:32 → Zechariah 11:12-13 | The law regarding the payment of thirty shekels of silver in Exodus 21:32 is referenced in Zechariah 11:12-13. |
| 7 | Exodus 21:1-11 → Galatians 3:23-25 | The laws regarding slavery in Exodus 21:1-11 point to the freedom that we have in Christ, who teaches us to love our enemies and turn the other cheek (Matthew 5:38-42). |
| 8 | Exodus 21:12-14 → Romans 13:1-7 | The laws regarding personal injury in Exodus 21:12-14 are referenced in Romans 13:1-7. |
| 9 | Exodus 21:16 → 1 Peter 2:13-17 | The law against kidnapping in Exodus 21:16 is referenced in 1 Peter 2:13-17. |
| 10 | Exodus 21:24 → Colossians 3:13 | The principle of 'an eye for an eye' in Exodus 21:24 is referenced in Colossians 3:13. |
Sermons on Exodus 21
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(God and Man) Entering God's Sabbath Rest by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker shares his personal experience of dedicating Wednesdays and Saturdays to fasting and prayer. He and another brother would spend hours in prayer after th |
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Five Principles of Revival by Ian Paisley | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the power and sovereignty of God in bringing about revival. He emphasizes that revival is initiated, controlled, and concluded by the Lord, |
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(Exodus) Exodus 21:1-11 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the social legislation found in chapter 21 of the Bible. He begins by discussing the importance of the master and servant relationship in th |
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(Exodus) Exodus 21:12-25 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker discusses a series of laws related to injuries to a person. The basis for capital punishment is mentioned, with the understanding that a government has |
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(Exodus) Exodus 22 Introduction by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of basing our beliefs and conclusions on the Word of God. He acknowledges that our human nature may tempt us to compromise or |
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(Bible Analysis of Man) Man's Lips by Willie Mullan | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being attentive and responsive to God's calling. He uses the analogy of hunting for God, stating that sometimes we can los |
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Recovery of the Lords Name - Part 2 of 6 by T. Austin-Sparks | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Gideon from the Bible. Gideon finds himself in a seemingly impossible situation, with the enemy strongly entrenched and very li |
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Sermon on the Mount: Christian Response to Personal Injury (Part 2) by J. Glyn Owen | In this sermon, the speaker, Tom Skinner, shares a powerful story about a moment of racial prejudice he experienced. Despite being physically attacked, Skinner responds with love a |
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(Through the Bible) Exodus 21-22 by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith discusses Exodus chapters 21 and 22, emphasizing the importance of God's judgments and laws as guidelines for judges in Israel. He explains that these laws were not mea |
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Christ Our City of Refuge by Hoseah Wu | In this sermon, Richard from Elizabeth introduces his brother Levine to say a few words. Levine expresses his love for bagels and locks and praises the inspiring words written by a |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Exodus 21
In Exodus chapter 21, we see a display of God's justice and compassion. The laws regarding slavery, personal injury, and property rights are all meant to guide the Israelites in their relationships with each other and with God. As Matthew Henry notes, the laws in this chapter are not just rules to be followed, but are a reflection of God's character and a call to live in a way that honors Him. The chapter also foreshadows Christ, who teaches us to love our enemies and turn the other cheek (Matthew 5:38-42). As seen in Exodus 21:6, the slave who chooses to remain with his master is a picture of our willingness to serve Christ. The chapter emphasizes the importance of justice, compassion, and restitution, and reminds us that God is a God of justice who values human life and freedom. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
God's Concern for the Poor
God's laws in Exodus 21 show a special concern for the poor and vulnerable, such as the slave who is freed in the seventh year (Exodus 21:2-6). This is further emphasized in Exodus 21:20-21, where the punishment for injuring a slave is outlined.
The Importance of Restitution
The chapter emphasizes the importance of restitution, or making things right, when someone has been wronged. For example, if someone's ox gores another person's ox, the owner of the ox that did the goring must pay for the damage (Exodus 21:32-36).
God's Holiness and Justice
Throughout the chapter, God's holiness and justice are on display. He is a God who values human life and freedom, and who will not tolerate oppression or injustice.