Exodus 21:21
Exodus 21:21 in Multiple Translations
However, if the servant gets up after a day or two, the owner shall not be punished, since the servant is his property.
Notwithstanding, if he continue a day or two, he shall not be punished: for he is his money.
Notwithstanding, if he continue a day or two, he shall not be punished: for he is his money.
But, at the same time, if the servant goes on living for a day or two, the master is not to get punishment, for the servant is his property.
However, if after a day or two the slave gets better, the owner won't be punished because the slave is their property.
But if he continue a day, or two dayes, hee shall not be punished: for he is his money.
only if he remain a day, or two days, he is not avenged, for he [is] his money.
Notwithstanding, if his servant gets up after a day or two, he shall not be punished, for the servant is his property.
Notwithstanding, if he shall continue a day or two, he shall not be punished; for he is his money.
But if the party remain alive a day or two, he shall not be subject to the punishment, because it is his money.
But if the slave lives for a day or two after he is struck and then dies, you must not punish the one who struck him. Not having that slave to be able to work for him any longer is enough punishment.
Berean Amplified Bible — Exodus 21:21
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Exodus 21:21 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אַ֥ךְ
אִם
י֛וֹם
א֥וֹ
יוֹמַ֖יִם
יַעֲמֹ֑ד
לֹ֣א
יֻקַּ֔ם
כִּ֥י
כַסְפּ֖/וֹ
הֽוּא
אַ֥ךְ
ʼak
H389
surely
DirObjM
אִם
ʼim
H518
if
Conj
י֛וֹם
yôwm
H3117
day
N-ms
א֥וֹ
ʼôw
H176
or
Conj
יוֹמַ֖יִם
yôwm
H3117
day
N-md
יַעֲמֹ֑ד
ʻâmad
H5975
to stand
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
יֻקַּ֔ם
nâqam
H5358
to avenge
V-Hophal-Imperf-3ms
כִּ֥י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
כַסְפּ֖/וֹ
keçeph
H3701
silver
N-ms | Suff
הֽוּא
hûwʼ
H1931
he/she/it
Pron
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Exodus 21:21
אַ֥ךְ
ʼak
H389
"surely"
DirObjM
This Hebrew word is used to emphasize something, like saying 'surely' or 'certainly'. It can also be used to limit or restrict something, like saying 'only' or 'but'.
Definition: 1) indeed, surely (emphatic) 2) howbeit, only, but, yet (restrictive)
Usage: Occurs in 157 OT verses. KJV: also, in any wise, at least, but, certainly, even, howbeit, nevertheless, notwithstanding, only, save, surely, of a surety, truly, verily, [phrase] wherefore, yet (but). See also: Genesis 7:23; 2 Kings 23:35; Psalms 23:6.
אִם
ʼim
H518
"if"
Conj
This Hebrew word is used to express conditions or questions, like if or whether. It can also be used to make oaths or express wishes, as in Oh that! It appears in various forms in the KJV, including if, though, and when.
Definition: : if/whether_or/though 1) if 1a) conditional clauses 1a1) of possible situations 1a2) of impossible situations 1b) oath contexts 1b1) no, not 1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or 1d) when, whenever 1e) since 1f) interrogative particle 1g) but rather
Usage: Occurs in 931 OT verses. KJV: (and, can-, doubtless, if, that) (not), [phrase] but, either, [phrase] except, [phrase] more(-over if, than), neither, nevertheless, nor, oh that, or, [phrase] save (only, -ing), seeing, since, sith, [phrase] surely (no more, none, not), though, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] unless, [phrase] verily, when, whereas, whether, while, [phrase] yet. See also: Genesis 4:7; Exodus 22:3; Leviticus 27:27.
י֛וֹם
yôwm
H3117
"day"
N-ms
The Hebrew word 'yom' refers to a day, which can be a literal 24-hour period or a figurative space of time. It is used in the Bible to describe a wide range of time periods, from a single day to a year or a lifetime. The word 'yom' is used in many different contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : day/when/time/period 1) day, time, year 1a) day (as opposed to night) 1b) day (24 hour period) 1b1) as defined by evening and morning in Genesis 1 1b2) as a division of time 1b2a) a working day, a day's journey 1c) days, lifetime (pl.) 1d) time, period (general) 1e) year 1f) temporal references 1f1) today 1f2) yesterday 1f3) tomorrow
Usage: Occurs in 1930 OT verses. KJV: age, [phrase] always, [phrase] chronicals, continually(-ance), daily, ((birth-), each, to) day, (now a, two) days (agone), [phrase] elder, [idiom] end, [phrase] evening, [phrase] (for) ever(-lasting, -more), [idiom] full, life, as (so) long as (... live), (even) now, [phrase] old, [phrase] outlived, [phrase] perpetually, presently, [phrase] remaineth, [idiom] required, season, [idiom] since, space, then, (process of) time, [phrase] as at other times, [phrase] in trouble, weather, (as) when, (a, the, within a) while (that), [idiom] whole ([phrase] age), (full) year(-ly), [phrase] younger. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 33:13; Exodus 23:15.
א֥וֹ
ʼôw
H176
"or"
Conj
Desire can also mean or, and, or if, showing a choice between options, as seen in Proverbs 31:4. It is used to express alternatives or possibilities.
Definition: 1) or, rather 1a) implying that the latter choice is preferred 1b) or if, introducing an example to be seen under a particular principle 1c) (in series) either...or, whether...or 1d) if perchance 1e) except, or else 2) whether, not the least, if, otherwise, also, and, then
Usage: Occurs in 218 OT verses. KJV: also, and, either, if, at the least, [idiom] nor, or, otherwise, then, whether. See also: Genesis 24:49; Leviticus 25:49; Proverbs 30:31.
יוֹמַ֖יִם
yôwm
H3117
"day"
N-md
The Hebrew word 'yom' refers to a day, which can be a literal 24-hour period or a figurative space of time. It is used in the Bible to describe a wide range of time periods, from a single day to a year or a lifetime. The word 'yom' is used in many different contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : day/when/time/period 1) day, time, year 1a) day (as opposed to night) 1b) day (24 hour period) 1b1) as defined by evening and morning in Genesis 1 1b2) as a division of time 1b2a) a working day, a day's journey 1c) days, lifetime (pl.) 1d) time, period (general) 1e) year 1f) temporal references 1f1) today 1f2) yesterday 1f3) tomorrow
Usage: Occurs in 1930 OT verses. KJV: age, [phrase] always, [phrase] chronicals, continually(-ance), daily, ((birth-), each, to) day, (now a, two) days (agone), [phrase] elder, [idiom] end, [phrase] evening, [phrase] (for) ever(-lasting, -more), [idiom] full, life, as (so) long as (... live), (even) now, [phrase] old, [phrase] outlived, [phrase] perpetually, presently, [phrase] remaineth, [idiom] required, season, [idiom] since, space, then, (process of) time, [phrase] as at other times, [phrase] in trouble, weather, (as) when, (a, the, within a) while (that), [idiom] whole ([phrase] age), (full) year(-ly), [phrase] younger. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 33:13; Exodus 23:15.
יַעֲמֹ֑ד
ʻâmad
H5975
"to stand"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
Means 'to stand' in a strong sense, like in Exodus 17:12 where Moses stood with his arms up to help Israel win a battle.
Definition: : stand/stop/establish 1) to stand, remain, endure, take one's stand 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to stand, take one's stand, be in a standing attitude, stand forth, take a stand, present oneself, attend upon, be or become servant of 1a2) to stand still, stop (moving or doing), cease 1a3) to tarry, delay, remain, continue, abide, endure, persist, be steadfast 1a4) to make a stand, hold one's ground 1a5) to stand upright, remain standing, stand up, rise, be erect, be upright 1a6) to arise, appear, come on the scene, stand forth, appear, rise up or against 1a7) to stand with, take one's stand, be appointed, grow flat, grow insipid 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to station, set 1b2) to cause to stand firm, maintain 1b3) to cause to stand up, cause to set up, erect 1b4) to present (one) before (king) 1b5) to appoint, ordain, establish 1c) (Hophal) to be presented, be caused to stand, be stood before
Usage: Occurs in 497 OT verses. KJV: abide (behind), appoint, arise, cease, confirm, continue, dwell, be employed, endure, establish, leave, make, ordain, be (over), place, (be) present (self), raise up, remain, repair, [phrase] serve, set (forth, over, -tle, up), (make to, make to be at a, with-) stand (by, fast, firm, still, up), (be at a) stay (up), tarry. See also: Genesis 18:8; Joshua 21:44; 1 Chronicles 6:17.
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
יֻקַּ֔ם
nâqam
H5358
"to avenge"
V-Hophal-Imperf-3ms
This verb means to avenge or punish, often used to describe God's justice, as seen in Deuteronomy 32:43 where God avenges His people.
Definition: 1) to avenge, take vengeance, revenge, avenge oneself, be avenged, be punished 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to avenge, take vengeance 1a2) to entertain revengeful feelings 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to avenge oneself 1b2) to suffer vengeance 1c) (Piel) to avenge 1d) (Hophal) to be avenged, vengeance be taken (for blood) 1e) (Hithpael) to avenge oneself
Usage: Occurs in 31 OT verses. KJV: avenge(-r, self), punish, revenge (self), [idiom] surely, take vengeance. See also: Genesis 4:15; Esther 8:13; Psalms 8:3.
כִּ֥י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
כַסְפּ֖/וֹ
keçeph
H3701
"silver"
N-ms | Suff
Silver or money, often referring to payment or wealth, like the silver talents in Matthew 25. It can also describe silver as a valuable metal or ornament.
Definition: : money/payment/silver 1) silver, money 1a) silver 1a1) as metal 1a2) as ornament 1a3) as colour 1b) money, shekels, talents
Usage: Occurs in 343 OT verses. KJV: money, price, silver(-ling). See also: Genesis 13:2; Numbers 22:18; 2 Chronicles 1:17.
הֽוּא
hûwʼ
H1931
"he/she/it"
Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.
Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)
Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.
Study Notes — Exodus 21:21
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Exodus 21:21 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Exodus 21:21
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 21:21
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 21:21
- Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 21:21
- Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 21:21
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 21:21
- Cambridge Bible on Exodus 21:21
- Sermons on Exodus 21:21
Context — Personal Injury Laws
19then 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.
20If a man strikes his manservant or maidservant with a rod, and the servant dies by his hand, he shall surely be punished.
21However, if the servant gets up after a day or two, the owner shall not be punished, since the servant is his property.
22If 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. 23But if a serious injury results, then you must require a life for a life—Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Leviticus 25:44–46 | Your menservants and maidservants shall come from the nations around you, from whom you may purchase them. You may also purchase them from the foreigners residing among you or their clans living among you who are born in your land. These may become your property. You may leave them to your sons after you to inherit as property; you can make them slaves for life. But as for your brothers, the Israelites, no man may rule harshly over his brother. |
Exodus 21:21 Summary
[This verse is talking about a situation where a servant is beaten by their owner, but the servant doesn't die. If the servant gets up after a day or two, the owner won't be punished, because the servant is considered part of the owner's household. However, this verse should be understood in the context of the entire Bible, which teaches us to love and respect all people, regardless of their social status, as seen in Galatians 3:28. We can learn from this verse that God is concerned with protecting the vulnerable and promoting justice and compassion, as seen in Isaiah 58:6.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does this verse seem to condone the beating of servants?
This verse is often misunderstood, but in context, it's actually providing guidelines to protect servants from abuse, as seen in Exodus 21:20, where the owner is punished if the servant dies from the beating. The Bible teaches us to treat others with kindness and respect, as seen in Ephesians 6:9, where masters are told to treat their slaves with respect and kindness.
What does it mean that the servant is the owner's property?
In the biblical context, servants were considered part of the household and were protected under the law, as seen in Exodus 21:20. This verse is not condoning the idea that people are property, but rather acknowledging the economic and social reality of the time, while also providing guidelines to protect the vulnerable, as seen in Deuteronomy 15:12-15.
How does this verse relate to our modern understanding of human rights?
While this verse reflects the social and economic realities of ancient Israel, the Bible also teaches us about the inherent value and dignity of every human being, as seen in Genesis 1:27, where all people are created in the image of God. This verse should be understood in the context of the entire Bible, which teaches us to love and respect all people, regardless of their social status, as seen in Galatians 3:28.
What can we learn from this verse about God's heart for the vulnerable?
This verse shows us that God is concerned with protecting the vulnerable, including servants and slaves, as seen in Exodus 21:20 and Deuteronomy 15:12-15. This reflects God's heart of justice and compassion, as seen in Isaiah 58:6, where we are called to loose the chains of injustice and set the oppressed free.
Reflection Questions
- How can I apply the principles of kindness and respect towards those in positions of authority or powerlessness in my life?
- What are some ways I can demonstrate God's heart of justice and compassion to those around me, especially those who may be marginalized or oppressed?
- How can I balance the need to respect authority with the need to stand up for what is right and just, especially in situations where there may be abuse or exploitation?
- What does it mean for me to see every person as created in the image of God, and how can I reflect that in my interactions with others?
Gill's Exposition on Exodus 21:21
Notwithstanding, if he continue a day or two,.... And does not die immediately, or the same day, but lives twenty four hours, as the Jewish writers interpret it; so Abendana (x) explains the phrase,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 21:21
Notwithstanding, if he continue a day or two, he shall not be punished: for he is his money.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 21:21
i.e. His possession bought with his money; and therefore, 1. Had a power to chastise him according to his demerit, which might be very great. 2. Is sufficiently punished with his own loss. 3. May be presumed not to have done this purposely and maliciously.
Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 21:21
Exodus 21:21 Notwithstanding, if he continue a day or two, he shall not be punished: for he [is] his money.Ver. 21. For he is his money.] And therefore he hath power over his flesh. Yet "hide not thine eyes from thine own flesh," saith the prophet.
Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 21:21
(21) If he continue a day or two, he shall not be punished.—Comp. the proviso with respect to freemen (Exodus 21:19). The notion is, that unless the death follows speedily it must be presumed not to have been intended; and this might be especially presumed in the case of a man killing his slave, since thereby he inflicted on himself a pecuniary loss.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 21:21
Verse 21. If the slave who had been beaten by his master died under his hand, the master was punished with death; see Genesis 9:5-6. But if he survived the beating a day or two the master was not punished, because it might be presumed that the man died through some other cause. And all penal laws should be construed as favourably as possible to the accused.
Cambridge Bible on Exodus 21:21
21. If the slave survives a day or two, his master escapes even the comparatively light penalty of v. 20; for then it is clear that he did not intend to kill him, but only to correct him. he is his money] i.e. his master’s property, purchased by his master’s money. His master is considered to have sufficiently punished himself by the loss of his property.
Sermons on Exodus 21:21
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(Through the Needle's Eye) 11 - the Old Testament View by David Servant | David Servant preaches about the Old Testament scriptures that address obedience to God's commandments, the dangers of greed and discontentment, the importance of stewardship, and |