Read the Daily Bible Verse – Exodus 21:21 To Strengthen Your Spiritual Journey.
Exodus 21:21 is a verse from the Old Testament that deals with the principles of justice, particularly regarding the treatment of slaves and injuries caused by physical harm. In this article, we will explore the context, meaning, application in life, and modern relevance of Exodus 21:21. We will also compare it with other biblical texts, offer a detailed commentary, and conclude by reflecting on how this ancient law has implications for Christians today.
The Context of Exodus 21:21 KJV
Exodus 21:21 is part of the broader set of laws known as the “Book of the Covenant,” given to the Israelites after their deliverance from Egypt. The laws outlined in Exodus 21 primarily address personal injury, the treatment of slaves, and various forms of justice within the Israelite community. These laws, handed down through Moses, reflect the moral and ethical standards of God’s covenant with Israel and provide a framework for equitable living and restorative justice.
The Legal Context in Exodus 21
Exodus 21:21 is situated within a larger passage that outlines the consequences for causing harm to others. Exodus 21:12-36, for instance, includes laws about personal injury and bodily harm, focusing on how compensation or punishment should correspond to the injury inflicted. Exodus 21:1-11 addresses the treatment of Hebrew slaves, and the section in question (verses 12-36) deals with various forms of compensation, including the punishment for murder, assault, and other acts of violence.
Exodus 21:21 follows the verses about the injury of a servant or slave. The law governing injuries caused to slaves serves to regulate the harshness of Israelite society, ensuring that slaves were not treated with excessive cruelty. The specific verse reads:
“But if he continue a day or two, he shall not be punished: for he is his money.” (Exodus 21:21, KJV)
This verse applies specifically to cases in which a slave is injured by their master and is incapacitated for a period of time but does not die. The concept of punishment here is tied to the severity of the injury, the length of time the individual is incapacitated, and the overall cost of the injury to the master’s property.
The Importance of Proportional Justice
In understanding Exodus 21:21, it is vital to recognize the biblical principle of proportional justice. The law does not mandate equal treatment in all situations, but it emphasizes fairness and the preservation of human dignity. Restitution or punishment is determined not by the intention of the offense but by the degree of harm inflicted, reflecting a more humane approach to justice in the ancient world. The law allows for compensation in lieu of a harsher punishment for less severe injuries, which is a recurring theme in the laws of Exodus 21.
The Meaning of Exodus 21:21
Exodus 21:21 speaks directly to the issue of compensation for harm done to a slave. In this context, it means that if a master strikes his slave and the slave is injured but not fatally, the master is not liable for punishment if the slave does not die. However, the verse also recognizes that the slave is the property of the master (“for he is his money”), and there are implications for the master in terms of economic loss and the cost of the injury to the slave.
The primary focus of this verse is economic restitution. Slaves were seen as property in ancient Israelite society, and the laws of Exodus 21 regulate how the masters should compensate for injury or harm done to their property. The principle behind this is that the master is responsible for the welfare of his slave, but the degree of responsibility is tempered by the severity of the injury.
The Absence of Punishment for Non-Fatal Injuries
The phrase “he shall not be punished” suggests that there is no criminal penalty for injuries that do not result in death. However, this does not mean that the injury is without consequence. The master is still obligated to account for the harm done, especially in terms of restoration. The passage reflects the principle that harm or injury, even if not fatal, must be addressed in a way that acknowledges its economic and social consequences.
Understanding “He is his money”
The phrase “for he is his money” may sound harsh from a modern perspective, but it reflects the legal and economic reality of the time. In ancient Israel, slaves were considered part of a household’s assets, and their value was counted in terms of their ability to work and produce. If a slave were injured and unable to work, the loss of productivity would be felt by the master. This principle may seem cold, but it reflects a form of economic justice that acknowledges the reality of a servant-based society.
Exodus 21:21 Application in Life
While Exodus 21:21 specifically addresses a situation in which a master injures his slave, its underlying principles can still be applied to modern life. The application of this law in the modern world may not revolve around slavery in the traditional sense, but it highlights broader concepts of personal responsibility, compensation for harm, and justice that are still relevant today.
Personal Responsibility and Accountability
One key application of Exodus 21:21 is the idea of personal responsibility. In modern legal and ethical systems, individuals are held accountable for their actions, especially when those actions cause harm to others. Whether in workplace safety, personal injury, or contractual obligations, individuals and businesses are expected to provide compensation if harm is done to another party, even if the harm is not fatal.
This principle is relevant in the context of modern labor laws, where employers are responsible for ensuring the well-being of their workers. If a worker is injured on the job, there is an expectation that the employer will compensate the worker for medical expenses, lost wages, and rehabilitation, similar to how Exodus 21:21 calls for the master to bear responsibility for the injury.
Restorative Justice and Healing
Exodus 21:21 highlights the importance of restoration rather than retribution. The law does not demand that the master suffer punishment for a non-fatal injury to the slave, but instead, it requires the master to ensure that the injured person is compensated. This idea of restorative justice is a powerful principle that can be applied in the modern world. Christians are called to seek healing and reconciliation, rather than merely punitive measures when conflict arises. Whether in the family, workplace, or community, the principle of making restitution and seeking restoration for those who have been harmed should be the priority.
Balancing Justice and Mercy
Exodus 21:21 also teaches the importance of mercy in the execution of justice. The law recognizes that while harm has been done, the punishment for a non-fatal injury should not be equivalent to the punishment for murder. In modern Christian life, we are reminded that true justice involves both fairness and mercy. While wrongdoers should be held accountable, there is room for forgiveness and grace, especially when there is genuine repentance.
Comparison with Other Biblical Texts
Exodus 21:21 is part of a larger biblical tradition of balancing justice and mercy, punishment and reparation. The principles found in this passage resonate with other parts of the Bible that deal with justice, restitution, and personal responsibility.
Exodus 21:24 – Eye for an Eye
Exodus 21:24 is part of the same set of laws and offers an important comparison. This verse reads:
“Eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot” (Exodus 21:24, KJV).
This principle, known as lex talionis or the “law of retaliation,” mandates that the punishment should be equal to the injury. While Exodus 21:21 addresses situations where injury occurs without fatal consequences, Exodus 21:24 is about retributive justice for more serious harm. The contrast between these two verses highlights the difference between compensatory justice and retributive justice, showing that the Bible accommodates a range of responses to wrongdoing, from restitution to retaliation.
Leviticus 24:17-20 – The Principle of Equal Justice
Leviticus 24:17-20 expands on the idea of proportional justice:
“And he that killeth any man shall surely be put to death… Breach for breach, eye for eye, tooth for tooth…” (Leviticus 24:17-20, KJV).
This passage, like Exodus 21:24, reinforces the idea that justice must be proportional to the harm caused. The difference between these passages and Exodus 21:21 is that the injury in Exodus 21:21 does not warrant such a strict response because the harm caused is less severe.
Matthew 5:38-39 – Jesus’ Teaching on Retribution
In the New Testament, Jesus reinterprets the concept of retribution. In Matthew 5:38-39, He says:
“Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth: But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.” (Matthew 5:38-39, KJV).
Jesus teaches that the heart of justice is not about exacting punishment or revenge but showing mercy and forgiveness. His teaching challenges Christians to move beyond the letter of the law to the spirit of reconciliation and love.
Modern-Day Relevance
Exodus 21:21 holds significant relevance for modern Christian thought, particularly in its call for responsibility, reparation, and mercy. In today’s society, this verse can inform Christian perspectives on issues such as workplace safety, medical malpractice, and personal injury law. It encourages a holistic view of justice that seeks to heal and restore rather than simply punish.
Furthermore, the verse speaks to Christian ethics in personal relationships, guiding individuals to live in a manner that reflects grace, accountability, and restoration. By applying these biblical principles, Christians can foster environments of peace and justice, both in the church and society.
Conclusion
Exodus 21:21, though deeply embedded in the culture of ancient Israel, holds timeless principles that continue to be relevant today. The call for responsibility, justice, and restoration resonates deeply with modern Christian life. Whether in legal disputes, workplace injuries, or personal conflicts, the law teaches us that justice should be proportional, rooted in mercy, and aimed at reconciliation. In following the example set forth in this passage, Christians are called to live out these values in a way that reflects the heart of God’s justice.
Exodus 21:21 Commentary
Exodus 21:21 represents an essential principle of proportionality and fairness in justice. While the passage appears to reflect an outdated view of slavery, its application extends far beyond that historical context. The broader message calls for balance—where justice is pursued in a way that seeks both reparation and healing for those wronged. The ultimate goal of justice in this context is not revenge but the restoration of the injured party.
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