Read the Daily Bible Verse – Exodus 21:27 To Strengthen Your Spiritual Journey.
Exodus 21:27, found in the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible, is a part of the detailed legal code established for the Israelites. This verse reads:
“And if a man smite the eye of his servant, or the eye of his maid, that it perish; he shall let him go free for his eye’s sake.” (Exodus 21:27, KJV)
This verse appears within the broader context of laws surrounding personal injury, servitude, and justice. Although the specific situation it addresses may seem distant from our contemporary world, the underlying principles it conveys remain deeply relevant to Christian life and ethics today. Understanding its context, meaning, application, and modern relevance provides valuable insights into God’s justice and mercy.
The Context of Exodus 21:27 KJV
Exodus 21 is part of what is known as the Book of the Covenant, a section of the Torah (the first five books of the Bible) where God gives detailed laws to the Israelites. These laws cover various aspects of daily life, including laws about slavery, personal injury, property, and social justice.
Historical and Cultural Background
In ancient Israel, slavery, while not identical to modern-day concepts of slavery, was a part of society. People became servants due to poverty, war, or other difficult circumstances, and the laws of Exodus 21 sought to regulate and provide protections for these individuals. Servants were not seen as mere property, but rather as persons with certain rights, and the legal code emphasized their dignity and the responsibility of masters to treat them justly.
The Legal Context
Exodus 21 contains various laws regarding personal injury and the treatment of servants. It opens with instructions on Hebrew servitude (Exodus 21:1-11), then moves into laws regarding bodily harm (Exodus 21:12-27). These laws establish a system of compensation for injuries and emphasize the idea of justice, where the punishment or compensation is proportional to the harm done.
The specific law found in Exodus 21:27 addresses the case of a servant who is injured by their master. If the injury results in permanent harm (in this case, the loss of an eye), the master is required to let the servant go free. This provision highlights the principle of restorative justice: when a servant’s bodily integrity is permanently compromised, they are given their freedom as compensation.
Relationship to Previous Laws
Exodus 21:27 is closely related to earlier verses in the chapter that outline the principles of retaliation. Specifically, Exodus 21:24 introduces the famous “eye for an eye” principle:
“Eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot.” (Exodus 21:24, KJV)
This principle is often misunderstood as promoting vengeance, but in reality, it aims to ensure that punishment is proportional to the crime. The laws surrounding personal injury, including Exodus 21:27, emphasize that the punishment should match the damage caused, but also that it should not be excessive.
The Meaning of Exodus 21:27
Exodus 21:27 presents a specific scenario regarding personal injury and servitude. To understand the meaning of this verse, let’s break it down:
“If a man smite the eye of his servant, or the eye of his maid”: The verse speaks about an injury inflicted by a master on their servant or maid. The term “smite” implies a violent or harmful act.
“That it perish”: This refers to the severity of the injury. The loss of an eye is considered a permanent and irreversible injury, leading to the servant’s disqualification from continuing their labor in the same capacity.
“He shall let him go free for his eye’s sake”: This is the key part of the verse. If the injury results in permanent harm (specifically the loss of the servant’s eye), the master is required to release the servant from their duties and grant them their freedom.
In essence, Exodus 21:27 outlines a form of restitution. The master’s action—causing permanent injury to the servant—requires the master to release the servant as compensation for the harm caused. This law reflects the idea of fairness and justice, ensuring that those in positions of power do not exploit or harm those under their care.
The Principle of Restitution
The principle underlying this law is one of restitution—an eye for an eye, so to speak. However, unlike the more literal “eye for an eye” concept where retaliation or equivalent punishment might be required, Exodus 21:27 allows for freedom to replace the injury. In this case, freedom is seen as a form of compensation for the injury, recognizing the irreversible damage done to the servant’s body.
The emphasis here is not on retribution but on restoring balance and justice. By releasing the servant, the master ensures that the injury is addressed in a way that restores the servant’s dignity and autonomy, even if the master does not fully “pay” for the injury in the traditional sense of restitution.
Justice and Compassion
This law also reflects God’s heart for justice and mercy. The servant’s release is not merely a legal requirement; it is a merciful action that seeks to restore the person who has been harmed. It provides an opportunity for the servant to rebuild their life and regain their dignity after suffering injury.
Exodus 21:27 Application in Life
While Exodus 21:27 is a law that applies to a specific historical and cultural context, its principles are timeless and can be applied to our lives today in several important ways:
1. Justice and Fairness in Personal Interactions
The law in Exodus 21:27 reflects the idea of proportional justice, where harm is addressed in a way that ensures fairness. This principle can be applied to our interactions with others, whether in personal relationships or professional settings. If we harm someone, we should seek to make things right and restore justice, not simply seek punishment or revenge.
2. Respect for Human Dignity
Exodus 21:27 emphasizes the dignity of the servant, even in the context of servitude. It reminds us to treat others with respect, recognizing their humanity and the inherent value they possess in God’s eyes. Whether we are in positions of power or vulnerability, we should always strive to protect the dignity of others and be just in our dealings.
3. The Call for Restorative Justice
The idea of restorative justice is central to Exodus 21:27. Instead of seeking retribution or vengeance, we are called to restore those who have been harmed. This principle can be applied in various contexts, such as in legal systems, workplaces, and personal relationships. Restorative justice seeks to heal wounds and rebuild relationships, rather than simply punish the wrongdoer.
4. Mercy and Compassion
The command to release the servant after an injury is also an act of mercy. In our own lives, we are called to show mercy and compassion to those who have been harmed or hurt, especially when they cannot make restitution themselves. God’s law invites us to reflect His mercy in our dealings with others.
Comparison with Other Biblical Texts
Exodus 21:27 fits within a broader biblical framework of justice and compassion. Let’s explore a few other passages that offer insights into similar themes.
1. Leviticus 24:19-20 (The Law of Retaliation)
Leviticus 24:19-20 reinforces the idea of proportional justice, echoing Exodus 21:24 (“an eye for an eye”):
“And if a man cause a blemish in his neighbour; as he hath done, so shall it be done to him; breach for breach, eye for eye, tooth for tooth.” (Leviticus 24:19-20, KJV)
Like Exodus 21:27, Leviticus calls for justice that matches the harm done, but Exodus 21:27 takes this principle a step further by substituting the injury with freedom as a form of compensation.
2. Matthew 5:38-39 (Jesus’ Teaching on Retaliation)
In the New Testament, Jesus expands upon the idea of retaliation, calling His followers to go beyond the law of “eye for an eye”:
“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 emphasizes mercy and non-retaliation, teaching His followers to resist the urge for vengeance and to respond with love and forgiveness.
3. Luke 6:27-31 (Love Your Enemies)
In a similar vein, Luke 6:27-31 encourages believers to love and do good to those who harm them:
“But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you, Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you.” (Luke 6:27-28, KJV)
This teaching underscores the idea that Christians are called to act with mercy and justice, transcending the law of retaliation in favor of grace and love.
Modern-Day Relevance
Exodus 21:27, though part of an ancient legal code, still holds profound relevance for Christians today. The principles embedded in this verse—justice, fairness, mercy, and the restoration of dignity—remain central to Christian ethics and behavior.
In modern contexts, we see the application of these principles in restorative justice practices, which aim to repair harm and heal relationships rather than simply punish offenders. This is evident in criminal justice systems that focus on rehabilitation and reconciliation, as well as in conflict resolution and reconciliation efforts in various sectors of society.
Furthermore, the call to respect the dignity and humanity of others, especially the vulnerable, continues to guide Christian social action, whether in issues of poverty, exploitation, or human rights. Exodus 21:27 challenges Christians to live out these principles in all areas of life, advocating for fairness and compassion in their relationships with others.
Conclusion
Exodus 21:27 teaches profound lessons about justice, mercy, and the restoration of dignity. While rooted in an ancient legal context, its principles continue to speak powerfully to us today. This verse calls Christians to uphold fairness and proportionality in our dealings with others, to seek restorative justice over retribution, and to treat every person with dignity and respect. As we reflect on this passage, may we be reminded of God’s heart for justice, His compassion toward the vulnerable, and our calling to embody His love and mercy in the world.
Exodus 21:27 Commentary
Commentators on Exodus 21:27 often highlight the progressive nature of this law within its ancient context. While many societies practiced harsh and retributive justice, the law here provides a balanced, compassionate alternative that considers the well-being of the vulnerable. The freedom granted to the servant is a form of compensation that not only serves justice but also reflects God’s heart for mercy and fairness.
Some scholars point out that the law in Exodus 21:27 also speaks to the value God places on human life and well-being. Even in a system of servitude, the loss of an eye or similar injury is treated as a serious matter, warranting the release of the servant as a form of justice.
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