Laws About Slaves
Exodus 21:2-11
Exo.21.2 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- כי: CONJ
- תקנה: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,sg
- עבד: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- עברי: ADJ,m,sg
- שש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שנים: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- יעבד: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- ובשבעת: CONJ+PREP,ord,f,sg
- יצא: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- לחפשי: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- חנם: ADV
Parallels
- Deuteronomy 15:12 (verbal): Near-verbatim restatement of the rule: a Hebrew servant serves six years and goes free in the seventh year.
- Leviticus 25:39-41 (thematic): Addresses a poor countryman who becomes a servant and his release (here tied to the year of Jubilee); relates to Israelite limits on servitude and humane treatment.
- Jeremiah 34:8-22 (allusion): Jeremiah invokes the law of freeing Hebrew servants (and condemns Zedekiah’s breach of that covenant), applying Exodus/Deuteronomy release norms as a prophetic standard.
- Nehemiah 5:1-13 (thematic): Community dispute over Jews sold into servitude and the leaders’ restoration/freeing of those people echoes the social-justice obligation to release and redeem fellow Israelites.
Alternative generated candidates
- When you buy a Hebrew slave, six years he shall serve, and in the seventh he shall go out free, without payment.
- When you buy a Hebrew slave, six years he shall serve; and in the seventh he shall go out free, without payment.
Exo.21.3 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- אם: CONJ
- בגפו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- יבא: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- בגפו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- יצא: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אם: CONJ
- בעל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אשה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- הוא: PRON,3,m,sg
- ויצאה: VERB,qal,perf,3,f,sg
- אשתו: NOUN,f,sg,cs+3,m,sg
- עמו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
Parallels
- Exodus 21:2 (structural): Immediate context of the same legal unit: sets the basic rule for Hebrew servitude (six years' service; release in the seventh) to which v.3 adds the rule about the servant's marital status on release.
- Deuteronomy 15:12-15 (thematic): Repeats and expands the law on Hebrew servants' release after six years, including treatment upon discharge and the ideal of generous release—parallel legal concern about the status of servants when they depart.
- Leviticus 25:39-41 (thematic): Discusses Israelites made into permanent servants in the land and their treatment at jubilee (release and family restoration), connecting to the broader legislation about a servant's family and freedom.
- Jeremiah 34:8-22 (allusion): Prophetic critique of Judah's failure to honor a covenant to free Hebrew slaves; presupposes the existence and social importance of laws governing the release of servants like those in Exodus 21 and Deuteronomy 15.
Alternative generated candidates
- If he came in by himself, by himself he shall go out; if he is married, then his wife shall go out with him.
- If he comes in by himself, he shall go out by himself; if he is married, then his wife shall go out with him.
Exo.21.4 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- אם: CONJ
- אדניו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+POSS,3,m,sg
- יתן: VERB,qal,imperf,3,m,sg
- לו: PRON,3,m,sg
- אשה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- וילדה: VERB,qal,perf,3,f,sg
- לו: PRON,3,m,sg
- בנים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- או: CONJ
- בנות: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- האשה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- וילדיה: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,abs,poss+3,fs
- תהיה: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,f,sg
- לאדניה: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs,3fs
- והוא: CONJ+PRON,3,m,sg
- יצא: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- בגפו: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs,3ms
Parallels
- Exod.21.3 (verbal): Immediate parallel within the same law unit: contrasts the case of a servant who comes in alone (who goes out with wife and children) with the case where the master gives him a wife (Exod 21:4).
- Exod.21.5-6 (verbal): Closely connected provisions in the same paragraph governing a Hebrew servant's choice to stay with his master (including the ritual of ear piercing) and the consequences for his release.
- Deut.15.12-17 (verbal): Parallel legislation repeating and elaborating the Exodus rule: treatment of a Hebrew servant at the time of release and the special provision when he declares attachment to his master (including bringing him to the doorpost and ear‑piercing).
- Lev.25.44-46 (thematic): Related theme of the legal status of slaves and their families as property or hereditary possessions, distinguishing Israelite and foreign slaves.
- 1 Sam.8.11-17 (thematic): Thematic parallel: the picture of an authority (here the king) taking sons, daughters, and property—resonates with Exodus’ concern about masters' claims over a servant's family.
Alternative generated candidates
- If his master gives him a wife and she bears him sons or daughters, the wife and her children shall be her master’s, and he shall go out by himself.
- If his master gives him a wife and she bears him sons or daughters, the wife and her children shall belong to her master, and he shall go out by himself.
Exo.21.5 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ואם: CONJ
- אמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- יאמר: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,sg
- העבד: NOUN,m,sg,def
- אהבתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,_,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- אדני: NOUN,m,sg,abs,1,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- אשתי: NOUN,f,sg,abs+1s
- ואת: CONJ
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- לא: PART_NEG
- אצא: VERB,qal,impf,1,m,sg
- חפשי: ADJ,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Deuteronomy 15:16-17 (verbal): Nearly identical wording and legal provision: if the Hebrew servant says he loves his master, wife and children and will not go out free, the lord is to bore his ear — same voluntary declaration and ritual consequence.
- Exodus 21:6 (structural): Immediate continuation of v.5; prescribes the judicial/ritual procedure (bringing the servant to the doorpost and piercing his ear) when the servant makes this declaration.
- Leviticus 25:39-41 (thematic): Addresses the status of an impoverished Israelite who becomes a servant and the limits on that servitude (hired/indentured and release at Jubilee), providing the broader legal context for Israelite servitude and release vs. permanent service.
- Jeremiah 34:8-11 (thematic): Narrates a covenant to free Hebrew slaves and the later re-enslavement of those freed — engages the prophetic/social-ethical implications of voluntary and involuntary bondage and the community’s obligations toward servants.
- 1 Corinthians 7:21-23 (thematic): Paul’s teaching to those 'called while a slave'—he counsels contentment or pursuit of freedom but emphasizes spiritual status over social condition; echoes concerns about the meaning of remaining in servitude versus freedom.
Alternative generated candidates
- But if the slave plainly says, “I love my master, my wife, and my children; I will not go out free,”
- But if the slave plainly says: I love my master, my wife, and my children; I will not go out free,
Exo.21.6 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- והגישו: VERB,hiph,perf,3,pl
- אדניו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+POSS,3,m,sg
- אל: NEG
- האלהים: NOUN,m,sg,def
- והגישו: VERB,hiph,perf,3,pl
- אל: NEG
- הדלת: NOUN,f,sg,def
- או: CONJ
- אל: NEG
- המזוזה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- ורצע: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- אדניו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+POSS,3,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- אזנו: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- במרצע: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ועבדו: CONJ+VERB,qal,imp,2,m,pl
- לעלם: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Deuteronomy 15:16–17 (quotation): Direct verbal parallel — repeats the prescription to bring the servant to the door and pierce his ear with an awl so he shall serve forever for the servant who elects permanent service.
- Exodus 21:2–3 (structural): Immediate structural parallel within the same legal unit — establishes the six‑year term and the option that leads to the ear‑piercing ritual in v.6 (context for the permanent servitude rule).
- Leviticus 25:39–43 (thematic): Thematic parallel — addresses Israelites who fall into servitude, prescribing humane treatment and distinguishing between temporary servitude of kin and foreign slavery (related social and legal concerns about Hebrew servitude).
- Jeremiah 34:8–22 (allusion): Prophetic allusion and legal polemic — invokes the covenantal laws about freeing Hebrew slaves and condemns Judah for re‑enslaving people, reflecting the same legal tradition about release and servitude obligations.
Alternative generated candidates
- then his master shall bring him before God, and he shall bring him to the door or to the doorpost; and his master shall bore his ear with an awl, and he shall serve him forever.
- then his master shall bring him before God; he shall bring him to the door or to the doorpost, and his master shall pierce his ear with an awl, and he shall serve him for life.
Exo.21.7 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וכי: CONJ
- ימכר: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- בתו: NOUN,f,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
- לאמה: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- לא: PART_NEG
- תצא: VERB,qal,impf,3,f,sg
- כצאת: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,cons
- העבדים: NOUN,m,pl,def
Parallels
- Exod.21.2 (verbal): Provides the law for Hebrew male servants (six-year service and release); Exod.21:7 contrasts the female daughter's status with the male-servant provision.
- Exod.21:8-11 (structural): Immediate literary context that continues the regulations concerning a daughter sold as a female slave, specifying her rights if she is betrothed or mistreated.
- Deut.15:12-18 (thematic): Regulates the release and treatment of Hebrew servants in the seventh year and provisions for their welfare — a parallel concern with servitude and differing outcomes for servants.
- Lev.25:44-46 (thematic): Distinguishes between Israelite servants and slaves acquired from foreigners (male and female), reflecting related legal distinctions in status and treatment of persons in bondage.
- Deut.21:10-14 (thematic): Rules governing the taking of a captive woman as a wife (procedures and protections) that touch on the social-legal status of women acquired into households, a related concern to daughters sold into service.
Alternative generated candidates
- And if a man sells his daughter as a female slave, she shall not go out as the male slaves go out.
- And if a man sells his daughter as a female slave, she shall not go out as the slaves go out.
Exo.21.8 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- אם: CONJ
- רעה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- בעיני: PREP+NOUN,f,pl,abs
- אדניה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אשר: PRON,rel
- לו: PRON,3,m,sg
- יעדה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- והפדה: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- לעם: PREP
- נכרי: ADJ,m,sg
- לא: PART_NEG
- ימשל: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- למכרה: PREP
- בבגדו: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs+3,m,sg
- בה: PREP+PRON,3,f,sg
Parallels
- Exodus 21:7 (verbal): Immediate context: law concerning a daughter sold as a maidservant and the prohibition/conditions about selling her to a foreigner—closely parallels wording and legal concern of 21:8.
- Leviticus 25:47-49 (thematic): Treats a Hebrew sold to a foreigner and the right of a kinsman to redeem; relates to the theme of redemption and limits on alien-sale found in Exod 21:8.
- Deuteronomy 15:12-15 (thematic): Regulates treatment and release of Hebrew servants (including redemption/return) and warns against harsh disposal—echoes the protective impulse behind forbidding sale to foreigners.
- Deuteronomy 21:10-14 (thematic): Rules for a captive woman taken in war who is taken as wife or sent away if displeasing—parallel legal protections for women brought into dependent status and procedures for release.
- Jeremiah 34:8-22 (allusion): Prophetic indictment for failing to free Hebrew slaves and for selling/retaining them contrary to covenant law; invokes the same legal/ethical tradition behind Exod 21:8.
Alternative generated candidates
- If she is displeasing in the eyes of her master, who designated her for himself, then he shall let her be redeemed; he shall not have authority to sell her to a foreign people, since he has dealt treacherously with her.
- If she is displeasing in the eyes of her master who designated her for himself, then he shall let her be redeemed; he shall not have authority to sell her to a foreign people, since he has dealt treacherously with her.
Exo.21.9 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ואם: CONJ
- לבנו: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ייעדנה: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,sg
- כמשפט: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הבנות: NOUN,f,pl,def
- יעשה: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,sg
- לה: PREP+PRON,3,f,sg
Parallels
- Exod.21.7-11 (structural): Immediate literary context: these verses form the unit governing a Hebrew daughter sold as a servant and the master's options (redeem her, assign her to his son, or treat her otherwise); v.9 is a clause within this legal paragraph.
- Exod.21.8 (verbal): Directly adjacent verse that sets the alternative to assigning her to the son—if she does not please the master he must let her be redeemed—so v.9 contrasts the outcome when she is designated for the son.
- Deut.15.12-17 (thematic): Law on Hebrew servants who are released at the seventh year but may choose to remain; if they elect to stay the master treats them with family-like status (and performs a ritual), paralleling the idea of treating an assigned servant 'as a daughter.'
- Deut.21.10-14 (thematic): Regulation for a foreign captive woman taken as wife: procedures to integrate her as wife and to send her away respectfully if displeasing—relates to obligations and status when a woman is taken into a household as wife/daughter rather than as a slave.
- Lev.25.39-43 (thematic): Rules about Israelites selling themselves into servitude among kin: they are to be treated not as slaves but as hired workers or like family, echoing the principle that an Israelite servant assigned to a son should be treated 'as a daughter.'
Alternative generated candidates
- And if he designates her for his son, he shall treat her according to the rights of daughters.
- And if he designates her for his son, he shall deal with her according to the rights of daughters.
Exo.21.10 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- אם: CONJ
- אחרת: ADJ,f,sg,abs
- יקח: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,sg
- לו: PRON,3,m,sg
- שארה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- כסותה: NOUN+PRON,f,sg,abs,3,f,sg
- וענתה: VERB,qal,perf,3,f,sg
- לא: PART_NEG
- יגרע: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
Parallels
- Exodus 21:7-9 (structural): Immediate context: the same clause appears within the law about a man taking a servant or secondary wife; vv.7–9 set out the obligations (food, clothing, conjugal rights) that v.10 summarizes and enforces.
- Deuteronomy 21:15-17 (thematic): Addresses the treatment and legal protection of wives and children when a man has more than one wife; like Exod 21:10 it regulates family relations under polygamy to protect rights and fair treatment.
- 1 Corinthians 7:3-5 (thematic): Paulic teaching on mutual conjugal rights and duties within marriage echoes the concern in Exod 21:10 for a husband's ongoing obligation to provide for his wife's marital rights and intimacy.
- Ephesians 5:25-29 (thematic): Paul's admonition that husbands love, nourify and cherish their wives resonates with Exod 21:10's requirements that a husband not diminish a wife's food and clothing—both texts frame material care as a marital duty.
- 1 Timothy 5:8 (thematic): Stresses the obligation to provide materially for one's household; thematically parallels Exod 21:10's command that a husband maintain his wife's food and clothing.
Alternative generated candidates
- If he takes another for himself, her food, her clothing, and her marital rights he shall not diminish.
- If he takes another for himself, he shall not diminish her food, her clothing, or her conjugal rights.
Exo.21.11 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ואם: CONJ
- שלש: NUM,card,f,sg
- אלה: DEM,pl,abs
- לא: PART_NEG
- יעשה: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,sg
- לה: PREP+PRON,3,f,sg
- ויצאה: CONJ+VERB,qal,perf,3,f,sg
- חנם: ADV
- אין: PART,neg
- כסף: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Exod.21.10 (verbal): Immediate verbal/ legal parallel — verse 10 enumerates the three things (food, clothing, conjugal duty) whose withholding triggers the consequence stated in v.11 (she goes out free without payment).
- Exod.21.7-9 (structural): Contextual/legal parallel — these preceding verses set up the law concerning a Hebrew maid sold as a wife/servant; v.11 functions as the concluding provision for her release if her rights are not upheld.
- Deut.15.12-15 (thematic): Thematic parallel on release of Hebrew servants — Deuteronomy prescribes freeing servants (and providing liberality) at term’s end, offering a point of comparison with Exod.21:11’s rule that the mistreated maid goes out free (and not redeemed by money).
- Lev.25.47-49 (thematic): Thematic/legal parallel concerning redemption of a bound Israelite — Leviticus permits redemption by a kinsman or by money, which contrasts with Exod.21:11’s prohibition on monetary redemption when the maid’s rights are denied.
Alternative generated candidates
- And if he does not do these three for her, she shall go out free, without money.
- And if he does not do these three for her, she shall go out free, without money.
When you buy a Hebrew slave, six years he shall serve, and in the seventh he shall go out free, without payment.
If he comes in by himself, he shall go out by himself; if he is married, then his wife shall go out with him.
If his master gives him a wife and she bears him sons or daughters, the wife and her children shall belong to her master, and he shall go out by himself. But if the slave plainly says, "I love my master, my wife, and my children; I will not go out free,"
then his master shall bring him before God; he shall also bring him to the door or to the doorpost, and his master shall pierce his ear with an awl; and he shall serve him for life. And if a man sells his daughter as a female slave, she shall not go out as the male slaves go out.
If she is displeasing in the eyes of her master, who has designated her for himself, then he shall let her be redeemed; he shall not have authority to sell her to a foreign people, since he has dealt treacherously with her. And if he designates her for his son, he shall deal with her as with a daughter.
If he takes another wife for himself, her food, her clothing, and her conjugal rights he shall not diminish. And if he does not do these three for her, she shall go out free, without payment.