Bible Chapter Summary
Exodus 21 Summary
Civil and Servant Laws Established
Exodus 21 opens the "Book of the Covenant" with a series of civil judgments God commands Moses to set before Israel. The chapter first addresses the treatment of Hebrew servants, including conditions for their release after six years, the voluntary choice to remain enslaved permanently, and specific protections for female servants sold as maidservants. It then moves to laws governing personal injury and homicide, distinguishing between accidental and premeditated killing, prescribing death for striking or cursing parents and for kidnapping, and establishing proportional restitution ("eye for eye") for bodily harm. The chapter concludes with ordinances concerning liability for injuries caused by oxen and by uncovered pits, holding owners responsible when negligence can be demonstrated.
Key themes
Key verses
Exodus 21:2
“If thou buy an Hebrew servant, six years he shall serve: and in the seventh he shall go out free for nothing.”
Exodus 21:6
“Then his master shall bring him unto the judges; he shall also bring him to the door, or unto the door post; and his master shall bore his ear through with an awl; and he shall serve him for ever.”
Exodus 21:23
“And if any mischief follow, then thou shalt give life for life,”
Exodus 21:24
“Eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot,”
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