What does Exodus 21:1 mean?
ESV: "Now these are the rules that you shall set before them.
NIV: "These are the laws you are to set before them:
NASB: Now these are the ordinances which you are to set before them:
CSB: "These are the ordinances that you are to set before them:
NLT: These are the regulations you must present to Israel.
KJV: Now these are the judgments which thou shalt set before them.
NKJV: “Now these are the judgments which you shall set before them:
Verse Commentary:
Verse Context:
Exodus 21:1–11 covers the Mosaic covenant's general approach to servants. The passage uses a Hebrew word covering a wide range of positions, from contracted workers to involuntary slaves. The covenant establishes rights for servants and places limits on their terms of service. These rules can be challenging for modern readers; at the same time, the laws refute critics' unreasonable claims about the Bible's stance.
Chapter Summary:
The Ten Commandments form the basis of Israel's other laws. In this chapter, God provides guidelines and penalties for various issues. These include homicide, assault, and injury. Laws also control harm done to or by animals. Included in these are protections for pregnant women and unborn children. Servants are guarded from abuse. Kidnapping people into slavery is punishable by death.
Chapter Context:
Chapter 20 began recording the laws of God's covenant with Israel. This started with the Ten Commandments. In this chapter, the Lord provides rules on subjects such as penalties for violent crime and negligence regarding animals. Chapters 22 and 23 continue to provide details about Israel's legal code. Chapter 24 records a confirmation of the covenant. Chapter 25 begins describing the construction of the tabernacle.
Book Summary:
The book of Exodus establishes God's covenant relationship with the full-fledged nation of Israel. The descendants of Abraham prosper after settling in Egypt, only to be enslaved by a fearful, hateful Egyptian Pharaoh. God appoints Moses to lead the people out of this bondage. Moses serves as God's spokesman, as the Lord brings plagues and judgments on Egypt, leading to the release of Israel.
Accessed 6/17/2025 7:46:46 AM
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Text from ESV, NIV, NASB, CSB, NLT, KJV, NKJV © Copyright respective owners, used by permission.
