Exodus 21:21 - Printer Friendly

ESV: But if the slave survives a day or two, he is not to be avenged, for the slave is his money.

NIV: but they are not to be punished if the slave recovers after a day or two, since the slave is their property.

NASB: If, however, the slave survives a day or two, no vengeance shall be taken; for the slave is his property.

CSB: However, if the slave can stand up after a day or two, the owner should not be punished because he is his owner’s property.

NLT: But if the slave recovers within a day or two, then the owner shall not be punished, since the slave is his property.

KJV: Notwithstanding, if he continue a day or two, he shall not be punished: for he is his money.

NKJV: Notwithstanding, if he remains alive a day or two, he shall not be punished; for he is his property.

Exodus 21:18–21 explains ancient Israel's legal consequences for injuring others. These emphasize restitution for time and work lost due to the injury. If someone fatally injures their slave or servant, the death penalty applies (Exodus 21:12). If the servant survives long enough to recover, the aggressor has already experienced the loss of that servant's work. They may be forced to free the injured person (Exodus 21:26–27). Very few could afford enough servants to absorb this lost work.

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 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.

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 8/16/2025 12:16:31 AM