Exodus 21:26 - Printer Friendly

ESV: "When a man strikes the eye of his slave, male or female, and destroys it, he shall let the slave go free because of his eye.

NIV: "An owner who hits a male or female slave in the eye and destroys it must let the slave go free to compensate for the eye.

NASB: And if someone strikes the eye of his male or female slave and destroys it, he shall let the slave go free on account of the eye.

CSB: "When a man strikes the eye of his male or female slave and destroys it, he must let the slave go free in compensation for his eye.

NLT: If a man hits his male or female slave in the eye and the eye is blinded, he must let the slave go free to compensate for the eye.

KJV: 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.

NKJV: “If a man strikes the eye of his male or female servant, and destroys it, he shall let him go free for the sake of his eye.

Exodus 21:26–27 sets strict penalties for physically abusing slaves (Exodus 21:20–21). Maiming a servant, such as by knocking out teeth or causing blindness, requires the wounded servant to be immediately released.

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 8/2/2025 5:05:11 AM