Exodus 21:10
Exodus 21:10 in Multiple Translations
If he takes another wife, he must not reduce the food, clothing, or marital rights of his first wife.
If he take him another wife; her food, her raiment, and her duty of marriage, shall he not diminish.
If he take him another wife; her food, her raiment, and her duty of marriage, shall he not diminish.
And if he takes another woman, her food and clothing and her married rights are not to be less.
If he takes another woman, he must not reduce the food and clothing allowances and marital rights of the first.
If he take him another wife, he shall not diminish her foode, her rayment, and recompence of her virginitie.
'If another [woman] he take for him, her food, her covering, and her habitation, he doth not withdraw;
If he takes another wife to himself, he shall not diminish her food, her clothing, and her marital rights.
If he shall take him another wife; her food, her raiment, and her duty of marriage shall he not diminish.
And if he take another wife for him, he shall provide her a marriage, and raiment, neither shall he refuse the price of her chastity.
If the master takes another slave girl to be another wife for himself, he must continue to give the first slave wife the same amount of food and clothing that he gave to her before, and he must continue to have sex [EUP] with her as before.
Berean Amplified Bible — Exodus 21:10
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Exodus 21:10 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אִם
אַחֶ֖רֶת
יִֽקַּֽח
ל֑/וֹ
שְׁאֵרָ֛/הּ
כְּסוּתָ֥/הּ
וְ/עֹנָתָ֖/הּ
לֹ֥א
יִגְרָֽע
אִם
ʼim
H518
if
Conj
אַחֶ֖רֶת
ʼachêr
H312
another
Adj
יִֽקַּֽח
lâqach
H3947
to take
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
ל֑/וֹ
Prep | Suff
שְׁאֵרָ֛/הּ
shᵉʼêr
H7607
flesh
N-ms | Suff
כְּסוּתָ֥/הּ
kᵉçûwth
H3682
covering
N-fs | Suff
וְ/עֹנָתָ֖/הּ
ʻôwnâh
H5772
cohabitation
Conj | N-fs | Suff
לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
יִגְרָֽע
gâraʻ
H1639
to dimish
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Exodus 21:10
אִם
ʼim
H518
"if"
Conj
This Hebrew word is used to express conditions or questions, like if or whether. It can also be used to make oaths or express wishes, as in Oh that! It appears in various forms in the KJV, including if, though, and when.
Definition: : if/whether_or/though 1) if 1a) conditional clauses 1a1) of possible situations 1a2) of impossible situations 1b) oath contexts 1b1) no, not 1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or 1d) when, whenever 1e) since 1f) interrogative particle 1g) but rather
Usage: Occurs in 931 OT verses. KJV: (and, can-, doubtless, if, that) (not), [phrase] but, either, [phrase] except, [phrase] more(-over if, than), neither, nevertheless, nor, oh that, or, [phrase] save (only, -ing), seeing, since, sith, [phrase] surely (no more, none, not), though, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] unless, [phrase] verily, when, whereas, whether, while, [phrase] yet. See also: Genesis 4:7; Exodus 22:3; Leviticus 27:27.
אַחֶ֖רֶת
ʼachêr
H312
"another"
Adj
Means another or next in the original Hebrew, often referring to someone or something that follows or is different. It appears in various contexts, including descriptions of people and events in the Bible.
Definition: 1) another, other, following 1a) following, further 1b) other, different
Usage: Occurs in 161 OT verses. KJV: (an-) other man, following, next, strange. See also: Genesis 4:25; 1 Kings 13:10; Psalms 16:4.
יִֽקַּֽח
lâqach
H3947
"to take"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to take or get something, and it is used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to take a wife, to take possession of something, or to receive a gift. For example, in Genesis 2:22, God takes a rib from Adam to create Eve.
Definition: : take 1) to take, get, fetch, lay hold of, seize, receive, acquire, buy, bring, marry, take a wife, snatch, take away 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to take, take in the hand 1a2) to take and carry along 1a3) to take from, take out of, take, carry away, take away 1a4) to take to or for a person, procure, get, take possession of, select, choose, take in marriage, receive, accept 1a5) to take up or upon, put upon 1a6) to fetch 1a7) to take, lead, conduct 1a8) to take, capture, seize 1a9) to take, carry off 1a10) to take (vengeance) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be captured 1b2) to be taken away, be removed 1b3) to be taken, brought unto 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be taken from or out of 1c2) to be stolen from 1c3) to be taken captive 1c4) to be taken away, be removed 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be taken unto, be brought unto 1d2) to be taken out of 1d3) to be taken away 1e) (Hithpael) 1e1) to take hold of oneself 1e2) to flash about (of lightning)
Usage: Occurs in 909 OT verses. KJV: accept, bring, buy, carry away, drawn, fetch, get, infold, [idiom] many, mingle, place, receive(-ing), reserve, seize, send for, take (away, -ing, up), use, win. See also: Genesis 2:15; Genesis 34:17; Exodus 30:23.
ל֑/וֹ
""
Prep | Suff
שְׁאֵרָ֛/הּ
shᵉʼêr
H7607
"flesh"
N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means flesh or body, and can also refer to food or relatives by blood. It appears in various forms, including in Genesis and Leviticus. The KJV translates it as body, flesh, or kin.
Definition: 1) flesh, food, body, near kin, near kinswoman 1a) flesh 1a1) as food 1a2) for physical power (fig) 1b) flesh relation, blood relation 1c) self Also means: sha.a.rah (שַׁאֲרָה "kinswomen" H7608)
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: body, flesh, food, (near) kin(-sman, -swoman), near (nigh) (of kin). See also: Exodus 21:10; Psalms 73:26; Psalms 78:20.
כְּסוּתָ֥/הּ
kᵉçûwth
H3682
"covering"
N-fs | Suff
A covering can also refer to a garment or clothing that is used to cover the body, as seen in many biblical descriptions of dress. It can also be used figuratively to describe a veiling or a concealment of something, such as a secret or a hidden truth. The Bible often uses this term to describe the clothing of important figures.
Definition: 1) covering, clothing 1a) covering, clothing 1b) covering (for concealment)
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: covering, raiment, vesture. See also: Genesis 20:16; Job 24:7; Isaiah 50:3.
וְ/עֹנָתָ֖/הּ
ʻôwnâh
H5772
"cohabitation"
Conj | N-fs | Suff
This word refers to the marriage relationship, specifically the intimate duty of a husband and wife. It appears in books like Exodus and Deuteronomy, highlighting the importance of faithfulness.
Definition: cohabitation, conjugal rights
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: duty of marriage. See also: Exodus 21:10.
לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
יִגְרָֽע
gâraʻ
H1639
"to dimish"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
To diminish or reduce something means to make it smaller, like in the book of Genesis. This word can also mean to shave, remove, or withhold something. The KJV Bible translates it as diminish or restrain.
Definition: 1) to diminish, restrain, withdraw, abate, keep back, do away, take from, clip 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to diminish 1a2) to restrain 1a3) to withdraw 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be withdrawn 1b2) to be restrained 1c) (Piel) to withdraw, draw up
Usage: Occurs in 21 OT verses. KJV: abate, clip, (di-) minish, do (take) away, keep back, restrain, make small, withdraw. See also: Exodus 5:8; Deuteronomy 13:1; Isaiah 15:2.
Study Notes — Exodus 21:10
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Exodus 21:10 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Exodus 21:10
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 21:10
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 21:10
- Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 21:10
- Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 21:10
- Cambridge Bible on Exodus 21:10
- Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 21:10
- Sermons on Exodus 21:10
Context — Hebrew Servants
8If she is displeasing in the eyes of her master who had designated her for himself, he must allow her to be redeemed. He has no right to sell her to foreigners, since he has broken faith with her.
9And if he chooses her for his son, he must deal with her as with a daughter.
10If he takes another wife, he must not reduce the food, clothing, or marital rights of his first wife.
11If, however, he does not provide her with these three things, she is free to go without monetary payment. 12Whoever strikes and kills a man must surely be put to death.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Corinthians 7:1–6 | Now for the matters you wrote about: It is good to abstain from sexual relations. But because there is so much sexual immorality, each man should have his own wife, and each woman her own husband. The husband should fulfill his marital duty to his wife, and likewise the wife to her husband. The wife does not have authority over her own body, but the husband. Likewise the husband does not have authority over his own body, but the wife. Do not deprive each other, except by mutual consent and for a time, so you may devote yourselves to prayer. Then come together again, so that Satan will not tempt you through your lack of self-control. I say this as a concession, not as a command. |
Exodus 21:10 Summary
This verse is saying that if a man gets married again, he still has to take good care of his first wife, making sure she has enough food, clothes, and love. It's about being fair and respectful to everyone involved, as we're called to love our neighbors as ourselves (Leviticus 19:18). The Bible teaches us that marriage is a special and sacred commitment, and we should strive to treat each other with kindness and compassion, as seen in Ephesians 5:25-33. By following this principle, we can build stronger, more loving relationships.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does this verse say about polygamy?
This verse does not condone polygamy, but rather addresses the situation where a man has already taken multiple wives, emphasizing the importance of treating each wife with fairness and respect, as seen in Exodus 21:10 and supported by the principle of loving one's neighbor as oneself in Leviticus 19:18.
How does this verse relate to the concept of marriage in the Bible?
This verse highlights the importance of faithfulness and fairness in marriage, reflecting the broader biblical teaching on the sacredness of marriage, as seen in Ephesians 5:25-33 and Matthew 19:4-6.
What are the 'marital rights' mentioned in this verse?
The 'marital rights' referred to in Exodus 21:10 include the right to a fulfilling and intimate relationship with one's spouse, as hinted at in Genesis 2:24 and 1 Corinthians 7:3-5.
Is this verse still relevant today?
Although the specific cultural context of this verse is ancient, the principles of fairness, respect, and faithfulness in relationships remain timeless and universally applicable, as echoed in verses like Colossians 3:19 and 1 Peter 3:7.
Reflection Questions
- How can I apply the principle of fairness and respect in my own relationships, whether romantic, familial, or friendships?
- In what ways can I prioritize the emotional and physical needs of those closest to me, as this verse suggests?
- What does this verse teach me about God's heart for justice and equality in human relationships?
- How does this verse relate to the biblical concept of covenant and commitment in relationships?
Gill's Exposition on Exodus 21:10
If he take him another wife,.... The father takes another wife for his son, or the son takes another wife to himself after he has betrothed and married his father's maidservant: her food, her
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 21:10
If he take him another wife; her food, her raiment, and her duty of marriage, shall he not diminish. If he take him another (wife) [ yiqach (H3947)] - take; i:e., marry (Judges 14:2).
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 21:10
Her duty of marriage is called due benevolence, . Or, her dwelling, as the word is oft used. So here are the three great conveniences of life, food, and raiment, and habitation, all which he is to provide for her. Or, her cohabitation, or, her time, the convenient and appointed times for conjugal converse with her; for some times were disallowed for it, Leviticus 15, and when there were plurality of wives, they had their vicissitudes, ,16. Shall he not diminish, or rather, not withdraw, or deny it, as the word signifies, and as the LXX., Chaldee, Samaritan, Vulgate, and others render it,
Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 21:10
Exodus 21:10 If he take him another [wife]; her food, her raiment, and her duty of marriage, shall he not diminish.Ver. 10. Her duty of marriage.] See 1 Corinthians 7:5,
Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 21:10
(10) If he take him another wife.—Polygamy is viewed as lawful in this passage, as elsewhere generally in the Mosaic Law, which did not venture to forbid, though to some extent discouraging it. The legislator was forced to allow many things to the Hebrews, “for the hardness of their hearts” (Matthew 19:8). Her duty of marriage.—Rather, her right of cohabitation.
Cambridge Bible on Exodus 21:10
2–11. The law of slavery. Cf. Deuteronomy 15:12-18, Leviticus 25:39-55 (H and P), where there are other regulations on the same subject, in some respects differing remarkably from those of Ex., and springing evidently out of a different and more advanced stage of society. The present law deals only with Hebrew slaves: the case of foreign slaves is dealt with in Leviticus 25:44-46. The conditions of society in ancient Israel were such that slavery could not be abolished: but it was regulated, and restrictions were imposed on the power of a master over his slave (see also vv. 20 f., 26 f.). An Israelite might fall into slavery from different causes: (1) he might be sold by his parents, a case of particularly common occurrence with daughters; (2) he might be sold for theft (Exodus 22:3) or insolvency (2 Kings 4:1, Amos 2:6); (3) he might be obliged by poverty to sell himself (Leviticus 25:39). Of course, also, he might be born a slave. The later legislation of Lev 25:39-46 sought to limit slavery to foreigners.
Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 21:10
10. Her duty of marriage — òåðä, cohabitation and associated conjugal rights.
Sermons on Exodus 21:10
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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What Is Adultery? by Voddie Baucham | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the tension between the already and not yet aspects of the kingdom of God. He emphasizes that Jesus has already achieved victory on the cross, |
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(Through the Bible) 1 Corinthians 7-8 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the brevity of time and the transient nature of worldly pursuits. He advises against getting overly involved in marital relationships, grief, |
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Possibility of the Glorious by Devern Fromke | In this sermon, the speaker shares his personal journey of realizing that God wants His people to expect and take more from Him. He emphasizes the need to believe, take, expect, an |
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Using Time for Eternal Things (In the Context of Marriage) by Tim Conway | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the certainty and importance of time. He states that nobody in this world can live happily ever after, as the end of time is certain and will |
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What Are the Differences Between Men and Women? by Daniel L. Akin | In this sermon, the preacher discusses how God has designed women and men differently. He emphasizes the importance of a woman's role as a nurturer and caregiver, highlighting the |
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Carnal Christians by Ernest C. Reisinger | In this sermon, the preacher discusses three important things to remember when thinking about the church. He references Matthew 3:12, where John the Baptist speaks about Jesus. The |
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Do All Things to God's Glory by Stephen Kaung | In this sermon, the apostle Paul teaches that life is like a race, and as Christians, we are running the race of faith. He emphasizes the importance of having a goal and a mindset |