Exodus 21:26

Exodus 21:26 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

If a man strikes and blinds the eye of his manservant or maidservant, he must let the servant go free as compensation for the eye.

King James Version 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.

American Standard Version ASV

And if a man smite the eye of his servant, or the eye of his maid, and destroy it; he shall let him go free for his eye’s sake.

Bible in Basic English BBE

If a man gives his man-servant or his woman-servant a blow in the eye, causing its destruction, he is to let him go free on account of the damage to his eye.

Free Bible Version FBV

Anyone who hits their male or female slave in the eye and blinds them must free the slave as compensation for the eye.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

And if a man smite his seruant in the eie, or his maide in the eye, and hath perished it, hee shall let him goe free for his eye.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

'And when a man smiteth the eye of his man-servant, or the eye of his handmaid, and hath destroyed it, as a freeman he doth send him away for his eye;

World English Bible WEB

“If a man strikes his servant’s eye, or his maid’s eye, and destroys it, he shall let him go free for his eye’s sake.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And if a man shall smite the eye of his servant, or the eye of his maid, that it shall perish; he shall let him go free for his eye's sake.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

If any man strike the eye of his manservant or maidservant, and leave them but one eye, he shall let them go free for the eye which he put out.

Translation for Translators T4T

If the owner of a slave strikes the eye of his male or female slave and ruins it, he must free that slave because of what he did to the slave’s eye.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Exodus 21:26

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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 21:26 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וְ/כִֽי יַכֶּ֨ה אִ֜ישׁ אֶת עֵ֥ין עַבְדּ֛/וֹ אֽוֹ אֶת עֵ֥ין אֲמָת֖/וֹ וְ/שִֽׁחֲתָ֑/הּ לַֽ/חָפְשִׁ֥י יְשַׁלְּחֶ֖/נּוּ תַּ֥חַת עֵינֽ/וֹ

וְ/כִֽי kîy H3588 for Conj | Conj

יַכֶּ֨ה nâkâh H5221 to smite V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms

אִ֜ישׁ ʼîysh H376 man N-ms

אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM

עֵ֥ין ʻayin H5869 eye N-cs

עַבְדּ֛/וֹ ʻebed H5650 servant/slave N-ms | Suff

אֽוֹ ʼôw H176 or Conj

אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM

עֵ֥ין ʻayin H5869 eye N-cs

אֲמָת֖/וֹ ʼâmâh H519 maidservant N-fs | Suff

וְ/שִֽׁחֲתָ֑/הּ shâchath H7843 to ruin Conj | V-Piel-3ms | Suff

לַֽ/חָפְשִׁ֥י chophshîy H2670 free Prep | Adj

יְשַׁלְּחֶ֖/נּוּ shâlach H7971 to send V-Piel-Imperf-3ms | Suff

תַּ֥חַת tachath H8478 underneath Prep

עֵינֽ/וֹ ʻayin H5869 eye N-cs | Suff

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Exodus 21:26

וְ/כִֽי kîy H3588 "for" Conj | Conj

A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.

Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore

Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.

יַכֶּ֨ה nâkâh H5221 "to smite" V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to strike or hit something, and it's used in many different ways, like in Exodus when God strikes down the Egyptians. It can also mean to punish or destroy, as seen in Isaiah. The word is used to describe God's judgment.

Definition: 1) to strike, smite, hit, beat, slay, kill 1a)(Niphal) to be stricken or smitten 1b) (Pual) to be stricken or smitten 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to smite, strike, beat, scourge, clap, applaud, give a thrust 1c2) to smite, kill, slay (man or beast) 1c3) to smite, attack, attack and destroy, conquer, subjugate, ravage 1c4) to smite, chastise, send judgment upon, punish, destroy 1d) (Hophal) to be smitten 1d1) to receive a blow 1d2) to be wounded 1d3) to be beaten 1d4) to be (fatally) smitten, be killed, be slain 1d5) to be attacked and captured 1d6) to be smitten (with disease) 1d7) to be blighted (of plants)

Usage: Occurs in 461 OT verses. KJV: beat, cast forth, clap, give (wounds), [idiom] go forward, [idiom] indeed, kill, make (slaughter), murderer, punish, slaughter, slay(-er, -ing), smite(-r, -ing), strike, be stricken, (give) stripes, [idiom] surely, wound. See also: Genesis 4:15; Joshua 10:20; 1 Samuel 29:5.

אִ֜ישׁ ʼîysh H376 "man" N-ms

The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.

Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)

Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.

אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM

In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.

Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)

Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.

עֵ֥ין ʻayin H5869 "eye" N-cs

This word can mean a spring or fountain, but also refers to the eye or a source of something. It is often translated as affliction, outward appearance, or countenance, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.

Definition: : eye 1) eye 1a) eye 1a1) of physical eye 1a2) as showing mental qualities 1a3) of mental and spiritual faculties (fig.)

Usage: Occurs in 828 OT verses. KJV: affliction, outward appearance, [phrase] before, [phrase] think best, colour, conceit, [phrase] be content, countenance, [phrase] displease, eye((-brow), (-d), -sight), face, [phrase] favour, fountain, furrow (from the margin), [idiom] him, [phrase] humble, knowledge, look, ([phrase] well), [idiom] me, open(-ly), [phrase] (not) please, presence, [phrase] regard, resemblance, sight, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them, [phrase] think, [idiom] us, well, [idiom] you(-rselves). See also: Genesis 3:5; Exodus 34:9; Deuteronomy 28:67.

עַבְדּ֛/וֹ ʻebed H5650 "servant/slave" N-ms | Suff

This word refers to a servant or slave, often in the context of serving God or a human master. It can also describe a prophet or Levite. The KJV translates it as bondage, bondman, or servant.

Definition: 1) slave, servant 1a) slave, servant, man-servant 1b) subjects 1c) servants, worshippers (of God) 1d) servant (in special sense as prophets, Levites etc) 1e) servant (of Israel) 1f) servant (as form of address between equals) Aramaic equivalent: a.vad (עֲבַד "servant/slave" H5649)

Usage: Occurs in 714 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] bondage, bondman, (bond-) servant, (man-) servant. See also: Genesis 9:25; Exodus 11:3; 1 Samuel 8:16.

אֽוֹ ʼôw H176 "or" Conj

Desire can also mean or, and, or if, showing a choice between options, as seen in Proverbs 31:4. It is used to express alternatives or possibilities.

Definition: 1) or, rather 1a) implying that the latter choice is preferred 1b) or if, introducing an example to be seen under a particular principle 1c) (in series) either...or, whether...or 1d) if perchance 1e) except, or else 2) whether, not the least, if, otherwise, also, and, then

Usage: Occurs in 218 OT verses. KJV: also, and, either, if, at the least, [idiom] nor, or, otherwise, then, whether. See also: Genesis 24:49; Leviticus 25:49; Proverbs 30:31.

אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM

Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)

Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.

עֵ֥ין ʻayin H5869 "eye" N-cs

Definition: : eye 1) eye 1a) eye 1a1) of physical eye 1a2) as showing mental qualities 1a3) of mental and spiritual faculties (fig.)

אֲמָת֖/וֹ ʼâmâh H519 "maidservant" N-fs | Suff

A maidservant is a female slave or servant, like the ones mentioned in the stories of Abraham and Sarah in the book of Genesis.

Definition: 1) maid-servant, female slave, maid, handmaid, concubine 1a) of humility (fig.)

Usage: Occurs in 49 OT verses. KJV: (hand-) bondmaid(-woman), maid(-servant). See also: Genesis 20:17; Judges 9:18; Psalms 86:16.

וְ/שִֽׁחֲתָ֑/הּ shâchath H7843 "to ruin" Conj | V-Piel-3ms | Suff

This verb means to ruin or destroy something, and it is used in various forms throughout the Bible to describe corruption and decay.

Definition: 1) to destroy, corrupt, go to ruin, decay 1a) (Niphal) to be marred, be spoiled, be corrupted, be corrupt, be injured, be ruined, be rotted 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to spoil, ruin 1b2) to pervert, corrupt, deal corruptly (morally) 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to spoil, ruin, destroy 1c2) to pervert, corrupt (morally) 1c3) destroyer (participle) 1d) (Hophal) spoiled, ruined (participle) Aramaic equivalent: she.chat (שְׁחַת "to corrupt" H7844)

Usage: Occurs in 136 OT verses. KJV: batter, cast off, corrupt(-er, thing), destroy(-er, -uction), lose, mar, perish, spill, spoiler, [idiom] utterly, waste(-r). See also: Genesis 6:11; Psalms 14:1; Psalms 53:2.

לַֽ/חָפְשִׁ֥י chophshîy H2670 "free" Prep | Adj

In the Bible, being free means being exempt from slavery, taxes, or other obligations, as seen in the book of Exodus. This concept is central to the Israelites' journey. Freedom is a gift from God.

Definition: 1) free 1a) free (from slavery) 1b) free (from taxes or obligations)

Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: free, liberty. See also: Exodus 21:2; Job 3:19; Psalms 88:6.

יְשַׁלְּחֶ֖/נּוּ shâlach H7971 "to send" V-Piel-Imperf-3ms | Suff

To send or depart is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which has various applications in the Bible. It can describe sending someone or something away, or letting something go.

Definition: : depart/send 1) to send, send away, let go, stretch out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to send 1a2) to stretch out, extend, direct 1a3) to send away 1a4) to let loose 1b) (Niphal) to be sent 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to send off or away or out or forth, dismiss, give over, cast out 1c2) to let go, set free 1c3) to shoot forth (of branches) 1c4) to let down 1c5) to shoot 1d) (Pual) to be sent off, be put away, be divorced, be impelled 1e) (Hiphil) to send

Usage: Occurs in 790 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring (on the way), cast (away, out), conduct, [idiom] earnestly, forsake, give (up), grow long, lay, leave, let depart (down, go, loose), push away, put (away, forth, in, out), reach forth, send (away, forth, out), set, shoot (forth, out), sow, spread, stretch forth (out). See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 9:27; Joshua 14:11.

תַּ֥חַת tachath H8478 "underneath" Prep

This Hebrew word means underneath or below, often used to describe physical locations or positions. It appears in various books, including Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to indicate something is under or beneath something else. The word has several related meanings.

Definition: : under/below 1) the under part, beneath, instead of, as, for, for the sake of, flat, unto, where, whereas n m 1a) the under part adv accus 1b) beneath prep 1c) under, beneath 1c1) at the foot of (idiom) 1c2) sweetness, subjection, woman, being burdened or oppressed (fig) 1c3) of subjection or conquest 1d) what is under one, the place in which one stands 1d1) in one's place, the place in which one stands (idiom with reflexive pronoun) 1d2) in place of, instead of (in transferred sense) 1d3) in place of, in exchange or return for (of things mutually interchanged) conj 1e) instead of, instead of that 1f) in return for that, because that in compounds 1g) in, under, into the place of (after verbs of motion) 1h) from under, from beneath, from under the hand of, from his place, under, beneath

Usage: Occurs in 450 OT verses. KJV: as, beneath, [idiom] flat, in(-stead), (same) place (where...is), room, for...sake, stead of, under, [idiom] unto, [idiom] when...was mine, whereas, (where-) fore, with. See also: Genesis 1:7; Deuteronomy 7:24; 1 Kings 20:42.

עֵינֽ/וֹ ʻayin H5869 "eye" N-cs | Suff

Definition: : eye 1) eye 1a) eye 1a1) of physical eye 1a2) as showing mental qualities 1a3) of mental and spiritual faculties (fig.)

Study Notes — Exodus 21:26

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Exodus 21:26 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Exodus 21:26
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 21:26
Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 21:26
Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 21:26
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 21:26
Cambridge Bible on Exodus 21:26
Barnes' Notes on Exodus 21:26
Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 21:26
Sermons on Exodus 21:26

Context — Personal Injury Laws

24eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, 25burn for burn, wound for wound, and stripe for stripe.

26If a man strikes and blinds the eye of his manservant or maidservant, he must let the servant go free as compensation for the eye.

27And if he knocks out the tooth of his manservant or maidservant, he must let the servant go free as compensation for the tooth. 28If an ox gores a man or woman to death, the ox must surely be stoned, and its meat must not be eaten. But the owner of the ox shall not be held responsible.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Exodus 21:20	If a man strikes his manservant or maidservant with a rod, and the servant dies by his hand, he shall surely be punished.
2	Job 31:13–15	If I have rejected the cause of my manservant or maidservant when they made a complaint against me, what will I do when God rises to judge? How will I answer when called to account? Did not He who made me in the womb also make them? Did not the same One form us in the womb?
3	Psalms 72:12–14	For he will deliver the needy who cry out and the afflicted who have no helper. He will take pity on the poor and needy and save the lives of the oppressed. He will redeem them from oppression and violence, for their blood is precious in his sight.
4	Psalms 10:18	to vindicate the fatherless and oppressed, that the men of the earth may strike terror no more.
5	Psalms 10:14	But You have regarded trouble and grief; You see to repay it by Your hand. The victim entrusts himself to You; You are the helper of the fatherless.
6	Proverbs 22:22–23	Do not rob a poor man because he is poor, and do not crush the afflicted at the gate, for the LORD will take up their case and will plunder those who rob them.
7	Psalms 9:12	For the Avenger of bloodshed remembers; He does not ignore the cry of the afflicted.
8	Nehemiah 5:5	We and our children are just like our countrymen and their children, yet we are subjecting our sons and daughters to slavery. Some of our daughters are already enslaved, but we are powerless to redeem them because our fields and vineyards belong to others.”
9	Ephesians 6:9	And masters, do the same for your slaves. Give up your use of threats, because you know that He who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no favoritism with Him.
10	Deuteronomy 16:19	Do not deny justice or show partiality. Do not accept a bribe, for a bribe blinds the eyes of the wise and twists the words of the righteous.

Exodus 21:26 Summary

This verse teaches us that if someone in a position of power hurts someone under their care, they must make it right by setting them free. This shows that God values people's well-being and wants us to treat each other with kindness and respect (as seen in Matthew 7:12). It's like if someone borrowed something from you and broke it, they would need to replace it or make it right somehow. In this case, the 'replacement' is the servant's freedom. This principle reminds us to always prioritize the well-being and safety of those around us, especially those who may be vulnerable or under our care (like in Psalm 82:3-4).

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean for a master to let a servant go free as compensation for an injury?

In Exodus 21:26, if a master injures his servant, he must set the servant free as a form of payment for the harm done, this shows that the value of a person's well-being is greater than any material possession, as seen in Psalm 82:3-4 where God stands up for the rights of the afflicted.

Does this verse promote violence or harm towards servants?

No, this verse actually promotes the protection and care of servants, as it holds the master accountable for any harm caused and provides a means of restitution, similar to the principle found in Matthew 7:12 to treat others the way we want to be treated.

How does this relate to our modern understanding of employment and worker's rights?

While the context is different, the principle of protecting the well-being of those under our care remains, as seen in Ephesians 6:9 where masters are instructed to treat their servants with respect and fairness.

Is this verse still relevant today?

Yes, the principles of justice, compassion, and accountability found in Exodus 21:26 are still relevant today, reminding us of our responsibility to treat others with kindness and respect, as taught in Colossians 3:13-14.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways I can apply the principle of restitution and care for those around me, especially those who may be under my authority or care?
How can I balance the need for justice with the need for mercy and compassion in my relationships with others?
What does this verse reveal about God's heart for the vulnerable and oppressed, and how can I reflect that heart in my own life?
In what ways can I prioritize the well-being and safety of those around me, whether in my home, workplace, or community?

Gill's Exposition on Exodus 21:26

If a man smite the eye of his servant,.... Give him a blow on the eye in a passion, as a correction for some fault he has committed: or the eye of his maid, that it perish; strike her on that part in

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 21:26

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.

Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 21:26

Exodus 21:26 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.Ver. 26. And if a man smite the eye of his servant.] Think the same, saith Aben Ezra, of the other principal members, which the Jews call capita membrorum: these are the ten fingers, the ten toes, the two ears, the nose, and the yard.

Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 21:26

(26, 27) The eye . . . Tooth.—An exception to the law of retaliation is here made. If the injurer is a free man and the injured person a slave, the marked social inequality of the parties would make exact retaliation an injustice. Is the slave, then, to be left without protection? By no means. As the legislation had already protected his life (Exodus 21:20), so it now protects him from permanent damage to his person. The master who inflicts any such permanent damage—from the least to the greatest—loses all property in his slave, and is bound at once to emancipate him. The loss of an eye is viewed as the greatest permanent injury to the person; the loss of a tooth as the least.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 21:26

Verse 26. If a man smite the eye, &c.] See the following verse.

Cambridge Bible on Exodus 21:26

18–36. Bodily injuries, caused (a) by human beings, vv. 18–27; (b) by animals, or through the neglect of reasonable precautions, vv. 28–36.

Barnes' Notes on Exodus 21:26

Freedom was the proper equivalent for permanent injury.

Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 21:26

26, 27. Eye of his servant — Here again we note that the male or female servant was reckoned as not enjoying the same natural rights as freemen.

Sermons on Exodus 21:26

	Sermon	Description
	God at Work in Every Womb (Sanctity of Human Life Sunday) by John Piper	In this sermon, John Piper emphasizes the importance of living a life dedicated to serving others and alleviating suffering. He urges Christians to prioritize helping the weak, fat
	The Word, the Work and the World by T. Austin-Sparks	The preacher delves into the concept of 'Avenger' (ekdikos) in the Bible, emphasizing the role of one who exacts justice and punishment for wrongs committed. The sermon highlights
	(Revelation - Part 6): Reign of Christ a Divine Imperative by A.W. Tozer	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the current state of the world and the need for deliverance from oppression and sin. He emphasizes the importance of a perfect leader who can
	Just Vessels by Jackie Pullinger	This sermon emphasizes the importance of ministering to the poor, highlighting how God chooses the weak and needy to shame the strong, and how reaching out to the poor can lead to
	(The Lord - Merciful and Gracious) 4. the Needy When He Crieth by Roy Hession	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of obeying God's laws and regulations, particularly in relation to treating others with kindness and compassion. He emphasizes
	Full Reliance on God by C.H. Spurgeon	C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the importance of full reliance on God, particularly for those in need. He encourages the needy to cry out to God directly rather than seeking help from fr
	Pressed Beyond Measure by David Wilkerson	David Wilkerson addresses the struggles of believers who feel pressed beyond measure, drawing parallels to biblical figures like Paul, Job, and David. He emphasizes that such trial