Exodus 21:27
Exodus 21:27 in Multiple Translations
And if he knocks out the tooth of his manservant or maidservant, he must let the servant go free as compensation for the tooth.
And if he smite out his manservant’s tooth, or his maidservant’s tooth; he shall let him go free for his tooth’s sake.
And if he smite out his man-servant’s tooth, or his maid-servant’s tooth, he shall let him go free for his tooth’s sake.
Or if the loss of a tooth is caused by his blow, he will let him go free on account of his tooth.
Anyone who knocks out the tooth of their male or female slave must free the slave as compensation for the tooth.
Also if he smite out his seruants tooth, or his maides tooth, he shall let him goe out free for his tooth.
and if a tooth of his man-servant or a tooth of his handmaid he knock out, as a freeman he doth send him away for his tooth.
If he strikes out his male servant’s tooth, or his female servant’s tooth, he shall let the servant go free for his tooth’s sake.
And if he shall smite out his man-servant's tooth, or his maid-servant's tooth; he shall let him go free for his tooth's sake.
Also if he strike out a tooth of his manservant or maidservant, he shall in like manner make them free.
If someone knocks out one of his slave’s teeth, he must free the slave because of what he did to the slave’s tooth.
Berean Amplified Bible — Exodus 21:27
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 21:27 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/אִם
שֵׁ֥ן
עַבְדּ֛/וֹ
אֽוֹ
שֵׁ֥ן
אֲמָת֖/וֹ
יַפִּ֑יל
לַֽ/חָפְשִׁ֥י
יְשַׁלְּחֶ֖/נּוּ
תַּ֥חַת
שִׁנּֽ/וֹ
וְ/אִם
ʼim
H518
if
Conj | Conj
שֵׁ֥ן
shên
H8127
tooth
N-cs
עַבְדּ֛/וֹ
ʻebed
H5650
servant/slave
N-ms | Suff
אֽוֹ
ʼôw
H176
or
Conj
שֵׁ֥ן
shên
H8127
tooth
N-cs
אֲמָת֖/וֹ
ʼâmâh
H519
maidservant
N-fs | Suff
יַפִּ֑יל
nâphal
H5307
to fall
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms
לַֽ/חָפְשִׁ֥י
chophshîy
H2670
free
Prep | Adj
יְשַׁלְּחֶ֖/נּוּ
shâlach
H7971
to send
V-Piel-Imperf-3ms | Suff
תַּ֥חַת
tachath
H8478
underneath
Prep
שִׁנּֽ/וֹ
shên
H8127
tooth
N-cs | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Exodus 21:27
וְ/אִם
ʼim
H518
"if"
Conj | 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.
שֵׁ֥ן
shên
H8127
"tooth"
N-cs
The Hebrew word for tooth can also mean ivory or a sharp cliff. It is used in the Bible to describe the teeth of humans and animals, as well as sharp rocks, and is often translated as tooth or ivory.
Definition: : tooth 1) tooth, ivory 1a) tooth 1a1) of man, lex talionis, beast 1b) tooth, tine (of fork) 1c) ivory 1c1) as material 1c2) of commerce 1d) sharp pointed rock
Usage: Occurs in 48 OT verses. KJV: crag, [idiom] forefront, ivory, [idiom] sharp, tooth. See also: Genesis 49:12; Psalms 57:5; Psalms 3:8.
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.
שֵׁ֥ן
shên
H8127
"tooth"
N-cs
The Hebrew word for tooth can also mean ivory or a sharp cliff. It is used in the Bible to describe the teeth of humans and animals, as well as sharp rocks, and is often translated as tooth or ivory.
Definition: : tooth 1) tooth, ivory 1a) tooth 1a1) of man, lex talionis, beast 1b) tooth, tine (of fork) 1c) ivory 1c1) as material 1c2) of commerce 1d) sharp pointed rock
Usage: Occurs in 48 OT verses. KJV: crag, [idiom] forefront, ivory, [idiom] sharp, tooth. See also: Genesis 49:12; Psalms 57:5; Psalms 3:8.
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.
יַפִּ֑יל
nâphal
H5307
"to fall"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to fall, and it's used in many ways, like falling down, failing, or being defeated. It appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah. God's people often fell away from Him, but He always offered a way back.
Definition: : fall/drop/fail 1) to fall, lie, be cast down, fail 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to fall 1a2) to fall (of violent death) 1a3) to fall prostrate, prostrate oneself before 1a4) to fall upon, attack, desert, fall away to, go away to, fall into the hand of 1a5) to fall short, fail, fall out, turn out, result 1a6) to settle, waste away, be offered, be inferior to 1a7) to lie, lie prostrate 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to fall, fell, throw down, knock out, lay prostrate 1b2) to overthrow 1b3) to make the lot fall, assign by lot, apportion by lot 1b4) to let drop, cause to fail (fig.) 1b5) to cause to fall 1c) (Hithpael) 1c1) to throw or prostrate oneself, throw oneself upon 1c2) to lie prostrate, prostrate oneself 1d) (Pilel) to fall
Usage: Occurs in 403 OT verses. KJV: be accepted, cast (down, self, (lots), out), cease, die, divide (by lot), (let) fail, (cause to, let, make, ready to) fall (away, down, -en, -ing), fell(-ing), fugitive, have (inheritance), inferior, be judged (by mistake for H6419 (פָּלַל)), lay (along), (cause to) lie down, light (down), be ([idiom] hast) lost, lying, overthrow, overwhelm, perish, present(-ed, -ing), (make to) rot, slay, smite out, [idiom] surely, throw down. See also: Genesis 2:21; 1 Samuel 17:52; Esther 9:3.
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.
שִׁנּֽ/וֹ
shên
H8127
"tooth"
N-cs | Suff
The Hebrew word for tooth can also mean ivory or a sharp cliff. It is used in the Bible to describe the teeth of humans and animals, as well as sharp rocks, and is often translated as tooth or ivory.
Definition: : tooth 1) tooth, ivory 1a) tooth 1a1) of man, lex talionis, beast 1b) tooth, tine (of fork) 1c) ivory 1c1) as material 1c2) of commerce 1d) sharp pointed rock
Usage: Occurs in 48 OT verses. KJV: crag, [idiom] forefront, ivory, [idiom] sharp, tooth. See also: Genesis 49:12; Psalms 57:5; Psalms 3:8.
Study Notes — Exodus 21:27
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Exodus 21:27 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Exodus 21:27
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 21:27
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 21:27
- Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 21:27
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 21:27
- Cambridge Bible on Exodus 21:27
- Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 21:27
Context — Personal Injury Laws
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. 29But if the ox has a habit of goring, and its owner has been warned yet does not restrain it, and it kills a man or woman, then the ox must be stoned and its owner must also be put to death.Exodus 21:27 Summary
[This verse is saying that if someone hurts their servant really badly, like knocking out their tooth, they have to let the servant go free as a way of making things right. This shows that God cares about people being treated fairly and with kindness, just like we see in Matthew 7:12. It's also a reminder that everyone is important to God, no matter what their job or position is. We can apply this principle to our own lives by treating others with respect and dignity, whether they are our friends, family members, or coworkers.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the law regarding knocking out a servant's tooth in Exodus 21:27?
This law highlights the importance of treating servants with dignity and respect, as they are also created in God's image, as seen in Genesis 1:27. It also shows that God values justice and fairness in all relationships.
How does this law relate to the overall theme of Exodus 21?
Exodus 21 is a chapter that deals with various laws and regulations regarding social justice, and this verse fits into that theme by emphasizing the responsibility of masters towards their servants, as also seen in Ephesians 6:9.
Is this law still applicable today?
While the specific law in Exodus 21:27 may not be directly applicable in modern societies, the principle of treating others with respect and dignity, regardless of their social status, is still relevant today, as taught in Galatians 3:28 and Colossians 3:11.
What does this law reveal about God's character?
This law reveals that God is a God of justice, compassion, and fairness, who cares about the well-being of all people, including those in positions of vulnerability, as seen in Psalm 103:6 and Isaiah 30:18.
Reflection Questions
- How can I apply the principle of treating others with dignity and respect in my own relationships, whether at work, home, or church?
- What are some ways in which I may be unintentionally contributing to the mistreatment or marginalization of others, and how can I change my behavior?
- How does this law challenge my understanding of God's character and his desire for justice and fairness in all areas of life?
- In what ways can I demonstrate God's love and care for those who are vulnerable or marginalized in my community?
Gill's Exposition on Exodus 21:27
And if he smite out his manservant's tooth, or his maidservant's tooth,.... Give them such a slap on the face, or a blow on the mouth, as to strike out one of their teeth; this also the Targum of
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 21:27
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.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 21:27
Some confine this to the Israelitish servants, but the text doth not so limit it; and the reason of the law seems to reach to Gentile servants, this being a just punishment to unmerciful masters, (who ought to be merciful to their beasts, much more to such servants,) and a fit recompence to a servant for such a loss. And this law reacheth the loss of any other member, these two being instanced in, the one as the chief, and the other as the meanest, to intimate that other parts of a like or middle nature are included.
Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 21:27
(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 21:27
Verse 27. If he smite out his - tooth] It was a noble law that obliged the unmerciful slaveholder to set the slave at liberty whose eye or tooth he had knocked out. If this did not teach them humanity, it taught them caution, as one rash blow might have deprived them of all right to the future services of the slave; and thus self-interest obliged them to be cautious and circumspect.
Cambridge Bible on Exodus 21:27
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.
Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 21:27
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.