Menu

Exodus 21:27 — Word Study

Depth

WLCוְאִם־ שֵׁ֥ן עַבְדּ֛וֹ אֽוֹ־ שֵׁ֥ן אֲמָת֖וֹ יַפִּ֑יל לַֽחָפְשִׁ֥י יְשַׁלְּחֶ֖נּוּ תַּ֥חַת שִׁנּֽוֹ׃ פ

BSAAnd ifʼim [under these circumstances, in this situation] he knocks outnâphal [strikes out, smites] the toothshên [a sharp part] of his manservantʻebed [servant, slave, one who serves] orʼôw maidservantʼâmâh [female slave, servant, one who serves] he must let the servant goshâlach [slave, one who serves] freechophshîy [be exempt from slavery, be released] as compensation fortachath [payment, reparation] the toothshên [as a replacement, in exchange]

Word
Listen & take awayExodus 21
English ↓ Download MP3 The Berean Standard Bible chapter audio already hosted for the site's Bible section — verse 27 is in this chapter.
Hebrew ↓ Download MP3 The Masoretic text of this chapter, read aloud. Read by Abraham Shmuelof, courtesy of Audio Scriptures International. Chapter divisions by the Academy of Ancient Languages..
Say the word Each Hebrew word carries its transliteration (shi.No) — no per-word recordings of the Hebrew exist to link to.
Take it away
Exodus 21:27quick helps
In a sentenceThis verse outlines the consequence for a master who injures a servant by knocking out a tooth.
Who is speakingThe lawgiver, providing regulations for the treatment of servants.
Where we arePart of the legal code in Exodus, detailing rights and responsibilities.
The hard wordשֵׁן, shen
Take awayInjury to a servant results in their release as a form of compensation.
7 commentators on this verse Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Ellicott & more — read them › clause verbנָפַל The sentence as the grammar sees it Open the tree ›
How rare are these words?in the Old Testament

Every word here is used elsewhere in the Old Testament.

Bars are logarithmic — אֵת, the commonest word in the Hebrew Bible, stands about 11,000 times, so a linear scale would leave everything else invisible. Click a row to open that word.

Deep Study — Exodus 21:27

Sections marked generated are written from the data on this page rather than by a named author. Everything else — the lexicon entries, the cross references, the manuscript readings, the counts — is quoted from its source unchanged.

Context — Laws Concerning Servantsgenerated

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 is part of a series of laws given to the Israelites regarding the treatment of servants. These laws emphasize justice and compensation for injuries, ensuring that servants are treated fairly. The surrounding verses establish a framework for accountability, showing that harming a servant carries serious consequences.


Cross References


The Key Word שֵׁן, shengenerated

The Hebrew word שֵׁן (shen) primarily means 'tooth' and is derived from a root associated with sharpness. It is used in various contexts, including legal terms and descriptions of physical features. In this verse, it specifically refers to the tooth of a servant, highlighting the seriousness of the injury and the resulting obligation.

This word's usage in legal contexts underscores the principle of reparation in the ancient legal system, reflecting the value placed on individuals and their well-being.


How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated

The verse is translated in the Berean Standard Bible as well as the KJV, ASV, YLT, WEB, and BBE, all of which convey the same essential meaning regarding the release of a servant after an injury.


Sentence Structuregenerated

The finite verbs יַפִּ֑יל (he will knock out) and יְשַׁלְּחֶ֖נּוּ (he will set free him) govern the main actions of the verse. The structure is straightforward, with the first verb introducing the action and the second verb indicating the consequence.

The Hebrew word order places emphasis on the actions taken against the servant, followed by the necessary restitution, illustrating the cause-and-effect relationship in the legal framework.


Septuagint Backgroundgenerated

In the Septuagint, the Hebrew שֵׁן is rendered as ὀδόντα (odontā), which also means 'tooth.' This choice maintains the focus on the injury inflicted.

The translation reflects a direct correspondence to the Hebrew text, highlighting the importance of the injury and the subsequent legal obligation.


In plain words — the whole versegenerated

Exodus 21:27 explains that if a master knocks out the tooth of a servant, he must let the servant go free as compensation. This law emphasizes fairness and justice in the treatment of servants.


Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated

What does it mean for a master to knock out a servant's tooth?

It signifies a serious injury that requires the master to compensate the servant by granting freedom.

Why is the release of a servant important in this context?

It reflects the principle of justice and the value of human dignity, ensuring that a servant is not left in bondage after being harmed.

How does this law relate to the overall treatment of servants in the Bible?

This law is part of a broader legal framework that emphasizes the humane treatment of servants and accountability for their welfare.

What can we learn from this verse about justice?

The verse teaches that justice requires restitution for harm done, reinforcing the idea that individuals are responsible for their actions.


Reflection Questionsgenerated

  1. How do we ensure fairness and justice in our relationships with others?
  2. What are some modern examples of restitution for wrongs done?
  3. In what ways can we advocate for the rights of those who are vulnerable?
  4. How does understanding these ancient laws inform our view of justice today?

Commentators on this verse — 7 expositors, verse by verse

Each of these wrote on Exodus 21:27 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.

John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire Bible

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

Read John Gill on Exodus 21 →
Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's Commentary

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.

Read Robert Jamieson on Exodus 21 →
Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy Bible

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.

Read Matthew Poole on Exodus 21 →
Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(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.

Read Charles John Ellicott on Exodus 21 →
AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible

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.

Read AdamClarke on Exodus 21 →
CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges

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.

Read Cambridge on Exodus 21 →
Daniel Denison Whedon1808–1885Whedon's Commentary on the Bible

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.

Read Daniel Denison Whedon on Exodus 21 →

The verse in English, compared — 17 translations, and where they part company

Every translation on this page is a decision someone had to make and commit to. Read down a column and you see one translator's judgement; read across a row and you see the range the Greek actually allows. The BSB is the wording the rest of this page is measured against, so it is listed first.

Modern formal

BSBBerean Standard Bible2020

And if he knocks out the tooth of his manservant or maidservant, he must let the servant go free as compensation for the tooth.

WEBWorld English Bible2000

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.

MSBMajority Standard Bible2022

And if he knocks out the tooth of his manservant or maidservant, he must let the servant go free as compensation for the tooth.

NETBNew English Translation2006

If he knocks out the tooth of his male servant or his female servant, he will let the servant go free as compensation for the tooth.

Tyndale line

KJVKing James Version1611

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.

ASVAmerican Standard Version1901

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.

RVARevised Version, American1894

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.

NWBWebster's Bible1833

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.

GNVGeneva Bible1599

Also if he smite out his seruants tooth, or his maides tooth, he shall let him goe out free for his tooth.

Strictly literal

DBYDarby Translation1890

And if he knock out his bondman's tooth or his handmaid's tooth, he shall let him go free for his tooth.

YLTYoung's Literal Translation1862

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.

LSVLiteral Standard Version2020

and if he knocks out a tooth of his manservant or a tooth of his handmaid, he sends him away as a freeman for his tooth.

ILTInterlinear Literal Translation2000

And if he strike out his man-servant's tooth, or his maid-servant's tooth, he shall let him go free for the sake of his tooth.

ULBUnlocked Literal Bible2017

If he knocks out a tooth of his male servant or female servant, he must let the servant go free as compensation for the tooth.

From the Latin

DRADouay-Rheims (Challoner)1899

Also if he strike out a tooth of his manservant or maidservant, he shall in like manner make them free.

Simplified

FBVFree Bible Version2020

Anyone who knocks out the tooth of their male or female slave must free the slave as compensation for the tooth.

BBEBible in Basic English1949

Or if the loss of a tooth is caused by his blow, he will let him go free on account of his tooth.

Counted from the translations carried on this site, not from a survey of every English Bible. A rendering shared by many versions is usually inherited rather than independently arrived at — the Tyndale line in particular runs through most of them.


The sentence as the grammar sees it — from the MACULA Hebrew treebank

This is not our own analysis: it is the scholarly syntax tree for the verse, showing how the clause actually holds together.

וְandclauseclauseאִםifclausenoun phrase · objectnoun phraseשֵׁ֥ןthe.toothnoun phraseעַבְדּ֛his.[male].slaveוֹhisאֽוֹornoun phraseשֵׁ֥ןthe.toothnoun phraseאֲמָת֖his.female.slaveוֹhisverbיַפִּ֑ילhe.will.knock.outclauseprepositional phrase · prepositionalלַֽto.(the)noun phrasefreeחָפְשִׁ֥י[person]verbיְשַׁלְּחֶ֖heobjectנּוּwill.set.him.freeprepositional phrase · prepositionalתַּ֥חַתin.place.ofnoun phraseשִׁנּֽtoothוֹhis

Boxes are the grammarian's groupings — clause, noun phrase, prepositional phrase.


The four witnesses to this verse — Masoretic, Septuagint, Samaritan, Qumran

The Masoretic Text is supported by the Septuagint, which matches the Hebrew text word-for-word. The Samaritan Pentateuch differs by using the word יפל (yipl) instead of the Hebrew יַפִּ֑יל (yapil), indicating a slight variation in wording but not in meaning.

Masoretic TextLeningrad Codex, c. AD 1008 — the text this page is built on

וְאִם־ שֵׁ֥ן עַבְדּ֛וֹ אֽוֹ־ שֵׁ֥ן אֲמָת֖וֹ יַפִּ֑יל לַֽחָפְשִׁ֥י יְשַׁלְּחֶ֖נּוּ תַּ֥חַת שִׁנּֽוֹ׃ פ

Septuagintthe Greek the translators chose, word by word
וְאִם־ἐὰνשֵׁ֥ןὀδόνταעַבְדּ֛וֹοἰκέτουאֽוֹ־שֵׁ֥ןὀδόνταאֲמָת֖וֹαὐτοῦיַפִּ֑ילἐκκόψῃלַֽחָפְשִׁ֥יἐλευθέρουςיְשַׁלְּחֶ֖נּוּαὐτοὺςתַּ֥חַתἀντὶשִׁנּֽוֹ׃ פὀδόντος

11 of the 11 words are matched. This is the word-by-word correspondence, not the Septuagint's own sentence — its word order and its articles are its own.

Samaritan Pentateuchthe Torah as the Samaritan community kept it

ואם שׁן עבדו או שׁן אמתו יפל לחפשׁי ישׁלחנו תחת שׁנו

1 word differs from the Masoretic Text: יפל (fall)

Dead Sea Scrolls — 4Q22a copy a thousand years older than the Leningrad Codex

[ואם] [שן] [עבד׳ו] [או] [שן] [אמת׳ו] יפיל לחפשי [ישלח׳נו] [תחת] [שנ׳ו]

2 words on the leather — 9 supplied entire by an editor.

Four traditions, not one. “On the leather” means the letters physically survive on the scroll, as against letters an editor has supplied to fill a hole in it — a restoration is a scholar’s reading, not a reading of the manuscript. Words in [square brackets] are supplied; the notes count them apart from what survives.


The map of this verse — what each word keeps company with

This is a map of two things, both counted rather than judged. Company kept: which words stand within three words of each of these, anywhere in the Hebrew Bible — the thicker the line, the more often the pair meet compared with chance. Built from: the words a word is made out of, taken from its own Strong’s entry. It is not a map of meaning: nothing here claims two words mean the same thing. Click any circle to see the numbers behind it.

Exodus 21:27אִםand ifand ifאִםשֵׁן[the] tooth[the] tooth ofשֵׁןעֶ֫בֶד[male] slav[male] slave hiעֶ֫בֶדאוֹororאוֹשֵׁן[the] tooth[the] tooth ofשֵׁןאָמָהfemale slavfemale slave hiאָמָהנָפַלhe will knohe will knock oנָפַלחָפְשִׁיto free [peto free [personחָפְשִׁישָׁלַחhe will sethe will set freשָׁלַחתַּחַתin place ofin place ofתַּחַתשֵׁןtooth histooth hisשֵׁןשָׁנַןto sharpento sharpenשָׁנַןעָבַדto serveto serveעָבַדחָפַשׁחָפַשׁאַוָּהdesiredesireאַוָּהפָּלַלto prayto prayפָּלַלתּוֹחַתּוֹחַמְתַלְּעוֹתjawjawמְתַלְּעוֹתחָרַקto grindto grindחָרַקשִׁפְחָהmaidservanmaidservantשִׁפְחָהחֵןfavorfavorחֵןיֵשׁtherethereיֵשׁאָמָהmaidservanmaidservantאָמָהשְׁתִיwarpwarpשְׁתִיעֵ֫רֶבracial-mixracial-mixעֵ֫רֶבשׁוֹרcattlecattleשׁוֹרחֲמוֹרdonkeydonkeyחֲמוֹרגּוֹרָלallottedallottedגּוֹרָלחָלָלslain: kilslain: killedחָלָל
meets it a little oftener than chancemeets it far oftener than chancebuilt from the same roottwo words of the verse share ita word of this versea related word

Lexicons — every word in Exodus 21:27

One dossier per word, with every reference work grouped by kind — Hebrew lexicons, morphology, Bible dictionaries, topical chains and the English of the translators themselves. The verse sits at the head of each block with the word under study lit, so you never lose your place. The panel above gives the short answer; this is the long one, and it is the part of the page worth indexing.

Every entry below is the lexicographer's own text. On the Hebrew: Brown-Driver-Briggs entire and its gloss set, Strong's Hebrew Dictionary, and Tyndale House's Translators Brief lexicon. Where a cell says a work has no entry, that work genuinely has none for this word.

and if [the] tooth of [male] slave his or [the] tooth of female slave his he will knock out to free [person] he will set free him in place of tooth his
וְאִם־ve.'im- and if H518 Conjunction · particle
1,070× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
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.
Amplified meaning
under these circumstances, in this situation
Tyndale gloss
if
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

אִם (im) is a Hebrew conjunction primarily meaning 'if' and is used in various contexts, including conditional clauses and interrogative situations. It can also express negation, alternatives, or exceptions, and appears frequently in the Old Testament. The lexicons note its use in oaths and its ability to connect different clauses, sometimes altering their meanings.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

אִם conj.

hypoth. part. if

Interrog. part.

base

כִּי אם־

each part. retaining its independent force, and relating to a different clause:

that if

for if

(About 140 t.) the two particles being closely conjoined, and relating to the same clause—

limiting the prec. clause, except

the if being neglected, and treated as pleonastic, so that the clause is no longer a limitation of the preceding clause but a contradiction of it: but rather, but

after an oath, surely

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H518a אִם conj. . hypoth. part. if

. Interrog. part.

H518b כִּי אם־ . each part. retaining its independent force, and relating to a different clause: . that if

. for if

. (About 140 t.) the two particles being closely conjoined, and relating to the same clause— . limiting the prec. clause, except

. the if being neglected, and treated as pleonastic, so that the clause is no longer a limitation of the preceding clause but a contradiction of it: but rather, but

. after an oath, surely

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

518 'im eem

a primitive particle; used very widely as demonstrative, lo!;

interrog., whether?; or conditional, if, although; also Oh

that!, when; hence, as a negative, not:--(and, can-,

doubtless, if, that) (not), + but, either, + except, +

more(-over if, than), neither, nevertheless, nor, oh that, or,

+ save (only, -ing), seeing, since, sith, + surely (no more,

none, not), though, + of a truth, + unless, + verily, when,

whereas, whether, while, + yet.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

אִם (im) — if.

: 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

[כִּי] אם (ki im) — if: except.

1) except if

1a) but if

אִם (im) — if: surely no.

: surely_no

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

אִם (im) — if: surely yes.

: surely_yes

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

אִם (im) — if: until.

: until/except

Read the full entry →
Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Conj | Conj — Conjunction · particle
HC/Tc
The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
and if [the] tooth of [male] slave his or [the] tooth of female slave his he will knock out to free [person] he will set free him in place of tooth his
שֵׁ֥ןshen [the] tooth of H8127 Noun common · feminine singular construct
55× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
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.
Amplified meaning
a sharp part
Tyndale gloss
tooth
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word שֵׁן (shen) primarily means 'tooth' and can also refer to 'ivory.' It is derived from the root associated with sharpness, and it can figuratively denote a cliff or crag. The entries highlight various contexts, including its use in legal terms (lex talionis) and as a material in commerce.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

שֵׁן n.f. tooth, ivory

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H8127 שֵׁן tooth, ivory

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

8127 shen shane

from 8150; a tooth (as sharp); specifically (for 8143) ivory;

figuratively, a cliff:--crag, X forefront, ivory, X sharp,

tooth.

see HEBREW for 08150

see HEBREW for 08143

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

שֵׁן (shen) — tooth.

: 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

שֵׁן (shen) — tooth: ivory.

: ivory

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

שֵׁן (shen) — tooth: crag.

: crag

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

שֵׁן (shen) — tooth: prong.

: prong

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

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-cs — Noun common · feminine singular construct
HNcfsc
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

ov:

(1) In Anglo-Saxon, had the meaning "from," "away from" (as the strengthened form "off" has still), and was not used for genitive or possessive relations, these being expressed by special case-forms. In the Norman period, however, "of" was taken to represent the French de (a use well developed by the time of Chaucer), and in the Elizabethan period both senses of "of" were in common use. But after about 1600 the later force of the word became predominant, and in the earlier sense (which is now practically obsolete) it was replaced by other prepositions. In consequence the King James Version (and in some cases the Revised Version (British and American)) contains many uses of "of" that are no longer familiar--most of them, to be sure, causing no difficulty, but there still being a few responsible for real obscurities.

English usagewhat the translators’ English meant
Webster's Dictionary (1828), Webster's Unabridged (1913), Webster's Dictionary (1806)

OF, preposition ov. [Gr.]

1. From or out of; proceeding from, as the cause, source, means, author or agent bestowing.

I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered to you. 1 Corinthians 11:1.

For it was of the Lord to harden their hearts. Joshua 11:1.

It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed.

Lamentations 3:1.

The whole disposing thereof is of the Lord. Proverbs 16:1.

Go, inquire of the Lord for me. 2 Chronicles 34:2.

That holy thing that shall be born of thee. Luke 1:1.

Hence of is the sign of the genitive case, the case that denotes production; as the son of man, the son proceeding from man, produced from man. This is the primary sense, although we now say, produced by man. 'Part of these were slain; ' that is, a number separate, for part denotes a division; the sense then is, a number from or out of the whole were slain. So also, 'some of these were slain; ' that is…

and if [the] tooth of [male] slave his or [the] tooth of female slave his he will knock out to free [person] he will set free him in place of tooth his
עַבְדּ֛וֹav.Do [male] slave his H5650 Noun common masculine singular construct · suffix
801× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
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.
Amplified meaning
servant, slave, one who serves
Tyndale gloss
servant/slave
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word עֶ֫בֶד (*ebed*) means 'slave' or 'servant' and encompasses various roles, including household servants, subjects, and worshippers of God. It can also refer to Israel as a collective servant of God and is used in polite address among equals. The word is derived from a root meaning 'to work' or 'to serve'.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

עֶ֫בֶד 799 n.m. slave, servant

slave, servant of household

Subjects, of chief

Servants, worshippers of God

Servant of י׳, in a special sense

Israel as a people is servant of י׳

In polite address of equals or superiors the Hebrews used עַבְדְּךָ thy servant = 1 pers. sing., I

Phrases

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H5650 עֶ֫בֶד slave, servant . slave, servant of household

. Subjects, of chief

. Servants, worshippers of God

. Servant of י׳, in a special sense

. Israel as a people is servant of י׳

. In polite address of equals or superiors the Hebrews used עַבְדְּךָ thy servant = 1 pers. sing., I

. Phrases

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

5650 `ebed eh'-bed

from 5647; a servant:--X bondage, bondman, (bond-)servant,

(man-)servant.

see HEBREW for 05647

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

עֶ֫בֶד (e.ved) — servant/slave.

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)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-ms | Suff — Noun common masculine singular construct · suffix
HNcmsc/Sp3ms
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

hiz: Used often in the King James Version with reference to a neuter or inanimate thing, or to a lower animal (Ge 1:11, "after his kind"; Le 1:16, "pluck away his crop"; Ac 12:10, "of his own accord"; 1Co 15:38, "his own body"), etc. the Revised Version (British and American) substitutes "its."

and if [the] tooth of [male] slave his or [the] tooth of female slave his he will knock out to free [person] he will set free him in place of tooth his
אֽוֹ־'ov- or H176 Conjunction
321× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
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.
Tyndale gloss
or
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word אוֹ (*'ow*) primarily functions as a conjunction meaning 'or,' often indicating a preference or choice between options. It can also introduce examples, express conditions, or imply alternatives. Additionally, it is associated with the noun meaning 'desire' in Proverbs 31:4. The entries reflect a range of uses, but do not present significant disagreement.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

אוֹ 320 conj. or

sometimes implying a preference, nearly or rather

introducing a sentence, esp. a particular case under a general principle, or = or if

if perchance

once, with the juss. = except

base

[אֵו] n.m. אוֹ, Kt Pr 31:4 desire, so Thes MV; but < Qr אֵי q.v.

done

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H176 אוֹ or . sometimes implying a preference, nearly or rather

. introducing a sentence, esp. a particular case under a general principle, or = or if

. if perchance

. once, with the juss. = except

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

176 'ow o

presumed to be the "constructive" or genitival form of -av

{av}; short for 185; desire (and so probably in Prov. 31:4);

hence (by way of alternative) or, also if:--also, and,

either, if, at the least, X nor, or, otherwise, then, whether.

see HEBREW for 0185

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

אוֹ (o) — or.

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

אוֹ (o) — desire.

desire

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Conj — Conjunction
HC
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

or: The word is used once for either (1Sa 26:10), and is still in poetic use in this sense; as in, "Without or wave or wind" (Coleridge); "Or the bakke or some bone he breketh in his dzouthe" (Piers Plowman (B), VII, 93; compare Merchant of Venice, III, ii, 65). It is also used with "ever" for before (Ps 90:2; Ecclesiasticus 18:19), which the American Standard Revised Version substitutes in Ec 12:6 (compare 12:1,2); So 6:12; Da 6:24.

and if [the] tooth of [male] slave his or [the] tooth of female slave his he will knock out to free [person] he will set free him in place of tooth his
שֵׁ֥ןshen [the] tooth of H8127 Noun common · feminine singular construct
55× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
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.
Amplified meaning
as a replacement, in exchange
Tyndale gloss
tooth
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word שֵׁן (shen) primarily means 'tooth' and can also refer to 'ivory.' It is derived from the root associated with sharpness, and it can figuratively denote a cliff or crag. The entries highlight various contexts, including its use in legal terms (lex talionis) and as a material in commerce.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

שֵׁן n.f. tooth, ivory

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H8127 שֵׁן tooth, ivory

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

8127 shen shane

from 8150; a tooth (as sharp); specifically (for 8143) ivory;

figuratively, a cliff:--crag, X forefront, ivory, X sharp,

tooth.

see HEBREW for 08150

see HEBREW for 08143

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

שֵׁן (shen) — tooth.

: 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

שֵׁן (shen) — tooth: ivory.

: ivory

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

שֵׁן (shen) — tooth: crag.

: crag

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

שֵׁן (shen) — tooth: prong.

: prong

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

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-cs | Suff — Noun common · feminine singular construct
HNcfsc
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

ov:

(1) In Anglo-Saxon, had the meaning "from," "away from" (as the strengthened form "off" has still), and was not used for genitive or possessive relations, these being expressed by special case-forms. In the Norman period, however, "of" was taken to represent the French de (a use well developed by the time of Chaucer), and in the Elizabethan period both senses of "of" were in common use. But after about 1600 the later force of the word became predominant, and in the earlier sense (which is now practically obsolete) it was replaced by other prepositions. In consequence the King James Version (and in some cases the Revised Version (British and American)) contains many uses of "of" that are no longer familiar--most of them, to be sure, causing no difficulty, but there still being a few responsible for real obscurities.

English usagewhat the translators’ English meant
Webster's Dictionary (1828), Webster's Unabridged (1913), Webster's Dictionary (1806)

OF, preposition ov. [Gr.]

1. From or out of; proceeding from, as the cause, source, means, author or agent bestowing.

I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered to you. 1 Corinthians 11:1.

For it was of the Lord to harden their hearts. Joshua 11:1.

It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed.

Lamentations 3:1.

The whole disposing thereof is of the Lord. Proverbs 16:1.

Go, inquire of the Lord for me. 2 Chronicles 34:2.

That holy thing that shall be born of thee. Luke 1:1.

Hence of is the sign of the genitive case, the case that denotes production; as the son of man, the son proceeding from man, produced from man. This is the primary sense, although we now say, produced by man. 'Part of these were slain; ' that is, a number separate, for part denotes a division; the sense then is, a number from or out of the whole were slain. So also, 'some of these were slain; ' that is…

and if [the] tooth of [male] slave his or [the] tooth of female slave his he will knock out to free [person] he will set free him in place of tooth his
אֲמָת֖וֹ'a.ma.To female slave his H519 Noun common feminine singular construct · suffix
56× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
A maidservant is a female slave or servant, like the ones mentioned in the stories of Abraham and Sarah in the book of Genesis.
Amplified meaning
female slave, servant, one who serves
Tyndale gloss
maidservant
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

אָמָה (amah) refers to a maid or handmaid, often indicating a female servant or slave. The term can also imply humility in certain contexts. It is derived from a primitive root and is consistently used to denote a female in servitude.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

אָמָה n.f. maid, handmaid

lit. maidservant

fig. in address

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H519 אָמָה maid, handmaid

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

519 'amah aw-maw'

apparently a primitive word; a maid-servant or female

slave:--(hand-)bondmaid(-woman), maid(-servant).

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

אָמָה (a.mah) — maidservant.

1) maid-servant, female slave, maid, handmaid, concubine

1a) of humility (fig.)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-fs | Suff — Noun common feminine singular construct · suffix
HNcfsc/Sp3ms
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

hiz: Used often in the King James Version with reference to a neuter or inanimate thing, or to a lower animal (Ge 1:11, "after his kind"; Le 1:16, "pluck away his crop"; Ac 12:10, "of his own accord"; 1Co 15:38, "his own body"), etc. the Revised Version (British and American) substitutes "its."

and if [the] tooth of [male] slave his or [the] tooth of female slave his he will knock out to free [person] he will set free him in place of tooth his
יַפִּ֑ילya.Pil he will knock out H5307 Verb · Hiphil · imperfect third person masculine singular
435× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
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.
Amplified meaning
strikes out, smites
Tyndale gloss
to fall: fall
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

נָפַל (naphal) is a Hebrew verb meaning 'to fall,' encompassing a wide range of applications, including falling by accident, experiencing violent death, or going to ruin. It can also refer to prostrating oneself, attacking, or causing someone to fall. The term appears in various contexts throughout the Old Testament, often indicating physical or metaphorical downfall.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

נָפַל 433 vb. fall, lie

Qal 366

fall, by accident

Esp. of violent death

fig. = go to ruin, perish, etc.

fig. = experience calamity

fall, of a city

Fall prostrate

fall = prostrate oneself before

fall upon one's neck, in embrace

Fall upon = attack

desert or fall away to, go over to

Fig., of deep sleep

Other idiomatic uses

= lie; = lie prostrate

Hiph.

cause to fall

Of causing death; = overthrow, bring to destruction

Esp. of casting lot

Fig., let drop, cause to fail

cause deep sleep to fall

Other idioms

Hithp. throw, or prostrate oneself

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H5307 נָפַל fall, lie .. fall, by accident

. . Esp. of violent death

. fig. = go to ruin, perish, etc.

. fig. = experience calamity

. fall, of a city

. . Fall prostrate

. fall = prostrate oneself before

. fall upon one's neck, in embrace

. . Fall upon = attack

. desert or fall away to, go over to

. Fig., of deep sleep

. Other idiomatic uses

. = lie; = lie prostrate

. . cause to fall

. Of causing death; = overthrow, bring to destruction

. Esp. of casting lot

. Fig., let drop, cause to fail

. cause deep sleep to fall

. Other idioms

. throw, or prostrate oneself

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

5307 naphal naw-fal'

a primitive root; to fall, in a great variety of applications

(intransitive or causative, literal or figurative):--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 6419), lay

(along), (cause to) lie down, light (down), be (X hast) lost,

lying, overthrow, overwhelm, perish, present(-ed, -ing), (make

to) rot, slay, smite out, X surely, throw down.

see HEBREW for 06419

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

נָפַל (na.phal) — to fall: fall.

: 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

נָפַל (na.phal) — to fall: deserting.

: deserting

1) to fall, lie, be cast down, fail

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to fall

1a2) to fall (of violent death)

Read the full entry →
Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms — Verb · Hiphil · imperfect third person masculine singular
HVhi3ms
and if [the] tooth of [male] slave his or [the] tooth of female slave his he will knock out to free [person] he will set free him in place of tooth his
לַֽחָפְשִׁ֥יla.cha.fe.Shi to free [person] H2670 Preposition
17× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
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.
Amplified meaning
be exempt from slavery, be released
Tyndale gloss
free
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

חָפְשִׁי (chophshiy) means 'free,' indicating a state of exemption from bondage, taxes, or obligations. It is derived from the root word for freedom (H2666). The term is used in contexts relating to liberty, particularly in reference to freedom from slavery or financial burdens.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

חָפְשִׁי adj. free

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H2670 חָפְשִׁי free

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

2670 chophshiy khof-shee'

from 2666; exempt (from bondage, tax or care):--free,

liberty.

see HEBREW for 02666

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

חׇפְשִׁי (choph.shi) — free.

1) free

1a) free (from slavery)

1b) free (from taxes or obligations)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Prep | Adj — Preposition
HRd/Aamsa
and if [the] tooth of [male] slave his or [the] tooth of female slave his he will knock out to free [person] he will set free him in place of tooth his
יְשַׁלְּחֶ֖נּוּye.shal.le.Che.nu he will set free him H7971 Verb piel imperfect third person masculine singular · suffix
847× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
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.
Amplified meaning
slave, one who serves
Tyndale gloss
to send: depart
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word שָׁלַח (shalach) is a primitive root meaning 'to send' with a wide range of applications. It can refer to sending away, stretching out (especially a hand), or letting go. The entries indicate various forms, including sending off, casting out, and setting free. Notably, it can also imply divorce or being sent away in a marital context.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

שָׁלַח 814 vb. send

Qal

send: human subj.

send: subj. י׳ (God)

stretch out, esp. acc. hand

rarely send away: human subj.

let loose

Niph. letters were sent

Pi.

send off, away, human subj.

send away, subj. י׳

give over

cast out

send out, forth

let go, set free

shoot forth branches

let down

shoot

Phrases

Pu. be sent off (started on journey); be put away, divorced, of wife; be impelled(?)

Hiph. and I (י׳) will send

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H7971 שָׁלַח send .. send: human subj.

. send: subj. י׳ (God)

. stretch out, esp. acc. hand

. rarely send away: human subj.

. let loose

. letters were sent

. . send off, away, human subj.

. . send away, subj. י׳

. give over

. cast out

. send out, forth

. let go, set free

. shoot forth branches

. let down

. shoot

. Phrases

. be sent off (started on journey); be put away, divorced, of wife; be impelled(?)

. and I (י׳) will send

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

7971 shalach shaw-lakh'

a primitive root; to send away, for, or out (in a great

variety of applications):--X any wise, appoint, bring (on the

way), cast (away, out), conduct, X 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).

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

שָׁלַח (sha.lach) — to send: depart.

: 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

שָׁלַח (sha.lach) — to send: let go.

: let_go/free

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

Read the full entry →
Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
V-Piel-Imperf-3ms | Suff — Verb piel imperfect third person masculine singular · suffix
HVpi3ms/Sp3ms
and if [the] tooth of [male] slave his or [the] tooth of female slave his he will knock out to free [person] he will set free him in place of tooth his
תַּ֥חַתTa.chat in place of H8478 Noun common · masculine singular construct
505× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
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.
Amplified meaning
payment, reparation
Tyndale gloss
underneath: under
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

תַּחַת (tachath) refers to the concept of being underneath or below. It can function as a noun meaning 'the under part,' or as an adverb and preposition indicating position or substitution, such as 'instead of' or 'for the sake of.' The word encompasses various uses, including physical placement and metaphorical meanings related to subjection or exchange.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

תַּחַת n.[m.] the under part, hence as adv. accus. and prep. underneath, below, instead of

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H8478 תַּחַת the under part, hence as adv. accus. and prep. underneath, below, instead of

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

8478 tachath takh'-ath

from the same as 8430; the bottom (as depressed); only

adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix

underneath), in lieu of, etc.:--as, beneath, X flat,

in(-stead), (same) place (where...is), room, for...sake, stead

of, under, X unto, X when...was mine, whereas, (where-)fore,

with.

see HEBREW for 08430

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

תַּחַת (ta.chat) — underneath: under.

: 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

תַּחַת (ta.chat) — underneath: instead.

: instead/in_place/exchange

Read the full entry →
Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Prep — Noun common · masculine singular construct
HNcmsc
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

ov:

(1) In Anglo-Saxon, had the meaning "from," "away from" (as the strengthened form "off" has still), and was not used for genitive or possessive relations, these being expressed by special case-forms. In the Norman period, however, "of" was taken to represent the French de (a use well developed by the time of Chaucer), and in the Elizabethan period both senses of "of" were in common use. But after about 1600 the later force of the word became predominant, and in the earlier sense (which is now practically obsolete) it was replaced by other prepositions. In consequence the King James Version (and in some cases the Revised Version (British and American)) contains many uses of "of" that are no longer familiar--most of them, to be sure, causing no difficulty, but there still being a few responsible for real obscurities.

English usagewhat the translators’ English meant
Webster's Dictionary (1828), Webster's Unabridged (1913), Webster's Dictionary (1806)

OF, preposition ov. [Gr.]

1. From or out of; proceeding from, as the cause, source, means, author or agent bestowing.

I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered to you. 1 Corinthians 11:1.

For it was of the Lord to harden their hearts. Joshua 11:1.

It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed.

Lamentations 3:1.

The whole disposing thereof is of the Lord. Proverbs 16:1.

Go, inquire of the Lord for me. 2 Chronicles 34:2.

That holy thing that shall be born of thee. Luke 1:1.

Hence of is the sign of the genitive case, the case that denotes production; as the son of man, the son proceeding from man, produced from man. This is the primary sense, although we now say, produced by man. 'Part of these were slain; ' that is, a number separate, for part denotes a division; the sense then is, a number from or out of the whole were slain. So also, 'some of these were slain; ' that is…

and if [the] tooth of [male] slave his or [the] tooth of female slave his he will knock out to free [person] he will set free him in place of tooth his
שִׁנּֽוֹ׃ פshi.No tooth his H8127 Noun common feminine singular construct · suffix
55× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
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.
Tyndale gloss
tooth
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word שֵׁן (shen) primarily means 'tooth' and can also refer to 'ivory.' It is derived from the root associated with sharpness, and it can figuratively denote a cliff or crag. The entries highlight various contexts, including its use in legal terms (lex talionis) and as a material in commerce.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

שֵׁן n.f. tooth, ivory

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H8127 שֵׁן tooth, ivory

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

8127 shen shane

from 8150; a tooth (as sharp); specifically (for 8143) ivory;

figuratively, a cliff:--crag, X forefront, ivory, X sharp,

tooth.

see HEBREW for 08150

see HEBREW for 08143

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

שֵׁן (shen) — tooth.

: 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

שֵׁן (shen) — tooth: ivory.

: ivory

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

שֵׁן (shen) — tooth: crag.

: crag

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

שֵׁן (shen) — tooth: prong.

: prong

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

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HNcfsc/Sp3ms — Noun common feminine singular construct · suffix
HNcfsc/Sp3ms
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

hiz: Used often in the King James Version with reference to a neuter or inanimate thing, or to a lower animal (Ge 1:11, "after his kind"; Le 1:16, "pluck away his crop"; Ac 12:10, "of his own accord"; 1Co 15:38, "his own body"), etc. the Revised Version (British and American) substitutes "its."

Sources on this page. Lexicons and dictionaries imported from the CrossWire SWORD modules — Abbott-Smith, Strong's, Dodson, the Intermediate Liddell-Scott-Jones, Robinson and Packard, Webster and Cawdrey. Thayer’s Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament (Harper, 1889 — Grimm’s Wilke’s Clavis Novi Testamenti, translated, revised and enlarged by Joseph Henry Thayer) is public domain and is set here from the Internet Archive page scan greekenglishlex00grim; it is uncorrected OCR, marked as such on the entry itself, and the Strong’s numbers — which Thayer’s own edition does not carry — were matched by lemma against the other modules on this page. Trench’s Synonyms of the New Testament (Macmillan, 1880) and Moulton and Milligan’s Vocabulary of the Greek Testament (Hodder & Stoughton, 1930, which entered the United States public domain on 1 January 2026) are set from Internet Archive page scans synonymsofnewtes00treniala and vocabularyofgree00mouluoft, and are likewise uncorrected OCR matched to Strong’s numbers by lemma. Trench treats a group of words at once, so the same essay stands on the page of each word it compares. The Mounce Concise Greek-English Dictionary is © 1993 and is used here by permission for non-commercial use, www.teknia.com/greek-dictionary. The full Liddell-Scott-Jones and the Hebrew word data (TAHOT) come from STEPBible.org, CC BY 4.0. Brown-Driver-Briggs is the OpenScriptures digitisation, public domain. Syntax analysis is the Nestle 1904 Lowfat treebank (biblicalhumanities.org); the concordance and morphology are built from the tagged Nestle 1904 text. Septuagint occurrences use the Open Scriptures Septuagint lemma index, derived from CCAT (University of Pennsylvania) and the Rahlfs 1935 dataset by Eliran Wong, CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 — used here on a non-commercial ministry site. Greek of Josephus and Barnabas from the Perseus Digital Library, CC BY-SA 4.0. Commentaries and the Ante-Nicene Fathers are public-domain texts hosted on this site. Everyday Greek from the Duke Databank of Documentary Papyri, CC BY 3.0, with dates and provenance from the Heidelberger Gesamtverzeichnis. Philo and the Apostolic Fathers from Open Greek and Latin (First1KGreek), CC BY-SA 4.0. The apparatus and the fifth Greek column are the SBL Greek New Testament, © 2010 SBL and Logos Bible Software, CC BY 4.0. The Latin is the Clementine Vulgate (public domain); the Syriac New Testament is the ETCBC edition (MIT licence). The Hebrew behind the Greek is computed here from the Septuagint index and TAHOT, not taken from any aligned edition. The translation spread and the per-word edition marks come from the Translators Amalgamated Greek NT (STEPBible, CC BY 4.0); clause roles from the Nestle 1904 Lowfat treebank (CC BY-SA 4.0); place identifications and their confidence from OpenBible.info Bible Geocoding (CC BY 4.0), with map tiles © OpenStreetMap contributors. Gospel parallels are computed here from shared uncommon vocabulary, not taken from any printed harmony. Cross references are the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge and the subject headings are Nave’s Topical Bible, both public domain. Works under Creative Commons licences are used unchanged apart from markup removal.

Everything we make is available for free because of a generous community of supporters.

Donate