Exodus Chapter 21

Exodus 21 Summary: Meaning, Themes & Reflection

Explore this passage of Scripture with its full text and meaning. Read these 36 Bible verses from Exodus and discover their timeless wisdom.

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1. “These are the ordinances that you are to set before them: 2. If you buy a Hebrew servant, he is to serve you for six years. But in the seventh year, he shall go free without paying anything. 3. If he arrived alone, he is to leave alone; if he arrived with a wife, she is to leave with him. 4. If his master gives him a wife and she bears him sons or daughters, the woman and her children shall belong to her master, and only the man shall go free. 5. But if the servant declares, ‘I love my master and my wife and children; I do not want to go free,’ 6. then his master is to bring him before the judges. And he shall take him to the door or doorpost and pierce his ear with an awl. Then he shall serve his master for life. 7. And if a man sells his daughter as a servant, she is not to go free as the menservants do. 8. If she is displeasing in the eyes of her master who had designated her for himself, he must allow her to be redeemed. He has no right to sell her to foreigners, since he has broken faith with her. 9. And if he chooses her for his son, he must deal with her as with a daughter. 10. If he takes another wife, he must not reduce the food, clothing, or marital rights of his first wife. 11. If, however, he does not provide her with these three things, she is free to go without monetary payment. 12. Whoever strikes and kills a man must surely be put to death. 13. If, however, he did not lie in wait, but God allowed it to happen, then I will appoint for you a place where he may flee. 14. But if a man schemes and acts willfully against his neighbor to kill him, you must take him away from My altar to be put to death. 15. Whoever strikes his father or mother must surely be put to death. 16. Whoever kidnaps another man must be put to death, whether he sells him or the man is found in his possession. 17. Anyone who curses his father or mother must surely be put to death. 18. If men are quarreling and one strikes the other with a stone or a fist, and he does not die but is confined to bed, 19. then the one who struck him shall go unpunished, as long as the other can get up and walk around outside with his staff. Nevertheless, he must compensate the man for his lost work and see that he is completely healed. 20. If a man strikes his manservant or maidservant with a rod, and the servant dies by his hand, he shall surely be punished. 21. However, if the servant gets up after a day or two, the owner shall not be punished, since the servant is his property. 22. If men who are fighting strike a pregnant woman and her child is born prematurely, but there is no further injury, he shall surely be fined as the woman’s husband demands and as the court allows. 23. But if a serious injury results, then you must require a life for a life— 24. eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, 25. burn for burn, wound for wound, and stripe for stripe. 26. 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. 27. And if he knocks out the tooth of his manservant or maidservant, he must let the servant go free as compensation for the tooth. 28. If 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. 29. But 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. 30. If payment is demanded of him instead, he may redeem his life by paying the full amount demanded of him. 31. If the ox gores a son or a daughter, it shall be done to him according to the same rule. 32. If the ox gores a manservant or maidservant, the owner must pay thirty shekels of silver to the master of that servant, and the ox must be stoned. 33. If a man opens or digs a pit and fails to cover it, and an ox or a donkey falls into it, 34. the owner of the pit shall make restitution; he must pay its owner, and the dead animal will be his. 35. If a man’s ox injures his neighbor’s ox and it dies, they must sell the live one and divide the proceeds; they also must divide the dead animal. 36. But if it was known that the ox had a habit of goring, yet its owner failed to restrain it, he shall pay full compensation, ox for ox, and the dead animal will be his.

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36 verses
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Key Themes and Application

Background

This chapter of Scripture reveals important truths about God's character and His relationship with His people. The 36 Bible verses in this passage offer wisdom that applies to our daily lives.

Main Message

This passage contains timeless wisdom that speaks to believers across generations.

Life Application

  • Read these verses slowly and prayerfully, asking God to speak to you
  • Consider how this passage applies to your current circumstances
  • Journal about what God is teaching you through this Scripture
  • Share these insights with friends or in a small group setting

Reflection Questions

  • What stands out to you most in these 36 Bible verses?
  • How does this passage challenge or encourage you today?
  • What is God inviting you to do or believe through this Scripture?
  • Who in your life needs to hear the message of these verses?

About These 36 Bible Verses

Reading the Bible is more than just checking off a task on your list. When you open these 36 Bible verses from Exodus, you are entering into a conversation with God that has spanned thousands of years.

This chapter of Scripture invites you to slow down and listen. The words on these pages have comforted, challenged, and guided countless believers throughout history. As you read this passage, remember that God speaks through His Word to meet you right where you are.

Many people find it helpful to read these verses multiple times. First, read to understand the overall message. Then read again to notice specific words or phrases that stand out. Finally, read once more asking God to show you how this Scripture applies to your life today.

Why Study This Passage?

For Personal Growth

These 36 Bible verses offer wisdom for your journey. As you meditate on this passage, God uses His Word to shape your character, deepen your faith, and guide your decisions.

For Group Study

This chapter provides rich material for discussion. Reading these Bible verses with others allows you to gain new perspectives and encourage one another in faith.

For Teaching and Preaching

Pastors and teachers find in this passage timeless truths to share. The themes in these verses speak to people of all ages and backgrounds.

For Prayer and Worship

Let these words become your prayer. As you read, turn the verses into conversations with God, thanking Him for His promises and seeking His guidance.

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