King James Version:
(The Lord speaking is red text)
And if he do not these three unto her, then shall she go out free without money.
Complete Jewish Bible:
If he fails to provide her with these three things, she is to be given her freedom without having to pay anything.
Berean Standard Bible:
If, however, he does not provide her with these three things, she is free to go without monetary payment.
American Standard Version:
And if he do not these three things unto her, then shall she go out for nothing, without money.
KJV with Strong’s Numbers:
And if he do{H6213} not these three{H7969} unto her, then shall she go out{H3318} free{H2600} without money{H3701}.
Cross-References (KJV):
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Commentary for Exodus 21:11
1. Themes:
- Justice and Fairness: The verse emphasizes the importance of treating individuals, particularly women, with fairness and dignity within the legal framework of ancient Israel.
- Rights of the Vulnerable: It reflects a concern for the rights and well-being of a vulnerable group—female slaves or servants—ensuring they are not taken advantage of.
- Marriage and Divorce: The passage addresses the responsibilities within a marital-like relationship, providing a form of protection for a woman in the event that her husband/master fails to fulfill his obligations.
2. Historical Context:
- Ancient Near Eastern Slave Laws: Exodus 21:11 is part of the Covenant Code, which contains laws given to the Israelites after their exodus from Egypt. These laws parallel other ancient Near Eastern legal collections, yet they often show a unique concern for the welfare of the individual, especially when compared to surrounding cultures.
- The Status of Women: In the patriarchal society of ancient Israel, women had limited rights, especially in comparison to men. This verse is one of several that provided certain protections and rights to women, particularly those in servitude.
- Servitude and Slavery: The Israelites were familiar with servitude, both from their own experience in Egypt and as a common practice in the region. The laws pertaining to servants (often translated as "slaves") were meant to mitigate the harsher aspects of this institution.
- Conditional Release: The verse specifies that if a male master takes a female servant as a wife and fails to provide for her as outlined in the preceding verses (food, clothing, and marital rights), she is to be released from servitude without payment of a redemption price. This contrasts with the usual requirement for a servant to pay for their freedom or be bought out by a kinsman-redeemer.
In summary, Exodus 21:11 is situated within a legal code that seeks to balance the social and economic realities of ancient Israel with a commitment to justice and compassion, particularly for those in vulnerable positions. It reflects an early form of social legislation aimed at protecting the rights of women within a societal structure that often left them with few protections.
*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model
Strong's Numbers and Definitions:
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)
- Strong's Number: H6213
There are 2286 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: עָשָׂה
Transliteration: ʻâsâh
Pronunciation: aw-saw'
Description: a primitive root; to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application; accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. - Strong's Number: H7969
There are 381 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: שָׁלוֹשׁ
Transliteration: shâlôwsh
Pronunciation: shaw-loshe'
Description: or שָׁלֹשׁ; masculine שְׁלוֹשָׁה; or שְׁלֹשָׁה; a primitive number; three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice; [phrase] fork, [phrase] often(-times), third, thir(-teen, -teenth), three, [phrase] thrice. Compare שָׁלִישׁ. - Strong's Number: H3318
There are 992 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: יָצָא
Transliteration: yâtsâʼ
Pronunciation: yaw-tsaw'
Description: a primitive root; to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim.; [idiom] after, appear, [idiom] assuredly, bear out, [idiom] begotten, break out, bring forth (out, up), carry out, come (abroad, out, thereat, without), [phrase] be condemned, depart(-ing, -ure), draw forth, in the end, escape, exact, fail, fall (out), fetch forth (out), get away (forth, hence, out), (able to, cause to, let) go abroad (forth, on, out), going out, grow, have forth (out), issue out, lay (lie) out, lead out, pluck out, proceed, pull out, put away, be risen, [idiom] scarce, send with commandment, shoot forth, spread, spring out, stand out, [idiom] still, [idiom] surely, take forth (out), at any time, [idiom] to (and fro), utter. - Strong's Number: H2600
There are 31 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: חִנָּם
Transliteration: chinnâm
Pronunciation: khin-nawm'
Description: from חֵן; gratis, i.e. devoid of cost, reason or advantage; without a cause (cost, wages), causeless, to cost nothing, free(-ly), innocent, for nothing (nought, in vain. - Strong's Number: H3701
There are 343 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: כֶּסֶף
Transliteration: keçeph
Pronunciation: keh'-sef
Description: from כָּסַף; silver (from its pale color); by implication, money; money, price, silver(-ling).