Exodus 21:10

Exodus 21:10 is part of the "Book of the Covenant" (Exodus 20:22-23:33), a collection of laws given by God to Moses immediately following the Ten Commandments. This specific verse addresses the rights of a woman, particularly in the context of ancient Israelite society where polygamy was practiced, though not necessarily endorsed as God's ideal. It underscores God's concern for justice and the protection of vulnerable individuals, even within domestic arrangements.

Context

This verse falls within a section detailing laws concerning servants and their treatment (Exodus 21:2-11). Specifically, it follows regulations regarding a Hebrew maidservant who might be sold by her father (often due to poverty) and subsequently taken as a wife or concubine by her master or his son. If the master or son then takes another wife, this verse ensures that the first wife's fundamental rights and provisions are not diminished. It highlights a legal framework designed to prevent neglect and abuse, even for those in less powerful positions, like a Hebrew maidservant.

Key Themes

• Protection of Women's Rights: Despite the patriarchal nature of ancient society, this law provided significant legal protection for wives, ensuring their basic needs and dignity were upheld. It reflects God's consistent concern for the vulnerable and marginalized.
• Marital Obligations: The verse explicitly defines three non-negotiable duties of a husband towards his wife: provision of food, clothing, and conjugal rights. These were considered fundamental for her well-being and status within the household.
• Justice and Equity: The law establishes a baseline of equitable treatment, preventing a husband from neglecting a wife simply because he has taken another. This demonstrates God's desire for justice to prevail in all relationships.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV translates three key Hebrew terms that represent the husband's obligations:

• "her food" (Hebrew: she'er): Literally "flesh," this term signifies her basic sustenance and provision for her physical well-being.
• "her raiment" (Hebrew: kesuth): Refers to her clothing, covering, and by extension, shelter and protection.
• "her duty of marriage" (Hebrew: 'onah): This is the most debated term, but it is widely understood to refer to conjugal rights or marital dues. It implies the husband's responsibility to maintain a loving, intimate relationship with his wife. This concept of mutual marital obligation is echoed in the New Testament, such as in 1 Corinthians 7:3-5, where Paul speaks of spouses rendering due benevolence to one another.

Practical Application

While polygamy is not the norm in most modern societies and is explicitly discouraged in the New Testament (e.g., 1 Timothy 3:2), the core principles of Exodus 21:10 remain highly relevant for Christian marriage today:

• Husband's Responsibility: A husband is called to provide for his wife's physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. This includes financial support ("food" and "raiment") and maintaining a healthy, intimate relationship ("duty of marriage").
• Love and Respect: The underlying message is that a wife should be treated with dignity, respect, and consistent care. This aligns with the New Testament command for husbands to love their wives as Christ loved the church.
• Undiminished Care: The command "shall he not diminish" speaks to the need for consistent, undiminished care and attention in marriage. No matter the circumstances or competing demands, a spouse's fundamental needs and the marital bond should not be neglected. This verse serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring nature of the marriage covenant and the responsibilities it entails.