What is the difference between "man-stealing" in Exodus 21:16 and indentured servitude in ancient Israel?

Exodus 21:16 condemns the violent abduction or kidnapping of a free person, treating them as property to be sold or held against their will. This was a capital offense. Indentured servitude, as described elsewhere in the Mosaic Law (e.g., Exodus 21:2-11 or Leviticus 25:39-43), was a legal, temporary arrangement. It typically involved individuals selling themselves or their labor due to debt or poverty, often for a limited period (e.g., six years for a Hebrew servant, as in Exodus 21:2), with specific protections and the expectation of release. The key distinction lies in the consent of the individual and the temporary, regulated nature of the arrangement versus the violent, non-consensual, and permanent commodification of a person. Man-stealing was a crime against humanity; indentured servitude was a regulated economic practice within the legal framework, albeit one that still required careful ethical consideration.

21:15 21:15

Exodus 21:16

21:17 21:17

Bible Versions

And he that stealeth a man, and selleth him, or if he be found in his hand, he shall surely be put to death.

And he that stealeth {H1589} a man {H376}, and selleth {H4376} him, or if he be found {H4672} in his hand {H3027}, he shall surely {H4191} be put to death {H4191}.

"Whoever kidnaps someone must be put to death, regardless of whether he has already sold him or the person is found still in his possession.

Whoever kidnaps another man must be put to death, whether he sells him or the man is found in his possession.

And he that stealeth a man, and selleth him, or if he be found in his hand, he shall surely be put to death.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Verse Lookup

Cross-References

Deuteronomy 24:7

If a man be found stealing any of his brethren of the children of Israel, and maketh merchandise of him, or selleth him; then that thief shall die; and thou shalt put evil away from among you.
1 Timothy 1:10

For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine;
Exodus 22:4

If the theft be certainly found in his hand alive, whether it be ox, or ass, or sheep; he shall restore double.
Genesis 37:28

Then there passed by Midianites merchantmen; and they drew and lifted up Joseph out of the pit, and sold Joseph to the Ishmeelites for twenty [pieces] of silver: and they brought Joseph into Egypt.
Genesis 40:15

For indeed I was stolen away out of the land of the Hebrews: and here also have I done nothing that they should put me into the dungeon.
Revelation 18:12

The merchandise of gold, and silver, and precious stones, and of pearls, and fine linen, and purple, and silk, and scarlet, and all thyine wood, and all manner vessels of ivory, and all manner vessels of most precious wood, and of brass, and iron, and marble,

Bible Versions

Search Scripture