Exodus 21:26

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.

And if a man {H376} smite {H5221} the eye {H5869} of his servant {H5650}, or the eye {H5869} of his maid {H519}, that it perish {H7843}; he shall let him go {H7971} free {H2670} for {H8478} his eye's {H5869} sake.

"If a person hits his male or female slave's eye and destroys it, he must let him go free in compensation for his eye.

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.

And if a man smite the eye of his servant, or the eye of his maid, and destroy it; he shall let him go free for his eyeโ€™s sake.

Commentary

Exodus 21:26 is part of the "Book of the Covenant" (Exodus 20:22-23:33), a collection of laws given by God to Moses at Mount Sinai to govern the newly formed nation of Israel. This specific verse addresses the treatment of servants and the consequences for severe injury inflicted by a master.

Context of Exodus 21:26

This verse falls within a section of laws concerning personal injury and property rights, immediately following the principle of "eye for an eye, tooth for a tooth" (lex talionis). However, for servants, the application is different: instead of a direct retaliatory injury, the penalty for a master permanently injuring a servant's eye (or tooth, as per the next verse, Exodus 21:27) is the servant's freedom. This highlights a unique aspect of Israelite law compared to other ancient Near Eastern codes, which often granted fewer rights to servants.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Protection for the Vulnerable: The law demonstrates God's profound concern for the marginalized and those in positions of subservience. While servitude existed in ancient Israel (often as a means of debt repayment or economic survival, not chattel slavery), God's law placed significant protections upon servants.
  • Justice and Compensation: The loss of an eye was a debilitating injury, severely impacting a person's ability to work and live. Emancipation served as a form of divine compensation, granting the servant their freedom as restitution for a permanent and severe injury.
  • Limits on Authority: This statute placed a clear moral and legal boundary on the power of a master over their servants. It prevented wanton abuse and cruelty, emphasizing that authority comes with responsibility and accountability for the well-being of those under one's care.
  • Value of Human Dignity: Despite their social status, servants were not considered mere property. The law underscores the inherent dignity and worth of every individual, created in God's image, regardless of their economic or social standing. This reflects a broader biblical principle of God's care for the oppressed and vulnerable.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "servant" is 'eved (ืขึถื‘ึถื“), which can refer to a slave, bondservant, or even an official. In this context, it refers to an individual under the authority of another, often due to debt or circumstance. The act of "smite" (nakah, ื ึธื›ึธื”) implies a forceful striking or hitting, leading to a permanent injury. The phrase "that it perish" (abad, ืึธื‘ึทื“) means that the eye is destroyed or permanently lost, emphasizing the severity and lasting nature of the injury.

Practical Application

Exodus 21:26 offers timeless principles for believers today:

  • Accountability in Leadership: Those in positions of authority (employers, parents, leaders) are called to exercise their power responsibly, with compassion and a commitment to the well-being of those under their care.
  • Respect for Human Dignity: We are reminded to uphold the inherent worth and dignity of every person, irrespective of their background, status, or perceived vulnerability. Discrimination or exploitation is contrary to God's heart.
  • Advocacy for Justice: Believers should advocate for just laws and practices that protect the rights and well-being of all, especially the vulnerable and those who may be exploited in society. This verse serves as a powerful reminder of God's concern for fair treatment and compensation for harm.
Note: Commentary was generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please remember that only the commentary section is AI-generated. The main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are sourced from trusted and verified materials.

Cross-References

  • Nehemiah 5:5

    Yet now our flesh [is] as the flesh of our brethren, our children as their children: and, lo, we bring into bondage our sons and our daughters to be servants, and [some] of our daughters are brought unto bondage [already]: neither [is it] in our power [to redeem them]; for other men have our lands and vineyards.

  • Ephesians 6:9

    And, ye masters, do the same things unto them, forbearing threatening: knowing that your Master also is in heaven; neither is there respect of persons with him.

  • Proverbs 22:22

    ยถ Rob not the poor, because he [is] poor: neither oppress the afflicted in the gate:

  • Proverbs 22:23

    For the LORD will plead their cause, and spoil the soul of those that spoiled them.

  • Exodus 21:20

    And if a man smite his servant, or his maid, with a rod, and he die under his hand; he shall be surely punished.

  • Colossians 4:1

    ยถ Masters, give unto [your] servants that which is just and equal; knowing that ye also have a Master in heaven.

  • Psalms 72:12

    For he shall deliver the needy when he crieth; the poor also, and [him] that hath no helper.
โ† Back