Exodus 21:27

Exodus 21:27 is part of the "Book of the Covenant" (Exodus 21-23), a collection of laws given by God to Israel through Moses after the Ten Commandments. This specific verse addresses the rights and protections afforded to servants (both male and female) within ancient Israelite society, demonstrating God's concern for justice and human dignity.

Context

This verse belongs to a section of laws detailing the treatment of servants, personal injury, and property rights. Unlike many ancient Near Eastern legal codes where servants often had few rights, the Mosaic Law provided significant protections. The preceding verses (e.g., Exodus 21:26) discuss compensation for the loss of an eye, establishing a principle of severe penalties for bodily harm inflicted upon servants. If a master caused a permanent injury, such as knocking out a tooth, the servant was not merely compensated but granted freedom, a profound consequence for the master and a liberating outcome for the servant.

Key Themes

• Human Dignity and Worth: The law underscores that even a servant, who was often considered property in other cultures, possessed inherent dignity and bodily integrity. The loss of a tooth, seemingly minor, was deemed a significant enough violation to warrant freedom, emphasizing the value of humanity created in God's image.
• Divine Justice and Protection for the Vulnerable: God's law actively protected the marginalized and those in subordinate positions from abuse of power. It established a system of justice where masters faced substantial consequences for mistreating their servants, preventing arbitrary cruelty.
• Freedom as Restitution: The prescribed penalty of freedom for a permanent bodily injury was a powerful deterrent against abuse and a unique form of restitution, highlighting the supreme value of liberty.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew term for "manservant" is 'eved (עֶבֶד), which can refer to a slave, bondservant, or servant. It encompasses various forms of servitude, often temporary or voluntary. The law here applies equally to the "maidservant" ('amah, אָמָה). The emphasis is on the physical integrity of the individual; the loss of a permanent fixture like a tooth is not trivial in the eyes of God's law.

Practical Application

While direct servitude in the biblical sense is not common today, the principles of Exodus 21:27 remain highly relevant. This verse challenges us to consider:

• Respect for All People: Every individual, regardless of their social or economic status, deserves dignity and protection from harm.
• Accountability for Power: Those in positions of authority (employers, leaders, parents) are called to exercise their power responsibly and justly, recognizing their accountability for the well-being of those under their care. This resonates with New Testament teachings on fair treatment of employees and subordinates.
• Justice for the Oppressed: The divine concern for the vulnerable in ancient Israel continues to call believers to advocate for and protect those who are exploited or marginalized in contemporary society, ensuring their rights and dignity are upheld.