Exodus 21:27

KJV

And if he smite out his manservant's tooth, or his maidservant's tooth; he shall let him go free for his tooth's sake.

KJV (with Strong's)

And if he smite {H5307} out his manservant's {H5650} tooth {H8127}, or his maidservant's {H519} tooth {H8127}; he shall let him go {H7971} free {H2670} for his tooth's {H8127} sake.

Complete Jewish Bible

If he knocks out his male or female slave's tooth, he must let him go free in compensation for his tooth.

Berean Standard Bible

And if he knocks out the tooth of his manservant or maidservant, he must let the servant go free as compensation for the tooth.

American Standard Version

And if he smite out his man-servant’s tooth, or his maid-servant’s tooth, he shall let him go free for his tooth’s sake.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 21:27, nestled within the foundational legal framework of the Book of the Covenant, delineates a revolutionary principle for ancient Israelite society: should a master inflict permanent bodily harm, specifically the loss of a tooth, upon a manservant or maidservant, the injured individual is immediately granted freedom. This statute powerfully underscores God's profound concern for human dignity, the sacredness of the body, and the protection of the vulnerable, asserting that inherent human worth supersedes property rights, thereby demonstrating a unique and compassionate form of divine justice unparalleled in the ancient world.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of the "Book of the Covenant" (Exodus 21-23), a detailed collection of civil and ceremonial laws that God delivered to Moses immediately after the Ten Commandments. Specifically, it falls within a section (Exodus 21:1-32) that addresses the treatment of various social groups and personal injury. The preceding verses establish regulations concerning Hebrew servants (such as in [Exodus 21:1-11](/exodus/21-1-11 "Exodus 21:1-11 - Laws for Hebrew Servants")), capital offenses (e.g., [Exodus 21:12-17](/exodus/21-12-17 "Exodus 21:12-17 - Capital Offenses")), and various forms of compensation for bodily harm. Notably, [Exodus 21:26](/exodus/21-26 "Exodus 21:26 - Law for a Servant's Eye") directly precedes this verse, stipulating freedom for the loss of an eye, thereby setting a clear precedent for the tooth injury in [Exodus 21:27](/exodus/21-27 "Exodus 21:27 - Law for a Servant's Tooth"). These laws collectively reveal a legal system that, in stark contrast to its contemporaries, placed significant and often surprising value on human life and bodily integrity, even for those in servitude.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the broader ancient Near East, societies generally viewed slaves and servants as chattel, mere property with very limited, if any, inherent rights. Legal codes such as the Code of Hammurabi often prescribed monetary compensation for injuries to slaves, payable to the owner, but almost never freedom. The Mosaic Law, however, as evidenced throughout [Exodus 21](/exodus/21 "Exodus 21 - Laws for Servants and Injuries"), introduces a revolutionary concept: the physical integrity of a servant is so highly valued that a permanent injury, even one seemingly minor like the loss of a tooth, warrants the ultimate restitution of freedom. This radical approach is deeply rooted in Israel's unique covenant relationship with God, who liberated them from the oppressive slavery of Egypt (a narrative powerfully recounted in [Exodus 1-15](/exodus/1-15 "Exodus 1-15 - The Deliverance from Egypt")), thereby instilling a profound theological basis for valuing liberty and protecting the vulnerable within their own society. The law's equitable application to both male and female servants further underscores its progressive and just nature.

* **Key Themes:** Exodus 21:27 contributes significantly to several overarching theological and narrative themes within the Book of the Covenant and the Pentateuch. Foremost among these is the theme of **Divine Justice and Equity**, demonstrating God's unwavering commitment to fairness and the protection of the marginalized, even when it challenges prevailing societal norms. It also highlights the **Sanctity of Human Dignity**, asserting that every individual, regardless of their social or economic status, possesses inherent worth as an image-bearer of God, a concept foundational to biblical anthropology (as seen in [Genesis 1:26-27](/genesis/1-26-27 "Genesis 1:26-27 - Humanity Created in God's Image")). Furthermore, the law underscores the **Value of Liberty**, portraying freedom not merely as an absence of bondage but as a divinely ordained state of being, reflecting Israel's own experience of liberation from slavery. Finally, it addresses the theme of **Accountability and Restitution**, establishing clear consequences for abuse of power and mandating a form of restitution that prioritizes human well-being over economic loss.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Smite (Hebrew, _nâphal'_):** From H5307, this primitive root means "to fall," but in a causative sense, it can mean "to cause to fall" or "to strike down." In this context, it specifically means "to smite out" or cause the tooth to fall out. The use of this verb implies an intentional act of violence or aggression that results in the permanent dislodgment of the tooth, not an accidental injury. This highlights the master's culpability and the deliberate nature of the harm inflicted.
* **Manservant (Hebrew, _ʻebed'_), Maidservant (Hebrew, _ʼâmâh'_):** From H5650 and H519 respectively, these terms refer to individuals in a state of servitude. While they could denote various forms of bond-service (e.g., due to debt, poverty, or capture), the critical point here is that these individuals, despite their subordinate status, are recognized as persons with rights. The explicit mention of both male and female servants underscores the universal application of this protective law, demonstrating God's impartial justice that extends to all, irrespective of gender or social standing.
* **Free (Hebrew, _chophshîy'_):** From H2670, this word signifies complete exemption from bondage, tax, or care; true liberty. It implies a full release from the master's authority and a return to the status of a free person. The granting of _chophshîy_ for a bodily injury, even one not immediately life-threatening, powerfully illustrates the immense value God places on a person's physical integrity and the supreme worth of liberty within His legal framework. It serves as a potent deterrent against abuse and a unique form of restitution that prioritizes human dignity above all.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And if he smite out his manservant's tooth, or his maidservant's tooth":** This protasis (the "if" clause) sets the specific condition for the law's application. The act of "smite out" (from H5307, _nâphal_) implies an act of violence or aggression that results in the permanent loss of a tooth. The explicit inclusion of both "manservant's tooth" and "maidservant's tooth" emphatically reiterates the equal protection afforded to all servants, regardless of gender, demonstrating the comprehensive and non-discriminatory nature of this divine mandate for justice and care. It establishes the specific injury that triggers the severe consequence.
* **"he shall let him go free for his tooth's sake.":** This apodosis (the "then" clause) prescribes the mandatory consequence. The master is legally obligated to release the injured servant from their service, granting them complete freedom. The phrase "for his tooth's sake" (literally "because of his tooth") emphasizes that the injury itself—the permanent disfigurement or loss of a bodily part—is the direct and sufficient cause for the granting of freedom. This highlights that the value of the servant's bodily integrity and personal liberty decisively outweighs the master's property rights, establishing a profound principle of human dignity that transcends mere economic interest.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 21:27 primarily functions as a piece of **Casuistic Law**, characterized by its "if...then" (or "when...then") structure. This legal form presents specific case scenarios and their prescribed consequences, making the law clear, practical, and directly applicable to real-life situations. This contrasts with apodictic law, which consists of absolute commands. The law also employs powerful **Symbolism**: the tooth, though seemingly a minor bodily part, symbolizes the servant's bodily integrity and inherent human dignity. Its permanent loss represents a profound violation of that dignity, warranting the ultimate restitution of freedom. This symbolic weight elevates the injury beyond mere physical damage to a breach of fundamental human rights. Furthermore, there is a clear element of **Inversion of Power** at play; what might appear to be a relatively minor injury inflicted by a powerful master results in a severe consequence for the master (loss of property) and a liberating outcome for the vulnerable servant (gain of freedom), thereby radically rebalancing the power dynamic in favor of the oppressed.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This law profoundly reveals God's character as a just and compassionate sovereign who champions the cause of the vulnerable and marginalized. It establishes that human beings, even those in servitude, possess inherent dignity and value because they are created in God's image, a theological truth that transcends social status or economic utility. The granting of freedom for a bodily injury, however seemingly minor, underscores the sanctity of the human body and the supreme value of liberty as a divine gift. This principle contrasts sharply with the norms of the ancient world, demonstrating God's unique standard of justice that prioritizes the well-being and rights of the individual over the property rights of the master. It serves as a foundational declaration of human worth under divine law, reflecting God's own act of liberating Israel from bondage.

* [Genesis 1:27](/genesis/1-27 "Genesis 1:27 - Humanity Created in God's Image")
* [Deuteronomy 15:12-15](/deuteronomy/15-12-15 "Deuteronomy 15:12-15 - Laws for Releasing Servants")
* [Leviticus 25:39-43](/leviticus/25-39-43 "Leviticus 25:39-43 - Treatment of Hebrew Servants")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 21:27, though rooted in an ancient legal context, offers timeless principles that profoundly challenge and inform our contemporary understanding of justice, human dignity, and the responsible exercise of power. It compels us to recognize the inherent worth of every individual, irrespective of their social standing, economic status, or perceived utility in society. In a world where exploitation, marginalization, and abuse of power persist in various forms, this verse serves as a powerful reminder of God's unwavering concern for the oppressed and His call for His people to actively uphold justice. It demands that those in positions of authority—whether employers, leaders, parents, or even simply those with greater influence—exercise their power with profound responsibility, compassion, and a deep respect for the dignity of those under their care. We are called to understand that accountability for mistreatment is not merely a human construct but a divine imperative. Ultimately, this passage calls us to actively advocate for and protect the rights and well-being of the vulnerable in our own communities, ensuring that no one is treated as mere property or a means to an end, but always as a person created in the sacred image of God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the value placed on a servant's tooth in this law challenge our modern perceptions of what constitutes "significant" harm or injustice, especially for those in subordinate positions?**
* **In what subtle or overt ways might we, consciously or unconsciously, devalue or exploit those in subordinate positions in our own lives, workplaces, or broader society today?**
* **How can we, as individuals and as a community of faith, better embody God's profound concern for the vulnerable and actively advocate for justice and dignity in contemporary contexts?**

### FAQ
**Why is the loss of a tooth specifically mentioned, and why is it considered so severe that it warrants freedom?**

Answer: The specific mention of a tooth, alongside an eye in the preceding verse ([Exodus 21:26](/exodus/21-26 "Exodus 21:26 - Law for a Servant's Eye")), highlights that any permanent bodily disfigurement or loss, even if not immediately life-threatening, was considered a grave violation of a person's physical integrity and dignity. In ancient societies, a missing tooth could significantly affect one's appearance, ability to eat, and overall social standing, marking a permanent injury that diminished the individual. Unlike many ancient Near Eastern laws that would only require monetary compensation for such an injury to a servant (treating them as property), the Mosaic Law demands freedom as restitution. This emphasizes that the servant is not mere property; their bodily integrity and personal liberty are of such high value in God's eyes that their violation results in the ultimate consequence for the master: the loss of their "property" and the servant's complete liberation. It underscores God's unique concern for the inherent worth of every human being, reflecting His own act of liberating Israel from bondage.

**How does this law compare to other ancient legal codes regarding servants?**

Answer: The law in [Exodus 21:27](/exodus/21-27 "Exodus 21:27 - Law for a Servant's Tooth") is remarkably progressive and compassionate when compared to most other ancient Near Eastern legal codes, such as the Code of Hammurabi or the Middle Assyrian Laws. In those codes, injuries to slaves typically resulted in monetary fines paid to the owner, treating the slave as property rather than an individual with inherent rights. For instance, if a man knocked out the tooth of a commoner, Hammurabi's code might prescribe a fine, but if it was a slave, the fine would be significantly less, and paid directly to the slave's owner. The Mosaic Law, however, elevates the servant's status by granting them freedom for such an injury. This unique provision reflects Israel's foundational experience of liberation from slavery (as seen in [Exodus 1-15](/exodus/1-15 "Exodus 1-15 - The Deliverance from Egypt")) and God's theological emphasis on human dignity and liberty, setting it apart as a truly revolutionary legal framework for its time.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 21:27, with its radical emphasis on the dignity of the vulnerable and the liberating power of justice, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While the Mosaic Law provided physical freedom from an earthly master for a bodily injury, Christ offers a far more expansive and eternal liberation: freedom from the spiritual bondage of sin and the ultimate tyranny of death. Just as the law protected the "manservant" and "maidservant" from abuse and exploitation, Jesus consistently championed the marginalized, the outcast, and the oppressed throughout His earthly ministry, demonstrating the very heart of God for those considered least in society (as powerfully articulated in [Matthew 25:40](/matthew/25-40 "Matthew 25:40 - Whatever You Did for the Least of These")). He did not merely advocate for their rights but entered into their suffering, ultimately sacrificing Himself on the cross to secure true and lasting freedom for all who believe (a truth proclaimed in [John 8:36](/john/8-36 "John 8:36 - If the Son Sets You Free")). In Christ, the social distinctions of status, gender, or servitude that were addressed by the Mosaic Law are transcended, for "there is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus" ([Galatians 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "Galatians 3:28 - One in Christ Jesus")). His redemptive work liberates us not for a tooth's sake, but for the sake of our very souls, transforming us from slaves to sin into servants of righteousness and co-heirs of eternal life ([Romans 6:18](/romans/6-18 "Romans 6:18 - Freed from Sin")).

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.