Exodus 21:9

KJV

And if he have betrothed her unto his son, he shall deal with her after the manner of daughters.

KJV (with Strong's)

And if he have betrothed {H3259} her unto his son {H1121}, he shall deal {H6213} with her after the manner {H4941} of daughters {H1323}.

Complete Jewish Bible

If he has her marry his son, then he is to treat her like a daughter.

Berean Standard Bible

And if he chooses her for his son, he must deal with her as with a daughter.

American Standard Version

And if he espouse her unto his son, he shall deal with her after the manner of daughters.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 21:9 details a specific provision within the Mosaic Law concerning a Hebrew maidservant who has been sold by her father. If the master betroths her to his son, this verse mandates that she is to be treated "after the manner of daughters," signifying a profound elevation of her status from a mere servant to an integrated member of the household, entitled to the same care, rights, and dignity as a biological daughter. This law underscores God's deep concern for the vulnerable and His commitment to justice and compassionate treatment, even within the ancient societal structures of servitude.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Exodus 21:9 is situated within the "Book of the Covenant" (Exodus 20:22-23:33), a collection of specific laws given by God to Moses immediately following the Ten Commandments. This section serves as a practical application and elaboration of the broader moral principles established in the Decalogue. More specifically, verses 21:1-11 address laws concerning Hebrew servants, both male and female, outlining their rights and protections, a stark contrast to the often brutal treatment of servants in other ancient Near Eastern legal codes. Verse 9 directly follows the regulations concerning a father selling his daughter into servitude (Exodus 21:7) and the master's obligations if he does not find her pleasing and does not betroth her to himself (Exodus 21:8). Thus, verse 9 provides the positive outcome when the master chooses to integrate her into his family through betrothal to his son.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, poverty could compel a father to sell his daughter into temporary servitude, often as a means of debt repayment or survival. Unlike male Hebrew servants who were typically freed after six years (as detailed in [Exodus 21:2](/exodus/21-2 "Exodus 21:2 - Law of Hebrew Servants")), female servants had different provisions, often related to marriage and family integration. Betrothal (`'aras`) in ancient Israel was a legally binding agreement, far more serious than a modern engagement, carrying the weight of marriage though not yet consummated. This legal act granted the betrothed woman significant rights and protections. The phrase "after the manner of daughters" is particularly significant, as it elevates her status from property or a mere laborer to a cherished family member, entitled to sustenance, clothing, and marital rights, as further elaborated in [Exodus 21:10](/exodus/21-10 "Exodus 21:10 - Rights of a Wife"). This provision highlights the unique, compassionate nature of Mosaic Law compared to other contemporary legal systems, which often lacked such safeguards for the vulnerable.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Betrothed (Hebrew, _'aras'_):** This verb signifies a formal, legally binding engagement or betrothal. In ancient Israel, betrothal was a serious covenant, often requiring a formal agreement and payment (mohar) to the bride's family. It conferred a marital status, making the betrothed woman legally considered a wife, even before cohabitation or consummation. This legal weight is crucial, as it transforms the maidservant's status from a temporary bond of servitude into a permanent, familial one, granting her the rights and protections associated with a wife and daughter-in-law.
* **Daughters (Hebrew, _banot'_):** The plural of "daughter," this term is central to the verse's meaning. To treat someone "after the manner of daughters" means to extend to them the same care, provision, inheritance rights (in some contexts), and dignity as one would to a biological child born into the family. This is a complete redefinition of her social and legal standing, moving her from an outsider and servant to an insider and family member, reflecting a profound commitment to her welfare and integration.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And if he have betrothed her unto his son":** This clause sets the condition for the subsequent legal provision. It refers to the master's decision to arrange a marriage between the maidservant and his own son. This act of betrothal signifies a deliberate choice to elevate her status and integrate her into the family structure, moving beyond her initial role as a purchased servant. The master's son would become her husband, and she would become his daughter-in-law.
* **"he shall deal with her after the manner of daughters":** This is the core mandate of the verse, prescribing the required treatment. It means that once betrothed to the son, the maidservant is no longer to be treated as property or a mere servant, but with the same love, respect, provision, and rights as if she were a biological daughter of the master's household. This would include ensuring her sustenance, clothing, and marital rights, as well as her general well-being and dignity, reflecting a profound shift in her social and legal standing.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 21:9 primarily employs **Legal Precedent** and **Contrast**. The verse functions as a legal precedent, establishing a specific rule for a particular social scenario within the broader Mosaic Law, setting a standard for how vulnerable individuals, once brought into a family through betrothal, must be treated. The most striking literary device is **Contrast**, which highlights the dramatic shift in status for the maidservant. She moves from being a "servant" (implied from previous verses) to being treated "after the manner of daughters." This stark juxtaposition emphasizes the compassionate and dignifying nature of God's law, elevating the individual from a position of potential exploitation to one of familial belonging and protection. This also functions as a **Metaphor** for adoption or integration, where an outsider is brought in and given the full rights and privileges of a natural-born family member.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 21:9 powerfully illustrates God's unwavering commitment to justice, dignity, and the protection of the vulnerable, even within the complex social structures of ancient Israel. It reveals a divine character that values human life and well-being above mere economic transaction or social status. The law's mandate to treat a betrothed maidservant "after the manner of daughters" reflects a profound theological principle: that those who are brought into the covenant community, regardless of their origin or initial status, are to be treated with love, care, and full rights, reflecting God's own compassionate nature and His desire for equitable relationships within His people. This principle transcends the specific context, calling believers to extend radical compassion and ensure justice for all, especially those who are marginalized or dependent.

* [Deuteronomy 10:18](/deuteronomy/10-18 "Deuteronomy 10:18 - God's Justice for the Vulnerable")
* [Leviticus 19:34](/leviticus/19-34 "Leviticus 19:34 - Love the Sojourner")
* [Proverbs 31:8-9](/proverbs/31-8-9 "Proverbs 31:8-9 - Speak for the Voiceless")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the specific practice of selling daughters into servitude is no longer applicable today, the enduring principles embedded in Exodus 21:9 remain profoundly relevant for believers. This verse calls us to reflect on the inherent dignity of every human being, regardless of their social standing, economic status, or background. It challenges us to actively seek justice and compassion for the vulnerable in our own contexts, whether they are immigrants, the poor, the marginalized, or those in positions of dependence. We are reminded of our responsibility to use any position of authority or influence we possess not for exploitation, but for the upliftment and protection of others. Furthermore, the concept of integrating an outsider "after the manner of daughters" speaks to the radical inclusivity of the Kingdom of God, urging us to welcome and embrace those who are different, fostering environments where all are treated with respect, love, and the full rights of belonging.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might we, consciously or unconsciously, treat individuals based on their social status or perceived value, rather than their inherent dignity as image-bearers of God?**
* **How can we, as individuals and as a community, actively work to protect and advocate for the vulnerable and marginalized in our society today?**
* **What does it mean to "deal with others after the manner of daughters" in our contemporary relationships, whether familial, professional, or communal?**

### FAQ
**Was it common for fathers to sell their daughters into servitude in ancient Israel?**

Answer: While the practice is mentioned in the Mosaic Law, it was likely a measure of last resort, primarily driven by extreme poverty or debt. The law itself, as seen in [Exodus 21:7-11](/exodus/21-7 "Exodus 21:7-11 - Laws Concerning Female Servants"), sought to regulate and mitigate the harshness of such situations by providing significant protections and pathways to dignity, distinguishing it from more exploitative systems found in other ancient Near Eastern cultures. The Mosaic Law aimed to prevent outright slavery and ensure human dignity, even in difficult circumstances.

**What is the difference between "betrothed" and "married" in this context?**

Answer: In ancient Israel, betrothal (`'aras`) was a legally binding agreement that essentially conferred the status of marriage, though the couple had not yet begun living together or consummated the union. It was far more serious than a modern engagement. A betrothed woman was considered a wife, and breaking a betrothal required a formal divorce. [Deuteronomy 22:23-24](/deuteronomy/22-23 "Deuteronomy 22:23-24 - Law of Betrothal") illustrates the severity, prescribing the same penalty for adultery with a betrothed woman as with a married one. Exodus 21:9 emphasizes that once this formal betrothal to the son occurred, the maidservant's status immediately elevated to that of a family member, with corresponding rights.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 21:9, with its radical elevation of a maidservant to the status of a daughter, beautifully foreshadows the transformative work of Christ in redeeming humanity. We, who were once "slaves to sin" ([Romans 6:6](/romans/6-6 "Romans 6:6 - Slaves to Sin")), alienated from God and without rights in His household, are through Christ's atoning sacrifice "betrothed" to Him, brought into a new covenant relationship. The New Testament declares that through faith in Jesus, we receive the "Spirit of adoption as sons" ([Romans 8:15](/romans/8-15 "Romans 8:15 - Spirit of Adoption")), no longer servants but "heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ" ([Romans 8:17](/romans/8-17 "Romans 8:17 - Heirs with Christ")). Just as the maidservant was treated "after the manner of daughters," so too are believers, regardless of their former status or background, welcomed into God's family with full rights, dignity, and inheritance, receiving the lavish care and love due to His beloved children ([Galatians 3:26-29](/galatians/3-26 "Galatians 3:26-29 - Sons of God Through Faith")). This divine adoption transcends all earthly distinctions, demonstrating God's ultimate compassion and His desire to bring outsiders into His eternal family.

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.