Exodus 21:8

If she please not her master, who hath betrothed her to himself, then shall he let her be redeemed: to sell her unto a strange nation he shall have no power, seeing he hath dealt deceitfully with her.

If she please {H7451}{H5869} not her master {H113}, who hath betrothed {H3259} her to himself, then shall he let her be redeemed {H6299}: to sell {H4376} her unto a strange {H5237} nation {H5971} he shall have no power {H4910}, seeing he hath dealt deceitfully {H898} with her.

If her master married her but decides she no longer pleases him, then he is to allow her to be redeemed. He is not allowed to sell her to a foreign people, because he has treated her unfairly.

If she is displeasing in the eyes of her master who had designated her for himself, he must allow her to be redeemed. He has no right to sell her to foreigners, since he has broken faith with her.

If she please not her master, who hath espoused her to himself, then shall he let her be redeemed: to sell her unto a foreign people he shall have no power, seeing he hath dealt deceitfully with her.

Commentary

Exodus 21:8 is part of the "Book of the Covenant" (Exodus 20:22 - 23:33), a collection of specific laws given by God to Moses on Mount Sinai, complementing the Ten Commandments. This particular verse addresses a unique legal scenario concerning a Hebrew daughter who was sold by her father into servitude, often out of economic necessity, with the implicit understanding that she might eventually become a wife or concubine to her master or his son.

Context

The laws in Exodus 21:7-11 provide distinct regulations for a Hebrew daughter sold as a maidservant, setting her apart from male Hebrew servants or foreign slaves. Unlike a male Hebrew servant who gained freedom after six years (Exodus 21:2), the female servant's future was envisioned within the master's household, typically involving marriage. This verse specifically tackles the situation where the master, having initially "betrothed her to himself" (implying marital intent), decides not to follow through with the marriage.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Protection for the Vulnerable: This law highlights God's deep concern for the marginalized and vulnerable, especially women in ancient society. It places limits on the master's power, ensuring the maidservant is not left without recourse or further exploited if the marital agreement is broken.
  • Redemption and Release: If the master fails to take her as a wife, he is legally obligated to allow her to be "redeemed." This concept of redemption meant that her father or a close relative could buy her back, restoring her freedom and reincorporating her into her family.
  • Prohibition Against Deceit and Exploitation: The crucial phrase "seeing he hath dealt deceitfully with her" justifies the master's restricted actions. His failure to uphold the implied marital covenant is considered a breach of trust or an act of treachery. Consequently, he is expressly forbidden from selling her to a "strange nation" (a foreign people), which would be a severe injustice and a further degradation of her status.
  • Preservation of Identity: The ban on selling her to foreigners underscores the importance of her Israelite identity and prevents her from being alienated from her community, culture, and faith.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew term behind "betrothed her to himself" (related to yâ‘ad) implies that the master had set her aside or designated her for himself as a future wife, even if the formal marriage ceremony had not yet taken place. The phrase "dealt deceitfully" comes from the Hebrew word bâgad, which means to act treacherously, faithlessly, or unfaithfully. This highlights the master's moral failure in breaking the implicit understanding or promise he made to the maidservant and her family.

Practical Application

While the specific practice of selling daughters into servitude is not relevant today, the underlying principles of Exodus 21:8 offer enduring wisdom:

  • Justice for the Oppressed: This verse reminds us of God's unchanging call for justice and fairness, particularly for those who are vulnerable or in positions of lesser power. We are encouraged to uphold the dignity and rights of all people.
  • Integrity in Relationships: The law emphasizes the importance of keeping one's word and acting with integrity, even when agreements are implicit. Breaking trust, especially when it exploits another's vulnerability, is condemned.
  • Compassion and Mercy: The regulations in the Book of the Covenant, including this one, demonstrate God's desire to mitigate the harshness of ancient customs and infuse them with compassion and mercy. This aligns with the broader biblical mandate to do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Exodus 8:29 (2 votes)

    And Moses said, Behold, I go out from thee, and I will intreat the LORD that the swarms [of flies] may depart from Pharaoh, from his servants, and from his people, to morrow: but let not Pharaoh deal deceitfully any more in not letting the people go to sacrifice to the LORD.

  • Malachi 2:11 (2 votes)

    Judah hath dealt treacherously, and an abomination is committed in Israel and in Jerusalem; for Judah hath profaned the holiness of the LORD which he loved, and hath married the daughter of a strange god.

  • Malachi 2:15 (2 votes)

    And did not he make one? Yet had he the residue of the spirit. And wherefore one? That he might seek a godly seed. Therefore take heed to your spirit, and let none deal treacherously against the wife of his youth.

  • Deuteronomy 21:11 (2 votes)

    And seest among the captives a beautiful woman, and hast a desire unto her, that thou wouldest have her to thy wife;

  • Deuteronomy 21:14 (2 votes)

    And it shall be, if thou have no delight in her, then thou shalt let her go whither she will; but thou shalt not sell her at all for money, thou shalt not make merchandise of her, because thou hast humbled her.

  • Judges 9:19 (2 votes)

    If ye then have dealt truly and sincerely with Jerubbaal and with his house this day, [then] rejoice ye in Abimelech, and let him also rejoice in you:

  • Judges 14:3 (2 votes)

    Then his father and his mother said unto him, [Is there] never a woman among the daughters of thy brethren, or among all my people, that thou goest to take a wife of the uncircumcised Philistines? And Samson said unto his father, Get her for me; for she pleaseth me well.