Exodus 21:10-20

10 If he marries another woman, she retains all her full rights to meals, clothing, and marital relations.

11 If he won't do any of these three things for her, she goes free, for nothing.

12 "If someone hits another and death results, the penalty is death.

13 But if there was no intent to kill - if it was an accident, an 'act of God' - I'll set aside a place to which the killer can flee for refuge.

14 But if the murder was premeditated, cunningly plotted, then drag the killer away, even if it's from my Altar, to be put to death.

15 "If someone hits father or mother, the penalty is death.

16 "If someone kidnaps a person, the penalty is death, regardless of whether the person has been sold or is still held in possession.

17 "If someone curses father or mother, the penalty is death.

18 "If a quarrel breaks out and one hits the other with a rock or a fist and the injured one doesn't die but is confined to bed

19 and then later gets better and can get about on a crutch, the one who hit him is in the clear, except to pay for the loss of time and make sure of complete recovery.

20 "If a slave owner hits a slave, male or female, with a stick and the slave dies on the spot, the slave must be avenged.

Exodus 21:10-20 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO EXODUS 21

In this, and the two following chapters, are delivered various laws and precepts, partly of a moral, and partly of a religious, but chiefly of a civil nature, respecting the commonwealth of Israel, and its political good. This chapter treats of servants, and laws relating to them; to menservants, how long they shall serve, and what is to be done to those who are desirous of staying with their masters after their time is up, Ex 21:1-6, to maidservants, and especially betrothed ones, either to a father or a son, Ex 21:7-11, likewise it contains laws concerning the slaughter of men, whether with design or unawares, Ex 21:12-14, and concerning the ill usage of parents, Ex 21:15,17, and man stealing, Ex 21:16 and of mischief that comes by men's quarrelling and fighting, Ex 21:18,19 and by smiting a man or maidservant, Ex 21:20,21,26,27, to a woman with child, that is, by means of men's striving and contending with each other, Ex 21:22-25 and of damages that come by oxen, or to them, Ex 21:28-36.