Exodus 21:11

11 If, however, he does not provide her with these three things, she is free to go without monetary payment.

Exodus 21:11 Meaning and Commentary

Exodus 21:11

And if he do not these three unto her
Not the three things last mentioned; though this sense, Aben Ezra says, many of their interpreters give, which is rejected by him, so do some Christian expositors; but these three things are, espousing her to himself, or to his son, or redeeming her by the hand of her father; that is, letting her be redeemed by him, as the Targum of Jonathan; and so Jarchi, Aben Ezra, and Ben Melech: the meaning is, if one or other of these things are not done,

then shall she go out free without money;
be dismissed from her servitude, and not obliged to pay anything for her freedom; the Targum of Jonathan adds, he shall give her a bill of divorce; that is, the son to whom she had been betrothed, and another wife taken by him, and she denied the above things; which favours the first sense.

Exodus 21:11 In-Context

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

10 If he takes another wife, he must not reduce the food, clothing, or marital rights of his first wife.

11 If, however, he does not provide her with these three things, she is free to go without monetary payment.

12 Whoever strikes and kills a man must surely be put to death.

13 If, however, he did not lie in wait, but God allowed it to happen, then I will appoint for you a place where he may flee.