Exodus 21:12-17

12 He that smyteth a man that he dye, shalbe slayne for it.

13 Yf a ma laye not awayte but God delyuer him in to his hande, then I wyll poynte the a place whether he shall fle.

14 Yf a man come presumptuously vppon his neyghboure ad slee him with gile, thou shalt take him fro myne alter that he dye.

15 And he that smyteth his father or his mother, shall dye for it.

16 He that stealeth a ma ad selleth him (yf it be proued vppon hym) shall be slayne for it.

17 And he that curseth his father or mother, shall be put to deth for it.

Exodus 21:12-17 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.