Exodus 21:11 (KJV)

What does Exodus 21:11 mean?

Exodus 21:11 says that if a master does not provide certain basic rights or fulfill obligations to a female servant, she must be allowed to leave freely, without having to pay for her release. The verse protects the servant from being kept unfairly if she is not treated as promised.

In context, these words are part of laws given by God to Moses for the Israelites, specifically about the treatment of female servants. The verse follows a section listing three things a master must do for a woman taken as a servant-wife. If he fails in these duties, the law requires her release, showing concern for her dignity and well-being.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 21:11

• "do" (עָשָׂה, ʿasah): This word means "to do" or "to perform." Here, it refers to the master's responsibility to actively provide for the woman as required by the previous verses.
• "three" (שָׁלוֹשׁ, shalosh): This word points back to the three specific obligations (food, clothing, and marital rights) mentioned earlier. The verse is clear that failing in any of these three is grounds for her release.
• "out" (יָצָא, yatsa): This verb means "to go out" or "to depart." It emphasizes that the woman is allowed to leave the household, not just be neglected or ignored.
• "free" (חִנָּם, chinnam): This word means "without cost" or "freely." It stresses that the woman does not owe anything for her release; her freedom is her right if mistreated.
• "money" (כֶּסֶף, keseph): This is the standard word for "silver" or "money." The verse makes clear that no payment is required from her to gain her freedom, unlike other situations where a servant might have to pay to be released.

Why Exodus 21:11 matters

• Exodus 21:11 highlights that the law protected vulnerable people, especially women in servitude, by setting clear standards for their treatment and a way out if those standards were not met.
• The verse clarifies that freedom was not something a mistreated servant had to buy; it was given as a matter of justice if her rights were denied.
• This law fits into a broader passage about fairness and compassion in Israelite society, showing that even those with little power had legal protections.