Exodus 21:20 (KJV)

What does Exodus 21:20 mean?

Exodus 21:20 says that if a man strikes his male or female servant with a rod and the servant dies as a result, the man must be punished. This law sets a clear consequence for causing the death of a servant through violence.

In this passage, God is giving laws to Moses for the Israelites, specifically about how people should treat their servants. The verse addresses a situation where someone in authority harms a servant so severely that the servant dies. The law emphasizes that even those with power over others are not allowed to act without accountability, and that the life of a servant is protected by legal consequences.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 21:20

• "smite" (נָכָה, nakah) means to strike or hit, often with force. Here, it highlights a violent act, not just a minor blow.
• "servant" (עֶבֶד, eved) and "maid" (אָמָה, amah) refer to male and female servants, showing the law applies to both genders.
• "rod" (שֵׁבֶט, shevet) is a stick or staff, often used for discipline but here becomes an instrument of fatal harm.
• "surely punished" (נָקָם יִנָּקֵם, naqam yinnaqem) is a strong phrase meaning definite vengeance or retribution, stressing that justice must be served.

Why Exodus 21:20 matters

• This verse corrects the idea that servants in ancient Israel had no legal protection; it shows that their lives were valued and protected by law.
• The verse fits into a larger section where God gives laws to limit violence and set standards for justice, even within households.
• By requiring punishment for the death of a servant, the law challenges the idea that masters had absolute power and sets a precedent for accountability.