And if he smite out his manservant's tooth, or his maidservant's tooth; he shall let him go free for his tooth's sake.
EXODUS 21:27KJVWhat does Exodus 21:27 mean?
Exodus 21:27 says that if a master knocks out the tooth of his male or female servant, the servant must be set free as compensation for the injury. This law sets a limit on how a master could treat a servant, requiring freedom as a consequence for causing even a relatively small injury.
Moses is relaying God’s laws to the Israelites about fair treatment of servants. The verse comes in a section detailing specific cases of personal injury and the responsibilities of those in authority. The rule highlights that servants had legal protection, and even the loss of a tooth was enough to require their release, showing concern for their dignity and well-being.
The Hebrew behind Exodus 21:27
- חֵרֶף (ḥēʿereph, “tooth”): The word for “tooth” appears three times in the tags (H8127), emphasizing that even a minor injury like losing a tooth was taken seriously in this law.
- שָׁלַח (shalach, “go”): This word (H7971) means “to send away” or “let go,” showing that the servant was not just compensated but was actually released from service.
- חָפְשִׁי (ḥofshi, “free”): This word (H2670) means “free” or “liberated,” making it clear that the servant’s release was complete freedom, not just a temporary reprieve.
Why Exodus 21:27 matters
- Exodus 21:27 clears up the idea that servants in ancient Israel had no rights; even a small injury required their release, showing that the law protected vulnerable people.
- The verse emphasizes the seriousness with which God expected masters to treat their servants, holding them accountable for mistreatment.
- This law fits into a larger section that balances authority and responsibility, showing that power over others came with strict limits and consequences for abuse.