Question 1

What does Exodus 21:27 mean?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 2

The Hebrew behind Exodus 21:27

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 3

Why Exodus 21:27 matters

Accepted Answer

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.

Exodus 21:27 (KJV)