Exodus 21:16
And he that stealeth a man, and selleth him, or if he be found in his hand, he shall surely be put to death.
Original Language Analysis
וְגֹנֵ֨ב
And he that stealeth
H1589
וְגֹנֵ֨ב
And he that stealeth
Strong's:
H1589
Word #:
1 of 7
to thieve (literally or figuratively); by implication, to deceive
אִ֧ישׁ
a man
H376
אִ֧ישׁ
a man
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
2 of 7
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
וּמְכָר֛וֹ
and selleth
H4376
וּמְכָר֛וֹ
and selleth
Strong's:
H4376
Word #:
3 of 7
to sell, literally (as merchandise, a daughter in marriage, into slavery), or figuratively (to surrender)
וְנִמְצָ֥א
him or if he be found
H4672
וְנִמְצָ֥א
him or if he be found
Strong's:
H4672
Word #:
4 of 7
properly, to come forth to, i.e., appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e., find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present
בְיָד֖וֹ
in his hand
H3027
בְיָד֖וֹ
in his hand
Strong's:
H3027
Word #:
5 of 7
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
Cross References
Deuteronomy 24:7If a man be found stealing any of his brethren of the children of Israel, and maketh merchandise of him, or selleth him; then that thief shall die; and thou shalt put evil away from among you.1 Timothy 1:10For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine;Exodus 22:4If the theft be certainly found in his hand alive, whether it be ox, or ass, or sheep; he shall restore double.Genesis 37:28Then there passed by Midianites merchantmen; and they drew and lifted up Joseph out of the pit, and sold Joseph to the Ishmeelites for twenty pieces of silver: and they brought Joseph into Egypt.
Historical Context
The Book of the Covenant (Exodus 20:22-23:33) is Israel's foundational legal code, predating later expansions in Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. It addresses civil, criminal, and ceremonial matters.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this law reveal God's character—His justice, mercy, or holiness?
- What New Testament principles build upon or fulfill this Old Testament regulation?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And he that stealeth a man, and selleth him, or if he be found in his hand, he shall surely be put to death.
This judgment (mishpat) from the Book of the Covenant applies moral law to civil society. God's justice is comprehensive—addressing economic disputes, family relations, and community welfare. The case laws teach covenant people how to love God and neighbor practically. Through detailed ordinances, God shapes Israel as holy nation, distinct from pagan neighbors. These laws reveal God's character: just, merciful, concerned with details of everyday life.