Exodus 21:20
And if a man smite his servant, or his maid, with a rod, and he die under his hand; he shall be surely punished.
Original Language Analysis
וְכִֽי
H3588
וְכִֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 14
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
יַכֶּה֩
smite
H5221
יַכֶּה֩
smite
Strong's:
H5221
Word #:
2 of 14
to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)
אִ֨ישׁ
And if a man
H376
אִ֨ישׁ
And if a man
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
3 of 14
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)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
4 of 14
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
א֤וֹ
H176
א֤וֹ
Strong's:
H176
Word #:
6 of 14
desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
7 of 14
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
בַּשֵּׁ֔בֶט
with a rod
H7626
בַּשֵּׁ֔בֶט
with a rod
Strong's:
H7626
Word #:
9 of 14
a scion, i.e., (literally) a stick (for punishing, writing, fighting, ruling, walking, etc.) or (figuratively) a clan
וּמֵ֖ת
and he die
H4191
וּמֵ֖ת
and he die
Strong's:
H4191
Word #:
10 of 14
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill
תַּ֣חַת
H8478
תַּ֣חַת
Strong's:
H8478
Word #:
11 of 14
the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc
יָד֑וֹ
under his hand
H3027
יָד֑וֹ
under his hand
Strong's:
H3027
Word #:
12 of 14
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
Historical Context
Debt-servitude in ancient Israel allowed impoverished persons to work off obligations while maintaining basic rights. These protections were revolutionary compared to surrounding nations' perpetual slavery systems.
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 if a man smite his servant, or his maid, with a rod, and he die under his hand; he shall be surely punished.
This provision regulates Hebrew servitude (עֶבֶד עִבְרִי, eved ivri), protecting indentured servants from exploitation. Unlike ancient Near Eastern chattel slavery, Israel's system limited bondage to six years with mandatory release, reflecting God's concern for human dignity. These laws temper economic necessity with compassion, ensuring even servants retain personhood and future hope. The regulations reveal God's heart for the vulnerable and point to ultimate redemption—Christ freed us from sin's slavery to serve Him voluntarily.