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.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְכִֽי

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

יַכֶּה֩

H5221

smite

to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)

אִ֨ישׁ

H376

And if a man

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

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

עַבְדּ֜וֹ

H5650

his servant

a servant

א֤וֹ

H176

desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

אֲמָתוֹ֙

H519

or his maid

a maid-servant or female slave

בַּשֵּׁ֔בֶט

H7626

with a rod

a scion, i.e., (literally) a stick (for punishing, writing, fighting, ruling, walking, etc.) or (figuratively) a clan

#10

וּמֵ֖ת

H4191

and he die

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

#11

תַּ֣חַת

H8478

the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc

#12

יָד֑וֹ

H3027

under his hand

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

#13

יִנָּקֵֽם׃

H5358

he shall be surely

to grudge, i.e., avenge or punish

#14

יִנָּקֵֽם׃

H5358

he shall be surely

to grudge, i.e., avenge or punish

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Exodus. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Exodus Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?

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