Exodus 21:26
And if a man smite the eye of his servant, or the eye of his maid, that it perish; he shall let him go free for his eye's sake.
Original Language Analysis
וְכִֽי
H3588
וְכִֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 15
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
יַכֶּ֨ה
smite
H5221
יַכֶּ֨ה
smite
Strong's:
H5221
Word #:
2 of 15
to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)
אִ֜ישׁ
And if a man
H376
אִ֜ישׁ
And if a man
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
3 of 15
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 15
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
עֵינֽוֹ׃
his eye's
H5869
עֵינֽוֹ׃
his eye's
Strong's:
H5869
Word #:
5 of 15
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
אֽוֹ
H176
אֽוֹ
Strong's:
H176
Word #:
7 of 15
desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
8 of 15
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
עֵינֽוֹ׃
his eye's
H5869
עֵינֽוֹ׃
his eye's
Strong's:
H5869
Word #:
9 of 15
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
וְשִֽׁחֲתָ֑הּ
that it perish
H7843
וְשִֽׁחֲתָ֑הּ
that it perish
Strong's:
H7843
Word #:
11 of 15
to decay, i.e., (causatively) ruin (literally or figuratively)
יְשַׁלְּחֶ֖נּוּ
he shall let him go
H7971
יְשַׁלְּחֶ֖נּוּ
he shall let him go
Strong's:
H7971
Word #:
13 of 15
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
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 the eye of his servant, or the eye of his maid, that it perish; he shall let him go free for his eye's sake.
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.