Exodus 21:27
And if he smite out his manservant's tooth, or his maidservant's tooth; he shall let him go free for his tooth's sake.
Original Language Analysis
וְאִם
H518
וְאִם
Strong's:
H518
Word #:
1 of 11
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
שִׁנּֽוֹ׃
for his tooth's
H8127
שִׁנּֽוֹ׃
for his tooth's
Strong's:
H8127
Word #:
2 of 11
a tooth (as sharp); specifically ivory; figuratively, a cliff
אֽוֹ
H176
אֽוֹ
Strong's:
H176
Word #:
4 of 11
desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if
שִׁנּֽוֹ׃
for his tooth's
H8127
שִׁנּֽוֹ׃
for his tooth's
Strong's:
H8127
Word #:
5 of 11
a tooth (as sharp); specifically ivory; figuratively, a cliff
יַפִּ֑יל
And if he smite
H5307
יַפִּ֑יל
And if he smite
Strong's:
H5307
Word #:
7 of 11
to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)
יְשַׁלְּחֶ֖נּוּ
he shall let him go
H7971
יְשַׁלְּחֶ֖נּוּ
he shall let him go
Strong's:
H7971
Word #:
9 of 11
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 he smite out his manservant's tooth, or his maidservant's tooth; he shall let him go free for his tooth'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.