Exodus 21:8
If she please not her master, who hath betrothed her to himself, then shall he let her be redeemed: to sell her unto a strange nation he shall have no power, seeing he hath dealt deceitfully with her.
Original Language Analysis
אִם
H518
אִם
Strong's:
H518
Word #:
1 of 15
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
בְּעֵינֵ֧י
H5869
בְּעֵינֵ֧י
Strong's:
H5869
Word #:
3 of 15
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
אֲדֹנֶ֛יהָ
not her master
H113
אֲדֹנֶ֛יהָ
not her master
Strong's:
H113
Word #:
4 of 15
sovereign, i.e., controller (human or divine)
אֲשֶׁר
H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
5 of 15
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
לֹ֥א
H3808
לֹ֥א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
6 of 15
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יְעָדָ֖הּ
who hath betrothed
H3259
יְעָדָ֖הּ
who hath betrothed
Strong's:
H3259
Word #:
7 of 15
to fix upon (by agreement or appointment); by implication, to meet (at a stated time), to summon (to trial), to direct (in a certain quarter or positi
וְהֶפְדָּ֑הּ
her to himself then shall he let her be redeemed
H6299
וְהֶפְדָּ֑הּ
her to himself then shall he let her be redeemed
Strong's:
H6299
Word #:
8 of 15
to sever, i.e., ransom; generally to release, preserve
לְעַ֥ם
nation
H5971
לְעַ֥ם
nation
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
9 of 15
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
נָכְרִ֛י
her unto a strange
H5237
נָכְרִ֛י
her unto a strange
Strong's:
H5237
Word #:
10 of 15
strange, in a variety of degrees and applications (foreign, non-relative, adulterous, different, wonderful)
לֹֽא
H3808
לֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
11 of 15
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
לְמָכְרָ֖הּ
to sell
H4376
לְמָכְרָ֖הּ
to sell
Strong's:
H4376
Word #:
13 of 15
to sell, literally (as merchandise, a daughter in marriage, into slavery), or figuratively (to surrender)
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
If she please not her master, who hath betrothed her to himself, then shall he let her be redeemed: to sell her unto a strange nation he shall have no power, seeing he hath dealt deceitfully with her.
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.